Tag: grief

The Light of the World by Elizabeth Alexander

In Jewish tradition, after someone dies, it is customary to bring food to those left behind and to sit with them in a practice known as shiva. It shouldn’t be that surprising to find food associated with grief. Food is in its way a form of showing love and support that it may bring succor… Continue reading The Light of the World by Elizabeth Alexander

Memoriam

May eighth, you come without notice. After three years, you would think I would be mindful of your coming and yet you come and you take. A week ago, I greeted May, all bustle and business until it stopped me and put me in my place- the clock is ticking. You will soon be here… Continue reading Memoriam

In memory, a Peanut Butter Cream Pie

In memory of Mikey, In honor of Jennie, people around the world today baked pie. Peanut Butter Cream Pie. No, it doesn’t change the fact that he was taken well before his time. No, it doesn’t change the grieving process. But all these pies baked on the same day together and given in love with… Continue reading In memory, a Peanut Butter Cream Pie

Losing My Voice

Grief does weird things to a person. You don’t exactly know the when or the where, but you know to take this visitor at its word, when it says it will drop by. Right after my dad’s funeral, people kindly sent emails, texts and phone calls. In the void and silence not to be filled,… Continue reading Losing My Voice

Star Ruby Grapefruit Mint Bars

If you talked to a handful of people, you’d get a handful of responses on what Easter means to them: Eggs dunked and dyed with food coloring. A feast with family. Chocolate bunnies filled with marshmallow crème. The day Christians celebrate Jesus rising from the dead. Absolutely nothing. My response to this would be an… Continue reading Star Ruby Grapefruit Mint Bars

A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken

My favorite gift to receive is a book. (Hint: it’s my favorite gift to give as well.) This Christmas, among the gifts waiting for me under the tree lay a thin package. Upon unwrapping it, my father-in-law, Bill commented, “that book is a bit old school, but it has some good insight into marriage.” Intrigued,… Continue reading A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken

valley of shadow and ash by annelies zijderveld

valley of shadow and ash – first draft  in this valley of shadow and ash, i quake and tremble of the forward, the backward keening out of view. how to move on without losing how to let go without- to be present and awake to life in its simplicity : the iguana crawl, crab scuttle,… Continue reading valley of shadow and ash by annelies zijderveld

Bittersweet Chocolate Cake with Candied Cranberries

May his memory be for blessing. A year ago,  I didn’t know that Christmas would be the last time I would see my Dad alive. A year ago, we sat around a humble dinner table decked out with Christmas finest and enjoyed a meal, a conversation, some laughs and some tears. He had come to… Continue reading Bittersweet Chocolate Cake with Candied Cranberries