Traditional dinner

This week, as I always try to do prior to flying, I had dinner with all three of my sons. This most recent gathering was at a couple of favorite neighborhood spots. N and I started at Nicole’s for wine, taking advantage of their excellent Wine Down Wednesday special with a bottle of tasty Montepulciano for the basement price of $19. Yes, for a bottle, not a glass.

After enjoying a glass at the bar, we took the remainder to drink with our dinner at Sabor a Campo, where we’d be meeting the Lilly boys at 7:00.

By 7:03, we were seated and gearing up for the buffet. Over platefuls of pernil, rice and beans, candied sweet potatoes and chili chicken, we talked about their shared responsibility to take care of the pets. I tried to, without nagging, impress upon them the importance of spending time with Jeter and Rocco, not just feeding them and attending to their bathroom needs. You know, take it seriously and do your best for the animals’ sake.

These are some typically well indulged pets we’re talking about.

Wednesday night, the biggest concern I had was about the pets. I don’t think I even had my usual talk about what happens if I don’t return home. Maybe because we just had it in February (before Ireland)? Or, it might be because I’ve so often shared my wishes for cremation and a division of my remains, which they will each take 1/3 of, and then a scattering of them in three significant (to me) locations.

They also know they’re supposed to draw straws for who gets the first pick of any possessions I leave behind. Long straw makes a selection first, followed by the second longest straw holder and then, finally, short straw takes their turn claiming something. Continue until everything desired has been distributed, then donate everything else.

Another thing they should know is that there will be no consideration of financial value of each individual items. Pick & pass. They’ve been taught that value in most things comes from sentimentality, not dollars. Or even euros. 😊

As we talked and ate, there was lots of laughter, often prompted by the mocking of one another. Televisions shows were discussed and debated and favorite scenes were cited and sometimes even acted out.

It was really fun.

It’s hard to say if my impulse to eat a meal with my sons before I travel is an opportunity to reconnect, or simply to confirm the connection we share, but it’s as much a part of my taking a trip as carefully packing my carryon bag.

The love and laughs we shared, just like that piece of luggage, will be coming with me to France.