It Was't Supposed to Be This Way - Overnight Oats

It wasn't supposed to be this way. I hear this from my patients, from friends, and I realize that it is also a little voice inside my head.

There is a cute little house down the street from us. It is a Cape Cod-style, pale blue with white shutters. It's the kind of house you might see in a magazine, the quintessential bungalow or home that looks cozy and inviting. Someone is at home in the kitchen enjoying cookies and a cup of tea. There is a small yard that is not too big or too hard to maintain and a little path lined with bushes that leads to the colorful red front door. The backyard is sunny and open, perfect for a garden or just sitting out. I drive by it often and think it would be perfect for my parents. The ideal house to retire in and for grandchildren to run around in (and out). But it wasn't meant to be.

My mother talked of coming out to help with Poet and Flower after they were born. She wanted to help in any way she could, and the way only your mom can. Before she got sick, she bought a frilly lacy little dress for Flower. It had a big bow on the front and tied in the back, a pale shade of green and white. The dress was just like ones I had as a kid. She loved eyelets and lace. It was the first of many dresses and clothes that she planned to buy the kids.

As we relentless march towards Christmas, I understand how the holidays can be hard when you miss someone. There is a void or a gap where they used to be, not just the empty chair at the table, but in yourself. Sure, it gets smaller year to year, but it is always there. There are reminders everywhere of what was and how things really should be. I will always walk by that house and think of her.

It wasn't supposed to be this way.

Overnight Oats

An easy, make ahead breakfast. Old fashioned rolled oats, milk and fruit make a creamy delicious breakfast.

Serves 1

• 1/2 cup whole milk (or almond milk, oat milk, skim milk)
• 2 tablespoons dried cherries (dates or raisins (optional))
• 1/2 cup rolled oats (old fashioned (not quick))
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1/2 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon chopped pistachios
• 2 teaspoons pomegranate seeds

1. In mason jar or small bowl, combine the rolled oats, dried fruit, chia seeds. Pour milk over the mixture and cover with a lid.

2. Refridgerate overnight.

3. Add the honey. Top with pistachios and pomegranate seeds and serve

Overnight oats will keep in refrigerator for 2-3 days.