In many ways, I returned home just in time. My parents had recently recovered from COVID. I’d hit a pandemic-induced stagnation. I’d been priced out of Austin. I hadn’t seen any of my immediate family in two and a half years. I’d saved up enough vacation time to take two weeks off for the relocation.
Even so, there’s a major difference between visiting and relocating. Not only did I have to reclaim space within my parents’ house, I had to integrate myself into everyone’s lives.
Part of reintegration involved family dinners.
First, there was Sunday dinner after church.
Although I’m as secular as they come while still believing in God, I attended church with my family. For me, it’s more of a cultural practice than a religious one. Besides, it’s an act of optimism to believe that we’re on a positive path and there’s a point to existing.
For our first Sunday dinner, my sister chose Longhorn Steakhouse in honor of my return from Texas. Mom spoke up first to order fried pickles. When the server told Mom that that appetizer wasn’t on the menu, Mom insisted that she’d looked up the menu on her phone while we waited. The server was so sweet. “Ma’am, I don’t mean to keep correcting you, but we’ve never had fired pickles on the menu.”
Of course, we had the biggest laugh at Mom’s expense, which set an entertaining tone for the rest of the meal. Even my nephew, who notoriously orders a burger if that option is on the menu, entertained us. When he ordered a pork chop, I complimented him for branching out. Then, I thought about it. There was no way he’d try something new. I asked him if he’d seen the burger option. He hadn’t. Compliment rescinded.
The following Friday, my other sister and her family and a few of her in-laws, came into town and met us at a restaurant to celebrate my parents’ 61st Anniversary.
What a blessing!
I marvel at how long my parents have been married to each other. I chalk it up to the fact that they work together as a team and know how to support one another. As a result of their union and support, I have a home to come home to. My sisters and I have a solid foundation from which to grow and continue.