My momma's love is congee
An excerpt of My Mother's Congee by Shantou University journalism student Sabrina Wu, from the Eating.Shantou website:
"When I was a little child, I didn't like to eat congee. My mother just added salt, for what is called white congee. It tastes tedious and not delicious. If there was a bowl of congee in front of you and your eyes were covered, you wouldn't even know what it was because its smell is nearly nonexistent.
I told my mother I wanted to have breakfast outside our home. When I resorted to the ultimate weapon - I refused to eat anything - my mother finally broke down.
I bought soda with my friends everyday. But I had to finish it before I went home. I was afraid if my mother saw the soda, she would discover my secret.
After a week of no breakfast, I was very tired all morning. And telling lies to my mother made me feel very bad. I started to miss my mother's congee.
'Mom, I want to stay home for breakfast from now on. Would you like to cook for me again?' I asked casually.
'Of course I would, if you like.'
My mother cuddled me tightly. It seemed as if she brushed tears away from her eyes.
'Do you want to know why I only cook white congee for you everyday?' My mom asked.
'Because it is easy to cook,' I answered, sure of my knowledge.
'No,' she said. 'White congee is light and healthy and that is good for your system, just like a cup of water before breakfast.'
I was moved and ashamed of myself. How had I ever doubted my mother's love? It was in every bowl of white congee."
(China Daily 03/07/2008 page19)
