LOVE and SANDWICHES
My younger sister Jenny gave me this story to share with you. She is the Senior Parenting Coach/Presenter at the Parenting Place, Auckland.
I’m the fourth child in a family of six children and as you can imagine it was a vey busy and sometimes hectic home.
I’m the fourth child in a family of six children and as you can imagine it was a vey busy and sometimes hectic home.
I was ten years old, obsessed with horses and had a pony of my own. I’d spent the day at pony club, riding and grooming my horse - so enthralled I didn’t even stop to eat. I got home tired and hungry and must have been rude to mum. My rudeness was uncalled for and I felt bad about it, so I slumped off to my room where I sat sulking and sad (and still hungry).
A little while later mum knocked on the door and carried in a tray of egg sandwiches. The egg mix had parsley in it and the bread had the crusts cut off. It melted my heart. I dropped my defensiveness and instantly felt reconnected to mum. The sandwiches were made just the way I liked them.The presence of parsley and the absence of crusts told me I was known and seen.
I also remember the deep realisation that my mum really loved me, even when I was rude or out of line. Those simple sandwiches represented a peace offering and a way out of my exile. It was a life-changing taste of unconditional love.
A little while later mum knocked on the door and carried in a tray of egg sandwiches. The egg mix had parsley in it and the bread had the crusts cut off. It melted my heart. I dropped my defensiveness and instantly felt reconnected to mum. The sandwiches were made just the way I liked them.The presence of parsley and the absence of crusts told me I was known and seen.
I also remember the deep realisation that my mum really loved me, even when I was rude or out of line. Those simple sandwiches represented a peace offering and a way out of my exile. It was a life-changing taste of unconditional love.
POINTS TO PONDER
As adults, we also need to remind ourselves that we are loved, even when our behaviour hasn’t earned it.
As parents, we often struggle with loving ourselves. We all make mistakes as parents and you need to remember that encouraging self-talk is way more effective than self-criticism.
Our children (at any age) need to know they are deeply loved and accepted, by our words and actions.
As adults, we also need to remind ourselves that we are loved, even when our behaviour hasn’t earned it.
As parents, we often struggle with loving ourselves. We all make mistakes as parents and you need to remember that encouraging self-talk is way more effective than self-criticism.
Our children (at any age) need to know they are deeply loved and accepted, by our words and actions.
This story beautifully illustrates the power of small, thoughtful gestures in strengthening relationships. The mother's act of kindness—bringing egg sandwiches made just the way her daughter liked them—was a simple yet profound expression of unconditional love. It’s a reminder that love is not about perfection but about presence, understanding, and forgiveness. The message extends beyond parenting; it applies to all relationships. We all need reassurance that we are valued, even when we make mistakes. This story encourages us to be more compassionate toward others and ourselves, reinforcing the importance of love in everyday actions.
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