For those of you who so kindly read and commented on my last missive, titled “Is cooking always an act of love?”, a little update on what’s happened since I took myself off to Florida to check up on visit my elderly parents, who got me a little worried after they stopped answering the phone for nearly three months and only haphazardly replied to emails.
The last time I cooked meat was when my dad was dying—he had esophageal cancer that was quickly progressing, except we didn’t yet know he was dying, just that he had some sort of blockage and was limited to a soft/liquid diet until he could get diagnosed. I didn’t think twice about adding some chicken feta sausage to a soup for him. I was so eager to fatten him back up, get any sort of calories in him. He loved the soup and it was the last time he was able to eat food I’d cooked for him. No regrets.
Yes, absolutely. I've never believed in imposing my choices on others -- although I love making food "my" way that others can also enjoy! But the meatloaf was all about my dad this time.
Everything in your story is relatable—parents needing TLC; a vegan making meatloaf (I do for my husband and wear disposable gloves because touching meat makes me cringe!); food as an act of love. A1 sauce is a genuine ingredient!
The last time I cooked meat was when my dad was dying—he had esophageal cancer that was quickly progressing, except we didn’t yet know he was dying, just that he had some sort of blockage and was limited to a soft/liquid diet until he could get diagnosed. I didn’t think twice about adding some chicken feta sausage to a soup for him. I was so eager to fatten him back up, get any sort of calories in him. He loved the soup and it was the last time he was able to eat food I’d cooked for him. No regrets.
Thank you so much for sharing that story -- you did something so special for him and created a beautiful memory even in a difficult time.
I love this article. Food is love and not everyone that we love eats the same way that we do.
Yes, absolutely. I've never believed in imposing my choices on others -- although I love making food "my" way that others can also enjoy! But the meatloaf was all about my dad this time.
Love it! Ha. What a sweet read...
Thank you <3
What a lovely follow-up. And I have to ask: do you have a heart tattoo on the other hand to go with that key?
There’s a little heart at the top of the key if you look closely!!
Ooh, now I see it! That's perfect.
Everything in your story is relatable—parents needing TLC; a vegan making meatloaf (I do for my husband and wear disposable gloves because touching meat makes me cringe!); food as an act of love. A1 sauce is a genuine ingredient!
So pleased to hear it went well! And yes, sometimes you just love on your audience when you cook, even when it's not exactly your thing. Beautiful!
Yes, it's not always about what I want to make -- a good lesson for us all!
I am glad for you and for your parents who should get the joy of having your company. Good for you for taking the chance on love!
I am glad that I persevered, even though I felt uncomfortable about it. Sometimes you just need a reminder that it's worth it!
I am so glad that you went, and so glad that they were glad that you were there! Everyone feels better now- group hug! You are a good daughter!