A story to go with this bento:
Yesterday when I picked Bunny up from school she said, "There was a boy who cried because he didn't understand what we were saying. He only speaks Japanese."
"Oh, that's so sad! What could you do to make him feel better," I replied.
Bunny thought about it and responded, "We could learn to speak Japanese!"
"Okay, but that might take time...what's something you can do tomorrow if he feels bad?"
More thinking, "Maybe teach him a word? ...Or, give him a hug?"
"Those are great things to do," I said from the front seat as my eyes inexpicably filled with tears. "I'm sure he would love that."
Bunny told me that this little boy also has to eat lunch at a special table because he is allergic to nuts. Heart-breaking, right? So I talked to Bunny further and told her that she already knows some words in Japanese like: miso, sushi, nori, tofu, ...and Totoro!
Later, as I was packing her bento Bunny sidled up to me and said, "Hey, I can show (boy's name) my lunch tomorrow! I can tell him, 'I'm eating inari sushi! That's Japanese!'"
And I said, "That's a great idea!"
Then she added, "But don't pack any nuts. No nuts, Mamma, because I want to sit next to him at his table!...Remember, no nuts!"
***
Can you see why I'm so head over heels in love with my daughter? Sometimes I wonder where she comes up with these things. She astonishes me with her emotional intelligence.
Bunny, I am so proud of you. You are the most special, the most big-hearted, the most loving, the most caring little girl in the whole wide world...or so I'd like to think. :-)
I love you, and I hope you enjoy your lunch today!
***
INARI SUSHI
- 1 can inarizushi-no-moto (aka aburage or fried tofu pouches, available at any Japanese market)
- seasoned rice wine vinegar
- hot, cooked, short-grain rice
- (shredded carrots, toasted sesame seeds optional)
Prepare rice according to directions on the can (sprinkle with rice vinegar). In Hawaii inari (or cone) sushi rice is often mixed with a few strands of shredded carrot (for color) and a sprinkling of sesame seeds, but you can omit.
Carefully peel apart the fried tofu pockets (like for pita bread) and stuff with a small rectangular ball of seasoned rice. Place seam-side down on a plate. Serve right away.
That's beautiful. I wish she could come sit at my lunch table.
Posted by: Dawn | August 30, 2007 at 11:27 AM
Awe, she's such a sweetheart! This totally made me teary. I swear, CityMama, I don't know how you do it! I have a 6 month old boy and can barely keep my head above water. You're super inspiring! And your blogs are awesome to boot! I am a SF mommy myself (originally from Portland though) and my mom's signature scent is Joy too. What are the chances? Ha! I just discovered the world of blogging and found yours, so I've been having fun catching up.
Posted by: SFMA | August 30, 2007 at 12:02 PM
Very sweet story that had me welling up a bit too. I spent a large part of 3rd & 4th grade eating lunch alone because I was the new kid (switched schools three times..major trauma) and wanted nothing more than someone like Bunny to break the ice. You must be proud...and hats off to you for raising such a great girl.
Posted by: JAmom | August 30, 2007 at 01:00 PM
I think ... I think I would taste this.
Posted by: Green | August 31, 2007 at 09:34 PM
Sweet! I love inari sushi. My Grandma makes it for me when I visit.
Be sure to avoid the sesame seeds for when Bunny sits at the "nut free" table -- some kids who are allergic to nuts are also sensitive to seeds.
Posted by: kelli | September 01, 2007 at 07:07 AM
this made me a little teary since my middle son will be the boy sitting at the peanut free table. he'a allergic to nuts and seeds (no sesame oil or seeds in korean food puts a huge dent in our diet!), along with milk, eggs and soy. he's the sunniest kid with the sweetest disposition and it breaks my heart every time i have to keep a food from him. i do my best to substitute everything so he doesn't feel left out but it's really hard.
much love to bunny for being the kind hearted, loving little girl that she is. give her a hug from me!
Posted by: Laura | September 01, 2007 at 07:23 AM
That is a very sweet story. I second Kelli's comment about the sesame at the nut-free table, but overall applaud your sensitivity to the nut-allergy issue. Now we know where your daughter gets it from.
Posted by: Scrambled CAKE | September 02, 2007 at 01:18 PM
Gosh, I am totally making inari for my daughter now! I had no idea it was so uncomplicated!
*note to self: find cute bento box
Posted by: laura | September 04, 2007 at 04:22 AM
You totally made me tear up at work. She is the best kid ever! And she is just like you.
Posted by: badkitty | September 04, 2007 at 11:20 AM
hat is one of those wonderful parenting moments that let you know that you must be doing something right as a parent! Congrats on a wonderful child, and exposing her to different cultures through food! It is a great way to build a bridge.
Posted by: Deborah Dowd | September 05, 2007 at 04:23 AM
I don't think those tears were inexplicable at all - I think there is a perfectly good reason for them: happiness.
Posted by: bgirl | September 06, 2007 at 06:36 PM
I wish there were more kids like your daughter! Thanks for doing a great job as a parent and teaching your child to value others and good food!
Posted by: min | September 14, 2007 at 09:36 PM