A "Silverware" Story

Many years ago, my Mother-in-law to be, Esther Conkey, began to collect Betty Crocker coupons for her daughter's first set of silverware (The proper term, of course, being flatware). Beth now has no idea how many coupons it took, how long it took, or how much it cost (It was coupons plus cash).

I always liked this "silverware"; it's Oneida's My Rose. I suppose years ago we began to think of it as a little formal for just us and young children, and we moved to a more casual style for eating utensils. 

Forty-six years ago this month it was just the two of us. But by next week this time, here at Sebring Camp Meeting, we'll be joined by all three of our children, all but one of their spouses, and all six grandchildren. And now, Oneida's My Rose serves as our Sebring Camp "silverware." It seems appropriate.

For this is a place of old things--the cottage I'm sitting in right now was built in 1906. And the My Rose has taken its place here--a Nutt family treasure that has made the journey with us. And now it serves not just two, but fourteen who attempt to gather here every year for a wonderful spiritual retreat and--I can't deny--a precious family reunion.

Yes, it's appropriate that it's our Sebring Camp "silverware."

After all, this is where Beth and I first met. But that's another story!