Deep and enduring ties to food are something we all understand.
From favorite dishes that complete our holiday meal to special birthday cakes anticipated all year to sweet nibbles that conjure even sweeter memories, we all have comfort foods.
Over the past week, shaken by my brother’s sudden and tragic passing, countless memories about him have been relived.
Some of those memories involve foods he loved.
For example, the apple cake I made for his birthday. He would whisk away the whole cake with a “thank you” and a mischievous grin. The entire cake would be sliced and frozen so he could heat and enjoy a piece each day for several weeks after his birthday in mid-October. He told me many times how a single slice under the broiler with a pat of butter made an awesome breakfast. That makes me smile.
Then there were peanut butter cups at Christmas, plates of pulled pork barbecue and the fatty part of the Easter ham (it’s true, the fatty part)…all foods I associate with him. All foods I wish I could rush to the kitchen to whip up and have him sit down to enjoy…just one more time.
I hope you will do just that for someone you love today. Visit my Recipe Index for inspiration, bring joy to someone’s plate and make a memory in food. There’s comfort there.
Let’s meet back here Wednesday, Honey Bunch.
I want us to get back on track, talk about issues concerning you and discuss what I have in store for February’s Food Solutions.
Will it be difficult to push through? Absolutely, but I’m going to do what I know my brother would expect, and that is to carry on and continue with my work helping you live the best gluten free life you can live.
Thank you for your support and sweet emails. They mean more than you can imagine.
Now, go call your sibling and say “I love you”…
xo,
Gigi ;)
So sorry to learn of your brother’s passing, may God embrace you with comfort and His peace that passes all understanding in your time of mourning. Praying blessings over you.
Hi, Lisa.
Your note is so special to me…thank you so much!
xo
Good morning, Gigi. Just wanted to stop by and let you know you’re in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs. Thanks for sharing your very precious memories with us – your brother sounds like he will always hold a special part of your heart.
Hi, Brandae.
Thanks so much for the prayers.
He certainly is in my heart…we had fun, sweet, serious and even mischievous times over the years.
Memories are a wonderful thing to hold on to.
xo
Dearest Gigi, I can not imagine the grief you must be experiencing. But I am sure having those sweet memories are very healing. Please know how much you are Loved. You have been so generous thinking of us, while most people would have been crippled with grief. I pray that sweet memories of you brother will keep flooding you and your family members.
Hi, Betty.
Thanks so much.
Although it is difficult to move on, I know that is the right thing to do.
My brother was a man who served others in his work, and he expects no less of me, this I know.
Your prayers are appreciated more than you know…keep them coming.
xo
This is by far my favorite post, loveeee you!!!! we must make some apple cake soon <3 xoxoxoxo
Van,
We certainly will make his apple cake again…celebrating a beautiful spirit!
xoxo
I’m soooo sorry to here of your brother’s passing. One of mine passed a few years back and I still miss him terribly. Know that you have friends out here that care.
Hi, Shirley.
Thanks so much. It’s comforting to hear from folks who can relate.
Hugs to you for your loss, too…I know the hurt never leaves.
xo
I am so sorry to hear about your brother, and sorry too that I didn’t read about it until today. I know firsthand how difficult holidays can be when your loved one is not by your side. I have also had to deal with the sudden death years ago. It takes a lot of grieving time, so don’t shortchange yourself on that.
Praying for you and your family!
Blessings,
Anna
Hi, Anna.
Thanks so much for these words.
I’m sorry you, too, have had to deal with such loss. I know you’re right about it taking time.
I am taking one minute at a time now and thankful for my family and gluten free friends like you.
The support and understanding helps so much.
xo
Dear Gigi
This is the poem I put on my brother’s memorial card
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there I do not sleep
I am a Thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain,
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in rising flight,
I am the soft star shine in the deep of night,
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not ther; I did not die.
I am free.
of night,
Thank you, Joan.
xoxo
PS My brother George, never wanted cake for his birthday, he always wanted apple pie. I’m not good with the computer and I don’t know where the last 2 words “of night” came from There are many versions of this old poem and I altered a few words myself. Joan
hello, I have a question I am suppose to be gluten free and I am diabetic along with my mother who lives with my family. Tough my question is I am allergic to nuts and coconut oil, how can I go around that? I have had kidney troubles to so things are hard at times to eat… CAn you help me? Thank You