I’m so sorry they “had” to die… But they gave themselves to a very honorable cause: MY SON cooked dinner with me last night!!! (Oh, and it wasn’t a grilled cheese sandwich or a pizza!)
I am so proud of him…
Those of you who’ve followed this blog for a while may remember that he has an autism diagnosis… And since he’s turned 15, he’s been on a remarkable tear of learning life skills.
At his own initiative.
Last night, he and I cooked pasta, enhanced a marinara, chopped Belgian endive (…um, no, not for the pasta…), and sauteed shrimp.
He learned what paprika tastes like, and what al dente feels like. Oh, and to wait until the water boils to put the salt in.
But guess what the totally unexpected BONUS was?
When we got home from shopping, I was exhausted from a long, busy day. I was dreading heating up the bottled sauce and waiting on the spaghetti to be done… I just wanted to go lie down.
But when I realized, after a few minutes, that he was actually going to stay there in the kitchen with me and do whatever I asked to help, I became energized! We had fun, the food was excellent, and I felt so good when we were done that I even happily washed up.
We really never know where the next quiet, unassuming gift of love is going to come from, do we?
May we all enjoy such gifts, just when we need them!
leslee hare 
Wow, so glad to hear. Great experience to build on and a terrific memory for both of you:)
I found so many inrtseteing stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! keep up the good work.
Difficile de faire plus amateur que le gouvernement Fillon et la présidence Sarközy ceci dit.Parisien libéral, vous devriez vous méfier de votre sens qui n’est pas de première fraîcheur. L’étude et la réflexion, incontestablement, valent mieux que le prétendu « bon sens » qui est le propre de ceux qui ne savent pas de quoi ils parlent (bah ouais, sinon ils ne s’en remettraient pas, à défaut de tout, à leur bon sens, mais à leur savoir ou à leur réflexion).
How beautiful to think of this happening as compared to several years ago. He’s growing up!
Yes! Although… It could have been because he was trying NOT to watch dancing with the stars in the next room, lol! ;)
How cool!
I’m blessed with a very cool kid!
Oh, how I love this post!
anne
Thank you so much, Anne!
What a great experience! Our autistic daughter is 18, and has occasionally expressed interest in learning to cook, but when we offer to show her or let her help us, she doesn’t want to. Kind of like driving. She thinks she wants to drive (which terrifies us, honestly), but, the two times my wife has let her try it in a parking lot, she got really scared.
Hi, Jeff, We never can tell when they’re going to decide to try something, can we? ;) I really was amazed he hung in there with me for the cooking. I’ve taught my son how to start the car, but I think he’s still far from wanting to actually try to drive… I don’t blame them, honestly! Have a great evening!
You enjoyed them, no? It is seafood after all. :-)
Yes, those little fellows were yummy, and I thank them sincerely! :)
Bueno! :-)