Strawberries

One of my favorite taste sensations is biting into a juicy, delectable piece of fruit.  The natural sweetness, fresh aroma, and lingering essence is singularly refreshing.  This addiction was instilled at an early age- for as long as I can remember Dad would make individual fresh fruit plates for the rest of us to nibble on as we got ready in the morning.  A palate cleanser, and invigorating start to the day.  These plates paled in comparison, however, to the appetizer he would make for himself- a huge bowl of chopped melon, apple, pear, grapefruit, and berries, topped with a scoop of cottage cheese- Breakstone's small curd.  He savored it while perusing the Wall Street Journal and laughing at Mike Royko, and only after he had his fruit fix could he enjoy his English muffin or waffles.  He started this ritual years before I was born and kept it up as long as he was able to prepare his own food. 

Watermelon birthday "cake", 1982

I always loved that he took time to enjoy this.  Such a simple pleasure, and nourishing in every way.  Breakfast has always been his favorite meal, and I think this fruit bowl had a lot to do with it.  It saddens me he can't enjoy this now- these days, he's lucky to get a canned fruit medley cup with lunch or a slice of wilted tomato garnishing his macaroni salad.  The nursing home practically considers coconut cream pie a serving of fruit.  On a whim one day, I stopped at the store on my way out there and picked up some strawberries.  When he saw them, his eyes widened and his hand extended.  He ate half a pound of strawberries that night, and I could see the pleasure on his face with every bite.  Now I try to bring an apple or peach or whatever's in season.  It's such a simple gesture, yet it brings him so much joy. 

It's sometimes the smallest things that gives us the most fulfillment.  Sleeping in an extra 20 minutes, going for a walk as the sun sets, buying yourself flowers at the farmer's market, getting a hug from a cherished friend- or buying that special Someone flowers and giving a cherished friend a hug.  The rewards and gratification of giving and receiving simple pleasures are plentiful, whether we do it for ourselves or someone else.  It doesn't take much to create a smile.