On Friday, when my children arrived home, safely, it was all that I could do to not to gather them all up and never let them go. After recent events, I know I am not the only parent out there that felt that way. We’ve all been shaken up. Anyone who has ever loved a child, a sister or a friend has had to face this harsh new reality.
There was no way, that night, that I was going to deny my children most anything. It is a good thing that no one asked for a pony. Instead, they asked for hot chocolate and an extra cookie. Yes, they are kids, but food like hot chocolate and cookies are comforting. They sooth us, giving us a rush of sensation that calms us and makes us feel cared for.
Studies have found truth in the idea that chocolate cake can make us feel better when we are sad, or mashed potatoes will help us feel like we are safe at home. Part of it a chemical reaction, the rush of happy brain stuff, while part of it is culture. If we grew up in a warm kitchen eating gooey grilled cheese sandwiches, then you bet a bite of one can bring back a flood of good memories.
Speaking of grilled cheese…My father is currently staying with us after a sudden illness. Yesterday, he started talking about a grilled cheese that he used to make for me when I was a kid. It is an Italian-American favorite that uses mozzarella cheese instead of American, and the sandwich is first dipped in egg before it is grilled, resulting in something sort of like a french toast..double comfort food.
It was just what I needed after a long confusing day. So go ahead, make a little comfort food this week and wrap your family (and yourself) in its power.