A Treasured Gift From A Child

            One of my grandies has developed his own standards for enjoying the greatest happiness in life.  At six years old, there are several areas of Do's and Don'ts, as far as he's concerned.  For instance, sitting still is a definite No-No, but if he wants cake an' milk for breakfast, his talent for debate is quickly displayed.

            One practice he developed seems to have arrived at the time he was born. This particular conviction has been somethin' of a problem because there could be some very long-term negative repercussions to his decision.

            Fortunately for Grandie Boy, his daddy loves a good debate. It's interesting to watch as the two banter back an' forth, each seemingly a master with words. I love it that their battle of words can be so convincing, yet never lose the sense of love an' caring. Both my son (Grandie Boy's daddy) an' Grandie Boy treat such events as just another game.

            I'm sure by now, you must be wondering what it is that can cause so much discussion. Vegetables. That's what Grandie Boy fights so hard against. According to him, there are no edible vegetables. Well, unless you count French Fries. To him, the thought of allowing somethin' so vile to touch his tongue is nuthin' short of certain death. Naturally, Daddy constantly seeks new ways to include veggies as a delicious an' appealing food.

            Enter, Asparagus! According to Grandie Boy, only cows eat grass an' he ain't a cow. Since asparagus looks so much like Cow-Food (Grandie Boy's own pet name), he has developed many discussions against this particular food.

            Until last week, that is. At long last, Daddy found the ideal way to prepare this most despised food. Now, before I tell you how it was cooked, you need to remember that some lessons are learned by means of small steps. Admittedly, the preparation was not the most healthful way to eat a vegetable, but since it was the first time that Grandie Boy was willing to try asparagus, perhaps the preparation can be overlooked this time.

            As expected, when one bite of this new food was placed on Grandie Boy's plate, his natural reaction was suspicion. However, since it had been rolled in flour an' looked like a French Fry, he allowed it to stay. Daddy told him he din't hafta' like it, but he did hafta' try it. With more interest than he had ever shown before, Grandie Boy lifted the spear of fried asparagus between two fingers an' slipped the whole thing into his mouth.  Daddy waited for the reaction an' when there was none, he placed another section of fried asparagus on the plate.

            Grandie Boy picked it up an' took a bite. It was at this point that the child stated his true feelings; words every parent wants to hear. "You know, Daddy, I think I could learn to like vegetables."

            As gifts go, those words were among the best offering ever presented by a child to his parent.

            Until the next time, keep a hug on.

    

 ~ Yaya