By Melissa Dean – Special to the Navarro County Gazette
Downhome Downtown
When I was a kid, it was always a beat down to have to sit at what was termed the “kiddy” table at holiday meals at my Nanny’s house.
It just seemed like I was missing out on all the grown folk talk at the “big” table. I mean, the possibility existed that I wouldn’t have a dang clue what they were talking about, but at the same time, the thought of being part of the “talk” was intriguing, in some way.
However, there just simply wasn’t room at the table. Too many grown-ups.
And even when the day finally came that I was able to sit at the big table, it truly wasn’t what I was expecting or even something that I wanted to be a part of.
I mean, sure, my parents were there at that big table. But even they seemed disinterested in most of the “talk” occurring around them.
But as I would sit there, trying to listen to what my aunts and uncles were talking about and trying to fit in some way, it never seemed to make me as happy as what I had perceived it would when I was wasting away at the kiddy table.
Sure, I had some things to contribute, but it never seemed to be the right things, and most of the time my “contribution” was met with little positive feedback. However, just the thought of having arrived at said table made it somehow ok.
And such is the world today.
Now, just hear me out.
We are all competing for attention in our various fields of work whether we realize it or not. We are consistently challenged by each other and made to be better in so many ways that we honestly don’t even see.
But there is room for everyone at the table of life.
There is room for all of the ideas.
There is room for all of the recipes.
There is room for all of the variations and all of the talents and all of the misgivings and all of the concerns and downfalls and achievements and rewards and accolades.
There is room for us all at the table.
There is room for all of the decorators.
There is room for all of the teachers.
There is room for all of the cooks and chefs.
There is room for all of the restaurant owners.
There is room for all of boutique owners.
There is room for all of the writers.
There is room for all of the bankers, lawyers, and business owners.
There is room for all of us at the table.
And I for one am choosing to make room at the table for everyone in 2021.
We all need each other. Honestly, we require each other to make ourselves better and move forward with whatever dreams and goals we are wanting to reach in 2021.
So, pull up a chair to the table and let’s kick off 2021 with all of the positivity and all of the good vibes together!
Who is with me?
I hope this offering finds you and you loved ones well and full of hope and joy for this coming year.
And as always, I wish you love, peace, and that feeling of warmth that you can only get Downhome Downtown.
“If the home is a body, the table is the heart, the beating center, the sustainer of life and health.”
~Shauna Niequiest, Bread and Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table with Recipes