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I am constantly amazed at how animated and talkative people get when you mention food. The mere aroma of certain foods can evoke memories that transport us back to a special place and time. Food can bridge the gap between all ages, races and ethnicities.
Let's face it, the only thing that should ever come between people is a table and some serving bowls.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Memories Never Die

We’ve lost two terrific people over the last few months, my Aunt Flo and Uncle Dick. This was my mothers’ older sister and brother-in-law. Uncle dick had pancreatic cancer and lost his fight a few months ago, his wife had Alzheimer’s which was bittersweet in the sense that as awful as the disease can be it turned out to be a blessing in disguise when the love of her life for the past 50 + years passed away (her memory of who he was to her had been gradually fading) so her sense of loss was lessened. Aunt Flo passed away Sunday April 13th leaving six children, 5 sons and 1 daughter, many grandchildren, nieces and nephews. My mother and I have some great memories of staying with them in California, that is where we both learned to love avocados it just seemed like they used them in everything.
They will be so dearly missed but the memories they have given us will live on forever.

California BLT
In Memory of Richard and Florence Leonard

12 bacon slices, cooked crisp, crumbled
1 1/4 c. cooked, cubed chicken or turkey
10 cherry tomatoes, cut in quarters
2 med. avocados, diced
2 c. shredded lettuce
1/3 c. mayonnaise
1/3 c. sour cream
4 pita breads (6" size) cut in half
1/2 c. Thousand Island dressing

Combine bacon, chicken, tomatoes, avocados and lettuce in a large bowl. Toss carefully with mayonnaise and sour cream until thoroughly mixed. Fill pitas with chicken mixture, spoon dressing over each.

Photo/Josie/Flickr

12 comments:

Katie B. said...

Aw, Julie - I am so sorry for your loss! Your beautiful memories are such a gift.

Lidian said...

Julie, I am so sorry to hear of your losses - and what a lovely tribute to your aunt and uncle.

My late mother had Alzheimer's (or something akin to it, they weren't sure) so I know how hard it is for everyone, the loved ones and their families...

Patricia Scarpin said...

That is beautiful homage you're paying to them, Julie. I'm deeply sorry for your losses. Hang in there, girl!

Julie said...

Thank you so much Patricia

Julie said...

Thank you Lidian, Alzheimers is a horrible disease.

Julie said...

Thank you for your kind words Katie

Deborah Dowd said...

My heart goes out to you, but cling to your great memories, they are really priceless. And food is a great way to remember loved ones and to help feed our souls at the same time!

Unknown said...

I am so sorry to hear about your family's loss, Julie.

Sometimes I wish we could go back 40 years or so ago, when my aunts and uncles and grandparents were all still with us. Time goes by so quickly, so fast the older you get.

But, oh, Julie, that sounds like a delicious sandwich!

Thank you.

Julie said...

Thank you Mimi, I miss those times and those people who made it all so special. That is why it is so important to tell those stories and keep those memories alive.

Julie said...

Thank you Deborah, you expressed my views and the reasons behind "Noshtalgia" beautifully.

Mique (as in Mickey) said...

What a great way to remember those you love. I can't wait to make these tonight- hope you don't mind! :)

Julie said...

Thank you Mique, I do not mind at all. Memories are meant to be shared just as food is meant to be shared that is the whole concept behind noshtalgia.