04x07 - The Ties That Bind
Posted: 07/29/21 18:10
♪ What would you do
if I sang out of tune? ♪
♪ Would you stand up
and walk out on me? ♪
♪ Lend me your ears,
and I'll sing you a song ♪
♪ I will try not to
sing out of key, yeah ♪
♪ Oh, baby, I get by ♪
- ♪ by with a little help
from my friends ♪
-♪ All I need is my buddies ♪
-♪ High with a little
help from my friends ♪
-♪ I'm sayin' I'm gonna get higher ♪ - ♪
try with a little help from my friends ♪
-♪ Whoa-oa-oa-oa ♪
-♪ Oh, oh, oh, oh ♪
-♪ Somebody who
knows quite sure ♪
♪ Baby ♪
-♪ By with a little
help from my friends ♪
-♪ Said I'm gonna make
it with my friends ♪
-♪ Try with a little
help from my friends ♪
-♪ Oh, I'm gonna
keep on trying ♪
-♪ High with a little
help from my friends ♪
♪ I'm gonna keep on
trying now, baby ♪
-♪ Ooh, ooh, ooh ♪
[Nat king cole's
"at last" plays]
♪ At last ♪
-Before my parents
were mom and dad,
They were norma and jack.
-♪ My love has come along ♪
-Or so the story goes.
-♪ My lonely days... ♪
-Back then, they
didn't have much,
So they got by
on what they had...
Each other.
-♪ ...and life is like a song ♪
-Somewhere along
the way, though,
Hearts and flowers
gave way to other things.
Guess it kind of
took 'em by surprise.
-♪ The skies above are blue ♪
-So, like any couple
of their generation,
They did what they had to do.
-♪ My heart is wrapped... ♪
-They became... Parents...
Providers.
-Damn!
-What is it, jack?
-I thought we paid
this bill last month.
-That was the orthodontist.
This is the dentist.
-Property tax?
Already?
-Corn or carrots, honey?
-Whatever.
-By 1970, my parents
had elevated providing
Into something
close to an art form.
-Guess we dip into the
christmas club again.
-Dad was the maestro
of payment plans.
Mom was a virtuoso
with vegetables.
-Broccoli.
-You had to hand it to 'em.
They were good at what they did.
And, of course, it was
all for a good reason...
-Hey!
- Their three
beautiful children...
-Are we gonna
eat here, or what?!
- With all the rights
and privileges thereof.
Not that we took
the folks for granted.
It's just, with
thanksgiving coming,
We had certain... Needs.
-Daddy?
When I go back from break,
I-i'm gonna need
money for a few things.
Okay?
-Like what?
-Some books, some art supplies,
A yoga mat.
-A yoga... Mat?
-What the hell do you
need a yoga mat for?
-Yoga.
-And no matter how
ridiculous those needs were,
We knew, somehow, they'd
come through for us.
-We'll work it out, honey!
-Thanks!
- I need a new stereo.
- I need a new baseball glove.
-[Growls]
-Back of the line, butthead.
- Hey, I asked him first.
- What do you mean?
I need a new stereo.
- I need a new baseball glove.
I've had the same
one for two years.
I can't play with it.
- I haven't even had a new...
-For the things that were
really important, anyway.
-I haven't had a new
one for two years!
-Oh, my goodness.
The stove's out again.
-[Sighs]
-Eh, she's dead all right.
Deader than a doornail.
-[Sighs] but, you can fix it?
-Well, yeah.
-[Sighs] good!
-I can fix it if I
can find the parts.
I'll tell you, norma.
I probably shouldn't
be saying this
What with you being such
a good customer and all,
But, well, let me
put it this way...
She's old. She's tired.
It's time to buy a new one.
-What do you mean,
"buy a new one"?
-Hi, jack.
-Why can't you
just fix the old one?
-Well, your thermostat's shot,
Your top burner's not
juicing out like she oughta,
And you got one mean
short-circuit in your wiring.
-And there it was...
The carefully considered
opinion of a professional.
Dad had no choice
but to take action.
-I'll get my toolbox.
-Honey, I don't think your
toolbox is gonna help this time.
I think we need to
buy a new stove.
-She's right, jack...
As much as I hate to say it.
-Poor mom.
