The Love Language of Food

I wasn’t just an only child; I was an army brat as well. We moved nearly every three years from the time I was a few weeks old until well into high school. Visiting my grandparents and cousins was limited to just a few holidays throughout the year, and in some cases, depending on where we lived, a year or two passed between visits. It wasn’t until I became a young adult that I realized the significance of the meals we shared when we were together.

Looking back, I experienced the fleeting nature of life firsthand. Our constant moves and infrequent visits to relatives meant that our family gatherings were cherished, rare moments that could have been overlooked. However, what remained constant, regardless of our location or the time that had passed since we last saw each other, was the power of sharing a meal. Oh, the memories I have now. Just the thought of certain dishes now brings me back to hearing my father’s laughter and the smell of walking into my grandmother’s home.

Food is so much more than just sustenance. It’s a universal language of love, a warm embrace, a memory, and an age-old tradition that has been passed down through generations. From the moment we’re born, being fed is our very first experience of comfort and security. Think about it – a baby nestled in your arms, finding fulfillment in that gentle, rhythmic motion of being fed. It’s an instinctive response that stays with us for life.

The meals I shared with my family are memories I hold onto. Each dish, whether prepared by my grandmother, or aunts, told a story of its own. It was a connection to our past (my great-grandparents were immigrants from Poland and Italy), and a taste of being home while still living in a new place. Those meals were an expression of love when words seemed insufficient.

Now as a wife and mom, for me, preparing a meal is not just a daily chore. It’s an expression of love, a way to say, “I care about you.” When I cook a hearty dinner and gather my loved ones around the table, I’m not merely putting food on their plates; I’m fueling their bodies and nourishing their hearts and souls. It’s a time we reconnect, share stories from our day, and strengthen our bond. It’s a reminder that, in this fast-paced world, we still have the time and space to come together and cherish each other’s company.

I’m sure you can relate to the feeling of warmth that washes over you when you sit down to a lovingly prepared meal. Whether it’s your mom’s famous lasagna, your grandma’s secret recipe for chicken soup, or that one dish your best friend always makes for you when you’re feeling down – there’s something supernatural about sharing a meal. It’s like a comforting hug for your taste buds and your heart.

Gina writes about herself, “I’m a wife, mom of 3, and an accidental farmer. Although owning and running a farm was not where I imagined my life would take me, I’m right where God intended me to be… and loving it!

My focus for our farm is community.

A place where people can come, feel God’s love, and want to stay awhile. Truth be told, people come and shop with us weekly and although our products nourish physically, it’s me who’s filled spiritually and mentally on all levels by spending time and connecting with others. Every day I get the honor of witnessing God’s creation at work and it doesn’t get any better than that.”

For more from Gina and FreshORR Family Farms, head over to the website and follow her on Instagram.

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