Day 601

Sunday Night Dinners are such an amazing tradition at our home. Through the decades, we have been honored to have many guests sit at our table, share their lives, laugh, cry and make everlasting bonds. Of course, there have ALWAYS been dogs under the table to add to the festivities.

Tonight, as I prepared the table for another "SND", I couldn't help but remember the people who have graced those chairs. My parents, grandmothers, aunts and uncles, dear Elaine (our beloved neighbor and daycare grandma), friends and countless others. Certain chairs hold the best memories...

It seems that we have lost many of the rituals that bond family and friends together. Front porch visits, canning, hanging the wash on the line, bonfires, sing-alongs, picnics, game nights and other events luring loved ones to stay and allow the bonds to strengthen. Sunday Night Dinners are right there at the top of my list.

Our lives are flying by at such a frantic pace, that the effort to slow down and enjoy the "SND" ritual seems to be almost impossible. With Uber Eats, fast food, restaurants and social media, sitting down to share a meal is a challenge. However, it seems to be worth the attempt.

Tonight, for example, we had our "SND" in a casual manner. Spaghetti and French bread were the main course with fresh chocolate chip cookies for dessert. (When my own Nanny would serve a meal, she always said, "A bad meal can be saved by a wonderful dessert!") Everyone loved the meal, but our hearts were the real recipients of the "food"...laughter, sharing, reminiscing and love fed our souls.

So, with dogs always under the table, we will continue to have our "SND." Sometimes, there will be fine China while other meals will be served on the everyday dishes. It doesn't matter how it is served or what is on the table, being together is the what truly feeds us.