Thanksgiving

[vaneramos]

I just happened to drop in on an LJ friend and read a post this evening, sacred accident I suppose. It sparked me to write some things that have been on my mind and lips lately, but it's good to put them down.

"Forever is now," she wrote. And my comment, reposted here so I'll remember:

Mom's cancer is catching up with her. She is still on her feet, and active, and managed to enjoy one more summer at the lake she so loves, but we have no way of knowing how much longer.

She says she feels privileged to have discovered (even so late) the value of a day, because so many people never have the chance to think about it. I told her I learnt the same lesson from depression, which surprised her. It was interesting to talk about. I think I am the one family member (besides one of her sisters) who is least afraid of her illness, because like her I've given up the burden of constant expectations about life, which so many people carry around with them.

To live always fully in the present is perhaps unachievable, but to do so for an hour here and there makes the journey so much richer. And to share that consciousness with one we care about is perhaps the fullest realization of love.

I had Moe, and Sylvie and Sarah here to share turkey dinner this evening, a most pleasant time. To cover various dietary necessities, the meal was dairy-light, and mostly wheat-free except for the stuffing and gravy. Apple sausage stuffing, potato casserole with a layer of mushrooms and onions, squash with ample orange flavouring, sesame green beans, and apple crisp. The crisp was simple and outstanding, especially for a friend who must usually refuse dessert, but remarkable enough to recommend to anyone untroubled by wheat sensitivity. I was skeptical about the flax seeds, but they are wonderful.

Wheat Free Apple Crisp

(slightly adapted from a recipe on Recipezaar)
5 cups apples, peeled and sliced
3/4 cup butter
1/2 cup soy flour
1/4 cup flax seeds
1/2 cup ground almonds
1/4 cup oats
1/4 cup unrefined sugar (I used refined white)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350. Place apples in baking dish. Mix other ingredients and sprinkle on top (I gooped on glops, then pressed it down and together, too much butter perhaps, but it was good). Bake for 30 minutes.

I served it with vanilla So Good (non-dairy frozen dessert), a little different from ice cream, but just as good.

I will celebrate Thanksgiving with my family (parents and daughters) a week late, at Lake Fletcher.

Comments

[pastorela.livejournal.com]

thank you for posting this, Van! And i'm sorry to hear that your mother isn't well. And i'm happy to hear that she manages to find some peace and discover some treasures. hugs for you and please say hello to your girls for me.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I certainly will pass your greeting to them. Marian expressed concern about your disappearance, and will be glad to hear you are OK.

Thanks for the inspiration.

[blue-by-you.livejournal.com]

I'm glad your mom has you and that you're able to talk openly about her cancer and time and what's important. What you wrote here is beautiful. Oh and -- I would LOVE to be a guest at one of your meals.

[daisydumont.livejournal.com]

the lessons your mother has learned are so deeply valuable. it's good that you understand what she means and can share with her in valuing the days fully.

i admire her attitude very much, van.

[missprune.livejournal.com]

Happy Thanksgiving, Van. And thank YOU for everything in this post, the perfect beginning of my day over here in cloudy Bitterroot Valley. The recipe looks very good!

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

You are one of the most interesting dinner guests I can imagine!

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

It is beginning to take a visible toll on her, and still she is in good spirits.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

You are most welcome!

[blue-by-you.livejournal.com]

Wow! I don't think I deserve that but thank you very much for saying so. You made my night.