@Nick
I really miss my family and friends- and even though putting into words is not the easiest for me (partly because the cynic in me thinks words are cheap), I show them the through small « acts of service », primarily cooking. They love empanadas (I’m sure you have seen these)- they are patties/pies filled usually with cheese or a meat stuffing and deep fried. They are absolutely fattening but so good.
In typical South American style, my family is big (you date us, you are friends with one of us- then you are fam for life)- so making these from scratch take about 3.5 hours. I like to personalise the fillings to taste, so make cheese, tuna and vegan ones etc- packing them for the individual. I even make a mini set for my niece who is 1.5 years old (so she can safely stuff one into her mouth *SMH*).
The first week was the hardest for everyone, so I made a huge pile of these and delivered them (maintaining social distance) with a small number of face masks. Every other week I make a new pile, send them with risotto, cakes etc, really depends on what they are missing. I love to cook and bake but rarely have time to do this- for me the idea of cooking for myself is daunting but will literally spend hours on it for them. I know it’s not huge but I think the thought and action counts more.
Right now, the world need more kindness and love- absolutely everyone is hurting one way or another and together, we got this. I constantly remind myself- one day more of live, one day closer to a better normal. Stay safe all!
Yadira 🙂