My Great Neighborhood

Since mr. kenju came home from the hospital in September, my neighbors have been bringing food here every Thursday. The schedule was set up through November 15th, but since I was not working any of the first 3 weeks of the month, I cancelled some of them, much to mr. kenju's consternation. I felt like a fraud accepting food from people when I was fully able to cook.

Some of them refused to take no for an answer, and one woman called several weeks ago and asked if we liked chili. Answering in the affirmative, I learned that we would receive a pot of chili that night. It was wonderful; there is little better than a big bowl of chili on a cold night, with chopped onions, shredded cheese and crackers!

Last night, we were brought an excellent meal by a neighbor who should never have to feed anyone outside her home, considering that she has an invalid husband. The pork loin above is similar to what she brought, although hers was stuffed with dried apricots, which I heartily recommend. Rounding out the meal were salad with feta cheese, scalloped potatoes, steamed broccoli, rolls and ice cream. It was a feast, and we were both grateful, but mr. kenju was ecstatic. He is so tired of my cooking, since it tends to be boring, low fat and salt-free, and the same things over and over ad nauseum.

Now that Thanksgiving is coming closer, I find myself reflecting on how lucky we have been in our lives and the many people for whom I am grateful. Right near the top of the list, after my terrific family, will have to be many of my neighbors, who continually prove their compassion and friendship by selfless acts, such as these. I am truly grateful for them and surprised by them.

I was hoping I would get the opportunity to "pay it forward", although the idea that someone else would have to be sick to make that possible is not appealing. Today I learned that one of our own is in the hospital, and will definitely need help with meals after she comes home. She also has an almost invalid husband - so my ability to do something for them is coming sooner than I thought. Now, just what should I plan to cook?