A wonderful take on the quirks of life. Instead of feeling remorseful and somewhat cheated at the absence of a daughter who would rather escape the challenge posed by her sibling than attend her Mom's Birthday combining Thanksgiving. She was the one who missed the whole day of fun and not vice versa.
In our moments of impulse and high emotion and uncalled for sensitivity, we do miss such precious days when there are family reunions or gatherings marking something special.
Author's comment on the variety of human kind comes as a special note in the story. Indeed we are like a rug of life that mixes many personality of both dull and bright colors. Yet its beauty stays put. So is the human family with different mentalities and behavior patterns and means of expression.

The mother's decision not to play the go-between for the siblings is wise. Indeed, those who reached adulthood need not be advised. They should know how and when to "show up".

Thank you for sharing a nice story.

Write on!