There comes a time in a person's life when they find their calling, some find theirs early in
life, some later. I found my calling on May 9, 1969, Mother's Day. That date also fell on my mother's birthday.
I was nine years old and times were hard for us. At that time my mother was divorced and working three jobs to support
three daughters and one son, me. Being only nine I had only pennies and dimes in my pockets. I wanted to do something
very special for my mother; she was so very tired from working so hard to support us. It so happened that May 9th fell
on a Sunday that year and it was her only day off. I always woke up early; being nine it was normal to be up at 6 a.m.
I opened the door to a mother who cared and loved her children so much, and I had nothing to give her.
I found a box of crayons; some paper and proceeded to make a special card for her. After I finished, I felt that
it was still not enough. My three older sisters had already awakened and left, giving her as of yet for her birthday
or, mother's day, for mother had still been asleep. I, for some reason went into the kitchen to make her some coffee
for which I had done many times before while she got ready for work.
While the coffee was perking in the pot, I suddenly decided for the first time ever that I would try cooking bacon and
eggs with toast for her! I was so excited! I was never allowed to cook, my sisters were gone and I had the whole place
to myself. I didn't know it at that times but I had created my first menu! I had watched my mother before, many times,
it was easy! Bacon first, medium heat. Eggs second, low heat. Toast last, slightly buttered. The eggs were scrambled,
not the best, but still perfect because I was giving her breakfast in bed. I poured a cup of coffee in a cup with a
small glass of orange juice. I placed everything on a tray, including my card. I went outside and I silently borrowed
a flower from our neighbor's garden, laying my pennies and dimes next to rock from where I took the flower, for it was
a beautiful flower. My breakfast was complete! I carried my breakfast tray into my mother's room and I awoke her with
a soft voice to say, "I love you" and placed the tray at her bed. She looked at me with such joy and love. She cried
because something so little from me was the whole world to her. Now, my breakfast was complete! From that day on I knew
my calling.
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