Food!

I am simply amazed at how well cared for I have been throughout this chemo siege. The first round, people just showed up with casseroles and goodies, people who had heard that I was starting treatment. I was so surprised, and the food was so delicious!

Second round, my friends and colleagues at the Library organized a veritable feast of dishes and delectable desserts that made even the boys ooh and ahhh. Third round brought even more delightful recipes and selections from the ladies at the church where I conduct (Methodists tend to be well known for their covered dishes!). I have to say, the third round was a tough one for eating too. More nausea to contend with, not to mention the inability to taste. Good thing there were tempting dishes around to entice eating.

This week the trend continues marvelously. My fellow worshipers at Community of the Savior Church where I had been attending in the evening and now during the summer when I am able, organized the meals. What a wonderful variety and such thoughtful preparations. Homemade bread and pies, entrees ranging from chicken to pork to lasagna, veggies - I have not eaten so well in a long time. No fear of losing weight here!

The best part is the ministry to the boys. To watch their faces as the dishes arrive - often piping hot and ready to be devoured - is pure joy. It is one moment of light heartedness and happiness in a dreary summer of plodding and contending. They inhale the good smells of food prepared in love like it were a drug of choice. Kindly, they dish me up a plate first, then pile their own plates high. You can almost hear the contentment as they enjoy each repast to the full extent. The sighs of happiness afterwards never fail to bring a smile to my face.

I know the sacrifice of taking time and resources from busy hectic schedules and already tight budgets to bless someone else, and I want to personally hug and thank each and everyone who has so blessed our little family over these past ten weeks. You can never know how much we appreciate this outpouring of care and concern. You have not only freed me to concentrate my energy on battling cancer, but you have touched our lives immensely by your love. Your kindnesses will long be remembered. May God return the blessing to you a hundred fold.