live a normal life

I started this post 2 days ago – I had planned a pizza and salad dinner and was in the midst of prepping and taking pictures when Mike called. He was out with Noah and thought Noah was having a seizure. They were waiting on an ambulance and I was to meet them at the emergency room. Noah wound up having a second seizure and was admitted to the hospital that night. One CAT scan (normal), one EEG (same) and 2 long and exhausting days later…………and apparently the quick but severe virus  Noah caught over the weekend had also caused the seizures. The test results confirmed this and we were sent home, no follow up needed. In fact the neurologist looked at me and said, “Just go home and live a normal life”.

And so tonight I once again found myself tearing greens and slicing cheese, except I couldn’t stop thinking about what we had just been through. And not the we’re-so-lucky-really-dodged-that-bullet kind of thinking, but about the other families I saw while we were there. Families that had – judging from the rooms that looked like bedrooms or playrooms you’d find in someone’s home – been there for quite a while. And probably weren’t leaving any time soon. I purposely brought as little for us as possible, denying any possibility that we would be doing anything more than just passing through.

And that’s just what happened for us. But what about those other families? At what point did they realize that they were going to be there for a while and better start bringing in toys, dolls and games to make their little ones feel more “at home”? Because this hospital – yes with its amazing playroom, aquarium, murals and real fire engines, but still – was now “home”.

But not for us – we really did go home. Noah took his nap as usual in his own crib and I got to make dinner – as usual – listening to him watch “Sesame Street” with Mike in the next room. I felt so lucky,  but also a little guilty – as if I was somehow squandering the moment by making dinner and not sitting with Noah in my arms, squeezing him tightly all the while. But I have to say that the totally ordinary act of making dinner – enjoying a glass of wine and knowing everyone I loved was safe and sound – was an indescribably gratifying experience. I paused briefly before calling everyone in, closed my eyes and gave thanks.

This salad is so easy and delicious that I hope you make it soon. If you do, I also hope that you’re able to share it with the people you love the most. Like I did this evening.

escarole salad

escarole salad

Escarole Salad with Walnuts, Dates and Bacon
adapted from Bon Appetit

1 head of escarole, washed, dried and torn or cut into bite-sized pieces
6 pitted dates, halved and chopped
3/4 c. cup shelled toasted walnuts
4-5 bacon slices, cut into strips
1/3 c. extra-virgin olive oil
1  shallot, chopped
2 T. red wine vinegar
Sea salt
Pepper

Combine dates and walnuts in a salad bowl. Cook bacon in a 10″ skillet till crisp – drain on paper towels and add to bowl with dates and walnuts
Wipe out skillet and add oil – heat on low and add shallot – cook till softened, 3-4 minutes. Take pan off heat and whisk in vinegar and salt and pepper to taste. Add escarole to salad bowl. Pour dressing – while still warm – over the salad and toss. Serve immediately.

(print this recipe)


This delicious recipe brought to you by Sheri Silver
https://sherisilver.com/2011/02/23/winter-salad/

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8 Comments

  1. pizza primer | donuts, dresses and dirt on May 2, 2011 at 11:09 pm

    […] the dough in quarters, fill each circle as desired and fold and bake into calzones to serve with a salad for an easy weeknight […]



  2. Cindy on December 1, 2011 at 9:04 am

    Although I have fortunate to have not had a lot of loss or grief in my life, I do remember my parents going through many tough times when they came to this country and had to adjust to a completely different life, language and people. Not knowing a lick of English, not having jobs, dealing with two small children and often times struggling to put food on the table. They did it for my brother and I. So that we could have a better life than they had growing up in Buenos Aires. They succeeded.

    “I paused briefly before calling everyone in, closed my eyes and gave thanks.”

    Life can definitely get a little nutty at times and this is something I find myself doing a lot of. Thanks for sharing this sliver of your life. Now I’m off to chop up some escarole! 🙂



    • sheri silver on December 1, 2011 at 11:14 pm

      What a great story Cindy – thank you so much for sharing! Having had the pleasure of knowing you for several years now, I can attest to the fact that you always seem to be savoring the “moments” with your family – enjoying and cherishing them. Hope you enjoyed the salad!!!



  3. Jenna Christopherson on March 6, 2012 at 6:29 pm

    So so so so glad to hear Noah is okay! It’s moments like the one you describe above that make me stop and give thanks for all the good things in life, and (I have to admit) the things that once in awhile I tend to overlook. Thanks for sharing and again Sheri, so happy Noah is okay 🙂



  4. Meri on March 6, 2012 at 7:44 pm

    Sheri I am so glad Noah is ok. Big hugs to you!!



  5. jodi on March 6, 2012 at 8:49 pm

    Sheri, I can’t even address the salad yet. I need to digest what happened with Noah. It must’ve been horrible… the waiting, that is. The not knowing. My heart goes out to you.



  6. Jackie Binstock on March 6, 2012 at 11:05 pm

    Sheri, what a moving article. I know exactly what you were going through – you know what we went through with out grandaughter last year. We were one of the “settled in” families, but thank G-d it turned out OK. It makes you pause and take stock of what’s really important in your life – like making salad and pizza for dinner.



    • sheri silver on March 7, 2012 at 7:24 am

      Thank you Jackie – I remember it well………so glad both kids are okay! xoxo



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Hi! I'm Sheri!

Welcome to my little corner of the web where you’ll find easy, delicious recipes, the best kitchen hacks and simple tips for turning your home into a clean haven that is free of toxins. So glad you’re here!