Power of Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

 

As teenagers, my sisters and I had friends over most Sunday evenings. After awhile we didn’t have to invite them because they knew there was an open door policy. Our parents approved and encouraged it.

These gatherings were relaxing, enjoyable, and unpredictable. They came to eat, watch TV, visit, or play games. The menu was always the same: grilled cheese sandwiches and hot chocolate. Those who didn’t like grilled cheese learned to like it or went without. I am aware of only one person who didn’t like the sandwiches but he learned to enjoy them and he eventually married my sister.

Our friends knew they were welcome, they could be themselves, and they could speak openly and honestly. They could joke with our parents or have a serious conversation. They laughed when my Dad teased them and listened when he gave advice.

Reminiscing about these activities made me realize the sacrifices my parents made as they opened their home every Sunday for our friends. We were not wealthy; in fact, we were far from it, but every Sunday night they provided love, friendship, and a safe haven for our friends and us. Looking back I realize that we really were wealthy in the things that mattered most.

My parents were rich in patience, tolerance, friendliness, welcoming all, accepting and loving, being non-judgmental, and creating warmth within the home. As I think about these Sunday night get-togethers I realize that my parents were teaching us these resiliency skills through their example.

They could have tried to talk to us about these skills as we ate dinner but they had a better way. And now you know why, in my life, grilled cheese sandwiches truly are a power food.

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