All she really wanted
was a working stove
So that she could
take care of her family.
And poor dad.
All he really wanted was
to be able to provide mom
With a working stove
So that she could
take care of the family.
-[Sighs]
-Olive loaf?
-And poor us.
All we wanted was something
besides cold cuts for dinner.
Seemed like it was time to
explore the alternatives.
-Jack, I was checking
the paper today,
And montgomery wards is
having a sale on appliances.
-How much would a
new stove set us back?
-Only about $250.
-Don't say "only" and "$250"
In the same breath, norma.
-Gee...
How do they get the little,
ugly, green olives in there?
-And that about
covered the alternatives.
All but one.
-Maybe I should talk to
management tomorrow,
Ask for a raise.
-It was a bold and
unexpected decision.
-The company owes me, norma.
It's been too long.
-Good idea, dad.
-You certainly
deserve one, honey.
-After all, dad was
the great provider...
-Whoa! Check it out!
- Fully supported
by his providees.
-Wow.
Dad, you look great!
-What happened?
Somebody kick the
bucket? [Chuckles]
-Jack...
-Oh. [Chuckles]
-Oh, jack, are you sure
you want to wear that tie?
-What's wrong with this tie?
-[Chuckles] jack...
-It worked for me once.
-Maybe it'll do it again.
Wish me luck?
-It was nice seeing
my parents like this...
-Good luck, honey.
- Doing what they had
to do for the family.
-Bye-bye
-I guess were all kind of
caught up in the moment.
-Hands off, scrote.
-Okay, so you'll just have
to take my word for it.
[Dog barking in distance]
[Car horn honks]
That afternoon,
I got home a little
faster than usual...
And so did dad...
Which could only mean
the news wasn't good.
-So, dad, how'd it go?
-Rough.
-Well...
Maybe next time.
-Maybe...
And maybe not.
[Car door closes]
[Clears throat]
-You got the raise.
-[Chuckles] not just a raise.
You're looking at the new regional
manager of product support services.
-Not that any of us had a
clue as to what that meant.
- [Laughs]
- right on, dad!
-Still, it had an
impressive ring to it.
- Honey, that's great!
- Pretty good, huh?
-Regional manager?
-Uh-huh. Regional manager.
-'Course, um...
That means some
new responsibilities.
-Well, you can handle it.
-I'll, uh, have to go
on the road some,
Move around from plant to plant,
Troubleshoot in the field,
You know, that sort of thing.
-Does that mean you
have to travel, a lot?
-Well, some.
Maybe just at first. [Chuckles]
I've got to fly to
pittsburgh tonight.
-So soon?
-Well, they said we need
somebody out there right away.
-Oh.
-But it'll just be
until next wednesday.
[Vase pings]
-And suddenly we were
getting a pretty fair idea
Of what a regional manager did.
-But, hey, it's for
the best, right?
[Chuckles]
-Of course, honey.
-And maybe it was.
Mom looked happy.
-Hefty raise, dad?
-Not too shabby, there, chief.
-And dad finally had the
recognition he deserved.
-Now I'm gonna get you!
- Protect your father.
- Get out of the way!
-All right! [Laughs]
-That night, we
watched as mom and dad
Shared a tender
moment of farewell.
-Where the hell's that damn cab?
-Calm down,
honey. It'll be here.
-Y-you didn't pack
my handkerchiefs?
- Oh, they're in the carry-on.
- Oh.
[Car horn honks]
Ah, it's about time.
Okay. That's it, huh?
-It was strange.
Everything was
happening so fast...
For all of us.
-Oh, uh, where's my tickets?
-Oh, they're in
your breast pocket.
-So, uh, that's it, then, huh?
[Car horn honks]
O-okay, you kids. You better take
care of your mother now, huh?
- Bye, dad.
- Go get 'em, dad.
-Be good, will you?
Oh, yeah...
Why don't you go ahead
and buy that new stove.
-[Chuckles]
-Take care, huh?
- Bye, dad.
- Bye, dad.
- Bye.
[Door closes]
-It was as romantic as some
old movie on the late show.
Well, as romantic as
my parents got, anyway.
But, then, I guess
he was in a hurry.
-Jack, it is
absolutely beautiful!
[Laughs]
Well, I splurged a little
and got the easy-clean model.
