Mother’s Day

10 Table Manners Quilt

by Chris Roberts-Antieau

During a recent visit to Tulsa my wife and I enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Queenie’s Café & Bakery in the Utica Square neighborhood just south of the city center.

This beloved Tulsa institution was founded by Ruth Young in 1981, and is famous for its homemade chicken salad, quiche, and elaborate desserts like strawberry cream cake.  It operates as a popular, "small and mighty" lunch and breakfast spot in a quaint tearoom setting.

In addition to our meal, which was delicious, I was particularly taken by a quilt on the wall that highlighted 10 table manners we, as diners, should adhere to.  As I read through the aphorisms, I was reminded of my mother who would frequently share the same instructions at our dinner table when I was growing up.

While reflecting on the eternal dining truths that my mother would regularly share, it occurred to me that this Mother’s Day would be the first time that mom wouldn’t be with me.  Mom passed away in July of last year, days shy of her 98^th birthday.

It’s often said that the first year after losing a loved one is the hardest, particularly around holidays.  While I successfully made it through Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter without mom…and even her birthday, for some reason I feel different about knowing that this Mother’s Day will be my first one where I’ll be unable to honor her in person.

That said, I will celebrate her with a spirit of eternal gratitude for the impact she has made in my life.  Happy Mother’s Day Mom and THANK YOU!