The Happy Lunch: My Childhood Favorites and the Little Packs of Joy

Every day, I eagerly anticipated the content of my lunch box, a source of joy and comfort that I look back on fondly. Whether it was a simple lunchbox sandwich or a treats like Krimpets, my lunches held a special place in my heart. Here, I share the items that brought me the most happiness and the notes from my mother that brightened my day.

A Sack of Delights

One of my absolute favorites was the white bread balogna sandwich with miracle whip, lettuce, and tomatoes. While my parents didn't do wheat bread, this simple yet satisfying lunch was a staple in my childhood. It was the perfect combination of flavors that I enjoyed every day. My mother took the time to decorate my paper lunch bag with a smiley face using a marker, and it was always a delight to see the face when I opened the bag on my lunch break.

Fellow Shredders

Other kids noticed and appreciated the smiley face too, creating a shared joy among us. Additionally, I remember enjoying a shaved ham sandwich with mayo on rye. Another local baking factory produced a unique snack cake with yellow cake folded over with frosting inside, featuring a powerful imitation banana flavor. I found these cakes to be terrific, a testament to the simple pleasures of childhood.

Sweet Treats and Hidden Notes

For dessert, my mother would sneak in a Tastycake Butterscotch Krimpets. As a child, these treats tasted much better, a fact that remains a mystery to this day! I always enjoyed them right after lunch, symbolizing a rebellion against the strict order of things as an adult. It was a special treat, and even now when I have one, it brings back floodgates of nostalgia.

Another rare treat was a Hostess cupcake or a snowball, a coconut-covered marshmallow on a lump of chocolate cake. While these treats have obviously lost some of their quality over the years, my mother would carefully pack them in my blue Beatle lunch box, feeding my inner child.

Notes That Cheered Me Up

Even in the mundane aspects of my lunch, my mother always included a note written with rainbow-colored markers. These notes brought a smile to my face and were a surprise after every lunch. My husband often jokes about including an after-work beer in my lunch, but my mother's gentle reminders and notes always took center stage.

A Special Day

In second grade, I had a special day when my mother packed my lunch for me. I had always packed my lunch independently, but I deliberately delayed so that my mother could pack it. She left a note that simply said, "Have a good day sweetie!" The note left me feeling so happy and gave me a sense of warmth throughout the entire school day. It was a moment of simple, yet profound, happiness.

Conclusion

My childhood lunches were far from exciting, but they were filled with little moments of joy. From the smiles on my paper lunch bag to the hidden notes of love and care, these simple elements made my days brighter. As a parent now, I continue to pass on this tradition, ensuring that my own children experience the same joy and comfort in their lunchboxes. Childhood memories are precious, and those little treats and notes are just a part of the wonderful tapestry of my past.