The 419th Friday
On Friday, June 24, the Richmond house was filled with life. Every space was alive with chatter and overflowing with love and grace. This would be the final of 419 Fridays spent gathered in our space here at Grace's Table.
It was absolutely beautiful to have graduates and current mamas around the table. And by around the table, we mean on any and all surface space in the Richmond House. The house was overflowing with love, community, and memories.
8 years ago, on a cold winter night, the very first Around the Table gathering was hosted at the Richmond House. Shae and her kiddo were the only ones in attendance, but Shae was able to meet Lisa and bond about motherhood over a bowl of spaghetti. The first night ever of Around the Table might have been small and simple, but it would become the foundation for Grace’s Table.
This 419th Friday was spent gathering together as a community of teen mamas and their kids. We reminisced on the lasting memories that had been made at Grace's Table. Our mamas shared some of their favorite moments: everything from burnt garlic bread at dinner to deep, heartfelt conversations that had occurred between the mamas.
"Family, love, and motherhood," one mama wrote when asked what she loved most about her Fridays at Grace’s Table. Others' responses echoed the same themes. Support, community, and acceptance were abundant throughout our Fridays at Grace’s Table.
We were overjoyed that Shae and her family were able to join us, and as we reminisced she shared what Grace’s Table has meant to her.
I am so grateful our paths crossed all those years ago. You were definitely a beacon of light in a very dark time for me.
You walked alongside me and Jai without judgment or pretense at a time in my life that was truly uncertain.
There aren’t enough words to express how thankful I truly am for Grace’s Table.
The celebration of the 419th Friday marks a bitter-sweet turning point for Grace’s Table. While we continue to welcome Teen Mamas and their kiddos around our table, we will no longer be gathering on Friday nights. As we take the next steps and continue to grow, we are excited for what the next chapter has in store!
