Chapter 5: Dinner

Mary was true to her word. In just about 2 hours the table was set for what looked like a thanks giving dinner. The 8 adults and 9 children were seated at the table. I stood and greeted everyone.

“Good afternoon and welcome to what will be our community for the future. I am Joe Bridger, to my right are my wife Mary who prepared this wonderful meal for us, My son Joseph Jr. or JJ who is 8 years old, my daughter Kathy who is 6.”

“Pete, please introduce your family.”

Pete Stood.

“Hi I’m Pete Kaufman, to my right is my wife Rachel, my son Richard who is 10, my other son Eddie who is 8 years old.”

I stood again

“Mike, please introduce your family.”

Mike Stood.

“I’m Miguel Rodriguez, everyone calls me Mike. To my right is my wife Melinda, my sons Juan 12, Antonio 11, and my daughter Ana 14.”

Then he sat down.

I stood.

“Paul please introduce your family.”

“This is my wife Anita, My daughter Paula who is Going to be 16 next month, Martin who is 17.”

I stood and lifted my glass.

“Welcome to your new home. It is wonderful to meet you. Now let’s eat the wonderful meal Mary has prepared for us.”

I lifted my glass and toasted with the apple cider in our glasses.

“To good health, good luck and a return to democracy.”

Everyone lifted their glass and drank deeply of the cider. I hoped it would be repeated here and in many places for many years.