It all started with a cookbook full of cancer-fighting, immune system-boosting recipes that included foods I had never heard of like quinoa, kale, and chard. That cookbook, written by the Ceres Community Project, planted a seed that grew into a fully-functioning foundation in less than a year. In the pages of that book was written the story of a kitchen run by local teens in which nutritious foods are prepared and then delivered by angels to homes, free-of-charge to families fighting the biggest battle of their lives against cancer. We set out to replicate this program in Nashville and today I was able to finally experience the fruits of our labor.
Since its inception, I have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this foundation a success. I have redone the website, answered emails, made phone calls, signed on celebs, asked for auction items, updated forms and Facebook and basically done whatever I could from 1,000 miles away. All the while, little elves worked day-in and day-out in Nashville to set up a healing kitchen. Every phone call and text message kept me abreast of the daily happenings and I was able to feel as though I was walking the journey with them all. Like distant relatives, I've known of each and every person that has chosen to intertwine their lives with that of our Foundation. I've known their resumes, backgrounds, reasons for getting involved, interests, schedules, and life stories but, until today, they could have passed me in the street and I wouldn't have recognized their faces.
I couldn't believe the emotion that overwhelmed me when I stood in the pantry of our kitchen two days ago and looked at all the mason jars filled with grains, the freezer bursting with labeled containers of meats, and all the pots and pans, mixers, and utensils that were donated by friends and family from all over the US. Every ounce of sweat and tears that have been shed over getting this kitchen up-and-running was completely worth it.
The feelings only got better as, today, I was able to see the kitchen in full operation.
Decked out in my hat and very own blue apron, 7 other busy volunteers and I sterilized more Snapware containers that I knew what to do with and chopped cranberries, walnuts, green beans, onions, kale, and squash for meals. I put faces to names and laughed with people who worked for 4 hours to lovingly prep food for 6 clients and their caretakers who are living the same hell we did two years ago. We began the day with a prayer and ended it with securing a new sponsor for our golf tournament and in all the hours spent in between, I learned more than how to properly clean mushrooms (don't wash them) or how to cut tomatoes without squishing them all over the counter (peel down). I learned today that there is no greater joy than the feeling you get when you faithfully walk the path laid out for you, regardless of how difficult or scary, and you give freely of your time, talent, and treasure to better the world around you. It's truly amazing what we are able to accomplish together. And it all starts with just the seed of an idea.