Friday, January 4, 2008

What's for Lunch?

Opa invited us to have lunch with them yesterday. The menu: Sauerkraut with boiled pork and spareribs with a side dish of mashed potatoes. He knows we love to eat this German specialty; and of course I immediately said yes.

Food, as always, is good. Even the kids had at least three servings each, I did, too! And yes, this year, I resolved to visit oma and opa at least once a week, with the kids or not. It is a part of my health regiment, to walk the long way home; plus I also wanted to spend time with them.

You see, my parents are 8,000 miles away from me. And I could hear the longing whenever I talk to them over the phone; that longing is both ways, mind you. More times than not, I could also hear myself longing for them. Since I have my in laws here with me, I am curving that longing for home by finding someone to share some comfort time with. I think I am right in target, right?

Anyway, what made that visit extraordinary was a glimpse of MC's sensitive thoughts. After washing the dishes with opa while the oma played with the girls; opa declared that he's going to check his vegetable and fruit garden in the mountain. Now that day was windy and cold and there were frozen ice on the road.

MC insisted on watching the opa while he dressed up. And then she came to me seemingly disturbed. I immediately asked her what's wrong; she simply shook her head with tears on her eyes. And then opa came showing off his newly bought snow boots and said his goodbyes.

That was when I realized what's wrong: She was worried that opa would be driving his motorbike up in the mountain (he does that in summer) when it is too slippery outside. She was almost crying when I reassured her that opa would not be driving. I pushed her to look outside, where opa had his walking stick and a basket, waving goodbye, on his way up the mountain.

Oh, my MC. She explained to me that she knows it is dangerous when opa drives with his motorbike up in the mountain in winter. I told her that opa knows that, too. I am sure the opa would appreciate her concern. And I am am so proud of her for having that kind of sensitivity at such a young age.

So I guess, I had better bring the kids with me everytime I visit oma and opa. They needed that kind of loving.

11 comments:

ScroochChronicles said...

Ang bait naman ni MC. At such a young age, she is already showing such compassion :)

Vk-mahalkaayo said...

yes, raqgold, totoo yon, pag they are always with oma n opa, mafeel nila ang closeness nila sa kaning opa n oma.

wow, sauerkraut, favo din namin yan, kaming lahat dito, esp, when oma invited us too to have lunch with her, kasi loto daw nya sauerkraut with schweinebauch...

alam mo sa akin, tawa sila, kasi anstatt kartofel brei, rice sa akin, mas masarap pa sa akin, nasubukan mo?, subukan mo, diba parang sa atin na ginisang repolyo ang taste....lol

thanks for sharing your post....

Jan said...

she's so sweet, caring and thoughtful. i would be proud too. :)

raqgold said...

cookie - you are so right :D

vicki - hahaha, you eat sauerkraut with rice? hindi ko pa na try yon ah. kanina yan ulit ulam namin. next time nga, makapag rice din :D

janet - she's got a good heart, my MC!

lovelyn said...

Lucky for you to have your in laws that near and also being in good terms with them.

Daisy said...

How wonderful to know that she is so sensitive and caring -- and that she loves her grandparents so much, too.

raqgold said...

lovelyn - i am lucky, right? and i am thankful for that too :D

daisy - it is really wonderful when the kids could already show and express their love in a powerful way.

Christianne said...

Like the other moms commented, MC is so thoughtful and sweet, and obviously loves her opa very much. You're lucky you're on such good terms with your parents-in-law and that they live within walking distance :)

raqgold said...

christianne - i am lucky talaga :D

haze said...

Hey I love this one, a very heavy meal ! The French version is choucroute, I wanted to learn how to cook this one but seems very difficult recipe! Good to know you have a good relations with them...it's rare therefore they are precious :D !

raqgold said...

haze, we buy them pre cooked na. and i havent tried cooking it kahit na pre cooked. baka masira pa. :D