March 17, 2017
Dear Ruth & Andrew,
When I was a kid, dinner was at 6:00PM and we were expected
to be in our seats at that time. Mom cooked, but Judy, Sue, Kenny and I all had
dinner-related tasks. We would put out the various dishes that mom handed to
us, along with butter, salt, pepper and other shared items for the Lazy Susan.
One of us lay placemats in front of each of our six chairs. Usually white linen,
they provided stark contrast to the dark Mahogany of our drop-leaf table.
I think that table belongs to Judy now.
Setting the table was my job. Using this silverware, I
placed the knife and spoon to the right of the plate, always folding a paper
napkin into a triangle to put under the fork to the left. I found comfort in
that nightly routine.
This is the silverware we grew up with. In my family, it was
what we used for every meal, as silver should be. Like relationships, silver
needs attention and shines warmly when that’s just a part of your everyday life.
For no good reason I can think of, Carla and I never used
this as our regular flatware, but we hope you and Andrew will. It needs a good
home where it will be appreciated.
When children come along, I hope you’ll think about
establishing a similar dinner routine. For a family to share stories and
laughter around the dinner table every night, without electronics or
interruption, is priceless.
Put this set to good use, no pampering or saving for
company. No one is more important than you and your family.
Someday, you can have a drawing among both sets of
quintuplets to see who will inherit this flatware, after you decide to pass it
along.
Carla and I wish you many years of love, health, and
laughter around your own family table.
XXXXXXXXXXX
Dad & Mom
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