Supper’s Ready!

July 13, 2009

My sister recently retired from a demanding but satisfying job. Unsure of what her next step would be, she found herself at loose ends, living alone, and not liking it. Meanwhile, her older daughter and the daughter’s partner bought a large house, and invited her to move in with them.

So far, the trial is working well. My sister is enjoying the lower expenses, as well as the companionship. She has the house to herself during the day while the others are at work. And when they come home, she has supper ready for them.

Now, this is the same sister whose cooking skills had declined over the years as her household shrank and her worklife expanded. But she’s been thoroughly enjoying her new role as meal provider to adults. She’s been hunting out the ethnic groceries in her new neighborhood, and she’s been looking up her old recipes. The job has added some structure to her days, and she knows that her efforts are very much appreciated.

“They both work hard,” she says. “When they come home, they still have to do errands, stuff around the house, take care of the animals. Before this, sometimes they didn’t get around to eating until nine o’clock. Now, when they come home, there’s something good waiting for them.” Something good, indeed.

• Back To Blog