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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Diet - deadline is 8-9-12 9:59 am NY time. (08/02/12)
Everything is bland and made her sad
time isn't her own nor the food on her plate
she sighed thinking of her blue ribbon lasagna
and meatballs from her younger days

God bless you is heard after her sneeze
she wondered if God is watching her now
seeing how unhappy she is especially
when she came to live in this depressing place

No-salt and low-fat diet is now her fate
she once was the queen of her kitchen
everyone longed to taste her gourmet-style
cooking she served happily from the heart

She picks at the lump of white paste
and the mound of uncooked vegetables
sitting off to the side set off from
the dry tiny overcooked chicken leg

The sea of dead faces mirror her own
remnants of younger days reflected in their eyes
strong ladies once vibrant now withered and old
acquiesce to the facility currently called home

The tasteless diet without salt is not worth a thing
she stands with dignity grabs her Bible and gazes upward
Lord Your word is my complete diet of choice as I wait
in loving anticipation to eat at your table where I shall rejoice
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This article has been read 1111 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Linda Goergen
08/09/12
Oh, this is so moving and so accurately describes nursing home dining...the lack of anticipation or joy etched on so many faces, as they stare at the food on the table before them. A powerful backdrop, as you then contrast it with the “anticipation” and “joy” given from feeding on God’s word. You brought great visual impact, great message, great job!

Dannie Hawley 
08/10/12
You have really pulled me into this elderly person's world. I can easily feel what is being re-lived as the MC regards the meal before her on that institutional dining table. It is a place where she may or may not have a choice between two meals, prepared in an institutional kitche and not in her own. She knows what food can taste like if it comes from her own kitchen and from her own choice for the day but not any more. My own mother lives in the "Hilton" of retirement places but, at 90, she still just sees it as institutional food, without the proper salt and seasonings. On the other hand, she loves to go to church and feels like she's eaten well each week as she leaves the pew. You've brought this out very well in this piece. Thanks!
lynn gipson 
08/11/12
Wow! So sad and touching and absolutely excellent! It breaks my heart to read this kind of thing because it is so true and I loved the ending. Thank you so much, it is beautifully written!
Leola Ogle
08/13/12
Touching, moving, and thought provoking. So much we take for granted in life. Well written. God bless!
Charla Diehl
08/15/12
My heart aches for anyone who is forced to live in a nursing home. Thank you for finishing this on a hope-filled note. Good work.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
08/16/12
I really liked how this started from a sad almost dark place but then ended with hope and joy.