It is the holiday season!!! The years fly by as the days trickle sometimes. Amazing how time can appear to people. This fall was marked by lots of change. Many of my peers are part of the sandwich generation - taking care of their own children but then also taking care of parents (or grandparents). This is an incredibly stressful and difficult situation but also pretty special because it brings families closer together. My brother and I flew to PA to help my mom move my dad into a residential center for memory care. The night before we moved him I had a moment where I thought my dad has been in this house with my mom for the past 48 years and with my mom years more. What a change this will be, for everyone. It was a moment where I allowed myself to sit with that thought. First of all, it was the first time my brother and I were alone with my parents in our childhood home alone without kids and spouses in decades. That was in and of itself a funny time - falling into old habits and old roles. Then, take on the task of moving dad and that added an interesting dynamic.
I realized that I needed to nest the space where he would be living. I wanted him (and my mom) to feel comfortable and safe and happy and feel like it was a new home. The first time I walked in the room was very sad for me. It was so stark and cold. After lots of love and runs to home and nearby stores, we were able to make it so much better. Mom took great care in making his box for outside of his room (that way he knows it is his room). Here are some before and after shots.
It truly is a strange time. Mourning an incredible man while he is still living. Loving a person who is changing every day and with every breath is losing more of the person we knew all of our lives. But, appreciating the parts of him that are still there but exhibiting differently. I hate that this is how people will remember my dad but I hope that people still see him when they look deep into his eyes and see the dad that will always be there, somewhere.
Time to put on Like Gold by Vance Joy and let's get cooking!!
This recipe. Oh this recipe. It is such a favorite and I have only started making it myself recently. My friend, Rebecca, makes this and every time I want to eat the entire pot, er….bowl. It is so delicious and comforting and since we have moved into another house (yes, our 3rd in 5 years), I have made it several times. This is the first time I am posting a picture of the recipe because I love how worn it is. I love how we know it as tortilla soup but the recipe calls it something different. I love how Rebecca has changed the recipe and made it her own. I love that this soup evokes emotions and memories and brings a smile instantly to my face. It is a perfect fall/winter meal. Enjoy!!!!
Here are some shots of the soup preparation and finished meal....
Have a wonderful day everyone and happy cooking!!!
