Constancy in Times of Uncertainty

Food has sustained humans for thousands of years. And I don't mean mere caloric intake. It has been a source of constancy in times of not knowing what the next day holds, and for us, it is no different. We had an enjoyable Easter. It wasn't necessarily the family, the weather or the festivities. I think my main enjoyment came from, quite honestly, the food. For my entire memorable life my aunt and uncle have hosted Easter breakfast. It's not a fancy affair, but it's predictable. My uncle's pancakes have tasted exactly the same for all these years. As does the fruit salad, orange juice, sausage, ham, and kielbasa that is set on the table. Sitting down is not particularly relaxing because as soon as you take a plate, my aunt announces you have to eat quickly so she can wash your plate and prepare for the "next round" of people. It's just who they are, and how they "do" Easter. It's loud and the guests are obnoxious. There is nothing religious or sacred about the occasion. But it's familiar and I like it.

In the afternoon Plus One and I went to my parents' house where my mom was cooking a pot of pasta sauce (from scratch, of course) and frying meatballs. These, also, taste the same every single time. So when we sit at the table, and I ponder out loud our inability to get jobs, attain affordable health insurance, or imagine a future when Plus One and I have the means to afford a house, it almost doesn't matter. Because the sauce and meatballs are predictable.

I know that many are worse off than we are. But that is almost a fake comfort when I look at our credit card statements, our bank account, and the rising cost of apartments, coupled with the jobs that pay less and less as the weeks pass.

Yet, we have food and right now my enjoyment comes from discovering new recipes and planning to make them. I used to feel pride in the work that I did, the people I was able to affect through my jobs, the "good" I created in the world. For now, though, my pride is limited to the kitchen. Food is something a bad economy, subprime mortgages, political greed and corruption can never take away. It was there before and will be here after.

You have to hold on tight to these few things over which you do have control. The few things that give you pleasure and meaning when hope seems futile.