Dallas Grace: Luscious Interiors are Just Icing

I spent a remarkable Valentine’s Day with two women who have recently lost their husbands (mine was with clients in Columbus…). It served to remind me that even in the most beautifully decorated homes, the crown jewel is always the family.
As an ex-pat Yank, I am frequently surprised by the genuine grace and generosity found in Dallas homes. (Not that we northerners are so uncouth, we were just raised to be ultra private and reserved about family matters…).
Albeit often upstaged by truly spectacular interior surroundings and all the glittery trappings money can buy, when the the chips are down at the homestead, its the spirit in Dallas that is the real show stopper.
My day went something like this: early am phone call to receive marching orders for receiving gifts, greeting guests and general house duty (at the home of my friend who lost her husband Tuesday evening). From replanting her front flower beds to cleaning out her refrigerator…there was not a detail left undone. The reception, obituary, meals, service, airport transportation and accommodations were arranged before lunch. My friend is able to be with her daughters and truly grieve. She put her head on my shoulder late afternoon, looked around the room at all of her spectacular art, antiques and precious belongings and said, “I could live the rest of my life without all of this. But not without all of these incredible people.” Amen.
I left there and joined another friend whose husband passed away in November. Our daughters made and served us burnt chicken, under cooked potatoes and really bad beans. I have never been so grateful.