When the dinner isn't what you ordered .

Tonight I took my children to dinner . It was in a little house , quaint , small . I was trying to make a moment more special . School is getting back in session next week and I was trying too much . Plans like this seem to sour quickly when the ingredients aren't as one was expected to taste . My son loves different types of food . My daughter likes to count on the familiar . My daughter was disappointed in her salad . She loved her entree but it wasn't enough . My son was quick to point out the meal disaster was happening once again and before I knew what was happening words were flying and the meal was obviously over . As my daughter yelled her angry words to my son , it became evident the choice for dinner had been a mistake . I could not regain the atmosphere of relaxed conversation , there was only anger . I realized my children have become a product of what they have seen . Critical remarks hurt . Pointing out the bad in someone crushes one's soul . Being intolerant of another's feelings is embarrassing . With my to go boxes in hand , I carried a heavy load in my heart , not my hands . My daughter would have been fine with Red Lobster . She wanted the crisp green salad with honey mustard dressing . She loves the baked potatoes and cheddar biscuits . She always orders the Admiral's feast . My son loved the new place . He loved his meal . I learned a hard lesson tonight . Even though I enjoyed my meal of grouper and the fresh bread , I found it hard to swallow the meal of the hard , cold truth . The taste in my mouth isn't good now . I have got to find better words to speak and serve a platter of kindness sprinkled with a dash of understanding , so my children can offer a meal to someone , someday , without the plate of critizing remarks .