It's a tough day for me but after a chat with my father, I realize that it's a celebration. A celebration of the start of her life and subsequently mine, my brother's and in some way, my own childbren's.
My dad is spending the day making some of my mom's favorite foods. Barbecue ribs, meatball subs, asparagus. She was a healthy lady but definitely indulged and found great joy in food.
So I thank her today for passing onto me the delight she found in all things edible. It really is the center of most of my family gatherings. Ironically, I am terrible at making Chinese food but I make a damn fine turkey meatloaf. Growing up in a Chinese home, I often lamented the mundane white rice and vegetable dishes carefully prepared by my parents. I yearned for Salisbury steak and the pot roasts I assumed all my Caucasian classmates must be eating followed by homemade apple pie nightly.
I realize now, though, those homemade dinners around our small table were the heart of our family. My parents had a long day at the office and commuting to and from Manhattan, yet we always had a homecooked, healthy Chinese meal. A mom of two now with a sometimes crazed day, I can get dinner on the table maybe 3 times a week. Takeout is my buddy.
Meat was luxurious while veggies were a staple... and I guess that was what the allure of wings and hearty ribs held for my mom. The luxury of meat-heavy meals was one my mom didn't have growing up in Taiwan. My parents often speak of the delight they had getting a big chicken drumstick on their birthdays and I think how simple that joy must have been.
For you, mom, a meaty treat to celebrate you! She was never a fan of sweets or cake, so I will fittingly rejoice in her memory with an Atkins-heavy day.
Happy happy birthday mom.
Xo
M
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