Helpfull Thanksgiving

Helpful Thanksgiving What had started as Helen Foster just kicking a soccer ball to her siblings and cousins, on Thanksgivings, late morning in a Death Valley campsite, had turned into a full out tournament.

Helen and her cousin Rachel, who was a year older than herself, had been kicking the ball with Helen’s little twin sisters Hannah and Hayley , her little brother Henry, and Rachel’s younger brother Todd .

Hayley had the ball and, being only six, her kick was just a little off. The ball ended up going into a neighbor's campsite.

Helen knew that there were six people staying there. Three guys and three girls, all of whom weren’t much older than herself . All six of them were lazing about there campsite, when the soccer ball came rolling in.

Quickly, one of the guys kicked the ball back to Helen and the rest. She waved her hand in thanks at the guy. He returned the wave as he sat back down at the table.

It wasn’t long before the ball made its way back down to the strangers campsite. Actually it happened several times.

And so the neighbors started to play with them. But the tournament reilly didn’t get started until Helen’s Father and Uncle came up and said it wasn’t fair for young adults to play against little kids. So they proceeded to help Helen’s side.

“Hey, that’s not fair!” One of the strangers said “that's eight against six.”

“You’re right.” Helen’s father said “Helen, Rachel, go help their team.”

The two girls went over and were quickly introduced to the six. The girls were Ruth, Tess and Katie. And the boys were Bill, George and Tom, the last two being obviously related.

And the tournament was on! Surprisingly, it was a even match. Helen’s father's side had little kids, little kids that knew the game pretty well, not to mention Helen’s father and uncle, the second one being a coach for kid’s soccer.

But the other side had all the young adults, who may not be the best at the game, but were very energetic and kept going, even as an hour or so went by.

As the game was slowing down a little, Helen’s mother came up to them and shouted. “Okay kids, supper is ready.”

Helen’s group started to make their way to their campsite. While the others just sort of stood around, talking to each other.

“Hey, do you guys have plans for Thanksgiving?” Helen’s father asked Something in the way they just stood there made him think something was up.

“Not really.” Bill answered.

“Oh?” Helen’s father asked.

“We were supposed to be home yesterday.” Bill started to explain.

“But our car broke down the day before yesterday.” Tom said.

“So we’re making do with what we’ve got.” Bill shrugged “It is what it is.”

“Why don’t you come over, and have supper with us.” Helen’s father asked.

“Oh, no. We wouldn’t want to intrude.” Bill quickly said.

“No, no. You wouldn't be intruding.” Helen's father said.

“The rest of the family wouldn’t mind at all.” Her Uncle interjected “We have plenty of food. I mean it is Thanksgiving. There is always plenty.”

“I don't know.” Bill said slowly, looking at the others, his eyes finly resting on Tess.

Tess shrugged. Bill then said, “I guess we can.”

“Great.” Helen’s father said, grabbing his arm and leading the whole group towards their camp.

The six were very polite and complemented the cooking many times. The whole lot talked the rest of the day away. Helen made quick friends with the girls, and the boys liked her father and uncle.

It was late by the time the six got up to go back to their camp.

“Thank you so much, for the food.” Bill said.

“Yes, it was fun.” the others added.

“And thank you for inviting us. It means a lot to us.” Tess said.

“No problem.” Helen's father said. “No problem at all.”

As they left, Helen just barely heard George say “I’m thankful for that family. What a Thanksgiving!”