This past Saturday afternoon we spent time moving through ordinary tasks. Folding laundry, paying bills, and general clean-up took most of the day. This routine is something I usually cherish. As my husband and I finished our tasks, we talked about fixing a late afternoon snack.
Our daughter overheard our conversation. Within a span of a few minutes, we heard the rustle of the bag sheltering the bread and the refrigerator opening. I asked my daughter what she was doing in the kitchen, but she said, “I am just checking on something.” As soon as she finished her sentence, the clang of metal hits the sink. My husband and I both start to wonder what she was really doing, but neither one of us made any movement toward her direction.
The next sound we hear are the thump-thump of her feet. She hasn’t quite mastered inside voice or soft feet yet so we always know she is about the make an entry or exit. In her hands, she had a paper plate and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Â She said, “I know you were both hungry, so I made a sandwich.” Her gap-filled grin and the echo of pride in her voice choked me up. The unprompted simple gesture caused me to turn my head away from her and wipe away some tears. “Thank you honey. That was so sweet of you.” We both swallowed her with hugs and kisses, while emphasizing that she “cooked” for us for the first time.
So uncomplicated. So simple. And yet so fulfilling. It made me think about how as adults we tend to overcomplicate areas of our own life. What happened to taking the simple approach? What changes as we “grow up”? I am not certain there is a satisfying answer to these questions. But I know there is no mistaking how I filled up inside by something so unlikely. There are, I am certain, so many of these moments in all of our lives. My daughter’s gesture reminded me that I need to be aware of the vastness and grandeur of simplicity.
Image by {N} Duran
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
The simple sweetness of this gesture warms my heart.
SuziCate recently posted..Loose Tooth
Oh, those simple gestures – they’re just the best, aren’t they?
I recall a few instances when I was tired or not feeling well, and one of my boys – still young – did something sweet like that. Made a sandwich, or tucked me in, or some other show of love. Those are the moments that stay with us forever.
Love this post.
BigLittleWolf recently posted..Trust Fund
Sweet and precious. She is a beautiful girl with a beautiful soul!
ayala recently posted..Happy 26th Birthday, Josh
Not only is this lovely, but it is universal—we want to help, to participate, to give. This tells me that you have given your girl a most precious gift: secure attachment and the confidence that she can give to you. Girls’ brains may grasp this a tad earlier than boys (things are starting to click for me in my fifties), but all I know is my boys are fifteen and seventeen and I love them to pieces but I’m still waiting on a peanut butter sandwich. Then again we had to teach my father-in-law how to make an egg at 87 when my mother-in-law was in hospital… so at least he died knowing one useful thing. PB & Js for everyone!
Privilege of Parenting recently posted..The Case for More Social Support for Pregnant and New Moms (and Dads)
So, so, SO adorable! My son recently made me breakfast (toast with cream cheese and jam and a glass of OJ) and he was so proud of himself. These are the moments when we know we’re doing something right.
Jane recently posted..Jane Jonesing Jeans. Suffers Sticker Shock.
I sometimes think we overlook how important it is to raise thoughtful, polite children. I love that not only did she want to do a nice thing for you, she wanted it to be a surprise. What a lovely gesture, and yes, what more can we ask for? Some of my favorite moments of parenthood are when O unprompted says “please” or “thank you” or does something kind.
Alisa@Keep Calm and Have a Cupcake recently posted..Looking Back: Goodbye 2011
These simple, thoughful gestures are always my favorite. I love that she did this for you.
Tiffany recently posted..Every Woman Should Watch What Not to Wear
Hi! I’m visiting from SITS! What a sweet story about your daughter! It truly is the little things that mean the most.
April recently posted..Time For Wednesday Hodgepodge!
So delicious, your words and that sandwich. And it’s good to know there are other people’s kids out there who haven’t yet mastered the quiet voice or the soft feet. =>
Stacia recently posted..Magic Marks
You have an amazing little girl there.
C @ Kid Things recently posted..While You Were Sleeping
Oh – what a sweetheart. You must be so proud.
It’s amazing to me how caring she is at such a young age. At the engagement this weekend, Nandini was keeping me company at the dj table and saw that I was staring at the cake (as I tend do when there is a dessert anywhere in my peripheral view). She asked if I wanted some and even helped me cut a piece and put it on my plate!
Furthermore, she had a huge smile on her face afterwards; I can tell she gets great joy out of helping others.
You and Ashish have done an awesome job raising Nandini so far, she’s a really sweet kid!