Thank You



I won't lie. These past two weeks have not been easy. Burying a parent is something each of us imagines we'll do, but I think we all have this vision in our heads that it'll happen when we're in our 60's or 70's.

Over the last few weeks I have cried more than I remember crying in my entire childhood. And I've smiled some. I've been hugged a lot. A few days I've spent in a complete daze staring at walls. And inevitably a few times I've picked up my cell phone to tell my mother about my day only to realize, mid-dial that she won't answer the phone.

BUT. I am ok. It's just going to take some time for me to wrap my head around life without my mother (who I sometimes called "Mama Foodie" because her cooking inspired me so much!).

The funeral was last week. It was very lovely. I was so touched by all the flowers, cards, emails, voicemails and comments I received with messages of condolence and comfort. After the funeral we buried her in a beautiful cemetery on a spot on a little hill that overlooks the city.

Tomorrow I return to my day job (no, believe it or not, Bariatric Foodie is NOT my day job!). Next week I'll resume blog activities. I have a few recipes to share and, as always, stories. I'm set to move out of my house of 12 years in the next few weeks so inevitably you all are in for some five ingredient or less, quickie meal posts as I don't plan to fully grocery shop until I am in my new house (location as yet to be determined).

So...THANK YOU. Thank you for your words, your prayers, your positive thoughts, your messages and your willingness to hang in there as I work through a difficult period in my life. I am still on this WLS journey though and will have some details about a summer initiative that I think my "Bariatric Foodie Pledgers" especially will like.

Oh...I also found the above photo of my mother last week as I was searching for one for her funeral program. The one in the last post was after her health had declined. The above was taken six years ago when she was in better health. "Mama Foodie" will take her permanent place in the right menu bar next week.

So check back next week! I have some yummy stuff planned that I hope you'll enjoy.

Bariatric Foodie is taking a hiatus

It almost seems strange to me to do this right now, but I will explain that in a moment.

Last night, March 29, my mother passed away at the age of 58 years old. It was very sudden. At this point, as I am sure you will all understand, I just don't have the words to say very much more than that.

Rikki Cox, September 14, 1953 - March 29, 2012 (with my daughter, "La Grande Diva", Annikki)



I am quite sure of one thing, though, and that is that I probably won't be able to post for a while as my family and I come to grips with this terrible loss and begin to move forward. It seemed strange to me to post even now, as if I should be doing something else. But I like to think of my readers as friends and, yes, some of you I consider as my own family. And it's good to turn to friends and family during difficult times.

I thank you for your understanding.

In my absence, I invite you to check out the recipe index (in the top menu), the recipe categories (scroll down and to your right) or the recipe suggestion boxes directly under each post to explore the many recipes that already appear on Bariatric Foodie.

My love of cooking comes from my mother. It is because of her that I love to feed people and it is her spirit within me that wants to gather us all together as a community with shared experiences. It would be the greatest honor to her for you to continue to use this blog in my absence, be inspired by the recipes and, as always, play with your food!