30 Days of Joy: Fried Chicken

Note: What you’re about to read is the next step in my challenge to find joy in something — anything — every day for 30 days. This entry is part 2.

Among my first memories are the Sunday night dinners I had with my grandparents.

While I loved being with Mom and Pop, as we affectionately called them, one of the highlights was our chosen restaurant’s specialty:

Fried chicken.

I love fried chicken. And that love was born during those dinners.

The tender meat. The crispy, golden skin I’d eat as its own entree if it were socially acceptable. The drumstick piece that’s accessible enough yet messy enough to ensure you fully experience its delight.

In terms of favorite entrees, it’s in my top two, alongside steak.

Today, my wife and I met friends for brunch. I’d never been to this restaurant before, but the second I saw fried chicken on the menu, I knew I was home.

Of course, I went through the motions of contemplating different options, convinced due diligence was necessary, saddled by the fear of missing out.

But deep down, I knew I was kidding myself.

Fried chicken, it was. Fried chicken, it had to be.

And it was outstanding.

There’s a reason people enjoy comfort food, because it connects you with a simpler time, when contentment was a much simpler ask, when happiness was a special meal with two special people.

This morning, I reconnected with that joy in every bite.

*****

This originally appeared on 100 Naked Words.