When I was growing up my mother had a red plate and in fancy writing it said ‘You Are Special Today’. My brother, sister and I were always eager (and let’s face it down right competitive) to do something special to earn the red plate at dinner time. I’ve thought about getting the red plate for my own children and even ordered it from a cute shop in town. But the plate never came in, I kept moving through life, and I kind of forgot about the plate.
Until today. Today we need the red plate. I called Mom because she always knows where to find things and luckily she had seen the plate earlier in the week at Sur la Table. Off I went and tonight we will celebrate a very special milestone.
Sister One learned to ride her bicycle today! She’s been sooo close for a while, but it hadn’t all clicked until this morning. Dressed and ready for school, she decided to give it one more try before we hurried out the door. Presto! Like she’d been riding all her life she took off. My heart leapt and sank in the very same instance.
Never far from my camera (aka my institutional memory), I was able to document the moment.
Tonight we’ll debut the red plate with Sister One being the very first recipient. I’m thrilled to carry on the tradition my mother started years ago. Thanks Mom for always inspiring me. I owe you a free meal at The Schell Cafe where it’s your turn to get the red plate!
Tear. 🙂