Mama was due at 7pm, so with a few minutes to spare we made sure everything would be ready just as Mama arrived. Mama was in her eighties now and we knew she was usually in bed by 9pm, so this was a late dinner for her.

Promptly at 7pm there was a tapping at the door and in came Mama with her niece Chloe, who had driven her over.

Smiling and carrying a bag in her hands, Mama as she approached the table said, “Lordy, it sho does smell delicious in here!”

Hugs all around, of course, and with Layla already snatched up in Mama’s arms Layla excitedly said, “Are we coming to stay with you, Mama?”

“Yes, you sure are, child, and Mama she’s so happy ‘bout that!” Mama said and burst out laughing.

Maggie appeared from the kitchen carrying the fried chicken as she announced, “Dinner is served!”

“Sit down, everybody,” I said as I helped Mama and then Layla into their chairs.

In no time we were enjoying a classically elegant southern meal, expertly prepared, and the mood was high.

Not much was said during the meal, but like always you could feel the love and the ease around the table.