Ode to a Kitchen Table

For over 20 years you have been the heart and soul of our home, the seasons of family life reflected throughout the years in the Advent wreaths, Easter candles, Halloween pumpkins, Masters welcome baskets, and birthday cakes displayed in your center.

For over 20 years we have sat around you to eat dinner together as a family, and we have gathered around you for family prayer—Stations of the Cross during Lent, the rosary on Sunday nights, and morning devotionals.

For over 20 years you have witnessed our laughter, frustrations, and joys. You have listened in on conversations, debates, arguments, and whispered prayers. You have offered your surface for board games, Lego competitions, Hot Wheels, and homework. You have been used as a St. Joseph altar, a buffet table, and even a picnic table when we carried you outside so we could dine under the trees.

And now, after over 20 years, we need to say goodbye. Not because we do not still need you, but because someone needs you more. So, you will go with Jonathan to Atlanta where you will offer him a constant reminder of home. 

In the meantime, there will an empty spot in our kitchen because it will take time to find something that will serve us as well as you have.