Dinner for 9

We had 9 at our table last night. Chicken and rice was served.
The toddler did not want to eat anything he could not put in his mouth himself.
The 14 year old ate some of the chocolate praline cake for his mother's sake, but will not eat it again. It has nuts.
The 17 year old and her boyfriend ate and ran. They had a play to catch.
The 21 year old and her mate enjoyed the conversation, ran after the toddler and helped with dishes.
The forty-something man at our table sat and talked with all of us, most especially with his father.
My husband talked and listened and sometimes was just speechless. Something he thought might never happened was and has the very bright potential of happening again. Even if it were to be just the one time, it would be enough.
Time has a funny way. Speeds up, slows down, never just enough....
Last night, I think it might have stood still just a little for my husband. In a very good way.