Super Salad

Super Salad

Perspective is an interesting thing. Sometimes we see life in a certain way, thinking we know the whole story, but then someone enters our lives in a minor way and says or does something that makes us think differently and can change our lives drastically. 

                March 20, 1968, 12-year-old Karen and her family went to dinner at Fuddruckers. On the 19^th, David got to decide on dinner, and on the 21^st, Karen got to decide, but on the 20^th, the two kids discussed and agreed upon a place for dinner, and that year, they chose Fuddruckers.

                Bob pulled the white Chevy into the parking lot and rushed around to open the door for Joyce. Roger, David, and Karen filed out of the car and happily followed their parents into the brand new restaurant. The wait was short, and the kids sat on one side of the booth while Bob and Joyce subtlety held hands on the other side. With her parents in Pueblo and his in Mississippi, it wasn’t very often they had a night out.

                The spunky young waitress approached the table in her yellow dress covered by a white apron. Karen thought that roller skates would complete the outfit, but she didn’t say it. She didn’t feel like it would be very nice to say to another adult, since she now considered herself an adult.

                “Hi! I’m Peggy! Welcome to Fuddruckers! What can I bring you to drink tonight?”

                Joyce and Bob ordered Pepsi (Joyce with extra extra ice), Roger ordered root beer, David Sprite, and Karen ordered iced tea. After all, she was a teen now.

                A few minutes later, Peggy returned with perkiness for all. She handed out the drinks and straws and asked if they were ready to order.

                Joyce gestured for Karen to order first, and in her most sophisticated voice, she said, “I would like a mushroom burger with Swiss, please.”

                “Okay! Super salad?”

                Karen sat up a little taller. She felt so grown up! The waitress wasn’t just asking if she wanted a salad, but instead a super salad?!

                “Yes, please.”

                Peggy looked a little confused. “Soup or salad?” she asked again.

                “Yes please,” and this time, Karen made eye contact to ensure Peggy saw her this time.

                Peggy looked at Bob and Joyce, and then back to Karen. “Salad or soup?” she tried once again.

                Karen turned crimson and looked down. She no longer felt very grown up.

                “Salad, please.”

                Sometimes we hear what we need to hear to match who we think we are. Sometimes, we aren’t yet who we think we are, but we still need that little push to get there.