Archive | May, 2013

Mother’s Day and a few Quiches

27 May

asparagus quiche

It seems like it has been YEARS since I have made a pie… but that is not true!  In fact, on Mother’s Day I baked a quiche and brought it to church for a friend – who did not show up that day.  That’s when I started thinking about Plan B.  After church I was talking with a few friends and mentioned that during the prayer time I had wanted us to think about “mothers without children and children without mothers” but had felt too emotional to do so.  Then one of those friends, Dr. Bill Sager, told me that forty-one years ago he was a missionary in Pakistan and received a call from his brother-in-law saying that Bill’s mother had died.  I watched as Bill’s eyes filled with tears remembering the loss of his mother and was amazed that so many years later this memory was still so vivid.   I offered Bill a hug and then thought of the quiche.  I explained that it had been meant for another, but that I hoped he would accept it instead.  Immediately Bill offered to take it to the person I had made it for (Bill is ALWAYS thinking of others) … but I told him that I think the quiche was really meant for him…. but I hadn’t known it until just then.

After Mother’s Day, I was busy with work and then last week I flew to Florida to see my Dad again.  He has been improving since he had surgery to clear his carotid artery.  He is looking better but is still living in a rehabilitation facility because he has to regain his strength and mobility.  I know that it’s been hard for him to go through this episode and at this time we are looking into “next steps” for him as he won’t be able to go home alone for a while, if ever.

On the bright side, over the last few days I have seen him show more interest in the world outside the facility.  For the first time in months I helped him to check his email and scan the world news.  Then yesterday, he wanted to watch the Indianapolis 500, and so we did (Congratulations Tony Kanaan!)  Later in the afternoon, Dad played a game of Scrabble with me, which shows incredible patience and concentration on his part.

As I was leaving last night, Dad, never one to gush, brusquely said goodbye.  I drove back to his place feeling sad and that maybe my efforts were in vain.  As I pulled into his parking place I noticed a flowering bush in front of his apartment that I had never noticed before (to be fair, most days I get back in the dark).  It was really beautiful and it stopped me in my tracks.   I realized that I had forgotten to find the beauty in each moment… and to remember that I am not alone going through this.

flowering bush

This morning  I woke up and baked an Asparagus and Cheddar Quiche to bring to my Dad.  I know that he will want to share it with some of his fellow residents and I think that that will be a perfect way to spend this Memorial Day.

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Mexico, our Friends, and a Pie

3 May

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The Chocolate Cream Pie that we shared in Barra de Navidad

As you know, we’ve been in Mexico for a short vacation.  Although it has only been nine days since we arrived, much has happened in that time.   One of the most remarkable things is that we have been able to remain in contact with our family back home which has been critical as my Dad has been in the hospital for our entire stay.  Two days ago my Dad was finally able to have surgery on his (almost completely blocked) carotid artery and being able to be in contact via Skype has been a great blessing… and to know that Dad is now on the other side of surgery (and has even been able to complain a bit!) is absolutely delightful!

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Carolina, Miriam, Rosalba, and David

One of the best parts of our visit was the time we spent with our friends from Mexico, David and Rosalba.  They drove from their home near Guadalajara (about four hours away) to spend a few days vacationing with us.  With them came their daughter Miriam and her best friend, Caro – two beautiful young ladies who will celebrate their quinceneras later this year.  Together we shared long walks on the beach, lots of sunshine, laughter, tacos, and a few mango margaritas (well, the adults did anyway).  It always amazes me is that we are able to communicate so well even though we speak different languages.  Yes, it’s true I know some Spanish, but my language skills are pretty rusty.   And yet here we are with just the simple desire to be together, and somehow we figure it out.   Would that all the world’s differences could be solved as easily!

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Pretty shells and sea glass from our walks on the beach

Another highlight came when we shared tacos one night at a little place near the center of town called “Rinconcita Mexicana” (little Mexican corner).  We ate at this place last year (in February) with David and Rosalba.  At that time I was still immersed in my “year of pies” and had brought a coconut cream pie to share with David and Rosalba and we wound up leaving half a pie as part of our gratuity.  This year when we showed up, the waiter, Ricardo, saw us and after a moment asked, “Do I know you?”  I shook my head no, but then Emile smiled and said, “yes” and Ricardo pulled Emile’s business card out of his wallet!  He commented on the pie from last year (delicioso!) and I was completely stunned!  It had been more than 14 months and we had made a lasting impression with half a pie!

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As we left to go home, I jokingly asked Ricardo if we could get a reservation for the following night.  He asked what time and said, “of course.”   The next day, I made a chocolate cream pie to commemorate our last night with David and Rosalba and the girls.  We arrived at the “restaurant” and found an empty table and sat down.  Then Rosalba pointed out that our table from the night before had a notice posted.  It said “Reservado” – and Ricardo’s wife Nancy told us that they had saved the table for us!  I felt honored to have earned a place at their table and, of course, we shared our pie with them once again.

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The Rinconcito Mexicana

Today we have one last day to walk the beach and to soak up the flavors of this colorful land.  We will miss it so much when it is time to go, but feel certain that a piece of our hearts will remain here until we are able to return.

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched.  They must be felt with the heart.  Helen Keller

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