A special present arrived in the mail this Christmas... a cookbook from a friend who I had not heard from for many years.
When I saw the return address, I was ecstatic and ripped into the package to find a cookbook from the hospital where I spent my first 22 years in nursing and a photo of my friend with her family and now, her grandchildren!

It was she, who was responsible for organizing the production of this cookbook of recipes from the present ICU staff.
A few names I still remembered but many were new.

After moving to Texas, we lost touch as our lives progressed. She was busy raising her family and life was hectic.
There was the occasional Christmas card.
When I visited "back East", I would sometimes stop in at the hospital to visit, but there were fewer people working who I knew from years ago.

The gift of this cookbook brought back memories of the past. I called to thank her and of course... she was working.
I had a nice chat with her husband and said I would call the next day.

How good it was to hear her voice and that wonderful laugh.
It was like the years had melted away and we were picking up from where we left off.
We both loved to cook, shop at flea markets and take photos.
I will always remember those impromptu lunches in the backyard by the brook eating grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with a little glass of white wine!

So in honor of my dear friend, Onda... I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
May we never again lose touch, and may we build new memories as we grow old and continue to exchange recipes "from the heart".