Mom’s breakfast menu hardly varies from day to day: maple walnut oatmeal, a protein shake, and, occasionally, a toast and jelly sandwich. Many days, her dinner consists of a yogurt and enough ice cream to disguise her evening meds. (Mom won’t willingly participate in swallowing pills – most often they roll around in her mouth for a long time!)
For many years, her lunch has been whatever is leftover in the fridge. I’ve made lots of grilled cheese sandwiches or heated up a chicken pot pie from the freezer. The last few months, however, we have been blessed to be the recipient of lunch cooked and delivered by Lynn. I might embarrassing her, but I’ll brag on her anyways.
I didn’t know what prompted her to begin, but Lynn has been preparing a feast for us on Mondays. We’ve had a menu of delicious food from meats and veggies to homemade desserts. Today was ham, potato casserole, baked beans, broccoli salad (my favorite!), jello, muffins from her mama’s recipe, and cucumbers from her garden. I’m thrilled she has chosen Monday as her delivery day since I’m always there!
I asked her today why she started this ministry. She told me another woman in her circle of friends had lamented, “We don’t do things like we used to.” It’s certainly true that I don’t visit others the way Mom did. Aside from a few times I’ve gotten involved for a meal train, I don’t cook for others when they are sick or having a baby or bereaved (and maybe that’s a good thing since I’m not much of a chef). I’m not often involved in lay ministry. Lynn and her friend are “doing things” and I’m grateful to be on the receiving end!
Dad has been pretty funny about this whole situation. He couldn’t understand why Lynn had picked us to bless. Lynn told him last week he’d never know how much his godly walk and faithfulness through the years means to her. It was so sweet. I think we all got a bit choked up.
Mom and all her caregivers have benefitted from these delicious meals. Lynn brings enough to feed a small army and we have leftovers to eat for days afterwards. Some days she brings her grandsons along to help with what Dad jokingly calls “meals on wheels.” They speak to Ms. Ruth and Lynn loves on Mom with lots of smiles and hugs.
Monday lunch is now my favorite meal of the week. It’s opening presents with each foil lid. Thank you, Lynn, for loving on us with food!
