FROM: TB, St. Cloud, FL
One of the traditions that holds a treasure chest of memories in our family is "The Red Plate". For years, it has been used at our table when one of us had a milestone moment. Birthdays, first day of school, first date, anniversaries, weddings, competitions, tournaments, "just because" times:...the list of reasons to celebrate each other is endless.

Recently, when we attended my son's White Coat Ceremony at the University of South Florida College of Medicine, I once again brought out "The Red Plate." Feeling this was truly a landmark day in his life, we planned to celebrate at his favorite restaurant that evening. I privately arranged with the server to bring Adrian's choice of entre on our family's red plate. His reaction was one that I will long hold close in that secret place where mothers keep their most precious possessions.

His eyes lit up and he paused as if wondering why this server was putting his dinner in front of him on a "red plate." Then he beamed me a million watt smile and said to the server, "This is a long-standing tradition in our family. I can't believe my mom brought this plate all the way to Tampa for me!" The look we exchanged at that moment was priceless. He then remarked, "Mom, you know you've got to leave this plate to me when you're gone; it is a part of me." During the meal that followed, we talked about this piece of china that had been central to so many important days in our lives. Adrian asked me when and where I had gotten the plate. I couldn't remember many of the specifics - only a beautiful blur of warm pictures pressed between the pages of my mind. My heart only knew it was thankful for the myriad of memories centered around that round red dish.

Missionary Life Events

FROM: JH, Flowood, MS
Being far from home serving as missionaries, we enjoy using our Red Plate for many occasions! Not only when our family celebrates birthdays, anniversaries, graduations or difficult days but when single friends serving alongside us have no one to celebrate their special events with, we carry our Red Plate to their homes or use the Red Plate for their place at our table when they celebrate with us. The Red Plate always brings a big smile to every one who has the honor of using it! Thank you for a very special plate!

Turn Around A Terribly Horrid Day

FROM: DG, Mount Holly, NJ
We received the red plate as a wedding gift. I hadn't heard of it before this, but I thought it was the greatest gift. My fondest memory of using the plate is one of the once-in-a-blue-moon times my husband has cooked dinner for me. I came home from work after a terribly horrid day, and dinner was waiting. When I saw my dinner was neatly arranged on the red plate, it made everything better. It just calmed me, and really made me forget about my horrible day and I took a seat and enjoyed my meal. So it really isn't just for birthdays, anniversaries, etc. this plate can do some major cheering up! I am currently pregnant with our first, and I can't wait until she is old enough to be able to feel special by eating off the plate! I now buy one for every wedding we attend!