After pushing back his plate, Dad wondered why we can’t have turkey more often. After cooking for three days straight, I had to restrain myself. EARLIER THIS WEEK I took note of two plants in our bedroom, seemingly suffocating from a thick layer of dust. Armed with a damp cloth, I took the time to clean each individual leaf.
Of course, if all that was required to make an adequate meal was to plop the big bird in the oven, that would be one thing. But without the multiple side dishes, stuffing and gravy, turkey would come down a notch in my estimation.
So, I’m happy to keep the Thanksgiving Day meal on its pedestal, and let the deli provide sliced turkey for sandwiches. Besides, it’ll take a good while for me to drum up the energy for another cooking marathon.
The repetitiveness of the task caused my mind to Zen out as I delicately wiped each petal of an old jade plant, now the size of a small tree.
Its looks are deceiving. The thick trunk and leaves are surprising sensitive. The slightest provocation will cause a leaf to fall off.
It prefers to go without water until its last gasp, and then only a sprinkling will do. Too much moisture and its limbs begin to shrivel.
I imagined the plant’s thankfulness for the preening. Its luster returned to a deep green and I could practically see it taking a deep breath thanks to its unclogged pores.
All we need is a little care, they seemed to say. And I thought, yes, I should take the time more often to do such a simple task.
It was a good way to start Thanksgiving week.
After a sampling of pie Thursday night — two bites at most — the grandkids took Brian into the living room to “play house.” Which turned into war. Much more fun. The kids let loose shrieks of laughter bordering on hysteria as he acted as a deranged maniac.
I’m not sure about Lynna and Evan — every day’s a play day for them — but that 30 minutes of rough-housing did Brian a world of good. Connecting. Loving. Showing younger generations you are interested in their worlds, and if they’ll let you, want to be a part of their lives.
Cooking, playing, sharing intimate thoughts, or just being there, all made for a most satisfactory day. No, every day can’t be spent in such ways.
But, like my rescued plants, little acts of kindness also go a long ways.
Mindless task gave useful insight
