When we lived in Europe, I searched high and low for an Antique English Oak Dining Table and 6 or 8 chairs.

There were none to be found.

Every flea market and resale store had 7 chairs or 5 chairs, but never 6 or 8 chairs.

As I kept searching, it never dawned on me to ask, “Why?”

Why aren’t there an even number of chairs?

That first summer, we took a bus tour of Munic, Germany.

A sweet older couple on the tour lost their wallet.

I immediately offered my cell phone (This was in 2001. ) Few of us had phones that would reach The USA for an insurance call, but thankfully, mine did.

Every flea market and resale store had 7 chairs or 5 chairs, but never 6 or 8 chairs.

After helping this sweet couple cancel their credit cards, they, in turn, wanted to help me.

The wife said, “Do you like antiques?”

That was like asking me if I like a good nights rest?

“Well, Yes, as a matter of fact, I love European Antiques.”

My newest hobby was waking up at 3 am to drive to France to the flea markets.

She continued to inform me that her husband is a retired Jag (Lawyer) and they own an old school house in Germany where they house antiques for sale.

We made an appointment and we toured her multiple rooms filled with beautiful European treasures. I wanted everything!

No One Ever Replaced the Father

She responded, “You probably won’t find one.” I pressed in and asked her , “Why.”

She responded, “The English used to burn the Father’s chair as a symbol of respect for him.” she continued, “No one ever ever replaced the Father.”

She is right. Now that I’ve lost my dad. No one will ever replace my dad. And it’s hard to see that chair and know that he will not be there at Thanksgiving or Christmas.

She called me a few months later and exclaimed, “I found a beautiful oak table with 6 chairs. Do you want it?”

“Yes for sure, I do”

I don’t know the story “why” this table had its original even number of chairs. Probably because the wife died first, but there were an even number of chairs that matched with this table and I knew that was rare.

Unfortunately, we lost that beautiful purchase in Hurricane Katrina in 2005. But I learned a valuable lesson in English History.