Comfort foods….I have gained a fresh perspective on this phrase.

Our dear neighbor, Bill passed away of heart attack two mornings ago. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who with his wife were raising four terrific grandchildren. Us neighbors rallied and began to prepare that evenings meal.

I thought what would the kids want? …..what would bring comfort?…homemade mac and cheese was the choice. I would bake it in their oven.

My daughter helped tidy their house… Bill’s wife, Evelyn, had been up into the wee hours the night before, baking holiday cookies… and the kitchen had been left undone..

I thought a tidy kitchen and the smell of good food cooking would bring a bit of sanity to their day.

The dinner: Roasted Chicken, Mac and Cheese, a lovely green salad with homemade ranch dressing, hot fresh bread, and a beautiful, homemade, apple pie for dessert.

There were three households involved in creating this gift. You could feel the love in the room when they sat down to eat their first meal without Bill.

I realized the importance of healthy real food during the grieving process.

The need for REAL food to nourish the body and the soul is what is called for.

The entire family felt the compassion and love that went into that very poignant meal. As the days have passed friends and the congregations meals team has kept the stream of home made meals streaming to their door.

What a precious offering of love this is; to bring food into healing situations such as this one.

The blessing of a gift real food is one that should never be taken for granted…and it should always be the first choice when sickness or crisis is the need.

When a friend said that she was sorry that this happened right before Christmas, Evelyn replied sincerely, “I have to stop myself from being selfish… Bill is having his best Christmas ever..”

Don’t worry Bill. We will make sure your family is well fed and loved through this holiday season and beyond…

~ Blessings ~

And ALWAYS

Keep Food REAL!

Judith

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