Things change

I'm up early - probably anxious about our appointments at Mayo today. We're meeting with almost every specialist that will be part of our battle against Hutton's breast cancer. This morning I glanced at my blog and realized I haven't cooked in almost two weeks. Hutton's neighbors, friends, and colleagues have brought us meals almost every day. When we don't have something new waiting, there are fabulous leftovers in the fridge or freezer. Our lives have been made so much easier by this outpouring of love.

There are some things we've learned about giving in times like this that I want to mention for all of us to refer back to when we have friends of family facing challenges.

1. All giving is good. It doesn't matter what it is, the fact that you cared enough to realize how important small or large gestures are mean everything to families during difficult times.

2. People in Rochester seem to know that when you take food to a family, take a little bit extra and provide a whole meal. Our meals have almost always included a salad, bread, main course, dessert and even drinks. A bottle of wine or special soft drinks are a really nice touch.

3. Receiving a fresh salad whether it's a fruit salad or a traditional salad taste amazing when you've been running to doctors or spend the day at the hospital. It's peak strawberry time in Rochester and we have had strawberries at almost every meal. A simple salad of strawberries, cantaloupes and grapes are perfect. We had a Greek salad one night and it lasted for a couple of days and tasted delicious. Just feta, cucumbers, tomatoes and kalamata olives tossed with a vinaigrette - perfect because it's still good the next day.

4. Some of our favorites have been chicken salad, vegetable soup, and bbq - which we turned into bbq nachos for two additional meals.

5. Desserts are wonderful, especially if you can freeze the leftovers. Brownies are just about the perfect treat.

So the lesson is give something you would love to receive. If you don't have time to cook, buy some bbq or fresh fruit and know that it will be appreciated.