A comforting cup of country potatoes and leek soup

I became friends with Abbe after she got cancer. Our sons went to the same school, so when I found out that other moms were preparing a menu list for Abbe's family while she would be recovering from her first surgery, I signed up for meat lasagne without hesitation. Abbe's cancer was in her tongue and lungs. Such a perseverant woman herself, she survived many more radiation sessions and another recent operation.

When I learned she had to have one third of her tongue cut off, I felt mixed emotions. Sympathy? Sure. Appreciation for the many blessings God had bestowed on me for years? You bet. But above all, I loved Abbe's spirit and how she took on the challenge and accepted the commitment for a long journey fighting her tumors.

What would one tell someone like Abbe for an encouragement? Sorry about your tongue? I could not find anything in my heart but my own faith. And it turned out that this faith ryhmed well with what Abbe believed in. I wrote to her that I was proud of how she persevered, and that this event had been prescribed into her book well before she was born. She loved "the book" idea and started telling it to everyone. Yes, she can still speak; amazing, isnt't it?

When I dropped the lasagne off, I realized the poor woman won't be able to eat it because of her swollen tongue and throat. She was sipping some nutritious liquid solutions out of a straw (and later she had to have a stomach tube inserted.)

"I bet you will like my country potato and leek soup much better, Abbe." I cheerfully said.

"Sure sweety," she said. "I would love to taste it when you have time.

And thus started a new tradition between Abbe and me: any time she had to go back for surgery, or came back from radiation, or even any time I felt like she would appreciate this cup of hot soup on a chilly day, I cooked my favorite recipe with love, topped off with compassion and stopped by Abbe's house.

Pearl, Abbe's beloved dog, has to be locked in the backyard or a room when I visit. She barks every time she sees me coming by the front yard. Abbe knows that as a Muslim I can't be around dogs and she tolerates that into our friendship. Poor Pearl!

Abbe's tests showed two new nodules on her right lung. She will go into surgery soon. So as I unfold my praying rug today and I stand in front of God Almighty, I will remember to ask Him to grant Abbe speedy recovery, and I will thank Him again for keeping me and my family well. I tend to forget that all of my body is functioning by His mercy, but Abbe keeps reminding me that I must not forget and give thanks.

To Abbe, with love.


P.S. Would anyone be interested in learning my potato soup recipe? Waiting for these comments to pour!