Class 1: Sep. 20 – Benjamin Surmi - Stories from the Table

Nine seniors sat scrunched around one round table in a classroom when I arrived with an arm full of books. First telling them a story from the Brothers Grimm to illustrate the ubiquitous presence of food in all aspects of human thought and life, I then asked my classmates what they expected from this curious class. Perceptions varied:
· How-to apply health tips
· How much to eat
· The presentation of food on the table
· It would be a smorgasboard of topics

I read a short story by John Smith, “Saying Grace.” It highlighted the far-reaching dimensions of something as simple as a meal together begun with grace.

Saying grace was more important than I ever knew. It was an open, practical, personal and group acknowledgement of our need and His presence. It provided an atmosphere of order which set the tone for our time together. It was a moment of quiet, of peace, and as we joined hands we were reminded that we were one – a family – and the He was integral to our family. As we passed the potatoes and the peas, we listened to each other and learned unconsciously about what a family is. If Dad talked about his job or the men he worked with, he became more real to us. If he and Mom talked about the church, or poitics, or the neighbors, our eyes were opened to a larger world and our family took its place in that worl. Each of us commented on his day – specific questions were asked, information given, but more than that, ties were formed and we had family consciousness.

Excerpted from “Saying Grace,” My Mother Played the Piano,
John Smith.