“If you can’t be happy at the prospect of lunch, you are unlikely to be happy about anything”
Robert Johnson
When I was in elementary school, lunch time was one of the most exciting parts of the day for me because of two reasons: I get to eat and I’d see my Mom!
In my city, Iloilo, it is quite common for parents or guardians to bring kids their lunch and accompany them to eat (which may consist of parents staring intently into their child’s eyes forcing them to swallow the vegetables they have prepared, or else!)
Packed lunch wasn’t a thing til we reached fourth grade!
Fosters close family ties? Limits early independence? You answer.
I felt blessed since some of my classmates had to wait for so long before their parents appeared at the school’s corridor. My mom was always early to arrive already clutching a home cooked meal she carefully tucked inside a blue tote bag. She’d wait at the school’s lobby even before the lunch bell rang. On special occasions or when we had enough money, she’d take my brother and I to our favorite fast food chain; or sometimes to the cozy restaurant beside our school.
Seeing my Mom every lunch break was like running to a safe refuge. With just a hug, my worries were washed away and replaced with safety and happiness.
It wasn’t always that way though. There were times I didn’t like my lunch or a classmate would make fun of my meal. I’d feel anger bubble up inside of my little heart until the lump in my throat formed and tiny tears around my eyes shone like the river. Those were the bad times.
Even worse was when my Mom got sick and my cousins were the ones to bring me lunch. I disliked it with all my being. My day in school wasn’t complete without a hug from my Mom during lunch break.
I’m a woman now. (feels weird to say that!) Childhood days are over. Times have changed but I still get excited about lunch! Thankfully it hasn’t changed that my Mother is still my safe refuge. And a day isn’t complete without a hug from her. Even when we fight, I can’t leave the house without hugging her.
Interestingly even at a young age, in school, I was in the know of the parents’ business because I was a very good listener. While I munched and chewed, the parents would chat. That was one of my favorite moments too. I loved eavesdropping to their conversations or at times, gossip.
It wasn’t always gossip though, once in a while I’d glean health tips and beauty tips too!
As for the gossip or ”chismis” as we call it here in the Philippines, adults thought I couldn’t comprehend and maybe I didn’t truly understand at that time. But I always stored their conversations at the back of my mind like little puzzle pieces that I’d connect to their next stories.
Thanks to the precious lunch break moments, I learned how to listen well.
What is the point in sharing this you might ask. I don’t have an answer other than to tell a story, to look back and to reflect.
Life is rich and full of treasures. If only we open our eyes, ears and most importantly our hearts.
I don’t know about everyone else, but I really loved lunch and recess because it was an opportunity to get carried away with your imagination
Dichen Lachman
Life With Rachel 