The Magic of Orange Cinnamon Rolls

I’ve heard it said that it’s impossible to be 100% sure of something. I respectfully disagree.

In this world, there are two unalienable beliefs on which I stand and on which I will always stand:

1). My parents love and will always love my sisters and me.

2). There is and will always be a canister of Pillsbury Orange Sweet Rolls in our family refrigerator on the second shelf from the bottom, on the right-hand side.

I believe in a lot: I believe in Bach’s cello suites, the necessity of communication and being alone, the inherent goodness of the human soul, the beauty of jazz music, the importance of nighttime bike rides, the infinite value of a good hug, the inarticulable, Apple computers, the Dalai Lama, and the smell of love.

But above these, and above all else, I believe in the Magic of Orange Cinnamon Rolls.

Like all that is good and mysterious, the source of magic from our Orange Cinnamon Rolls is unclear. It probably lies in the fact that my parents have been making them for as long as I can remember. There’s something special about the fact that even though I have been constantly growing for the past 16 years, I can still sit down and enjoy a food that I enjoyed when I was a baby. All in all, Orange Cinnamon Rolls are magic because they remind me so much of my family.

As I take an unfrosted roll out of the toaster oven, I lose myself to thoughts of the similarities between my Dad and me: We are tall. We know how to stay silent when best. We are logical, enjoy math, and get frustrated easily when we aren’t able to do it ourselves. The bland, frosting-less roll reminds me of the base on which I am built, the strong, honest core that makes me who I am.

Moving to frost the roll, I think of my Mom and how much we share: We look very much alike. We have the same eyes. We both thrive on discussion and communication. We enjoy serving others more than being served ourselves. Our gifts are musical, linguistic, and grammatical. As I put the frosting on my roll, giving it flavor and character, I remember how much my mother has given me, and am thankful.

Eating an Orange Cinnamon Roll restores my place in the world and in our family. Son, brother and friend all align to show me paradise: our family dining table. It is there that I am accepted as I am and loved unconditionally for it. In a way, this dining table is a place of communion- where we all join together to celebrate life and all its mysteries.

These magical Orange Cinnamon Roles have taught me so much, but most significantly, the importance of family. Our rolls have been eaten by friends, by family, and by animals alike. They are a sugary representation of our family- always outstretching, caring, and warm.

Todo para la familia. This I believe.