A New Tradition

There was a line outside the door before 9:00 am. Those waiting were so thankful to receive bananas and apples to sustain them until the doors officially opened at 1:00 pm. The doors were unlocked just for us and we snuck past the waiting crowd, feeling guilty, like we were cutting in line.

For two hours the five of us wrapped forks and knives in napkins and set row upon row of plates -- wrapped utensils then went to the left of the plate, soup spoons to the right, dessert spoons above, water glass as well. Bowls of crackers and butter were put out on each table.

The tables were finally set for Thanksgiving dinner.

Over the last couple of years it's become a tradition in our family to forego cooking a Thanksgiving meal for ourselves. Instead, we go to a soup kitchen about 20 minutes away from our home to serve others. Last year, we served about 50. This year, more than 200 people were expected (I don't know what the final count actually was).

I can't get rid of the image of the orange and light brown plastic covering the rows of long rectangular tables, each set with lines of white plastic plates. I had to recreate a piece of it here. Seeing the need, I think we'll be serving at Christmas, too.