And I went with the white.
-By the monday
before thanksgiving,
Things were looking up again.
-No, no. We're all fine.
And, uh, we'll see
you wednesday night!
Okay. Bye-bye.
-How's dad, mom?
-Fine. Just fine.
Isn't it beautiful?!
-Really nice, mom.
-And it was, as stoves go.
-Look!
It has meal minder...
"Automatically regulates
the oven temperature
So that you're free to
entertain your guests."
Oh, that'll sure help
with the turkey this year.
-[ Sarcastically]
pretty exciting!
-[Scoffs]
Well, I got to go to school.
-Okay, sweetheart.
You have a good day.
-Maybe I should
have been caught up
In the spirit of
things a little more,
But for some reason,
I couldn't shake the feeling
that something was missing.
-So, when's your
dad getting back?
-Uh, w-wednesday.
Wednesday night.
-He must be having a blast.
-Huh?
-You know, catching
planes, staying in hotels.
That's got to be fun.
-Well... [Scoffs]
He probably wants to get home.
-Oh, sure. No question.
-Besides, we're doing
pretty much okay without him.
It's kinda... Different,
Kind of an adventure.
-And it was, as adventures go.
-Pot pies!
[ Music plays]
These took no time
at all in the new stove.
-And let's not forget to
mention that new stove!
-Uh, mom...
Don't you think
these are a little...
Underdone in the middle?
-Well...
-Yeah. Mine's still frozen, too.
[Tapping]
-Must be that new timer.
I'll have your father take a
look at it when he gets back.
[Telephone rings]
[ Music stops]
Hello?
Oh, hi, honey!
No, everything's
fine here... Just fine.
-Tell him "hi."
-Oh?
Well, did he say
that was definite?
Well, can't you fly
in thursday night?
Oh. No, I know it's expensive.
No, honey. Of course.
I understand.
Well, when do you think
you could come home?
Saturday.
-Saturday?!
But that's two days after...
-Jack, don't be silly!
We'll be fine.
Really.
Okay. Bye-bye.
[Receiver clicks]
- "Okay. Bye-bye"?
Seemed to me this called for
a little further discussion.
-Dad's not coming
home for thanksgiving?
-No.
He's got to be in denver
first thing friday morning.
-Can't he just fly in for a day?
-No, honey.
It's... It's just too expensive.
- What's he gonna do
for thanksgiving?
- Kevin.
-I guess that was about
as much discussing
As we were gonna do.
-Oh, I know what's wrong!
I forgot to preheat the
oven before I set the timer.
-Well, one thing was clear.
Between dad's new job
and mom's new stove,
This holiday was
going to the dogs.
-[Whimpers]
-That night, I thought a
little family reconnaissance
Might be in order.
-Wayne...
-What?
-Can I ask you something?
-The answer's "no."
-No, really.
H-have you noticed anything...
Funny about the way
mom's been acting?
It's kind of like...
Things are weird around here.
You know?
-And for a moment, I
knew I wasn't alone.
Wayne actually understood.
-You know...
You've got a big
glob of toothpaste
Right there in your nose.
[Laughs]
-Still, maybe I was
over-reacting.
-[Sighs]
-Or maybe not.
-[Sighs deeply]
-And we've got a beautiful
crystal-clear autumn day.
-That's right, bob.
-Thanksgiving day.
We hauled out all
the old traditions...
The pageantry, the celebrations,
A day of family...
And of children.
[Dishes clattering]
[Liquid bubbling]
And through it all, mom
was a cooking machine...
A whirling dervish
of domesticity.
And as much as she
had come to love
That new stove of hers,
I had come to hate it.
[Match strikes]
[Beethoven's "9th symphony,"
2nd movement plays]
And so, the time had arrived
To give thanks for
our many blessings...
To consume the fruits
of our bountiful harvest.
From the depths of mom's stove
Came a tidal wave
of holiday fare,
A symphony of corn and carrots,
A blitzkrieg of
potatoes and yams.
And to top it all off...
A turkey the size of a buick.
-Well, that's everything.
-It was enough to
feed a small army.
-Turkey looks great, mom!
-It does, doesn't it?
I followed the
directions in the cookbook
That came with the new stove.
