When I was a little girl I lived in a part of the South that thrived on genteel and gracious….the area supported little else in the way of economy….good food, good manners, were important parts of the social order.
On days when my mother had to be in the county seat for business, we would drive forty miles to have lunch at the hotel with my mother’s father. The hotel was white linen tables, crisp napkins, and beautiful flowers on each table. One always dressed up to go, put on our finest church dress and patent shoes and headed to meet Grandfather Geddie, who would have on a suit, tie, and hat to match, often a coat and cane as well. Men had many more fashion accessories in those days. Lunch would smell as good as it looked as we were ushered to a table and a chair was pulled out for us to sit in as the gentleman scooped it near the table for me. Men in white shirts and ties would bring trays of desserts later in the meal for us to choose from. I remember feeling very important as my Grandfather asked my menu choice and then would order for me to the waitstaff and very grown up as he would inquire of my day and my desires for the afternoon trip.
Yesterday, my children and I ate lunch at Louie’s in Decatur. Just such a hotel restaurant, complete with well dressed lunch visitors. We had just come from church and our children were dressed up as well. I cannot tell you the delight of that lunch for me as my husband ordered for Madison and the desserts came for the children to choose from later. It was like visiting many years ago, except recreating the scene with my own children in a world that knows so little gracious and white linen anymore…..the children knew it was a special day and the conversations were wonderful. What an exceptional Valentine’s family meal we shared, a quite unexpected early present from my dear husband who seemed to know how much I needed this type of experience. Our world no longer dresses for dinner, nor understands what a special experience it is for ladies to put on their best to go shopping, but I remember a day when it was not only a joy, but a privilege to always work to be your best you to share with others.
A dress and matching shoes do not make us our best….but if it helps you feel better as you face your day….what is the harm? For me, there is not much I cannot face in a day if I am able to take those few moments to look my best, put on something spiffy, and take time to feel good about myself before I face the rest of the day….even in the hardest of times, those simple acts help me to find center, to find the moments to breathe and then go forward. It is my gift to me.
God is good, and I am so thankful for yesterday’s unexpected visit to a long ago world!
