My parents frequently had overnight guests even though our house was small and didn’t have running water until I was six. Sometimes my brother and I would have to tiptoe through a living room floor crowded with hunters as several packed in our tiny house to get a jump on deer season.
Other times we would wake up for school only to find a stranger on the couch. Dad would have picked up a hitchhiker and offered him a place to sleep. It didn’t matter. There was always room under our roof for one more. We loved it! Even though it created more work for my mom, I don’t remember her ever complaining. What’s one more pillow, blanket and a plate at the table?
This weekend we’re celebrating our son Ben’s high school graduation. The house is packed with friends and relatives—14 altogether are tucked away in bedrooms, on couches, air mattresses and even a small one on the living room recliner. The feeling is cozy and reminds me of my childhood. I think we are lucky to be surrounded by all these good people.
This is the first time we have had all our children under one roof in almost a year. My daughter Zoe has wandering feet that have taken her to several countries in the past 11 months. Primarily New Zealand. Her brothers would never say it, but I know they’re also glad she’s here.
To think that one of my best friends Gloria would come two days earlier to help get ready for all this company is such a gift. My parents and in-laws are here too. My sweet cousin and her mother from Las Vegas add a lot of laughter to the mix. My nephew and his younger sister arrived yesterday, just in time for today’s party. With the five of us, there are 14 in the house this morning.
The breakfast table will be full, but there is always room for one more. May you always have a place to rest your head and a home with room for just one more.
“I love spending time with my friends and family. The simplest things in life give me the most pleasure: cooking a good meal, enjoying my friends.”
~ Cindy Morgan
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