Nine Cent Girl

As I sit squashed into economy seating on my second American Airlines plane of the day, having started this journey in the dark and snowy pre-dawn, first driving for four hours, flying for another six, to find a place at the Thanksgiving table among my siblings, children, mother, all 3000 miles away, it is not hard to ponder the pull of blood ties and how we, as a nation, and as a world, (as evidenced by the millions of travelers at this moment) strive to find solace in the company of family.