Danny and Michelle are now grown and living on their own terms. Joes ( Susan's husband) was busy doing his shifts. Every evening Susan was feeling depressed. They hardly spend time together as a family. It was Nanda, whom Susan told her that she was struggling, feeling lost and lonely. Her life had changed completely and dramatically, no one is bothered for her, all are busy in their lifestyles.
What are you having for dinner? Nanda asked.
Oh! I don't know. I'm alone will just make a sandwich or something- Susan replied.
There was a pause. "I think you need to join us today for dinner," Nanda said.
Reluctantly I took her advice and agreed to her invite. As, I reached, at 9:00 p.m sharp, Nanda bellows in a drill-sergeant voice - 'Dinner! Hurry up! Move it! She had set placemats at the table, everything was ordered, the plates were centered. Soon everyone gathered.
Nanda's younger daughter asked - Why we have to have dinner together every night?
Because we are family, Family who eats together, prays together, stays together. Nanda replied.
I sat at the table and wondered how everyone, Before they began to eat, all bowed their head and said- "Thank you God for everything", this one sentence prayer of gratitude for the food which we all were about to eat. All relished each bit of morsel. The kids sassed their mother and feigned outrage at each other. But whispered in my ears, "Mom's a real good cook, Susan Aunt!" they told me.
I was lost somewhere in my thoughts, I can eat anytime I want, and at 10:00 p.m I throw something in the microwave. Eating by the light of my computer. I was reminded of how unused my dinner table is. I held very still, not wanting them to know that I have never experienced this day before. I felt a stab of pain for myself, I thought about how my family life is.
As the dinner was finished, everyone started sharing their conversations, opinions, gossips, and arguments. I sipped my drink and waited a polite interval before offering my thanks and heading home.
Nanda read my face, and asked me to walk outside along with her for a chat.
So, How was the dinner, Susan? Nanda asked.
Amazing, You are a good homemaker I must say--- Susan replied.
Susan, I am not asking for food. The meal is not only the meal, its the family goal to share food and laughter, the dining table stands at the center of it all. It's where memories are made.
The family dining table has always played an important role within the home, and it will continue to do so for the many future generations. It's the one symbolic area of the home that conveys power, status, strength, and unity with the family as well as guests. It is the center of unity for the family to come together and share their experiences as well as bond in a casual environment where they can debrief about their life experiences.
Everyday at dinner time at our house, our whole family - me, my husband, my kids, and my in-laws are gathered around the dining table or on the floor and are thrilled to bits. The regular family dinners are good for the whole family, increasing our well being in a number of ways, including better eating habits. greater literacy skills and lowers anxiety, by having positive interactions and enjoyable conversations. Happily telling tales is one of the better ways to spend our family time.
When we are tired and hungry at the end of the long day, sometimes it's easy to slip into silence or start giving one-word answers. Like how was your day? - Fine.
That's completely ok sometimes, but our dinner time is our precious moment to gather everyone together and connect with one another, having stories ready, fun and asking unexpected questions that can get the ball rolling, makes it more likely that we'll relax open up and enjoy one another company.
See Susan I know initially it would be difficult for you to gather everyone but start practicing with you and your husband.
Anyhow, we are building something for our kids which will last beyond.
Nanda, I eventually learned to make simple, tasty meals, but there still seemed to be something missing, which I learned today that I never turned dinner into a celebration. I am very grateful to you, today I realized the mistake is not only in them, but it's with me also that I failed to nurture the family values in my kids so today I am suffering.
Susan, it's Never too late, it's your family go and win them.
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