Missing My Mom

My mom died a year ago on May 25th. She was 12 days short of turning 99 years old.  So it wasn’t unexpected that she would pass at some point.  What was unexpected was the bottomless hole that has remained in my heart. The world is not the same without her.

Mom taught me how to cook. My Life Coach, Ley-Ann, suggested that I make cooking a time of reconnecting with my Mom to help fill the emptiness in my heart. I had been crying through most days while I cooked because I missed her so much.  Now I bring her into my cooking by talking to her about what I’m making. I have two pictures of her in my kitchen and I imagine her sitting across the counter, like we are having a nice visit. Nothing will completely fill the void, but it helps.

One way I keep her love alive is to make things she often did, like Beef Tomato.  This is a simple dish but its comfort factor is off the charts. A lot has to do with the love mom put into it, and the rich blend of flavors and smooth simplicity is like being hugged from the inside.

Here is  my Mom’s recipe for Beef Tomato.  May you feel hugged!

Beef Tomato.pdf