As we settle in around the dinner table, my thoughts wander back to our lunchtime conversation.
“Now remember what we talked about today, Seneca. You’ll have a little bit of chicken, a little bit of vegetables, and stuffing.”
“Mm-kay,” she says in a way that’s clearly more out of habit than true intent to follow through.
Calder leads us through a new prayer, and we steal secret smiles across our folded hands both sharing the same thought – When did he get so big?
We talk and share about our day –
– Seneca’s drumming debut as part of Miss Molly’s Pots and Pans Band.
– Calder’s scraped finger and yellow crayon band-aid.
– Dad’s long day of giving (and grading) tests.
– Mom’s worries about work.
We eat. After frantic forkfuls, her first helping of stuffing is gone. “Can I have more of that?” she asks pointing to the stuffing on my plate.
“If you eat a small bit of chicken you can.” To make it seem more special, I help her as a big girl, cut her chicken into microscopic pieces. She waits. She sneaks a bite of stuffing she’d missed on her plate.
“Hey, I have an idea. How about a little bite of stuffing and chicken?” We give it a try.
Baby steps.
I would have been pleased to call the chicken and stuffing consumed a resounding dinner success. So imagine my surprise when we actually managed to get a kernel of corn and solitary pea into the stuffing mix as well.
Looks like I’ll spend some time over break searching for amazing casserole recipes! 🙂
This post was written as part of a monthly challenge sponsored by Two Writing Teachers, to encourage writing and community. The goal is to write a Slice of Life entry each day throughout the month of March.
Sorry I haven’t gotten to all the students; just ran out of time. I enjoyed your dinner celebration described-baby steps is certainly the way it goes. Best wishes!
I congratulate you on writing slices and having student slicers. You are a true mentor.
My daughter goes through this ritual every night. Ours was more simple: two bits of everything before you were able to get down. And even then, mercy entered into the picture more often than not. Eating is tough for kids, and I applaud your daughter’s success!
Happy writing–see you next year!