They are there, faded, like ghosts. Some of the oldest ones are difficult to read now, worn away by washings and ironings and years and dust, but they're still there. The wishes, the predictions, the prayers, and the hand-prints. Names of those who are no longer and hopes for those yet to be.
A family portrait in damask.
About ten years ago, I bought a new tablecloth for my mom's thanksgiving table. Her table is a monolith which has its best day once a year as cousins, friends, and those without a place to go cram around her-and a handful of card tables-to enjoy the best Thanksgiving spread two hands can create. I went from store to store and found the biggest table cloth I could find. On that same day, just for fun, I bought a padded plastic liner and a handful of fabric pens.
That first year, we all signed our names and listed something for which we were all thankful. Over the years, the sentiments have ranged from the frivolous "I'm thankful for Doug Flutie", "I'm thankful for gravy" to the desperate "God bless Sam as her prepares to serve in Iraq." to the profound "I am thankful for a second chance at life." Once upon a time, my sister was thankful for the "amazing boyfriend" who is now her husband and father of their child.
The names of those beloved and far away keep their place at the table always.
Then the new generation of babies began to arrive. Each year, parents soothe squirming infants as they trace the outline of their tiny hands. Each year, the "big kids" look for their old hand prints and we all marvel at how small they once were.
What started as a whim has become a most beloved family tradition. A cheap Target tablecloth has become a priceless treasure.
This is the best idea ever. Mind if I steal it?
Posted by: Mrs. Chicky | November 21, 2007 at 01:10 PM
That's a fantastic idea, and a story well told.
Posted by: Binky | November 21, 2007 at 01:46 PM
I like that a lot.
Posted by: sandy shoes | November 21, 2007 at 09:42 PM
Great idea! Too bad my cheap Target tablecloths tend to shrink. Maybe I should read the care instructions, huh?
Posted by: Miguelina | November 22, 2007 at 12:50 PM
Your story moved me to tears... truly beautiful. I definitely am going to borrow your tradition and start it this coming Friday night when our 4 children, their spouses, and our 7 wonderful grandkids (7 months - 6 years) come for our special family Thanksgiving dinner. Now you have steeped many more of us (reading your comments!) into your family's tradition! What a legacy!
Thanks!
Sharon - Pinks & Blues Girls
Posted by: Pinks & Blues Girls | November 24, 2007 at 08:53 AM