Tom Turkey  

“What a wonderful whiff of something,” Chester concedes as he lifts his nose skyward to take in the interesting aroma.

“What do you smell, little man?” Rachell asks as she watches him sniffing the air filled with her turkey baking for Thanksgiving dinner.

She waits for a distinct intensity that tells her the bird is done. She heads to the kitchen to take a 12-pound turkey out of the oven to rest a bit and finish the remaining casseroles and such for the once-a-year holiday meal. Chester follows closely at her heels. After the meal, Rachell carves up a small portion of turkey for Chester to enjoy. He eyeballs her cutting up the meat nugget size. He begins to hop and bop as he realizes this rare treat is for him. She sits down next to him on the floor and puts the turkey on his plate. Chester pounces on the deliciousness with zeal.

“This is an exception, Chessie, just so you know,” Rachell explains as he gobbles it up.

“This is turkey. My mom always calls it Tom Turkey,” Rachell giggles as she shares this fond recollection with Chester.

He likes to see her snickering as he scarfs up every morsel. He listens as she reminisces about good times with her mom. He jumps in her lap to show how excited he is creating a new memory with her.

Chester is so excited he stretches up and kisses her check expressing that he understands the special title her mom gives to Tom Turkey!