-And there was
nothing left to do
But sit down and dig in.
-[Gasps]
Oh, my goodness!
I forgot the napkin rings.
-Only, for some reason...
-Oh, here they are.
- Mom wouldn't sit down.
-One for you...
One for you...
And one for you.
You know, this year,
I tried granny
apples in the stuffing
Instead of golden delicious.
Oh, and instead of
putting the marshmallows
On top of the yams,
I melted them down and
added a little brown sugar
For flavoring.
Then I put everything
together in the blender
And whipped it up,
But it still wasn't
right, so, then...
-We sat there while
mom kept talking
And folding her napkin.
- Threw in a little
bit of coconut
Just before I baked it.
-It was horrible.
Then it got even worse.
[Clock ticking]
Her silence was
like a cry for help.
She was out there on a limb.
[Dish clatters]
So I figured I'd
come to the rescue.
-Mom?
Who's gonna carve?
-I don't know.
[Utensils clatter]
-Nice going, butthead!
-Oh, he hasn't?
Oh, no, no. That's all right.
Could you just leave a
message for him when he gets in?
Tell him that norma called.
Yes.
Thank you.
-When you're 14, you
know a lot of things...
How to throw a spiral,
How to fix a bike.
But standing there,
I knew I couldn't
fix what was wrong.
-Come in.
-Mom?
-Hmm?
-I'm sorry.
[Telephone rings]
-Hello?
Jack!
Well, where are you?
Really?
Of course, honey.
[Laughs]
Bye-bye.
Put on your coat.
We're going to the airport.
-He's coming home?
-No, he's flying in,
just for an hour.
-But I thought he said
it was too expensive.
-[Chuckles]
Yeah.
It is, isn't it?
-Thanksgiving night of 1970,
My father came
home to his family...
[Woman speaking indistinctly]
The family he cared for...
- Hi!
- Hi!
- Hi!
-Dad, over here!
- The family he provided for...
But he came home
to someone else, too.
He came home to
the girl he loved.
-I missed you.
-I missed you, too.
-Maybe sometimes the simple
things in life get forgotten,
The things parents need...
The things children need, too.
But that night, mom and dad...
Jack and norma...
Promised to remember.
if I sang out of tune? ♪
♪ Would you stand up
and walk out on me? ♪
♪ Lend me your ears,
and I'll sing you a song ♪
♪ I will try not to
sing out of key, yeah ♪
♪ Oh, baby, I get by ♪
- ♪ by with a little help
from my friends ♪
-♪ All I need is my buddies ♪
-♪ High with a little
help from my friends ♪
-♪ I'm sayin' I'm gonna get higher ♪ - ♪
try with a little help from my friends ♪
-♪ Whoa-oa-oa-oa ♪
-♪ Oh, oh, oh, oh ♪
-♪ Somebody who
knows quite sure ♪
♪ Baby ♪
-♪ By with a little
help from my friends ♪
-♪ Said I'm gonna make
it with my friends ♪
-♪ Try with a little
help from my friends ♪
-♪ Oh, I'm gonna
keep on trying ♪
-♪ High with a little
help from my friends ♪
♪ I'm gonna keep on
trying now, baby ♪
-♪ Ooh, ooh, ooh ♪
[Nat king cole's
"at last" plays]
♪ At last ♪
-Before my parents
were mom and dad,
They were norma and jack.
-♪ My love has come along ♪
-Or so the story goes.
-♪ My lonely days... ♪
-Back then, they
didn't have much,
So they got by
on what they had...
Each other.
-♪ ...and life is like a song ♪
-Somewhere along
the way, though,
Hearts and flowers
gave way to other things.
Guess it kind of
took 'em by surprise.
-♪ The skies above are blue ♪
-So, like any couple
of their generation,
They did what they had to do.
-♪ My heart is wrapped... ♪
-They became... Parents...
Providers.
-Damn!
-What is it, jack?
-I thought we paid
this bill last month.
-That was the orthodontist.
This is the dentist.
-Property tax?
Already?
-Corn or carrots, honey?
-Whatever.
-By 1970, my parents
had elevated providing
Into something
close to an art form.
-Guess we dip into the
christmas club again.
-Dad was the maestro
of payment plans.
Mom was a virtuoso
with vegetables.
