Big hug time?
I met my son at the car when he was dropped off from school. As we turned toward the front door, he said, When we get inside, mama. Not in public!
Not in public? I felt a pang. Big Hug Time has been our ritual since he started preschool — that warm squeeze and the “I missed you this morning” embrace. When did my six-year-old start feeling self-conscious about hugging his mom in front of others?
We crossed the threshold, and as soon as the door closed I got my big hug. Relief.
Then we settled in for lunch.
I sliced oranges to go with his sandwich — he likes it warm and just so. While nibbling a slice, I halved a few more oranges to use their sweet-tart juice for a dressing. I was craving something light, fresh and crunchy, and the neat radishes and feathery fennel looked irresistible.
On my plate I piled baby spinach and peppery arugula, then added thinly shaved fennel and radish for crunch. Scattered edamame added small pops of color and protein. I pressed and cubed tofu into bite-sized pieces and finished with a citrus dressing brightened by soy, sesame and sliced scallions. The result was a vibrant, balanced salad that felt like sunshine on a cloudy day.
I sat down with my Tofu Salad with Orange Dressing to join my son and noticed the morning fog lifting as the sun finally broke through.
Soon there will be fewer solo lunches with him; next fall he’ll be eating with friends in the cafeteria. I want to savor these small weekday dates while I can.
How was your morning? I asked. He said it was good. What was your favorite part of the day? I probed gently.
Big Hug Time, he replied.
My heart melted.