I Believe in Thanking Parents

I Believe in Thanking Parents

As a teenager there were lots of things I wasn’t aware of like taxes and the essence of time; one of those things was also all the work my mother did around the house, plus the things she did for her full time job. What really struck me was how she always gave 100% in all her duties at work and home. I was amazed and realized how hard it must be to work until five and have dinner on the table before everyone got cranky with hunger. Then one day she bestowed on me the responsibility of making dinner. What a shock it was when she told me that I wouldn’t only be cooking for our family, but for some guests as well. I wasn’t given a meal plan or very specific instructions. I was simply told to make whatever I knew how to make and do it well.

As I sat in the kitchen, I contemplated about all the different things that I’d watch my mom make over the years. I picked out three of my favorite items and set to work; I made some Mexican rice, salsa, and my favorite dish enchiladas. Everything turned out just delicious. The spicy fragrance of the salsa almost knocked me into another world. The rice on the plate looked soft and moist made to perfection next to the equally fresh, slightly crispy enchiladas. I was so proud of myself and the fact that I remembered how to make it all without any assistance. But did I really do it without anyone’s help? I realized that my mom had been preparing me throughout all my childhood for a moment like this. When she got home, the surprise in her face was legendary when she saw not only the meal I made, but also how big of a mess the kitchen was. There was cheese all over the counter, spices hovering in the air, and bits and pieces of random vegetables.

Through many situations like this one, I can now cook a variety of meals and desserts. I thank my dear mother every time I sit down to eat a meal prepared from one of her recipes. Especially now that I’m away from home I really appreciate my mom teaching me how and whenever she asks what I’ve been eating lately. I reply, “That good stuff some crazy lady used to make for me”. We get a good laugh out of it and then I tell her that I really do cook good healthy food and I thank her for all she is. I believe parents just want to be shown appreciation or any kind of gratitude for all they do for their children. When I show my parents how thankful I am for all their efforts in raising me right, I can see their eyes sparkle with joy. Seeing that joy in them brings me comfort.