A Day of Mixed Emotions

Four years ago today our daughter passed from this life. It was a blessing in many ways. She struggled with addiction. God said enough, My child – it’s time to rest.

I know this because the day she left us is also the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. As a Catholic, there are many reasons to find God’s comfort and love and understanding all around us. Mary was a woman, not divine by any stretch of the imagination. Yet at the moment her life on earth ended, she was called home, assumed body and soul, into heaven to be with her Son. From her place in the heavens, Mary looks out for all God’s children as only a mother can. I take great comfort in knowing that my baby girl was called to rest on the feast day of our Blessed Mother’s Assumption. Hail Mary, full of grace, is holding my child for me until I get there.

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The first time our Boo cooked for Hubby, I was recovering from surgery. When he crawled into bed that night and draped his arm around me, I nearly gagged. He reeked of garlic. She had made Sloppy Joes and had dumped a ton of garlic into the sauce. As a good, loving father he had somehow managed to eat the whole terrible thing. It became a joke in our house to not let Boo near the garlic. No garlic here, and that’s just fine.

Sausage Tortellini in a Red Sauce
1 (20 oz) package Sausage Tortellini
1 (24 oz) jar Basil Pasta Sauce
1/4 cup Red Wine or to taste
1 (15 oz) can Diced Tomatoes
Red Pepper Flakes to taste
Parmesan Cheese, garnish

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Once the water comes to a full, rapid boil, add the tortellini. Cook pasta al-denta, about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

While the water comes to a boil and the pasta cooks, empty pasta sauce in a large stockpot. Pour red wine into the empty sauce jar, swirl to incorporate any remaining sauce into the wine. Add the wine-sauce to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes and pepper flakes. Bring pasta sauce to a boil, lower and let simmer until ready to serve.

Drain the tortellini well. Place pasta in a large serving bowl. Pour red sauce over the tortellini, toss to blend and coat well. Serve with Parmesan Cheese as desired tableside.

This is delicious for a simply supper with warm garlic bread and a simple toss salad. Wine is always a nice touch.

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The queen stands at Your right hand, arrayed in gold.