The Kiddie Dining Table Takes a Hit

The upper part of the Bergeron
family Christmas tree.

As of this Christmas, it has been dispatched to happy memories – another sign that the years are marching on, and that the grandkids are, well – no longer mere kids. 
 
That was the clear takeaway this December when Priscille and I hosted our two grown offspring, together with their families at our home in Bridgewater. 
 
At some of our past Christmas celebrations in this township, the four grandchildren sat at a temporary table in the dining room, thoroughly engrossed in their conversations, while the adults sat nearby at the larger table – bantering taking place among all of us.
 
As the kids grew into their early teens, they moved their venue to a larger, wooden butcher block table in the kitchen. 
 
However, this year was different.  Matthew is now a freshman in college.  Margot is a senior in high school.  Danny becomes a junior next year, and Monique will be a freshman.
 
Not little kids any more.

On Sunday while the food was being prepared, the teens were invited to join the adults at the dining room table.

Excellent decision. 

Listening to them was a delight.  Not one bit bashful (never were), they easily and gracefully joined the conversation, underscoring a level of respect, thoughtfulness, and developing maturity.

Our holiday meals have never been a quick, eat-up-and-clear-the-table sort of thing.  We spent a long time conversing, eating, and simply enjoying one another’s company.  I don’t know for how long.  I never looked at my watch. 

These four young people are part of an upcoming generation that will lead this country in the near future.  They and tens of thousands like them deserve all the support that we can give them.  They have earned the gift of a good example – a rather rare leadership commodity in our nation these days.

Thanks for reading.   May you be blessed with good health and the wind at your back in 2014.


(Click on the Image for an enhanced view.)