Every Sunday, my mom's side of the family gathers at my grandmother's house for lunch, and this tradition has gone on for as long as I can remember. My "Meme" runs the show, and it is one of those events, that if properly documented, would be great for reality TV. Every Sunday that I'm not there, I get pretty homesick. I try to imagine what Meme cooked, who's birthday they are celebrating, what dessert my mom brought, which football team Ruby is yelling about, if Bubby is making homemade ice cream, and how much food Mike managed to fit on his plate. It's always a little bit like a circus, only this circus is free, and usually begins with an off-key chorus of "I love You, Lord." Many Sundays, we are joined by non-family members that-announced or unannounced- my grandmother always seems to have a place already set for them at one of the tables. There are so many funny things that happen on these Sunday afternoons. So many, in fact, that one of my uncles finally realized that if he didn't video tape it once in a while, no one would believe the tales that are told on Monday morning.
As insane as it can be, there are a lot of things that I have to be thankful for because this weekly tradition. Every week, Meme gathers us to thank God for the food, and Big Daddy always has some bit of wisdom to share with us before we all join hands while he leads us in prayer. I've gotten to see first-hand the legacy that is being passed down by my grandparents, who, at 85, still tirelessly serve others, still open their home not only to their family, but to those who don't have family to eat with on Sunday afternoons, and still invest time and energy into building relationships with their family and friends. I am totally overwhelmed by my grandparents. I am so happy that I'll get to see them in a few weeks, and that I'll get to be there for the Sunday meal. If we are having chicken spaghetti, though, Lolly is buying me lunch from any place that I pick after we leave.
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