Memories and an Egg Roll

I walked back into my comfort restaurant after months of being absent. It felt like walking back into the warmth of  a family and yet they only know me as a customer. However, their presence always gave me peace. The red sign of the restaurant remains the same, the building stands unchanged. But once I walked into the front door, change had surely touched this place. the tables were moved and the children of the owners had clearly grown. I sat with tears in my eyes as I watched the infant giddily walking all about the restaurant. The last time I saw her, she was in a bouncy chair. Her cute cheeks were as pink and chunky as ever. these little Chinese children were surely the most beautiful kids I had ever seen. the oldest daughter had surely grown two to three inches over the summer. Her back bent down lower as she gently held the infant up as they walked in circles about the room.

The parents as usual stood behind the counter. The father was the cook tonight, and busily readied the ingredients for my sesame chicken and rice, while the mother (after taking my money) continued to stack bags on the counter and clean up the front area. She yelled over her shoulder, "A side Egg Roll!" They were the type of family that continued to move and busy themselves no matter what time of the day it was. I believe that is the reason, I continue to eat at this restaurant. I am continually impressed by the fact that this young family came to a country across the sea to open a restaurant and raise their kids in a different culture than the one that they know. The strength and courage it takes to do something like that has to be so great! I am impressed greatly by their gumption and I see it everyday by the look in their eyes, their hard work behind the counter and the set of their jaws as they continue on, even when they are tired.

My thought process then evolves into what it would be like for me when I move out of the country to make a life for my own. Will my children appreciate my gumption just as much as I appreciate these restaurant owners? this thought sweeps across my mind as I listen to their lovely foreign language echo in the kitchen area, as their children giggle and run in circles. It is such a warm and foreign environment and I swallow every moment greedily, because I know that once my food is ready it will be time to go home.

My food is ready. She asks me if I would like soy sauce and duck sauce for the egg roll. I say yes, and ask for chopsticks. She sticks them in my paper bag with the food, nods her head slightly and says goodnight. I sadly turn with happiness in my heart as I exit. I know that the semester is starting and many visits to this rare treasure are to come in the future. May God continue to bless me with little blessings and precious moments like this for the rest of my life. They truly teach me the value of love and family, and I never want to forget.