We’ve all been there.
Just trying to finish one sentence. Just trying to sweep the floor. Make the bed. Take five seconds to ourselves in the bathroom.
And there they are. Crying. Whining. Big tears filling their eyes and their tone.
It happened the other day. I was just trying to finish updates to a spreadsheet for work and there was Devona, tugging, wobbling the tray my laptop precariously sat on, crying. Surrounded by toys. Cradled in love.
It was irritating.
But I looked down at her. Her perfect little face. Her perfect little eyes were coated in saltwater. Her tiny fingers wrapped around the crease in my pants.
I picked her up. I hugged her tight. I told her how much I loved her and that everything would be okay. I picked up her Sweet Pea baby made it give her a million kisses. I closed my laptop. Just for ten minutes.
I’m not saying I always take the right path at the parental win fork in the road. But I realized right then how precious these tiny moments that seem so insignificant are. Maybe she wouldn’t have remembered this day, no matter my reaction. She’s still so young. I don’t have memories from that age.
But I am the person who sets the precedence for our relationship. I am the person who is building habits, just as much as she is.
Who do I want to be?
Who do I want to be to my daughter?
Sometimes work can’t wait.
But today it could. And I’m glad for it.
We had Mamaw’s brisket tonight. An outrageously simple recipe I serve with Ina Garten’s Mashed Potatoes and usually some kind of hearty green.
Have at it.
Mamaw’s Beef Brisket
Serves: 8-10
Ingredients
- 4 lb beef brisket
- 1/2 C water
- 1 bottle Heinz Chili Sauce
- 1 package onion soup mix (I use Lipton’s)
Instruments
- Roasting tray or pan
- Mixing bowl
- Stirrin’ spoon
- Foil
- Patience
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325 F/170 C/Gas Mark 3.
- Mix water, chili sauce, and soup mix together.
- Pat brisket and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place in lightly greased roasting tray.
- Pour chili sauce mixture evenly over brisket.
- Cover the pan with foil tightly and place on center rack of oven.
- Cook for approximately 5 hours.
Seat At The Table 