Never underestimate how meaningful a small act can be. For me, it’s offering a piece of toast.
As a child, I had trouble sleeping. I’d come crying to my mother and she’d hug me and make me a piece of toasted bread with a little bit of butter. Then she’d walk me back to my bedroom, and I’d fall asleep.
As an adult, I’d fly across the country to see her, and no matter how late I arrived, she’d ask if I’d like a piece of toast. I never refused.
My mother, now passed, lives in my memory. I miss her so much. I recently came home from a long night of performing at the NYC clubs and was hungry and tired. I walked in the door, and my husband handed me a plate with a slice of buttered toast and said, “I’ll always be here to give you a toast like your mother did.”
We’ve been married for 16 years, and he’s done many kind things for me, but this acknowledgment of care was one of the most meaningful.
So, I look around and ask, who can I make a toast for?
Ophira Eisenberg is a standup comic, writer, and podcast host. She hosted NPR’s “Ask Me Another” for 9 years and her new show “Parenting Is A Joke” launches in September. www.ophiraeisenberg.com
