My computer was out of commission for a while doing some picture updates (back ups, etc).. so I didn’t post over the long weekend. I’m bummed about that, but I have a short window here while the kids watch tv and the baby naps to blurt some things out. So on Memorial day, after thinking about everyone who has passed on, and a few tears shed during a song on the radio.. my oldest girl asked for a grilled cheese for lunch. I’ll admit it, I sighed. Heating up the house was not what I wanted to do. I’d have rather grilled. Or my hubby done it…Turns out we grilled on pretty much every day but Memorial day, but that’s beside the point. As I was slathering the bread with spread, cutting the cheese (cue fart joke) and watching it toast, it occurred to me that someday, she might be in the very same position.
She might be grilling her daughter cheese and not really want to. She might be craving grilled cheese while serving in the military, or being a ballerina, or author, or in college, or whatever. All of these things are possible. A few decades ago, women weren’t allowed to do certain things. Some things are still off limits, which is terribly unfair and makes me sad, of course. But I guess I’m in the ‘take what you can get’ camp right now. I know it will be better for my daughters than for me. I know for sure that you can’t have EVERYTHING you want. In fact, I’m not sure if getting everything you want is even good for you. But maybe, just maybe, having one thing that makes you truly happy is enough.
Many men AND women have trudged the hard path. They’ve endured insults, wars, threats, disrespect for their worth and on and on. Let’s face it, whether striving for world peace or social justice, encouraging change where it isn’t wanted is tough.
But for now, I’m certain she’ll find something to make her happy. It may not be EVERYTHING that makes her happy. But at least one thing. That and grilled cheese. Maybe, just maybe, she’ll think of me. How I went out of my way to pick up things she likes from the store. Making her favorite meals, snacks, and singing her a good morning song. All of these things happen because we’re free. We have a comfortable place to live. We have ‘enough’. We’re doing okay. She’s safe and has a chance for a happy life in her home growing up. For that, and so much more we are thankful.
