FAMILIARITY

The long oblong table was set and the silverware shone brightly against the crisp white tablecloth. Those of my children who could travel and their significant others were there, and as the waiter poured the water in our goblets, we each placed our napkins in our laps, precisely the way I had taught them when they were little. Their father sat to my right, as we had situated ourselves right in the middle between all of them, with everyone fanning out around us.

It was a vastly different seating arrangement than when they were younger. He always sat at one end of the table and I at the other. The fact that we had to divorce before we could sit next to each other was now merely amusing. We had long forgiven each other and had moved on with life, but had to keep reminding them we were okay and they could relax, we were not going to yell at each other. When he caught my eye, he smiled.

We were sitting once again in the restaurant where we had always celebrated a family event. A birthday, a milestone, a promotion; somehow, we always gravitated here. Now, after a space of time and being apart for years, there was an excitement surrounding our arrival together. As we were being led to the back of the eatery, the smells and aromas filled our nostrils as fast at the memories filled out hearts.

For the celebration this spring evening was the culmination of many years of prayers and yearnings. Not for us, but for our children. Our son had graduated from college hours before, and we knew we could no go anywhere else but here.

The journey from high school to college for him took many detours. Six years in service to his country, and another three years working full time while going to school full time had taken its toll. He was always weary, but still made room for a daughter who was supposed to belong to someone else; we can’t imagine her not being in his life now, or in ours.

His own love sat with us too, smiling and whispering things to him gently whenever someone wanted his attention. For there were many stories and memories to be told, reminiscing of old games and secrets, dreams that were long forgotten, resurrected.

His father tapped his water glass lightly as to make a toast, but would first share of a memory of his own he wanted to share with us all. It brought tears to our eyes and already swelled hearts were bursting with love and affection for each other when he was done. Various nose-blowings ensued as he finished and we reminded again of what it meant to be a family.

It looks different now, but we are still a family. There will be other celebrations and other occasions where we sit back and let them bask in the love of their siblings and of us. Although we are battered and bruised with more than our share of heartaches and disappointments, one sure thing shines brilliantly through.

Family is Forever.