-Broccoli.
-You had to hand it to 'em.
They were good at what they did.
And, of course, it was
all for a good reason...
-Hey!
- Their three
beautiful children...
-Are we gonna
eat here, or what?!
- With all the rights
and privileges thereof.
Not that we took
the folks for granted.
It's just, with
thanksgiving coming,
We had certain... Needs.
-Daddy?
When I go back from break,
I-i'm gonna need
money for a few things.
Okay?
-Like what?
-Some books, some art supplies,
A yoga mat.
-A yoga... Mat?
-What the hell do you
need a yoga mat for?
-Yoga.
-And no matter how
ridiculous those needs were,
We knew, somehow, they'd
come through for us.
-We'll work it out, honey!
-Thanks!
- I need a new stereo.
- I need a new baseball glove.
-[Growls]
-Back of the line, butthead.
- Hey, I asked him first.
- What do you mean?
I need a new stereo.
- I need a new baseball glove.
I've had the same
one for two years.
I can't play with it.
- I haven't even had a new...
-For the things that were
really important, anyway.
-I haven't had a new
one for two years!
-Oh, my goodness.
The stove's out again.
-[Sighs]
-Eh, she's dead all right.
Deader than a doornail.
-[Sighs] but, you can fix it?
-Well, yeah.
-[Sighs] good!
-I can fix it if I
can find the parts.
I'll tell you, norma.
I probably shouldn't
be saying this
What with you being such
a good customer and all,
But, well, let me
put it this way...
She's old. She's tired.
It's time to buy a new one.
-What do you mean,
"buy a new one"?
-Hi, jack.
-Why can't you
just fix the old one?
-Well, your thermostat's shot,
Your top burner's not
juicing out like she oughta,
And you got one mean
short-circuit in your wiring.
-And there it was...
The carefully considered
opinion of a professional.
Dad had no choice
but to take action.
-I'll get my toolbox.
-Honey, I don't think your
toolbox is gonna help this time.
I think we need to
buy a new stove.
-She's right, jack...
As much as I hate to say it.
-Poor mom.
All she really wanted
was a working stove
So that she could
take care of her family.
And poor dad.
All he really wanted was
to be able to provide mom
With a working stove
So that she could
take care of the family.
-[Sighs]
-Olive loaf?
-And poor us.
All we wanted was something
besides cold cuts for dinner.
Seemed like it was time to
explore the alternatives.
-Jack, I was checking
the paper today,
And montgomery wards is
having a sale on appliances.
-How much would a
new stove set us back?
-Only about $250.
-Don't say "only" and "$250"
In the same breath, norma.
-Gee...
How do they get the little,
ugly, green olives in there?
-And that about
covered the alternatives.
All but one.
-Maybe I should talk to
management tomorrow,
Ask for a raise.
-It was a bold and
unexpected decision.
-The company owes me, norma.
It's been too long.
-Good idea, dad.
-You certainly
deserve one, honey.
-After all, dad was
the great provider...
-Whoa! Check it out!
- Fully supported
by his providees.
-Wow.
Dad, you look great!
-What happened?
Somebody kick the
bucket? [Chuckles]
-Jack...
-Oh. [Chuckles]
-Oh, jack, are you sure
you want to wear that tie?
-What's wrong with this tie?
-[Chuckles] jack...
-It worked for me once.
-Maybe it'll do it again.
Wish me luck?
-It was nice seeing
my parents like this...
-Good luck, honey.
- Doing what they had
to do for the family.
-Bye-bye
-I guess were all kind of
caught up in the moment.
-Hands off, scrote.
-Okay, so you'll just have
to take my word for it.
[Dog barking in distance]
[Car horn honks]
That afternoon,
I got home a little
faster than usual...
And so did dad...
Which could only mean
the news wasn't good.
-So, dad, how'd it go?
-Rough.
-Well...
Maybe next time.
-Maybe...
And maybe not.
[Car door closes]
[Clears throat]
-You got the raise.
-[Chuckles] not just a raise.
You're looking at the new regional
manager of product support services.
-Not that any of us had a
clue as to what that meant.
- [Laughs]
- right on, dad!
-Still, it had an
impressive ring to it.
- Honey, that's great!
- Pretty good, huh?
-Regional manager?
