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The sun felt unbearably hot on every bit of exposed skin as we trudged from the parking lot to the shade laden with donuts and emotions. Last Sunday we dropped off my parents at the airport after their two week visit and then headed directly to 7Eleven to select the very best looking gas station Krispy Kremes. As the tears flowed in the car, I decided to just stay quiet. I think too often I chatter away about all the fun that was had, and how yes it’s very sad that it’s over, and oh remember we’ll see them again next year. Just on an on go my words while they nod and cry and smile and cry and nod. This time I stilled my lips and thought I’d let donuts, private thoughts, and a good stare at the ocean work some medicinal magic on their tiny hearts. As we escaped the heat under a beautiful tree and set up our blanket, the girls were already beginning to wipe their faces and think of the sugar in the bag. Once the sugar was in the belly and eyes were on the ocean, we started talking about all our favourite memories from this latest visit. It was a totally difference experience for all of us now that the girls’ schedules are running full steam ahead. My parents went to all the music lessons and sporting events and listened to our read aloud, but we didn’t do one single “touristy” thing. We just did normal life, and it was delightful.

A friend of mine was helping me process some thoughts and I expressed slight regret that I had used food as part of the cure for broken hearts. Isn’t that bad precedent? She responded saying, “Hey… tell them to eat those emotions because they are delicious!” I laughed at that, but it struck me that I’d never quite thought of it that way before, and I love it! We didn’t “swallow” our emotions and ignore them, instead we savoured them and all they meant. Quietly sitting with harder feelings and cozy food allowed us to peacefully put the sorrow aside after a time, and move on with life. We have moved on into a busy school and work week, but we are savouring memories.