GuiltyVeg has just come through a nasty bout of flu.  Our little one, she with the history of institutionalization and lack of proper nutrition had less than one day of mild malaise.  Not so for me, Strong North American Woman! pumped full of a lifetime of vaccines and antibacterial hand cleaner on every corner, I end up being horizontal for 48 hours.  I couldn’t move, lest the gurgling and bubbling THING that had decided to move into my stomach changed its mind and decided to COME OUT.  My eyes ached if I looked around the room, every muscle was sore.  Heck, even my hair hurt. My family was kind enough to designate one of the bathrooms JUST FOR ME.  I’m sure that this was done without any ulterior motive on their part. I am so lucky I have such a selfless family.

Speaking of family, the rest of them will be descending on our fair city this weekend to celebrate Pater’s life.  Grieving, commiserating and reuniting with friends, family and acquaintances will take place.   We will cook, laugh and give a toast to Dear Old Dad and his presence will be felt. One of the great ironies of losing a loved one is that it brings loved ones together.

A few years ago when I was a rabid fan of Six Feet Under, there was an episode about the death of the patriarch of a large clan of hippies.  His name was Daddy, appropriately, and he was well-loved by his whole family.  This passage isn’t just a little bit corny, but it’s very sweet.  It’s said to come from “Wise Sayings from the book of Daddy.”  He was eulogized as follows:

I depart as air

I shake my white locks at the runaway sun

I bequeath myself to the dirt, to grow from the grass I love

If you want me again, look for me under your boot soles

You will hardly know who I am or what I mean,

but I shall be good health to you nevertheless

Missing me one place, search another; 

I stop somewhere, waiting for you

But until we meet again... 

Dance as if no one were watching,

Sing as if no one were listening,

And live every day as if it were your last.

So there!

Stay tuned for more stories about food, travel and moving on.

Have a persimmon.