Return to the cafeteria
When I was a girl, my dad used to come to my school to have lunch with me. I can't remember how many times he joined me in the school cafeteria, but I clearly remember how special it felt to have him there. It was unique then, having a parent join you for lunch at school (even though I now recognize the fact that I COULD have had lunch with my mom any day during my elementary years since we were in the same school). It was cool to have him there - I know I enjoyed it and I think my friends did too. In fact, if dad called up my girlfriends today I bet he could still get quite a few of them to meet him for lunch. Maybe even in a school cafeteria.
So this week, I decided to join Martin for lunch at his school. He was very excited to see me, especially since he was the line leader that day and was eager to show me his queue management skills.
The school does a really good job of keeping things neat and orderly in the lunchroom. It wasn't very loud and the kids were very well behaved. I think they must lay down the rules early on and then stay right on top of things to keep it that way. The kids stay in the same order every day when they go through the lunch line, and the boy behind Martin takes that rule very seriously. He wouldn't let me in because HE stands next to Martin. The same young man helped to explain the rules to me as we went through the line, letting me know that IT WAS AGAINST THE LAW TO TAKE TWO SAUCES, then following me to my seat to let me know that I MIGHT BE ARRESTED FOR TAKING TWO SAUCES. [Note: I was NOT arrested, but maybe they just let me slide because it was my first time there.]
I chose this day to have lunch with Martin not only for the experience and because I could fit it into my schedule that day, but also because of the menu - Taco in a Bag.
It was a real joy to be able to have lunch with Martin, to get to see just a little bit more of his day, chat with his friends, and spend some nice time together. I'm not sure if he'll remember it in the same special way that I remember having lunch with my dad, but I know that I will.
So this week, I decided to join Martin for lunch at his school. He was very excited to see me, especially since he was the line leader that day and was eager to show me his queue management skills.
The school does a really good job of keeping things neat and orderly in the lunchroom. It wasn't very loud and the kids were very well behaved. I think they must lay down the rules early on and then stay right on top of things to keep it that way. The kids stay in the same order every day when they go through the lunch line, and the boy behind Martin takes that rule very seriously. He wouldn't let me in because HE stands next to Martin. The same young man helped to explain the rules to me as we went through the line, letting me know that IT WAS AGAINST THE LAW TO TAKE TWO SAUCES, then following me to my seat to let me know that I MIGHT BE ARRESTED FOR TAKING TWO SAUCES. [Note: I was NOT arrested, but maybe they just let me slide because it was my first time there.]
I chose this day to have lunch with Martin not only for the experience and because I could fit it into my schedule that day, but also because of the menu - Taco in a Bag.
It was a real joy to be able to have lunch with Martin, to get to see just a little bit more of his day, chat with his friends, and spend some nice time together. I'm not sure if he'll remember it in the same special way that I remember having lunch with my dad, but I know that I will.
According to my administrative assistant we will be going to lunch with Martin on April 30th. It should be fun. I know I will have fun, I think Martin will also have some fun.
I do remember joining Jennie for lunch. I doubt that many of her former classmates would join me for lunch again, but I will give it a try. Amy, Mary B, Tracy S and Debby H, are you up for lunch? It might help if I knew their married names
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I'd totally go for lunch!
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I wasn't a classmate (unless you count that astromonmy or art history history class - and I don't)... but I'D go to lunch with your dad too.
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You are the best mom ever. I am stealing this idea when Trixie goes to school.
Also, I think we need to plan Lunch with Pat. Your dad and a roomful of your friends. And taco in a bag.
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