First Sunday Lunch

As we are beginning to create a new "normal" out of this abnormal, we are taking very small steps.  Nothing too much.  Nothing too quick.  One thing that was a normal for us was meeting my parents for lunch a few Sundays a month.  And once Mr Ben arrived, he came along as well.  It was so much fun to meet and catch up on our week over a nice Sunday lunch. We had a few places that were on a constant rotation.
Today, my mom met us for lunch.  We chose a place that was new.  We chose a place that would make it all a bit easier.  Marc, Ben, my mom and I ate our lunch and had a pretty good time.  There were a few moments where it would hit us.....and we would stop, tear up then get a bit better.  Sweet Ben entertained us in his highchair.  He babbled and squealed.  He ate his cheerios.  He made friends with the waitress and the table next to us. 
But, our new "normal" didn't feel right.  Our new "normal" felt abnormal.  Our booth for 4 felt a bit empty.  The empty seat felt giant. The conversation was missing one perspective.  But knowing my Dad, he would have been so proud of us for sitting there and laughing at Ben.  He would would be so happy that we were sitting there eating and talking.  So, that's what we did......for him and for us.
There will always be an empty seat because you can't replace something as wonderful as my Dad.  But each meal we share and each new "normal" memory we make will get a bit easier.  So, for him....and for us.....we will meet, we will eat, we will talk and laugh.....but we will also miss him at every moment.