The Bonds We Build

Sep 8, 2011 by Peggy Nolan

If it’s Wednesday, it must be family dinner at Chez Nolan. What began over two years ago as a yoga class for my sister-in-law and her friend, followed by dinner with my husband and bonus daughters has turned into an all-inclusive dinner party for family and friends every Wednesday evening. Due to the expanding guest list, I no longer teach yoga before dinner. Instead, you can find me racing home from work so that I’m home in time for a pre-feast glass of wine and ten minutes of face time with Richard.

On any given Wednesday, we’ll host four or twenty-four. Our small house seems to accommodate all who show up with ease. Whether there’s an open chair at the table, on the porch, or a seat in the living room, there’s always space to squeeze in one more person.

Richard says we have ‘gravitas’ – that we pull others into our family orbit just by being who we are, as individuals and as a couple. We’re a veritable salad bowl of characters: our adult children, their spouses, our grandchildren, our parents, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, sometimes a stray cousin or two.

If I told you that my husband’s “ex” family shows up would you believe me? The “ex” no longer refers to his previous marriage but to our extended family. Because that’s what Wednesday Night Family Dinner is all about – the bonds we build and the relationships we invest in.

Last night we celebrated two birthdays and a going away. My oldest daughter turned 27 on August 29 and my son-in-law celebrated his birthday yesterday. It was also my oldest daughter’s last family dinner for a while – she’s heading off to Ireland as I write this – to be where her heart wants to be. Who showed up for dinner last night?

• Richard & Peggy (your hosts at Chez Nolan)
• Katie & Olivia Demers
• Kelly, Dave, & Caleb Russell
• Jessica Campbell
• Cindy Asloglou
• Cathy & Lou Gagnon
• Kasey Hurrell, baby Leelee, and SO Tim
• Jennifer France
• Brian & Rebecca Reiss
• Christina Papia & Bob Spellman

How do you celebrate your extended family? What traditions have you started? What can you do this week to bring family and friends together? What can you do to invest in the relationships that mean the most to you?