It had been 4 years since the family shared food with each other. Marriages, moving, and differences of opinion had driven them in their own separate ways. Lenny moved to New York with his wife, Michelle and their triplet daughters: May, June and August. Dad stayed in the old home because "the memories made him smile", even though keeping up the house was hard to do for 1 person. John moved to the other side of town with his wife Jan and their 2 teenage boys who were always on their phones. Diane, the oldest daughter, lived 4 houses away from Dad so she could have her privacy, yet be close enough to help him when he called. 

Diane made the phone calls and pulled everyone together for the picnic in the park near the trees. Everybody was there. Everybody.

Burgers hot off of the grill were the main course. Dad said a quick prayer when everybody sat down to eat. After the group ate, they played checkers, threw the football, and sang off key. John played on the guitar that Mom and Dad bought for him 30 years ago for his 16th birthday. Shawn had a beautiful singing voice and nearby people came by to listen.

"Those burgers were the best I've ever had," Dad said as he motioned to Lenny. Lenny smiled as he seasoned the last 2 burgers. "Special seasoning", Lenny said as his eyes filled with tears. Lenny sat down on the bench of the picnic table and looked away from his family, hiding his crying eyes.

Dad walked over and put his arm around his son. "4 years is too long," said Dad so that everybody could hear. May, June and August, walked over and took turns hugging Grandpa. Christian, 14 and 17 year old Eundre walked over to the table where the entire family was now standing around to the man called Dad or Grandpa.

"Can you still throw a football real hard, Grandpa?", said Eundre as he tossed the football into the weathered hands of the loved man. "Yep, Eundre. I can still throw real hard. But, the ball doesn't go as fast... or far". Everybody smiled. The man with the salt and pepper receding hair looked at his oldest son. "Lenny, this special seasoning that you used - what's it called, Son?". "Love, Dad. Love... available everywhere. It makes everything better".