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August 29, 2013 8 Comments

Food on Fridays: The Extra Plate

For the Food on Fridays carnival, any post remotely related to food is welcome—though we love to try new dishes, your post doesn’t have to be a recipe. We’re pretty relaxed over here, and stories and photos are as welcome as menus and recipes. When your Food on Fridays contribution is ready, just grab the button to include with your post. It ties us together visually. Then fill in the boxes of this linky tool to join the fun!

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Food on Fridays with Ann

bluewhitetableclothWe dropped off our eldest daughter at college for the first time.

Then we returned home to our regular routine. At dinner each night, the kids take turns setting the table. Each time, whoever grabs the plates has grabbed six instead of five.

“Oh, look what I did. I accidentally brought six plates.”

We all stop and stare at the extra plate sitting in front of an empty seat. Someone quickly puts it away, but not before we feel it:

Her absence.

* * * * *

Photos by Ann Kroeker. “Pin” these images in a way that links back to this particular page, giving proper credit.

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Filed Under: Food on Fridays

Comments

  1. April @ The 21st Century Housewife says

    August 30, 2013 at 5:26 am

    It is so hard when kids fly the nest! I’m forever bringing out an extra plate when I make dinner. This week it has been a lovely change as our son is visiting from college & his girlfriend is here too. So we have need of the third plate, and an extra plate too. I wonder if I’ll get four plates out for my husband and I next week…Thinking of you!

    This week I’ve shared a bit of family history and a vintage cake recipe from my late Great Aunt. Thank you for hosting!

    Reply
    • annkroeker says

      August 30, 2013 at 6:24 pm

      April, you are always such an optimist, encouraging me to look forward to good things ahead!

      Reply
  2. Trish Southard says

    August 30, 2013 at 1:04 pm

    Your extra plate hit a nerve! Thank you for sharing the painful absence with us all. This piece was very comforting and reassuring to me. The emotion described touched my heart. Powerful Ann.

    Reply
    • annkroeker says

      August 30, 2013 at 6:24 pm

      You and I are just entering this phase, feeling the ache, but I’m reminded when I read Hazel’s note below of wonderful new phases ahead. Let’s take heart!

      Reply
  3. hazel i moon says

    August 30, 2013 at 6:18 pm

    One by one they all left home – – but we kept the door open, and each of them came back for a time as they found reasons to do so. Your story brought a lump in my throat and I could understand your household and the emptyness.

    Reply
    • annkroeker says

      August 30, 2013 at 6:26 pm

      Hazel, our door will be open for as long as I am alive and live someplace with a door (even the RV has a door to fling open and welcome visitors)! Thank you for reminding me. And for sharing the feelings. Yes, the lump. That’s what we swallow down when we put away the plate.

      Reply
  4. Megan Willome says

    August 30, 2013 at 6:41 pm

    I’ve been wondering how it’s going. And I get this. We’re down to three.

    love you!

    Reply
  5. Julie says

    September 2, 2013 at 5:10 pm

    Oh Ann, so poignant. I’m trying to savor the last year that “we are five,” but I know it’s already going by too fast. Thanks for sharing this piece of your experience… and your heart.

    Reply

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