A Shrikompf Thanksgiving

In memory of Betty Lou Staley, who lost her battle with cancer March 14, 1998. In my family, “Good Will Towards Men” is taken literally. My cousin’s wife, Betty Lou, was involved in foreign exchange programs in the Cincinnati area. All our holidays were graced with wonderful guests from Russian businessman to high school exchange students. The most memorable experience, however, involved the “Shrikompfs.” We arrived for our Thanksgiving dinner at Betty Lou’s, to discover that two young engineering students from India were present. They were both introduced with the first name of “Shrikompf.” Immediately we asked, “Is this a common name in India? Like Tom or Bill in the United States?” “No,” they said simultaneously. The Shrikompfs blended well into the family celebration. They loved football, like most of us, and talked football while dinner was being prepared. We discovered that both had been vegetarians, but had “converted” after working at McDonald’s. They were quite Americanized. During dinner, I was seated between my aunt, Stell, who was nearly 90 and very forgetful, and my mother, Ruth, 84 and still lucid. About half way through the meal, my aunt leaned across the table and loudly said, “How’s Sarah?” My mother politely responded, “Now Stell, don’t you remember? She died last summer.” Stell said, “Oh, I’m so sorry. I had forgotten.” About ten minutes later, Stell leaned over again and said, “How’s Sarah?” Again, polite but obviously embarrassed in front of the Indian guests, my mother said, “Now Stell, you know she died last summer.” Stell responded, “I hate growing old. I can’t remember a ##**# thing!” I could tell my mother was beginning to melt into her seat. One of the Shrikompfs got up from his chair and came over to her. He leaned down and quietly said, “Don’t be embarrassed. I feel right at home. She’s just like my grandma back in India!”

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