GRATITUDE & FRIENDSHIP

On October 8, 2024 I hosted 19 ladies (and there were others who could not be with us) at our home for cocktails and tapas or small plates. An hour into the night, I read the talk below which I had written for this occasion.

My theme for this evening is gratitude and friendship.

“Remember who checked on you when you were low”

In times of darkness, I remember those who brought light into my life. The value of true compassion is measured not in words but in actions. Those who checked on me in my lowest moments displayed a care and empathy that resonates long after the storm has passed.

I take a moment to honor my friends who extended a hand. Your gestures of care and concern were not just fleeting moments but powerful reminders of the strength found in compassion and human connection.

--------------------------------------------------------------

And, that is why you are all here. The phone calls, the daily texts, the food deliveries, flowers, the long distance visits, the offers to drive me to my daily radiation treatments, visiting JP with nice surprises, listening to me talk about Matthew, the act of “saging” me and my home, stopping in for a cup of tea, planning a game of scrabble and canasta, prayers and thoughtful gifts, and on and on and on. Each of you have made a difference for me.

Some of you didn’t know Matthew well, some of you did. I’d like to introduce the authentic Matthew to you as best as I can.

Matthew was very complex, always curious, extremely well-read, determined, sensitive, kind, handsome, compassionate, adventurous, always looking for more, intensely thinking and pondering about the meaning of life.

He had an extraordinary soul. Matt had a lively spirit, loved his Italian roots, had traditional values yet loved to party and dance like a free spirit. He had an attachment to Brooklyn, where he was born, yet loved to travel, learn and see new and exciting faraway places. He always had friends, and always made new ones wherever he landed. He was quirky and special. He loved architecture, culture and museums and he loved to cook, he loved beauty and he tried to experience as much as he could in a life tragically cut short. In honor of Matthew, most of the foods tonight are some of his favorites.

I wish you knew him better, you would have liked him.

And, I wish he knew each of you better, he would have liked you and enjoyed the connection and talking and learning from you.

So, I’d like to toast Matthew, my pride and joy and I’d like to toast each of you, my friends with gratitude.

I believe Matthew would want me to say:

“Be extraordinary and never be forgotten”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My assortment of tapas, carefully timed and presented.

Here is my sample tray of each appetizer item, which were chosen carefully, as they were some of my Matthew's favorites, and also included some vegetarian items for those who eat vegetarian. I chose an array of foods to satisfy different tastes and I like to keep it interesting. Presentation is very important, it's 50% of importance when entertaining and the other 50% is the taste of the food. Delizioso!!!

Figs stuffed with ricotta, prosciutto, lemon juice & honey with a basil leaf.
Mozzarella n carozza with a lemon/wine butter dijon caper sauce, sprinkled with locatelli cheese.
Tortellini in a fresh marinara sauce with basil and a breadstick.
Fagioli beans with carrots, celery, scallions, olive oil, with a basil leaf and flatbread.
Chicken with broccoli rabe & sundried tomato, garlic, white wine with a breadstick.
Thai Shrimp with coconut milk, peppers, garlic, parsley, gram masala, red curry paste, red pepper flakes.
Butternut Squash with raisins & scallions & parsley .
Mezzi Rigatoni a limone - fresh ricotta, lemon rind and juice, arugula with a tarateli.

Having an evening of gratitude is healing; opening up your heart to others and displaying your care, love and vulnerabilities is always a good idea. I'm forever grateful for those women who were present for me during an extreme time of sadness. Little acts of kindness made a big difference for me to get through this dark time and begin healing.

When you give, you receive!!!