This story appeared in the January 2017 edition of the magazine Legacy Arts. I have not written much about what occurs during the many dinner parties, mainly because I consider them a sacred space for those seated at the tables. In writing this story, I am hoping to bring readers to the table without betraying the trust of the participants. 

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It’s no secret that food brings people together. The preparation and enjoyment of it forge friendships and strengthen family bonds, as each occasion like Thanksgiving reminds us. When we gather at the table and share stories, we participate in a uniquely human activity. Since the paintings on cave walls, humans have sought to pass on knowledge, wisdom, and humor through narrative. Storytelling is at the core of who we are. What we share and how we listen to each other form the foundation for not only our relationships…