A Tribute to My Abuelita

food for change blog - 12-7-10

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(left-right - My Abuelita and Sister Patsy)

While the focus of this blog is to highlight companies making major contributions to the world through food, I’m using this post to highlight one individual who changed my life and my family’s, not only with her limitless love for us, but also with her cooking. My Abuelita (Abuela is Spanish for grandmother, although I thought it was her name until the age of 10) passed away on November 5 after a battle with cancer.

While the past few months were a trying and tense time for those closest to her, Abuelita was just pissed that she couldn’t have fully cooked meals waiting for all of her guests! Cooking was her passion, and I think everyone in my family remembers a time when they tried to utter Abuelita’s most dreaded phrase: “I’m not really hungry.” Her usual reply to this was to place a full plate of arroz con gandules (rice and beans) with a side of pernil (roast pork), a bowl of fully dressed salad and a cut avocado in front of you.

The most upsetting thing I ever told her was that I had become a vegetarian. She was baffled that someone would voluntarily give up things that tasted so good. When she realized I would only be able to eat rice and salad that night, she made me an offer: “I can make you chicken instead.” I thought she’d cry when I explained to her that I didn’t eat chicken either.

Now that she’s gone and we have all said our goodbyes, it’s nice to think about all the times and meals we shared. She lived to cook and was blessed with being able to share her gift with her kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In her last moments with us, my Uncle Chachi spoke for the entire family by thanking her for everything she had done for us. We all shared a bittersweet laugh when he said, “Gracias por la comida.” (Thank you for the food.)

Families, like the world in general, don’t always get along, but they can always come together around a table. My Abuelita brought us together and I will be forever grateful. –Dennis Marrero, Food For Change