Family Dinners: A Time of Tradition and Togetherness

Family dinners have long been a cherished tradition in many households, providing a unique opportunity for family members to come together, share stories, and create lasting memories. This article delves into the experiences of one family and how they made their dinners special through traditions like sharing grace, discussing daily events, and even dealing with the occasional awkwardness.

The Importance of Family Dinners

Our family placed a strong emphasis on regular family dinners. It wasn't just about the food; it was about the connection and the sharing of the day's experiences. My parents, Tracy, Lori, and I all had our places at the table—Tracy and I on one side, and mom and dad at each end. Our dining room table was an old oak piece, passed down through generations, dating back to the 1860s. The table was big enough to be extended with additional oak slats, making it perfect for larger gatherings.

Traditions and Stains

One of my memorable moments was when I carved my initials, RJ, into one of the table's stained areas when I was seven. My mother's reaction to the stain wasn't exactly what I had expected. She said, with hands on her hips, "All these years through all my relatives and ancestors, and it gets to my house and you decide to carve your initials." But we had a bit of a philosophical discussion: "Just think, mother, in a hundred years, someone will be wondering who RJ is," said my wife Tracy, with a hint of amusement.

A History Lesson

Our dinners weren't just about laughing and eating. My mother would sometimes share family stories that would remind us of our ancestors' past ways of living. One story was about the time her great grandfather had died, and he had been laid on this very table for washing and dressing at the funeral. This inevitably led to one girl, Tracy, making a gross-out comment: "Oh yuck! A dead guy actually laid on this table. Thanks for sharing that with us." My mother would then give her 'the look,' reminding her of the importance of the traditions and the respect they bring to the table.

Grace Before Dinner

Another tradition during our dinners was saying grace before eating. We would take turns, with me often volunteering, which led to some snickers from my older sisters. I still remember the times when I would blurt out, "GRACE!" causing laughter and embarrassment.

The Brussel Sprouts Dilemma

I was always curious about food and its origins. I was interested in the history of certain dishes. For instance, one day I asked, "I wonder who the first person was to eat a Brussel sprout?" Tracy replied, "Whose going to know that? No one knows." I would have taken a bite, but of course, my older sisters would try to lighten the mood by snickering.

Mixing with Friends

When I invited friends over for dinner, they often got nervous sitting at the table with Lori and Tracy. The girls were known for being a bit intimidating, particularly to younger boys. One of my friends once said, "It's one thing seeing your sisters at school, RJ, but then to sit at the dinner table with them is a little too much. Stressful!" This was true for many of my friends who had crushes on Lori. She would sometimes stare at them to make them nervous, until I would get her attention and mouth 'STOP IT!'

The Work of Declaring Chores

Another interesting aspect of our dinners was discussing household chores. One day in school, my classmates found it amusing when I mentioned that my older sister Tracy and I did the dishes together. She washed and I dried—with my classmates often assisting me in airing out my answer in more detail, which I suspect made some of them a bit envious.

Family dinners are more than just a meal; they are a time for traditional practices, sharing stories, and creating a sense of belonging. The experiences described here illustrate the bond that can form during these gatherings and the lasting impact they have on the family dynamic.