VFT Rosh Hashana was perfect. Derek, Pete and Nicole brought a few friends and the table was filled with youth, chatter and lots of vegan food. The matzo balls held together to make it into the bowls, which was a first. I made the balls the night before and refrigerated them before cooking the next day. I added a little flour and extra oil and some water to the boxed mix. I cooked them for 45 minutes on a simmer, instead of the usual full-boil for 20 minutes. They were the closest try so far! The Field Roasts from Whole Foods were much easier and better than the usual Tofurky roasts and the side dishes all turned out and Nicole baked incredible apple-pumpkin muffins. If you need vegan baked goods, she’s your girl. If you need non-vegan baked goods, Kyle’s Nicole in Tampa is your girl. If these two got together they could be Nicole Times 2, Sweet Treats. Hmmmm….
Yesterday was a day filled with much emotion and thought. After learning of the loss of this beautiful young lady, the same age as Derek, I took a much longer than usual walk with Blaze. All this kid wanted was to be a mom, but her risks were so great, as she suffered with Cystic Fibrosis and her decision cost everything. As I prepared food for the holiday, I silently pondered choices we make, chances we take, outcomes, impact, wins and losses. Sometimes you toss the dice and you win, but we are never the only ones affected by our choices. Is our win enough to offset the loss to another? The ripple effect is beyond our ability to even imagine. Every action has a reaction and an effect on others. Every lesson seems to bring me back to this ripple effect.
Life is a journey and we never know where it will take us, or when it will end. My friend has asked that we all remember, every day, how precious this life is and that it is not to be taken for granted. She has also asked us to love our loved ones, just a little more. I can do that. Happy New Year to all.
I am so sorry for this difficult time for you. Your posting was really on target. We must be grateful for every day and really appreciate everything that we have in Life. Life is a precious gift that we must embrace and embrace our loved ones as well.