Reginald invited his sister over to have tea, get advice on the kids, and help with their family crisis. Marcelle drove up, knocked on the door, and was greeted by a tired but grateful brother. Have some tea and biscuits. Katie just made some fresh out of the oven. My, how I love her biscuits. There is nothing like biscuits with fresh butter and homemade preserves. They talked about family and what was the latest with Marcelle. Of course, everybody was good, and her grandchildren were as good as gold. The sun always seemed to shine over Marcelle’s house.
Marcelle asked Reginald why the family never got together anymore. Not that it was her business, but she had to keep up with the gossip. Mama has spent all day making fried chicken, collard greens, corn, mashed potatoes, and homemade biscuits. She even made her best apple and pecan pies with homemade ice cream. All those young folks could do was argue. Now they won’t even talk to each other. What a shame. Mama was so excited about having her children back home. It doesn’t make any sense! All Katie did was cry when they left. No one even offered to clean up the table or wash the dishes.
“Well, if that don’t beat all.,” replied Marcelle. “I know you and Katie have not always seen eye to eye. I know that those kids are pretty headstrong. However, that is no reason they can’t act properly at the dinner table. They are not babies anymore.”
“I know,” said papa, “we are not perfect. The kids have their ups and downs. Katie has tried, but those children break her heart. I have seen Katie on her knees praying for them. More than once, Praying that hearts of stone would turn into hearts of flesh. She cries all the time, and I can’t console her. It’s been five years since the last family dinner we had. 5 years since we heard from any of the children.
“Well, I think you should give up on them. I wouldn’t let my children be so hurtful to their mama. You’ve got to step up to the plate. Take the bull by the horns. Figure out a way to have a second supper. ,
However, this time there will be rules. Everyone brings something to the dinner. Katie cooks a few things, but the main meal will be by the children. A coin jar should be on the table (maybe a bowl). Every time one of them chatters away and says something mean or hurtful, they must drop a coin in the jar or bowl. The meal should start with a prayer (like the good books say). Then after supper, everyone has a job helping and working together.
Reginald asked Marcelle, “How do you suppose all this will happen?”
Marcelle was exasperated. I don’t know! The rest is up to you. Reginald scratched his head and tried to come up with some ideas.
Tune in to our next story in Part 2 and see what Reginald decides to do.