-Uh-huh. Regional manager.
-'Course, um...
That means some
new responsibilities.
-Well, you can handle it.
-I'll, uh, have to go
on the road some,
Move around from plant to plant,
Troubleshoot in the field,
You know, that sort of thing.
-Does that mean you
have to travel, a lot?
-Well, some.
Maybe just at first. [Chuckles]
I've got to fly to
pittsburgh tonight.
-So soon?
-Well, they said we need
somebody out there right away.
-Oh.
-But it'll just be
until next wednesday.
[Vase pings]
-And suddenly we were
getting a pretty fair idea
Of what a regional manager did.
-But, hey, it's for
the best, right?
[Chuckles]
-Of course, honey.
-And maybe it was.
Mom looked happy.
-Hefty raise, dad?
-Not too shabby, there, chief.
-And dad finally had the
recognition he deserved.
-Now I'm gonna get you!
- Protect your father.
- Get out of the way!
-All right! [Laughs]
-That night, we
watched as mom and dad
Shared a tender
moment of farewell.
-Where the hell's that damn cab?
-Calm down,
honey. It'll be here.
-Y-you didn't pack
my handkerchiefs?
- Oh, they're in the carry-on.
- Oh.
[Car horn honks]
Ah, it's about time.
Okay. That's it, huh?
-It was strange.
Everything was
happening so fast...
For all of us.
-Oh, uh, where's my tickets?
-Oh, they're in
your breast pocket.
-So, uh, that's it, then, huh?
[Car horn honks]
O-okay, you kids. You better take
care of your mother now, huh?
- Bye, dad.
- Go get 'em, dad.
-Be good, will you?
Oh, yeah...
Why don't you go ahead
and buy that new stove.
-[Chuckles]
-Take care, huh?
- Bye, dad.
- Bye, dad.
- Bye.
[Door closes]
-It was as romantic as some
old movie on the late show.
Well, as romantic as
my parents got, anyway.
But, then, I guess
he was in a hurry.
-Jack, it is
absolutely beautiful!
[Laughs]
Well, I splurged a little
and got the easy-clean model.
And I went with the white.
-By the monday
before thanksgiving,
Things were looking up again.
-No, no. We're all fine.
And, uh, we'll see
you wednesday night!
Okay. Bye-bye.
-How's dad, mom?
-Fine. Just fine.
Isn't it beautiful?!
-Really nice, mom.
-And it was, as stoves go.
-Look!
It has meal minder...
"Automatically regulates
the oven temperature
So that you're free to
entertain your guests."
Oh, that'll sure help
with the turkey this year.
-[ Sarcastically]
pretty exciting!
-[Scoffs]
Well, I got to go to school.
-Okay, sweetheart.
You have a good day.
-Maybe I should
have been caught up
In the spirit of
things a little more,
But for some reason,
I couldn't shake the feeling
that something was missing.
-So, when's your
dad getting back?
-Uh, w-wednesday.
Wednesday night.
-He must be having a blast.
-Huh?
-You know, catching
planes, staying in hotels.
That's got to be fun.
-Well... [Scoffs]
He probably wants to get home.
-Oh, sure. No question.
-Besides, we're doing
pretty much okay without him.
It's kinda... Different,
Kind of an adventure.
-And it was, as adventures go.
-Pot pies!
[ Music plays]
These took no time
at all in the new stove.
-And let's not forget to
mention that new stove!
-Uh, mom...
Don't you think
these are a little...
Underdone in the middle?
-Well...
-Yeah. Mine's still frozen, too.
[Tapping]
-Must be that new timer.
I'll have your father take a
look at it when he gets back.
[Telephone rings]
[ Music stops]
Hello?
Oh, hi, honey!
No, everything's
fine here... Just fine.
-Tell him "hi."
-Oh?
Well, did he say
that was definite?
Well, can't you fly
in thursday night?
Oh. No, I know it's expensive.
No, honey. Of course.
I understand.
Well, when do you think
you could come home?
Saturday.
-Saturday?!
But that's two days after...
-Jack, don't be silly!
We'll be fine.
Really.
Okay. Bye-bye.
[Receiver clicks]
- "Okay. Bye-bye"?
Seemed to me this called for
a little further discussion.
