Its the thought that counts

It's starting to get warm. Which means that the world's most perfect summer food has made an appearance. Ice cream sandwiches.

Your dad and I were talking last night while the three of you were snuggled up together on the couch. Of all the things that we will say and do on our adventures, I hope that you come back to the United States with a great appreciation for some of our American ways and do not take for granted some of our nation's greatest treasures. Our system of government, our flawed but still impressive justice system, the ability of some to make something out of nothing in this great country, and most especially- our junk food.

Your Dad: "So this is all about the Rotel dip and ice cream sandwiches?"

Me: "Yes. Yes it is. "

Don't get me wrong, there are a million things that stunned and amazed me about the middle east. I enjoyed our time there, I loved seeing and doing new things that were completely alien to me. They forced me past my comfort zone and reminded me how blessed, lucky and sheltered I have been. They also reignited a love for home.

My parents. The ferry. Dad's garden. Church. Church in English. A casual conversation that I didn't have to translate. People who smile, just for smiling. Southern manners (although they've got nothing on Arab hospitality). Pork products.

So your dad and I sat talking about moving overseas, taking a few trips, our friends and I came to the last of my ice cream sandwich. The last bite of the HALF of the ice cream sandwich that we had shared. And as I held it up to him, he shook his head. So I felt the need to explain.

"You know my birthday? The one where you planned the dinner, got reservations, invited Kerry, Amy and Jamie? The one where you went to the jewelry store and found that beautiful tornado necklace that you surprised me with? This is on par with that. This offering of the last bite of the HALF of the ice cream sandwich is filled with as much love, caring and effort as that whole evening. Seriously, you know we can't have ice cream in the house. You sure you don't want it? Because this is some good stuff here."

So he ate it. I'm just worried that I've talked him out of good jewelry and he's going to give me a pint of Ben and Jerry's for next year's birthday.