Whatever Will We Talk About?

Sitting around the supper table each night is an adventure at our house. It's hard to say exactly what topics we discuss but they are always sure to gain a groan or an 'enough!' and much laughter. Sometimes there are several conversations going on at once with people talking over each other and stating opinions on conversations that they weren't originally a part of. It can be a daunting thing for newcomers to sit around our table and wonder exactly where to wade into the conversation but if they do they will be sure to have several people pipe up and join them.

Lots of good hearted teasing goes on around our table and bringing up memories of long ago. Family stories are shared too and lots of trivia, especially about Star Trek (Benjamin) or some new disease (Matthew) or the latest exploit of one of the dogs or a new recipe (Alannah). When our sons' girlfriends first came to supper they were both shy, and didn't say much, but now they both weigh in on most subjects.

Whatever we are discussing it is usually lively. It really doesn't matter what food is on the table as long as family is gathered around that table. Tonight as I sat watching the usual supper time banter, I realized that it won't be very long until the kids will all be off on their own with their own supper tables to establish. When this fact hit me I looked at my husband and jokingly asked him: 'when all the kids are gone, whatever will we talk about?' He laughed and assured me that we'd manage and I'm sure we will, but it's going to be hard to beat the noise and laughter of seven people sitting around the table.

It's family that makes a supper table something to look forward to. It doesn't matter if your supper table is a chrome set or a vintage antique dining room set. It doesn't matter if you have a standing rib roast with all the trimmings or a cheeseburger and fries. And it doesn't really matter what you talk about. What does matter is sharing that precious hour with those you love.

Set the table tonight and turn off the TV. Sit around the table with those you love, whether it be only one or several and start talking. Talk about anything and everything, but talk. They may not remember what food they ate but they will remember the supper hour as something pretty special: a memory to live on.