Crossing the Bar
Alfred Lord Tennyson
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho’ from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.
It’s been difficult navigating these new waters since I had to say goodbye to my Mami. No one prepares you for the loss of someone you cherish so deeply. There are days when her memories bring about joy and laughter and yet at other times, tears and grief. There are oftentimes uncontrolled tears that run down my cheeks upon visiting a store or listening to a song on the radio.
Yet, I feel His love and constant care when He allows me to walk alongside my Mami as I slumber.
Through all of the ups and downs, these choppy waters remind me that even the wind and the waves obey Him (Mark 4:35-41). I find myself on my knees often, praising Him for the truth in His word, the gracious Hope that He has given to all that believe. I’ll see my Mami again, this I know, it just hurts waiting on this side of heaven.
A Humble Stew – Sausage and Potatoes
What keeps me moving forward, in joy, are the simple things that the Lord has given me right now. A faithful and loving husband, children that keep my life filled in everything good, and my comfort in cooking them nourishing food.
On the days I feel a bit low, I enjoy cooking simple food – food that reminds me of my Mami and the warmth that she carried with her, deep within her soul. That’s the kind of food that brings comfort to me. Simple, humble, peasant food.
This is a simple humble meal of sausages and potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp, extra virgin olive oil
- 1 leek (about 2 cups), cleaned and sliced
- 1 onion, roughly chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 jar Jovial crushed tomatoes
- 4 medium potatoes. roughly chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 4 farm-crafted sausage links
Method:
- In a large heavy-bottomed pan, gently bring 2 tbsp of olive oil to heat. Add the leeks, onions, garlic, and salt and saute until the leeks and onion start to soften, 2-3 minutes.
- Once the leeks and onions have softened, add the crushed tomatoes and bring to a gentle boil. Once it just begins to boil, lower the heat and simmer until the tomatoes have thickened and deepened in flavor (go ahead, give it a taste), 8-10 minutes.
- Once the sauce has developed in flavor, mix in the chicken broth and chopped potatoes. Top with the farm-crafted sausages, and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, cover, lower the heat to low, and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender.
Although simple enough to make, the flavors are deepened by frying the tomato sauce and adding good homemade chicken broth. It nourishes and comforts.
I will always miss my Mami, but I am thankful for these dishes that remind me, life isn’t always easy but it’s always good because God is good.
In His Name,
Diana
Diana, my heart grieves with you and my spirit rejoices with you for we know beyond a shadow of doubt that we will be reunited with our mommas when we too cross that shore and dwell forever in His presence. Thank you for sharing your heartache and your joys; your vulnerability always astounds me… you are a real human in the blogosphere! Believe me, it does hurt less as time goes on. My momma went to see Jesus over 2 years ago; I miss her everyday but the tears and emotional pain are less. May His grace and peace continue to keep you in the days and months ahead.
Thank you for your encouragement, Helen. <3
Good morning Diana
My favourite food??? – mmmmmmm – my mum taught me to cook simple but full of flavour – the one meal i miss from her is – cooked macaroni stirred into frizzled onions and finely snipped bacon – i just have to smell any of those 3 ingredients and my mum is with me in the kitchen – 10 years later and i still get a yen to have my mum beside me – especially when times get tuff – she was down to earth and honest – not full of fluff and palaver – like my big sister who you can only take in small spoonfuls at a time – thankfully we have miles and miles between us – that way we get on – but yep – i still miss my mum AND my dad – you just learn how to cope with it
That sounds wonderful, Liz. A Simple pasta with onions and bacon. I may just make that for the family this week ;D Thank you for sharing with me today!
My mama just passed two weeks ago. I will miss her dearly but she was 97 and lived a blessed life. I don’t think it matters how long they live because we always will miss our moms💝. May God Bless ✝️
I’m sorry to hear that, Susan. You’re so right, it doesn’t matter the age. Our moms hold such a special place in our hearts. I’ll be praying for strength as you journey this new road without you mama. Much love to you!
Diana, my heart reachies out to you and your family. It may be comforting to know that when we come to understand that when our loved ones are laid to rest, not dead, but awaiting the Lord to stretch out His hand to great us on that glories day and offers us the promise He left us with, we are not dead, we live on not only in the hope of the reserection, but within all those whom have had the chance to meet our loved ones. To this I offer you His blessings. We all offer our love to you and, simply continue to enjoy, with true joy, (Jesus, Others and then You) your message and ministery. Keep them strong, keep them loving, keep them in your heart. By the way, my family really enjoy your site. Peace tTt
Thank you for the encouragement, Timothy.
Hi diana,
I knew about your blog when I was googling NATA 🙂 That post from 2013, in your experience is there a product similar to NATA sold at the Stores??
Thanks in advance.
Best regards.
Ps Sorry about your loss.
Not that I’m aware of.
I’m truly blessed to still have my Momma here on earth; I cannot imagine life without her! I often pray that Jesus will come before her time here is through because I don’t know how I could handle her being gone. She’s my best friend, my confidant, and has been key in my spiritual growth (God has used her in miraculous ways to reach and teach me). I pray He will use me as such to reach my unsaved children as He did her. I find you courageous in your honesty and willingness to face each day anew with her inspirings and God’s grace❣️
May your memories ease your sorrow. Grieving is like a roller coaster ride, highs and lows and you are right about how a song, smell or memory can trigger the tears.
May God bless you and give you strength as you and your family go through this process.
Thank you, Jean. <3