The Most Important Meal of the Day

Perfect, fragile moments always make me nervous. By “perfect, fragile moments,” I mean those rare fragments of time when calm and comfort wash across the canvas in generous strokes, a great juxtaposition to the chaotic pace we all seem to hum along to.  

I had breakfast with my parents this weekend and was overwhelmed by this seemingly backward response to such an idyllic moment. We were surrounded by filled tables, others who were likewise experiencing this phenomenon. The all-consuming morning sun seeped through the thick glass windows, illuminating our simple morning gesture, the humble shared meal, with a “frozen-in-time” feeling. When perfect moments like this occur, the thought of them slipping away almost hurts more than the joy of experiencing them.  

Perfect, fragile moments are so fleeting and difficult to recognize. My first response was to feel a sense of sadness because I knew the check would be coming soon and we would all be forced to resume our ordinary responsibilities. Nonetheless, I tried my best to savor each bite and each random story relayed over sips of generic coffee. 

I watched as a table of older individuals by the window grasped hands to say grace before eating. I watched as the table behind us shared stories of nostalgia, canes leaning upon the wall. I watched as my parents glowed in the sunlight, gently stirring in their favorite coffee add-ons, realizing how hard they work to enjoy a simple moment such as this. 

The neighboring diners, adorned with thick cable-knit sweaters, in an assortment of autumnal shades, validated for me that this was a moment that belonged on a postcard. A simple smile on the faces of my parents as they appreciated the sweetness of the present reassured me that this would not be the last perfect, fragile moment I would be lucky enough to experience. 

I am not sure if any of you can relate to this. I am just hoping it can serve as a reminder to appreciate every moment graced by simplicity and togetherness. In a word fueled by discontent, let's take a moment to slow down and realize how lucky we are to be around those we love.