It is often said that sharing food with others brings people together, creating ties that bind. To me, there are few things more enjoyable than preparing a meal and seeing friends and family enjoy it! In a time of grief, cooking can perhaps relax and enable one to forget sadness for a time.
As recently posted in "A Sense of Community" (http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977333401&nav=MyGather), I told of the story of our neighbors who lost their son in a swimming accident. To thank those of us who helped with the yardwork, the family cooked a huge meal- mostly authentic Filipino dishes.
I saw a smile on the face of the grieving family as they explained to me what each dish was, and what it represents to native Filipinos. Noodles when eaten, are said to give one good luck. I was told that Filipinos love to eat, and I mentioned that this is also very true of Americans (said as I dug into my third rangoon).
Please come with me to the Philippines, and perhaps send some thoughts the family's way in this time of unbelievable sadness that no one should have to experience.
Pansit or Pancit (Noodle Dish)
Shrimp Rangoons and Pork Adobo with Quail Eggs
Lumpia Rolls and Sauce, Shrimp Fried Rice and Crayfish
Steamed Shrimp and Chicken-Pork Stew (Apritada)
Philippine Style Fruit Salad
Sweet Rice (Puto Maya)
rate
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 36
It's gets you thinking too, Rob. No matter how bad things seem, someone somewhere has it much worse.
loveya!
I hate that such a feast was the result of such a sad event, buta sense of community is such an incredible thing at such a time.
I take it you are familiar with this cuisine, Julie? What else have you had?
Thank you, Paula.
This was a lovely way to say thank you to all of you who showed them kindness at their worst moment. Sounds like some wonderful people, who will continue to be in my prayers that they receive the strength they will need to begin living again.
Thanks Marianne, everyone enjoyed the unusual dishes. I am sure most of them have never tried most of them!
And so sad about their son...
Thanks so much for posting this to my group All Photo Essays Here!
WwW.SparkleTags.Com
you took photos of the damn food? how did you explain that?
We prepared the food to thank the people who have loved my mother and who came during the wake and burial.
I can sense that the food is smaller so this must have been a very intimate gathering of selected people. Shannon, by attending this gathering you have become a special person for the family and friends of the bereaved. Perhaps becoming part of them.
And this definitely was a special gathering I shall never forget.