I started implementing weekly menus into our family life back in February 2020, soon after my grandmother passed away. During her eulogy, my uncle, the youngest of 5 kids, spoke about how my grandmother used to post a menu on the fridge every week, even when most of the kids had moved out and he was the only one still at home. This menu was not only something to help with the meal planning each week, but it also served as an invitation. Any friend of the family was welcome to join any night of the week, and my uncle spoke about how friends would often stop by, go straight to the fridge, and say “Mrs. Messina! I’m coming on Thursday for dinner!” and she would make sure she set the table with extra seats to accommodate anyone who was able to join. So, in honor of my beautiful Gramma, I continue the Weekly Menu tradition, and there will always be an extra seat at the table for anyone who can join.