The Family’s Generational Coffee Table
A table’s purposeful life
The coffee table was bought for my Grandma Anna’s apartment. Sadly, she spent a short time there before she moved to a nursing home. The table was light brown and glossy. It had two drawers and carved legs. There was a carved border around the top. It was not an antique or an expensive table. It matched the other furniture in her small home. She kept it uncluttered and well-polished.
When Grandma moved from her apartment to a nursing home all her furniture moved to my mother’s basement. The furniture now had lots of company. There were lamps, glasses, boxes, and old clothing. I imagine the coffee table felt useful. There were always boxes on it.
The next time the coffee table was called into service was by my son. When he came home from college he moved into a studio apartment in the city. He needed the table and did not care if it was not new or used. We went to his apartment many times. The table was always covered with books, magazines, electronics, and take-out food. It was well used if not well seen.
The next change was personal for him. His girlfriend, soon to be his wife, moved in with him. There were now different books and healthier foods on the table. It was showing signs of age. Then they moved to a larger apartment, a baby was coming, they needed more space.
They glued the loose legs and polished the scratches on the old table. Soon the table held baby pacifiers, wash clothes, and baby books. When the baby girl was learning to walk, she used the table for balance. I like to think the table helped her to take her first steps.
One day my son called and said, “It’s time to get rid of the coffee table. It’s falling apart, do you want it back?” My heart said yes, but my own basement was stuffed with precious junk, I had to say no. How can I get rid of that table?
In the city everything finds a home. I received a call from my niece, the editor of a home and garden magazine. She calls me when they need a specific old-looking piece for a shoot. My most treasured items are my mother’s and mother-in-law’s antiques that I inherited.
In the past, it has been picture frames or religious items. She was shooting a scene of before and after, refinishing furniture. Did I have something that looked old, but could be refinished? The table lived on. When it was done, it was now white with pastel flowers. I asked my niece to find it a good home. I like to think she did.
The coffee table served the family for many many years, five generations. It was useful and appreciated. What more can you wish for a table, or for a life, other than accomplishment, appreciation, and need? Goodbye from all of us, and thank you.
Judy Haratz Cohen — The Narrative Arc — A personal essay
