This morning, while it was still dark, I gathered together the ingredients to make a cake. Nothing fancy. Just an olive oil and citrus cake. My go-to recipe when I want make a simple, satisfying, stress-free dessert.
Since we returned home from Mexico things have been anything but simple and stress-free around here.
My beloved 99 year old Baba (Grandma) fell down and broke her hip during the holidays. She has been in the hospital since the 29th of December and has been having a bit of a rough time. Right now she is doing better. She had surgery to repair her hip and has been remarkably patient and positive through such a difficult time. I have been very, very worried. Things are looking positive tonight and I have my fingers (and toes) crossed for another good day tomorrow.
When I got home from the hospital today I made a cake. Not that we needed one. But the act of making a cake made things seem somehow more “normal” around here. Today I got a note from my friend Tracy that said “food is often good therapy”. She is right.
I’m planning on taking my Baba a slice of this humble cake, wrapped up in parchment paper and tied with some string, when I visit her in the hospital tomorrow. I think she will like it.
I know how you feel. I wish it wasn’t so for you.
Love.
Thanks my dear. Will give you a call this weekend.
Love to you from this side of the pond.
Thanks Leslie for all of your words of comfort. Hoping we can get together soon.
“When I got home from the hospital today I made a cake. Not that we needed one. But the act of making a cake made things seem somehow more “normal” around here.”
Yes. I know exactly what you mean, Julie. Your baba is going to love that little slice tied up with string.
Hi Denise, you were absolutely right, my Baba did love her little slice of cake tied up with string. I also took a piece for my Mom who has been spending long hours at the hospital and she seemed to love her slice too. What a difference a little piece of cake can make. Thank goodness as sometimes it feels like that it is all that I can do…
So sorry to hear about your grandmother! That’s a lot of hospital visits as of late. Cake will be a good thing for the both of you. Also, we should meet up again soon!
Thanks Jeanette. There have been A LOT of hospital visits lately. My Mom and I have been comparing the food quality between VGH and Surrey Memorial just to help pass the time. In case you are interested the food in Surrey is way better, and the nurses are incredibly sweet as well.
I would really love to get together for a coffee again sometime soon. I will write to you early next week!
Hope your Baba had a good day today Julie. Much love and keeping my fingers crossed for her.
Thanks Tamar, today was a bit of a roller coaster but I can’t help but be inspired by my Baba’s spirit. She was up and walking today, a look of fierce concentration on her face. Keep those fingers crossed…
Sending healing thought to your beloved Baba!
Thank you so much for your good wishes Carol!
Please tell your Baba to get well soon…and you, take it one day at a time, friend.
Thanks for everything. Funny thing, one of Baba’s very, very favourite phrases is “one day at a time”. She literally says it a dozen times a day. It made me smile when I read it in your comment…
May your Baba have a gentle, healing, resilient day. Cake is fuel for that for you all.
99, years old….wow, she is resilient! Sending hugs…..
Thanks Natalie. It was a pretty good day today. Waiting for a transfer to Mount St. Joseph’s Hospital which seems to be eluding us but Baba did walk 30 metres today! A new record. Keeps me hopeful.
Sorry to hear about your Baba, we will keep Baba in our prayers. I’m sure the piece of cake was delicious but the love that went with it is everlasting! Take Care, elisabeth xo
Thanks for the good wishes Elisabeth!
Big love to you and the whole family. May that cake heal. Food can be such a good hug sometimes, I know that’s how many of us feel when in your kitchen. xo
Thanks Lisa for such sweet words. We tried to spring Baba from the hospital today but got shut down by the doctor. He says maybe on Wednesday barring any unforeseen issues. Fingers crossed.