Peanut Butter Pie for Jennifer’s Mikey

The Internet seems a vast space to some, but to those of us who spend time there each day doing whatever it is we do, it can feel quite small.  Unlike the neighborhood I physically live in, people actually greet one another and share aspects of their lives —  like photos of their vacations.  Recipes.  Stories about their loved ones.

chocolate cookie crust in a spring form pan

It’s as if we know each other, yet most of us have never met. We follow pregnancies, cheer for children’s milestones, celebrate engagements or promotions at work, and pat each other on the back for jobs well done. And we mourn the loss of loved ones, quietly listening as the sadness unfolds across our community, each person touched by it passing it on to the next, condolences shared, offers of support given.

Jiff Peanut Butter

    spatula with a heart

That’s what has been happening throughout this week.

Mourning.

I’ve not met Jennifer Perillo, but that doesn’t matter.  I’ve followed bits and pieces of her bright life for a while now as one of her many Twitter followers and fellow food lovers.  It was natural to be alarmed when I read something had happened to her husband.  Such a young couple.  They’ve got little children.

Oh my goodness.

I emailed my husband to share the link, telling him to take care of himself like I always do, then cried quietly, trying to imagine what such a staggering loss must feel like.

I can’t imagine.  I don’t want to know.

Jennifer reminds us, “today is the only guarantee we can count on” and at my age, I completely understand all too well. I’ll turn 55 next month, and although I don’t consider that to be anything more than it is, I have a healthy regard for it.

So to honor her request to make her husband’s favorite pie — something she’d been meaning to do, but putting off —  I’ve done just that.  I’ve spent this uncharacteristically grey summer day in my kitchen, quietly going through the soothing motions cooking requires and thinking about those I love.  Thinking about life and living.  Health.

Dreams.

Thinking I have so very much to be grateful for.

Here’s to Jennifer’s Mikey.

And here’s to Jennifer and her family who have my utmost respect.

I wish them much love and strength.

There are many beautiful tributes and Peanut Butter Pies for Jennifer’s Mikey…It’s truly amazing.

It makes my heart swell.

Twitter #apieformikey

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