-Dad's not coming
home for thanksgiving?
-No.
He's got to be in denver
first thing friday morning.
-Can't he just fly in for a day?
-No, honey.
It's... It's just too expensive.
- What's he gonna do
for thanksgiving?
- Kevin.
-I guess that was about
as much discussing
As we were gonna do.
-Oh, I know what's wrong!
I forgot to preheat the
oven before I set the timer.
-Well, one thing was clear.
Between dad's new job
and mom's new stove,
This holiday was
going to the dogs.
-[Whimpers]
-That night, I thought a
little family reconnaissance
Might be in order.
-Wayne...
-What?
-Can I ask you something?
-The answer's "no."
-No, really.
H-have you noticed anything...
Funny about the way
mom's been acting?
It's kind of like...
Things are weird around here.
You know?
-And for a moment, I
knew I wasn't alone.
Wayne actually understood.
-You know...
You've got a big
glob of toothpaste
Right there in your nose.
[Laughs]
-Still, maybe I was
over-reacting.
-[Sighs]
-Or maybe not.
-[Sighs deeply]
-And we've got a beautiful
crystal-clear autumn day.
-That's right, bob.
-Thanksgiving day.
We hauled out all
the old traditions...
The pageantry, the celebrations,
A day of family...
And of children.
[Dishes clattering]
[Liquid bubbling]
And through it all, mom
was a cooking machine...
A whirling dervish
of domesticity.
And as much as she
had come to love
That new stove of hers,
I had come to hate it.
[Match strikes]
[Beethoven's "9th symphony,"
2nd movement plays]
And so, the time had arrived
To give thanks for
our many blessings...
To consume the fruits
of our bountiful harvest.
From the depths of mom's stove
Came a tidal wave
of holiday fare,
A symphony of corn and carrots,
A blitzkrieg of
potatoes and yams.
And to top it all off...
A turkey the size of a buick.
-Well, that's everything.
-It was enough to
feed a small army.
-Turkey looks great, mom!
-It does, doesn't it?
I followed the
directions in the cookbook
That came with the new stove.
-And there was
nothing left to do
But sit down and dig in.
-[Gasps]
Oh, my goodness!
I forgot the napkin rings.
-Only, for some reason...
-Oh, here they are.
- Mom wouldn't sit down.
-One for you...
One for you...
And one for you.
You know, this year,
I tried granny
apples in the stuffing
Instead of golden delicious.
Oh, and instead of
putting the marshmallows
On top of the yams,
I melted them down and
added a little brown sugar
For flavoring.
Then I put everything
together in the blender
And whipped it up,
But it still wasn't
right, so, then...
-We sat there while
mom kept talking
And folding her napkin.
- Threw in a little
bit of coconut
Just before I baked it.
-It was horrible.
Then it got even worse.
[Clock ticking]
Her silence was
like a cry for help.
She was out there on a limb.
[Dish clatters]
So I figured I'd
come to the rescue.
-Mom?
Who's gonna carve?
-I don't know.
[Utensils clatter]
-Nice going, butthead!
-Oh, he hasn't?
Oh, no, no. That's all right.
Could you just leave a
message for him when he gets in?
Tell him that norma called.
Yes.
Thank you.
-When you're 14, you
know a lot of things...
How to throw a spiral,
How to fix a bike.
But standing there,
I knew I couldn't
fix what was wrong.
-Come in.
-Mom?
-Hmm?
-I'm sorry.
[Telephone rings]
-Hello?
Jack!
Well, where are you?
Really?
Of course, honey.
[Laughs]
Bye-bye.
Put on your coat.
We're going to the airport.
-He's coming home?
-No, he's flying in,
just for an hour.
-But I thought he said
it was too expensive.
-[Chuckles]
Yeah.
It is, isn't it?
-Thanksgiving night of 1970,
My father came
home to his family...
[Woman speaking indistinctly]
The family he cared for...
- Hi!
- Hi!
- Hi!
-Dad, over here!
- The family he provided for...
But he came home
to someone else, too.
He came home to
the girl he loved.
-I missed you.
-I missed you, too.
-Maybe sometimes the simple
things in life get forgotten,
The things parents need...
The things children need, too.
But that night, mom and dad...
Jack and norma...
Promised to remember.