I spent a few minutes looking for the post that Jennifer Perillo wrote that shot straight to my heart. It was about her making ice cream for her husband on a night that he was stressed and upset over an accident his mother had. She identified the love she puts into her cooking and says that often her food is how she expresses that love. I wish I could find that post for you. You should read it. She is much more eloquent than I. The night I read that post, I knew I loved Jennie anyway, but when I read those words, it became clear that she was one of those people who shared a piece of my heart. There are few of us who understand how love goes into cooking. There are fewer still who can express it as well as Jennie can.
You should read that post, but I won’t spend anymore time trying to find it on her site because, sadly, what I have learned from Jennie this week is that I need to spend much less time working on blog posts and much more time hugging and laughing with and cooking for the people I love.
Jennie’s husband died suddenly a few days ago and the swift severity of it has rocked me. If there is one thing Jennie communicates through her writing it is LIFE. She is the model for me to take it all in and appreciate every last drop of it. So for life to be ripped so angrily from Jennie’s world, I have no choice but to make sure I spend more time appreciating all that I have around me.
I won’t spend more time looking for the post that made me love Jennie. I will instead close this post and go hug the ones I love.
Then I will make a Peanut Butter Pie for the people I love and for Jennie. Because it is what Mikey loved and what Jennie has asked me to do. Cook. And Love. While I still have the privilege to do both.
Post Script: I found it as soon as I hit publish. Here is the link. Trust me, it is worth the time to read. Then go hug someone you love.
P.S. Looking for more parenting guidance and tips for self-care? Check out From Chaos to Calm a guided training to help you feel better in this tough season.
And this is why YOU have a piece of my heart. I haven’t been able to read about all of this let alone write about it. Thank you for saying exactly what I’ve been thinking.
My heart goes out to Jennie. I can’t even imagine the loss she is going through. But I do know how amazing you are in your ability ty to fine the good in things. So even if you are the you are the younger sibling I just want to let you know -yes cue the sapping music- you are my inspiration. You have shown me more often than not that things can be good even in the darkest times. Now go make that husband and beautiful klids of yours something amazing to eat. Love you.