School Lunch: Wow!

Yesterday, I had the honor of joining each of my granddaughter's for their school lunch period.  Can't say hour, as it is a fast-paced, well orchestrated 15 minutes of chaos.  Even with very little talking between us, 15 minutes is not very long.

What I was amazed at most was how the nutritional value of school lunches has changed.  Case in point:

The cheeseburger was made with a whole wheat bun, with fresh tomato slices and lettuce.  It was served with a bag of baby carrots and a side salad.  The salad had fresh spinach leaves, cherry tomatoes, and all the dressing choices were low-fat.  For the milk, the only option is fat-free; but I chose a bottle of water. 

There was no dessert; instead the choices were whole apples, or whole oranges, or cut strawberries. 

Yes, there were still a few nasty things like horrendous french fries or mac & cheese; both of these choices would leave you gagging.

All in all though; these school lunches were a massive improvement over what I remember them having been in the past.

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My first lunch was with Emma Jo, and she was walking dutifully down the hall towards the doors when she saw me.  She immediately broke formation and began running from 20 yards away to leap into my arms from 10 yards out and give me an incredible, very long bear hug and some great kisses.  She is my little lover; she gives me such great affection.  Never embarrassed about it, and always so sincere.  It warms/melts my heart, and I would die without it.  Her beaming smile lit up the whole area.

We talked and chatted and I was holding her in the lunch line when I realized that we were being watched . . ., so I put her down and let her walk by me.  Which is when the cascade of comments begin from the other children "Is that your Dad? Are you her Daddy? Why are you so tall? I'm Adrian; what's your name? to which I answered 'Pappy'".  2 teachers said "thanks Dad, it means a lot to these kids when their parents come, and "we're glad you're here today Dad."

But, for those of you that might be wondering.  I am not her Dad.  I am her Pappy.  I look my age, and how horrible I would feel if at my age, I actually had a daughter Emma's age.  Thanks for the thinking I am her Dad, but really?

The fast 15 flew by, and Emma then took me to her room, showed me where she sits in class, and introduced me to a few of her friends.  I was obviously the novelty show of the day, as I've never seen Emma with so many sudden friends that wanted to get a look at this man she was with.  Yes, I do know what it feels like to have 100 little eyes on you all at the same time.  Kind. Of. Creepy.

Next up was Ava Corinne, and her entrance is 180 degrees different that Emma's.  I did not want to embarrass Ava, so I asked her if it was ok for me to hug her, and she said yes, but I did not overdo it (as I am prone to do when around both of them).  I did however steal a few kisses on top of her head.  She smiled and rolled her eyes.  Her smile is infectious!

Our meal was the same; though this time I gave away my carrots to Ava.  The lunch area was more quiet than a whisper.  Ava told me it was because a large food-fight had ensued the previous day.  Playground privileges had been suspended as a means of discipline, and instead, all students had to sit in the hall for 20 minutes of recess, and not utter a peep.  And this was after not being able to speak during the lunch break.

I heard first hand the lunch lady at the microphone explaining the rules, and let me tell you, Marge the Sarge did a good job with her commanding voice of putting the fear of God back into this Godless school and the little minions sitting sheepishly at the table crunching on their carrots.  I can't imagine what the foot fight looked like; but it must have been bad.

Ava told me (without my prompting) that she did NOT participate in the food fight; and that she just sat and continued to eat her lunch.  I knew she would not have participated, as she is one of the most obedient children that I have ever known.

Our fast 15 ended quickly too of course; and Ava requested that I not escort her back to class, so, not wanting to embarrass her, she gave me a good hug and kiss and we said good bye.

I love you girls.  15 minutes or not; I loved every second that I was with you.

I am a blessed man.