14 Comments
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Nancy Celani Baker's avatar

The cat walking through the pie made me chuckle. Back when we had house cats similar things happened, but without the saving grace of the food being covered with a cloth. Hope your mom stays well for a long time.

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Janisse Ray's avatar

Thank you, Nancy. So do I.

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Holly H Durrence's avatar

Oh, how I love you!

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Janisse Ray's avatar

Back atcha, sweet neighbor.

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Amber Lanier Nagle's avatar

Loved this, Janisse. I, too, am a curious soul and have often interrogated the strangers I've encountered along my life's journey. Your post reminded me of a line from a Counting Crows song — "The smell of hospitals in winter, and the feeling that it's all a lot of oysters, but no pearls." But there are pearls. We just have to find the pearls, right? I hope your mother is on the road to recovery.

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Janisse Ray's avatar

Oh, what a perfect line for this post, Amber. I wish I'd thought of that as I was writing it. You're right, there are pearls.

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Pamela Herron's avatar

I hope your mother is feeling better. Your story resonated with me because it seems I have spent ever so many holidays sitting by hospital bedsides. It takes a special kind of person to work in health care, particularly in hospitals. Bless you for your curiosity and your caring about people and their stories.

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Janisse Ray's avatar

Bless you as well, Pam.

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Karen Davis's avatar

Janisse, this is so beautiful. You are genuinely curious - and so genuine. It's no surprise everyone talks to you! Lots of love to you and to your mom.

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Misti Little's avatar

We had a feast on South Padre Island with my parents and brother’s family. Definitely too much food but I am thinking fondly on a chocolate pie my SIL made. I’m sorry you had to spend your holiday in the hospital with your mother but it sounds like you made the best of it

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Janisse Ray's avatar

I wouldn't turn down that Chocolate Pie recipe! Maybe your SIL would share a link?

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Misti Little's avatar

I'm afraid it is the most basic of basic chocolate pies but it was absolutely delicious, no link:

+Pre-baked pie crust of your choice

+Cook and serve chocolate pudding, cooked to directions and poured into pie crust

+A container of Philadelphia No Bake Cheesecake (https://www.myfoodandfamily.com/brands/philadelphia/product/00021000623167/philadelphia-no-bake-cheesecake-filling) on top. I think she was originally going to put it on the bottom but she forgot and added it to the top and it was still great!

+Refrigerate until chilled and ready! Serve!

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J. P. Dwyer's avatar

Hope your Mom feels better soon. Cardiac problems are complex and sometimes confusing. Your Mom is fortunate to have you close by.

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Janisse Ray's avatar

Jeff, she lives about 25 miles away. I go every day for a couple of hours to help her out & keep her spirits lifted. It's definitely nice to have family close by. Thinking of you & E.

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