Recently, my Grandpa was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma which a a rare form of blood cell cancer that has no cure. Need less to say, it has been a rough few weeks in our family and my Grandpa was also hit hard with a pneumonia and suffered two heart attacks on top of everything else. As of last weekend, the doctor was not sure if he would survive the pneumonia.
After I heard the news about my Grandpa and I spoke with Eric, I went straight into my kitchen and I baked a loaf of Banana Bread to bring to the hospital. Baking comforts me in a way that I can’t really describe; no matter if things are going good or if things are going not so good, baking seems to always provide me with whatever I need at the time. Enjoyment, relaxation, satisfaction, or solace. Baking has taught me that things don’t always work out as we anticipate and sometimes we have to get through the dirty dishes and start again the next day.
I stood there with tears dripping down my face as I measured ingredients with the utmost precision. I chopped some dark chocolate.
Shortly thereafter, Eric’s head peeked around the door (he must have smelled the chocolate).
‘Need some help?’
We stood in the kitchen and talked about my Grandpa as we baked banana bread.
Eric and I went to visit my Grandpa in the hospital last weekend and it was really difficult to see him so frail, but at the same time, we were really glad to be able to visit him in such positive spirits despite everything going on. He has always been a strong and upbeat person and I was happy to see that still rang true.
On Saturday, just after Eric and I had finished eating our Black-Eyed Pea Masala, I received a call. My grandpa was doing so well that they were going to let him leave the hospital as long as his health was stabilized. His blood count was also looking so good they decided to take him off of the antibiotics. This was not only wonderful news, but it was also timely news; my mom just flew in on Friday for a visit and it was a true blessing for her to be able to have such a great visit with her dad during her stay.
So, was it the luck of the Black-eyed peas?
I guess we’ll never know, but one thing is for sure I’m going to keep some in my pantry just in case.
I am so sorry to hear about your grandfather! I will be thinking about him and your family. I would have done the same thing…baked to sooth my soul. I do believe in the power of the blackeyed pea! Yours look delicious! My prayers are with your family!
Angela, that’s rough to have to go through but I’m glad to hear he’s doing so much better. It might be the peas, or maybe your thoughtful good vibes. Hope everything stays well.
So glad to hear that your Grandpa had a turn-around! That’s excellent news!
I find baking to be cathartic as well. Perhaps it’s because it gives you a sense of control in situations that are out of control but you know that when you add certain ingredients together they make something specific and tangible.
My thoughts are with you and your family, Angela!
The food looks delicious, as always.
So glad that your gpa is feeling better, and a question for you – have you heard of the movie The Beautiful Truth? You can stream it for free on Netflix, if you have an account. It’s a great documentary about the relationship b/w food and illness – it may have some interesting stuff in there for your gpa. I’ve been recommending it all over the place :)
Sorry to hear about your grandfather, but I’m glad to hear he’s doig better. I lost both of my grandfathers within one year a few years back and it is so hard. Baking for me has been my therapy for as long as I can remember. I always bring baked goods to people in times like these.
HUGS!
Peas, prayers or the power of positivity — whatever the case, it’s certainly a blessing.
I’m so sorry to hear about this, Angela. You + your family are in my thoughts. Stay strong lovely. <3
I’m so sorry. It sounds like you’re surrounding your grandfather with love and family and that you’ll both getting something wonderful from that. Enjoy this time with him, and your mother. Here’s to the black-eyed pea!
I’m so glad to hear your grandfather is doing better!! I’m sending lots of prayers your way:)
You and your family are in my thoughts. Glad to hear your grandpa is feeling better
Thanks for sharing such a personal story with us. I have tears in my eyes and will be praying for your Grandpa and the family.
I am sooo happy to hear your grandpa is at home and doing well. I know how hard it is to have a grandparent sick and in the hospital because mine spent christmas and new years in there with pneumonia. My thoughts and prayers are with you grandpa!
So, so sorry to hear about your grandfather. I’m glad you did get some good news though. My thoughts are with you and your family.
There IS definitely something about baking that is cathartic. When in doubt, I make cupcakes. :)
I am sooo happy to hear your grandpa is at home and doing well. I know how hard it is to have a grandparent sick and in the hospital because mine spent christmas and new years in there with pneumonia. My thoughts and prayers are with you grandpa!
So glad to hear that your grandfather is doing better! All the best wishes to him and your family :)
Oh Angela! I’m so happy he’s doing better and you have a good coping mechanism. Keep strong and let the black eyed peas do their thing. Maybe another batch is in order for good measure ;) Your grandpa is in our thoughts!
I’m very sorry to hear about your grandpa. Glad to hear he is doing better, though. I will say a prayer for continued strength and recovery.
I am SO glad to hear your grandfather is doing better! I also bake and cook when I’m nervous/anxious/desperate.
oh wow, what good news! it’s hard losing a grandparent. my grandfather sounds really similar to yours – a very strong, happy man. he passed away a couple of years ago, and it was so hard seeing him in the hospital. he still tried to be upbeat, but you could tell he was unhappy. he hated being in a hospital bed and feeling so weak. i’ll keep your family in my prayers.
I’m sorry to hear about your grandfather, but I’m glad to hear that he is doing better!
This post brought tears to my eyes… Things are starting to go downhill for my grandmother as well (who has also had two heart attacks) so I know how you feel. ::hugs:: Maybe I need to stock up on black eyed peas as well. ;)