My sweet husband, with the help of a carpenter friend, made for our family this beautiful table.
Using his own two hands, he transformed rough pieces of pecan into a haven for our family. It is nine feet long and sturdy. It is not fancy and has no intricate detailing. In fact, it has no carving or detailing at all. It is big, well-built, and strong. It is beautiful in its simplicity and functionality. Tucked up under this pecan Polaris are two matching benches to seat our family and the future of our family. Both made by my sweet husband.
We love this table because it is perfect for our lifestyle. It is where homework is completed, Playdough is molded into pretend hamburgers and snakes, Hot Wheels become real life race cars, and occasionally, we eat on it. We’ve even had mass celebrated on it. It is the central station of our home.
It is also symbolic of what we hope to be to each other - supportive and accommodating without flashy, overt details screaming out to be admired. In other words, no resounding gongs or clanging cymbals. Because after all, we, like our table, really are just here to serve a purpose, not be admired or praised for doing what we are supposed to do - support and hold up a place of communion and refuge for ourselves and others that happen into our space.
It is on Sunday mornings that we draw most on this slab’s strength. All six of us converge with our coffee, milk, biscuits, bacon, and newspaper, fighting over who gets the comics or sports section first, being careful not to disturb Dad’s organized stack of black and white and read all over, letting him deem who gets what. We discuss what we’ve read and explain what is not understood. We discuss what the week has given and challenged us with and what lies ahead for the coming seven days. My sweetheart and I answer challenging questions such as, “Which is stronger – fire or outer space?” or “Why are Storm Troopers so bad at shooting with laser guns?” or “What would happen to the earth if everyone was really fat like Santa Claus?” Challenging indeed. Then, up and off to church.
And just like the table, the memories connected to it will be priceless family heirlooms.
So sweet. Love it.
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