The Dinner Party

I opened the door to the room and the five of them were there. My brother-in-laws, Jack and Don, old friend Tim, Dad, and Cathy’s Dad, Max. All looked robust and in their 50s, except for Max who died at 41 and remained forever young. Tim looked up from the bar. “French 75 Maxie?” I nodded yes. 

I shook hands and exchanged hugs with all of them. The others had evidently been there a while and were joking among themselves. Tim handed me my drink, and we all clinked glasses and called out “Cheers!”

I looked around. Tim and I were the only two who actually knew everyone in the room, but they were all talking like the best of buddies. 

“I don’t understand. How did you all meet?” Dad looked surprised. “Through you Max. We all knew you. Is it surprising that we would meet on the other side?”

After drinks, we adjourned to the table and dinner. Or perhaps I should say feast. It lasted for hours. We talked about everything and nothing. Politics. House maintenance. Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd. Favorite restaurants. Don’s beer brewing. Baseball was another topic, and we discussed our teams, the Cards, White Sox, Nats, Giants and Cubs. Dad mildly chided me for becoming a Nats fan with the Cards dropping to 2nd team status. We all laughed at Jack for becoming a Cubs fan only after they won the World Series. At some point Cathy’s dad, Max, called out “When you all want to discuss a real sport, like Alabama Football, let me know!”

The night continued. Once or twice, they seemed to communicate among themselves, but no lips were moving. Only an occasional smile in my direction. 

It grew later and we talked of life, or rather life and death. Not their deaths, but what does a person do or accomplish in their life before dying. 

At one point I asked, “How does a person know if they have lived a good life? A worthwhile life?”

They all looked at me. Dad said gently “We think you know the answer to that one Max. In any event, it’s not a question we can help you with.”

I walked over to the window to think a bit. It was almost sunrise. When I turned around a few minutes later, all were gone except for Tim.

I looked at Tim and he said, “It was time for them to go. I’ll be leaving shortly myself.” 

“Am I supposed to go with you?”

 Tim smiled and shook his head. “No. It doesn’t work that way. If it was your time, the dinner would have been there and not here. We were all talking a while ago, and just thought you might need and enjoy a night out.”

 “Thanks. It was great and good for my soul. I’m glad you know each other. I miss all of you. It’s good to have family.”

 I went to the counter and poured myself a cup of coffee. When I turned around, Tim too was gone. I sipped on my coffee and thought about the night, and then about the day to come, and the things I needed to do.