Mangiamo: Mediterranean Family Recipes

In December 2021, I was invited by one of our local funeral homes to speak at their Christmas Memorial Service, in honor of the many families they have served. I searched online and through poetry books to find a suitable poem to complete my speech however I was not satisfied with my findings. I sat quietly at my computer, then suddenly God began to dictate this poem to me. I heard “Empty Stocking” and the words touched my heart. The poem was so captivating that it brought me to tears as I read it aloud to my sister.
Additionally, I observed the tender responses of others as I read the poem or watched as they read it for themselves. I received many requests for a copy of the poem. I was encouraged to plant this seed in “Living Water Books Publishing,” and the idea of a journal emerged. I feel that God wants this journal to be in the hands of many who have lost loved ones and as a gift that helps manage their grief. Grief is an emotion that we must be attentive to without disregarding how we feel. During the grief process, reflecting on memories brings forth healing. God inspired me to create a journal for families providing a place where the heart can spill the memories out onto paper. Enjoy adding love to the pages for years to come from encouraging words, photos, favorite recipes, songs, or favorite holidays. Your loved one’s name will always be remembered. As you navigate through this journal, it is my prayer that you reach the essence of John 16:20, “But your sorrow shall be turned into joy." Enjoy and consider purchasing a copy for a friend who has recently lost a loved one.