When Capt. Smiley announces an upcoming deployment his sons express that they will miss him at their family dinners. Thinking of his empty chair at the table he suggests they invite friends or neighbors to dinner. One son replies \\\"may i invite my teacher\\\"? So begins this heartwarming account how the Smiley\\\'s; a military family spend the year in a creative manner inviting political figures, athletes, teachers, and others they want to learn more about to share simple meals and end up enriched by their experiences. Sarah\\\'s recounting of the challenges she faced not only that of military wife but working mother who is finishing her master\\\'s degree as well. Reading this touched me deeply as a member of two military families I could relate to the story in many ways.

Just like the Smiley\\\'s I really looked forward to who would be their next dinner guest in this heart warming story. Keep your tissues handy.