Thursday, April 9, 2009

Food for Thought

In a few hours, I will deliver food to a third family in as many days, each coping with either new life or new death. It is an interesting custom we have, feeding those going through monumental changes; as a result, my own emotions have been like a geyser, ready to burst forth at any moment. The extremes of welcoming life and mourning death are inextricably connected, and each evokes one of our most primal instincts: taking care of each other.

Big B has helped me create these meals, from mixing and baking to delivering and hugging. I am proud to teach him the value of community, but there is something deeper in this ritual: with each step in the creative process, we pour the celebration, the mourning, the love into sustaining those who need it. Through acknowledging the need to nourish others, we are nourishing ourselves.

4 comments:

Liquid Pen said...

You are so good.

Sara said...

How wonderful you are to give to those that are hurting or in need of comfort! And its great that you are including your children!

Mothering Two said...

beautiful, laura. i really admire your ability to be so giving. anyone in your community is fortunate, indeed! peace be with you and those you bring nurturing to.

Liz ~ A Natural Nester said...

Cooking, giving & receiving are, indeed, very healing. You are living and demonstrating yet another compassionate truth.