Comfort Food

I am a firm believer that taking someone a hot meal is among the most comforting things you can do for them in a time of need. Whether it’s an illness, death, birth or some other event, happy or sad.

If you are a friend of mine, you know I love to feed people. It’s just what I do. You can think better, sleep better and are happier when you are well nourished.

My four year old nephew, Jack Jack the Super Kid, was recently diagnosed with leukemia. My sister Erin and her family live in Texas which makes it difficult for me to shove mini cheddar meatloaves down their gullets. Thankfully, they are surrounded by an incredible support system of people who are lined up down the block with casserole dishes in hand.

The problem becomes managing the food.

Through this ordeal, Erin introduced me to CareCalendar.org. It’s a free website that allows you to create a calendar, complete with needs; meals, rides, housekeeping, etc.  You create a need and volunteers sign up for whatever days and  specific items they wish to provide. It sends reminder emails to the coordinator and provider, which is a beautiful thing.

CareCalendar allows you to tell the story of the recipient, upload photos, give specific dietary needs and map to your location. It’s all password protected so only those who are invited can view the calendar and see the needs.

The best part? Volunteers can enter what food they are planning to bring. This helps to avoid four lasagna meals in a row. Don’t get me wrong, everyone loves lasagna. Just not a week (or two) of it.

The calendar is free to create but you can give a donation at will.

I have set up and maintained Jack’s calendar which has allowed me to feel like I am doing something. Selfishly, that is all I need to get me through. I recently set up another one for my (amazing 37 year old) cousin Dana, who has breast cancer. As she puts on her game face and prepares to fight, the last thing she needs to think about is who is going to prepare and feed her family.

That fact alone makes any situation a little easier to swallow. Pun fully intended.