Day 684
Tomorrow, like so many families, we will make new memories around the dining room table and enjoy every moment of the Easter Egg Hunt. As I began to set the table, I looked at my grandmother's beautiful gold-rimmed dishes, silverware and goblets. The crocheted tablecloth is also a treasure. Carefully touching so many lovely pieces from days-gone-by, I find myself pondering the changes witnessed through the generations.
When my own Nanny set the table for special occasions, the one hat she wore was "homemaker." Each meal was prepared from scratch while she made every effort to serve happy guests around her table.
My own mother wore the same hat, but also donned other headwear as a room mother, dance instructor, scout leader and so many other supportive roles. She also cooked mostly from scratch and called herself a homemaker.
When I took over the reins to the Big White House, I had these wonderful role models to follow. I also added a few hats into the mix. Elementary education teacher, student, college professor, and head cheerleader for my four children. There were more hats and life had a faster pace with the headgear being switched quickly and often.
The generation following mine seems to be smarter and more efficient. My own children are not as interested in fine china, table settings, decorations and mementos. The hats they wear are worn with pride, but they don't seem to switch them as often. The new generation seems to have sloughed off some of our items from the past and that is probably just fine! If it can't go in the dishwasher, it's out. Clutter is to be avoided and celebrations are at the homes of the elders.
Even though the special memories of dishes handed down through the generations might be a thing of the past, there will still be silverware, antique dishware and 100-year-old goblets gracing our table tomorrow. As for the crocheted tablecloth, it will be right there under my grandmother's china. There will also be four dogs under the table .. something my ancestors would raise an eyebrow to. Change might not be all bad after all!
