Cat Keith-L, Lack

Cat Keith-L

Lack

I remember when I was a little girl How I used to grow up with lack and limitation uttered in my house— “Don’t use this up.” “There’s not enough money.”— Over and over again.

Finally, there was a BIG DAY— a freezing cold day in January, maybe 1965— I think I had turned 7 years old.

My mother and some little friends (maybe all white) were all gathered for MY BIRTHDAY at Howard Johnson’s! I think my father was there, too.

Everyone was allowed to order whatever they wanted on the Children’s Menu. I ordered a VEGETABLE PLATTER. I hated it. I felt miserable. I did not eat it.

Why did I order a VEGETABLE PLATTER on my birthday???

BECAUSE IT WAS THE CHEAPEST THING ON THE MENU!!!!

This is what LACK AND LIMITATION can do to a child!