Seven for Dinner

This past Sunday I invited three couples here for dinner. They are long-time friends of Bill and mine who helped during Bill’s illness and who have been kind and thoughtful to me since Bill’s death. For example, one of the couples hosted a birthday dinner for me this year.  The wives are good friends, and I see them frequently for lunches. But the men are my friends, too.

It was a lovely evening filled with lively conversation and laughter. I enjoyed the time with my friends, but I felt sad. I missed Bill acutely. Perhaps they did, too. Bill and I had shared so many good times with these friends, over many years. I think that was what made it so hard for me.

I realized the next day that since Bill’s death, I have hosted breakfasts, lunches, and potluck dinners for women friends, a holiday open house, and church events…but only one other dinner party for couples. That was the birthday dinner party I threw for myself after Bill’s death, for these same friends.

Will I do it again? Probably, and the next time perhaps it will be easier. I hope so.