THE CHINA, THE WINE GLASSES, THE TABLECLOTH.......THE TABLE

This cold morning I am sitting with a big steamy mug of coffee and preparing my shopping list for the days ahead.  The tablecloth is ironed and hanging in the closet all ready to be placed, the china, the new lovely tall wine glasses with golden circles surrounding them that will compliment my china so well..... everything ready for the gathering of family and friends all of whom I am the most thankful for.

In all of this preparation, we give little thought to the table itself, that "gathering place" that brings us all together.   My son, Bill, gave me a card some years ago, and the message is so endearing that it sits among other treasures in my bookshelves all these years later.  The message is a reminder that no matter if your table is crafted from the finest wood, or the simplest pine, it's that special place where its members may change from year to year, some are added and some no longer with us, but the memories of the time spent gathered around that table grow more precious as the years pass.  So here is that message, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.  

 

 It's just a kitchen table,

much the worse for years of wear,

with memories

in each scratch and stain

from all that happened there~

the paint that never would come off,

a scissor nick or two,

the dent where something heavy dropped,

a bump of dried-up glue...

the scorch left by a cookie sheet,

the surface worn and faded

where hands were held

and elbows propped and countless stories traded.

It doesn't show the teardrops,

and it has no voice to tell

the secrets shared, the joys revealed,

but those are there as well.

Around that kitchen table,

life was happy and secure,

and my heart will feel that love

as long as memories endure.

Happy Thanksgiving!