January 17, 2010- Smoothies for Breakfast

This morning, I was groggy and would have loved another hour of sleep.   My husband and two small children were in the kitchen waiting for me and as I padded down the steps I could hear the sounds of them making fruit smoothies for breakfast.  My feet hit the bottom of the stairs and as I turned the corner to go join them for breakfast, I overheard their conversation.

“Well, he was a very brave man…” 

I heard my husband softly explain.   He was met with more innocent questioning as they cut up fresh fruit and mixed it together.   I slowed down and stopped to listen.  

“It was a different time, love.   A lot of people thought people who had darker skin shouldn’t have equal rights.   Yes, baby, just because of their skin color.  And you see?  He stood up for what he knew was right and what he believed in and said that this wasn’t okay, that this was wrong.” 

He was talking to my six year old little girl and gently but honestly trying to describe a time she thankfully cannot comprehend.   They turned on the juicer and the berries swirled together with the bananas, forming a cool creamy drink.

“You’re right, honey.  He was so smart and brave and a huge part of what he stood for, was being able to protest nonviolently, which means without being violent.   He was a man who believed we could find a way to solve these problems peacefully and  without violence”

Tell me more, I heard her ask.  I want to find out more about this man.   She took a big sip, leaving a milky mustache laced with raspberry seeds on her top lip.

“Let’s learn more together.   We’ll take some time today and together, you and me learn more about Dr. King.   How does that sound?”

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I no longer found myself groggy, but awakened and proud and amazed… It was this moment before breakfast even that I was the most grateful for today.

And in this special moment, something else happened as well - I think I fell in love all over again with this wonderful man who I am so glad, is the father of the most precious little people in my life.

~K