All sorts of thoughts may come to mind when you read this title? But where I am going with this theme you would never have guessed.
If you live on your own, either by choice or circumstances what would you list as being one of the difficult things that you cope with?
I know as a priest it can be difficult or awkward to be at an occasion where there are table settings and you have to choose where you are to sit; where do you go?
Sometimes it’s easier to go to the head of the table because the chair is on its own.
I was at a dinner last night where the guests were all priests. I smiled to myself when I noticed that at the four round tables there were nine chairs at each.
I said to a couple of other priests you would not find this too often. I explained to them why.
So what’s unusual about that?
If you go to a function, in most cases the tables will be set for four, six, eight or maybe ten people. If you are on your own it is difficult to sit at a table and leave an empty seat. Or you try and find another ‘single’ to sit with you! Not an easy situation.
I have found this the case when I have been on holidays with groups.
When you present yourself at breakfast or the dining area – the majority of diners will be in couples.
It is not easy for many people, either they are shy or it is just straight out awkward to present yourself on your own.
A friend of mine who is now on her own, nearly broke down at a function because this was the case. It is hard enough for people who have lost their life-long partner to face these situations of attending alone without the further embarrassment of sitting alone with an empty seat or just changing the dynamics of the table of not being all couples.
Of course it is much easier to change the dynamics of the seating arrangements if you have circular tables.
So if you are attending a function and the tables are arranged in ‘evens’ find someone on their own and ask them to join your table and if there is no one else then remove the empty chair. And for that person you may have removed the sadness, the ghost of memories and that person can enjoy the occasion and be very grateful for your kindness and compassion.
Fr Michael Morley
Parish Priest Tatura
