Sweet Refuge

“I’m just not hungry,” my mother-in-law said. The chemotherapy and radiation had taken its toll on her taste buds and appetite. Food had always been one of her great joys in life. Whenever she visited, we chose restaurants serving the things she loved most: liver and onions, layered desserts, candy, casseroles.

Our family gathered at her favorite restaurant. We’d ordered a smorgasbord of food options, but nothing looked good to her, although she wanted to soak in the meal and spend time with us. We picked out several desserts, hoping something would taste good. The cheesecakes weren’t appealing, and neither was the apple pie. And then it happened. The waitress brought out strawberry shortcake with giant sugared biscuits, macerated strawberries dripping with sugar, vanilla ice cream and whipped cream.

“I want some of that,” my mother-in-law announced.

I leaned over with a tiny bit of everything perched on a spoon, watching as the sweet summer dessert hit her tongue. She gave me a big smile. Although it was only a single bite, she found joy in rediscovering her love of food.