A thread.

As a waitress in a small mom and pop place, it has it’s usual Liars Table. The local guys, not all farmers, come and gather round, drinking coffee or hot tea. They talk about the norm...elections, prices, and usually gossip more than the ole biddies at the hair salon

Being here almost 19 years and living my life in this town, I know every single one of them, some better than others. But, then you get to know them. How they like their food cooked, what kind of jelly they like on their toast, and eventually, they give you the same hard time

Everyone else does. They become family. And as the years pass, the table changes. Everyone has their own assigned seat that’s unspoken. As with time, those seats get new people to occupy them. It’s so sad to think of all seating arrangements I’ve had through the years

Of all the regulars that have come and gone. Being a waitress is hard, but no one ever told me the hardest part would be seeing those you love to come in, will eventually not be here anymore. We all have our favorites, those we don’t really care for, and those that just stop in

Sometimes. But through the years, they’ve all left their mark on me in one way or another. And it’s not just the Liars Table that has its turn, there’s even the ladies table that has its turn of losses and new seats. And then there’s even certain tables that certain couples like

I’ve seen them all, come and go. Some people say waitressing isn’t a “real job”. No benefits, no retirement. But I simply cannot imagine doing anything else. And as a new week starts, in a new year, I’m reminded that these tables and chairs will be seeing familiar faces and new

Ones as well. I’m looking forward to getting to know them as well as the regulars, but it’s the original ones that break your heart when their seat is left empty. And you never forget where the originals sat, what they drank, and how they liked their eggs