By Invitation Only

Submitted by GEO3

Stucky, Prior to my quitting the nicotine habit 4 years ago, my brain was fairly active and I liked to write an occasional article/story for friends. I have attached one that I penned in 2010 regarding my fantasy of hosting my own “Last Supper” I’m not sure if this fits the general theme of TBP, but given the age of your readership there might be some interest. Thanks for your time/consideration (also have others that I can forward your way)

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By Invitation Only

The table has been set, but the guests are yet to arrive. It seems appropriate, as no invitations have yet been mailed.

I look around at 12 empty seats and wonder ahead as to when I should host this event and who I might ask to attend.

Lighting a candle, I pause to clear my head, collect my thoughts, and review my plan.

Simply stated, I want to have dinner with the 12 most influential people in my life.

I expect a few empty chairs, as some of my guests may be attending in spirit only. Others may miss the occasion, as I have long forgotten their names, but not their impact on me.

They say that we are a product of our environment. The person we become could be compared to a complex jig-saw puzzle where several key pieces might be interchangeable throughout our lives.

Some view us as being complete, while others sense the ongoing work in progress.

In reflecting upon the “whom” that I have become, the next question is “why” and perhaps “when” or “how”?

From whom did I learn of and witness kindness, fear, love, joy, hate, or intolerance? Who did I admire, and who did I most despise? From whom did I learn of equity and justice, and from whom did I acquire the tools to lie and cheat? Am I still evolving, or am I considered complete?

There will be twelve other souls, at this table, to share a meal and attempt to comprehend the “why” and “how”.

Some will be surprised that they were invited; a few won’t even recognize my name or face, while others will be upset upon their omission. Most will not even be aware that the event has taken place.

Why twelve, and not twenty?

Most measurements are based upon an agreed upon “standard” unit, whether it be a “foot’, a “meter”, or a “carat”. My measure of 12 others is based upon the standard which first comes to mind and that is referenced in the New Testament, and used for “number” only.

Will there be any family members, past or present on my list? What about former bosses, teammates, best friends, or teachers? Former neighbors, scout leaders, co-workers, school mates, roommates, mentors, and bullies, the possible population from which to select seems endless.

What about the passing stranger whose smile or nod gave me encouragement and lifted my spirits during some of my lowest moments? How about the store clerk who sold me the lottery ticket from which I won over $19,000?

A person who humiliates, or one who uplifts?

Would it be Dad, or Grandpa, Mom or Grandma? My good friends now or best friend from third grade? The boss who hired me or the one who let me go? Those who witnessed my failure or those with whom I celebrated success?

Should I include the elderly neighbor who encouraged the area children to pick her strawberries and excited a few of us as to the wonders of gardening? Would it be the man across the street who would drown his dog’s unexpected puppies? What about the bank teller who provided three bottles of Ripple wine to me and a friend when we were still underage?

Could it be someone who inspired me with their music, acting ability, photography, or writing skills? My driver’s education teacher who assisted me in gaining my passport to early freedom?

My daughter, my son, or both?

Good relationships, failed relationships, or missed relationships? Did your “ex” actually mold the “you” that attracted your current mate? Flirtations that never blossomed, but still cross your mind decades later? A face from an old yearbook that is strikingly real, but with a name that you have no memory of?

Once the list is narrowed down and compiled, will it change within 24 hours?

This gathering is not to worship, but to carefully examine the many fragmented pieces that helped create the puzzle that is me.

Maybe there will not be conversation, only the meeting of the eyes and an understanding as to the significance of their gift to me.

The supper has concluded, candles extinguished, guests departed, and I am left to ponder alone.

Is someone else, somewhere, planning a similar event, whereas I might be invited?


 

Author: Stucky

I'm right, you're wrong. Deal with it.

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kokoda
kokoda

Inspirational idea, and I like the thought of the empty chairs.

nkit
nkit

Good stuff Geo3..Send Stucky moar!

Unchecked
Unchecked

Is cool (and somewhat intense) to think about. Excellent mental challenge. I will probably be thinking about it for the next couple weeks.

geo3
geo3

Thanks for your kindness, enjoy the opportunity to shake the dust off my junk and share

Francis Marion

Cool piece. The sort of thing that makes you think and rethink.

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