Sunday Breakfast
On Sunday mornings, my parents and I would make a large breakfast around 2 pm since we are not morning people, being the only time my family spent together each week as I was growing up. The three of us have always had different schedules – my mom working night shifts, my dad having a strenuous job and me having school and dance. So, Sunday mornings have been a time when we could all be together. After a long week of work and obligations, it is often draining to make such a huge breakfast, but it does not take away from the love we all share.
Acts of service is my dad’s love language, and he has always been the helping hand in my family when we need help. While my mom prepares the toast and eggs, my dad unpacks the often 50 pounds of frozen chicken she brings home from her job into the freezer. However, instead of viewing this as an annoying task, my dad sees this as an opportunity to get some physical activity in, since he enjoys going to the gym. There is a bunch of commotion in our Sunday breakfast preparation, so every person in the house has something to do. Whether that be setting the table, doing the dishes, burning the toast, taking care of our dog or cooking the food, the blur of chaos never failed to bring me comfort and peace.
Fruit has been a significant part of my mother’s life, consequently becoming an important part of mine. Her childhood home in the Philippines housed many fruit trees that grew guava, mango, bananas and more, so it was a large portion of her diet. Growing up, she would always cut up and serve various fruits to me and my sisters at any time of the day. If I was feeling sad, upset or hungry, my mother would always bring me the same cut-up fruit. She has always been a stoic individual, but the fruit was a symbol of warmth and her love to our family. Even now, this act of love brings back those familiar feelings and memories from my childhood. I have adopted this love language and offer my friends food whenever I have the opportunity.
Eating a meal together every week is how my family has bonded since I can remember. It normally consisted of the same things each week – eggs, toast, some sort of breakfast meat and fruit. With our family being very busy throughout the week, our Sunday breakfasts end up being pretty short. There would not be enough time to capture an image of our table setting as we prepare our meals quickly to start eating and go about our day. Growing up, I have always preferred a fast-paced environment to replicate my childhood home, and find myself grateful for the memories that have shaped me to who I have become and will continue to grow and be.