Loving Comfort in a Cup

Today is reason to celebrate for two very good reasons. It’s our daughter’s birthday, her 5th heavenly birthday. It always surprises me how I waite for an ache that never seems to come.

Sometimes I worry because I’m not one to grieve like most people. I’ve never cried over the loss of a loved one. I didn’t grieve when my mother past. I even when to work the very next day and only at my supervisor’s insistance did I take time off to “mourn” although the tears never came. It was the same with Brother Dear. I took one day off, but only because I needed to sleep. Boo-Bear (my daughter) was met with a sense of peace, she had suffered so. The latest loss of my sister was that same sense of peace. Do I miss them? Absolutely! There is a personal sense of loss because I will miss them, but never the sense of sorrow and grief. I think that’s because I believe with all my heart that this life is temporary. We will each walk through the curtain separating an existance which is temporary from that which is eternal. Those we’ve lost aren’t lost at all, they simply walk ahead of us on this journey home. I think of them as just around the next bend, beyond my line of sight and I know we’ll be together again soon enough. Why be sad?

Today (fittingly enough) is National Hot Chocolate Day. I can remember my mom making her “witch’s brew” hot chocolate – so thick and dark and rich, it was almost like a drinkable pudding. I can see Boo-Bear standing on a chair, helping her Lola make the cocoa that would be served up soon enough. It was her cocoa that linked generations together on a cold winter night. Mine is a bit tempered compared to the brew of my mother. Still, it’s rich and oh so good, sprinkled with memories.

Just a quick personal note before we get to brewing. I actually made this Cocoa for my family after spending the better part of a day with Hubby in San Francisco. Now I know we said we’d never step foot in a big city again, but this was important. We attended Mass at Saint Mary’s Cathedral and then participated in a 2-mile walk down Market Street in San Francisco as part of the West Coast Walk for Life. As many of you know, I was a teenager in the 1960s – marches are in my blood. While it’s been 40 years now, and this wasn’t my first march in San Francisco. I am very familiar with the streets of San Francisco and carring signs. That said, this was my first faith-based ralley. It felt good to take a stand once again for something I feel strongly about.

It’s important that we stay true to ourselves while showing compassion and respect for others who might disagree. To all think alike isn’t the key to harmony, it is allowing one another to remain true to ourselves without judgement that is the first step to building a world of peace. My prayers, although not realistic, have never been to outlaw abortion but rather to create a world that has no need to end the life of a child. No woman should ever have to make such a painful decision. Every life matters, including that of the mother and of the child. In a perfect world, every child would be wanted. This is something that cannot be goverened by laws. This can only be accomplished through a change in our hearts and attitudes towards one another. What a wonderful world that would be.

Mama’s Inspired Hot Chocolate
2 cups Milk
1 (12 oz) can Evaporated Milk
8 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
6 tablespoons Chocolate Syrup
2 tablespoons Sugar or to taste
Mini Marshmallows, if desired

In a large saucepan over medium-low head whisk milk, evaporated milk, and cocoa powder. Whisk until the milks and powder are well incorporated. Add Chocolate Syrup, whisk well. Taste for chocolate consistency.

Note: It will be somewhat bitter until the sugar is added.

If a creamier, silkier chocolate is desired, add more chocolate syrup. If a deeper chocolate flavor is desired, add more cocoa powder, about a tablespoon at a time until desired chocolate is reached.

Once the depth and creaminess is reached, sweeten with 1 tablespoon of sugar at a time until sweet, about 2 or 3 tablespoons total. Continue to heat over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring consistency. The hot chocolate will thicken a bit and deepen in flavor as it simmers.

Transfer to a serving pot or thermos to maintain heat. Pour into warmed cups. Finish with marshmallows as desired.

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By the LORD are the steps of a man made firm,
And He approves his way
Though he fall, he does not lie prostrate,
For the hand of the Lord sustains him