the comforting power of food and memory during summer
Summer can be a season of contrast when you’re grieving. The world seems to burst with life – longer days, blooming gardens, the joyful noise of children playing outdoors – while inside, you may feel caught in a quiet stillness, missing someone who should be there to share it all.
And yet, in this season of light, there are moments of warmth – not just from the sun, but from memory. Often, that warmth arrives through something familiar: the first bite of strawberries and cream, the smell of grilled sausages, or the soft clink of glasses at a picnic. Food, especially in summer, carries nostalgia in every mouthful. And in grief, nostalgia, when approached gently, can become a surprising ally.
sharing food can help bring both connection and even joy as we carry those we’ve lost with us
Taste and smell are some of the strongest triggers for emotional memory. When grieving, these sensations can offer an emotional bridge to the past. A glass of elderflower cordial may recall long-ago picnics in the park. The smell of charcoal may bring a sudden memory of Dad flipping burgers with sunburned shoulders. These moments are more than memories – they’re connections that anchor us and bring a loved one’s presence into the here and now.
At space2grieve we have certainly seen the benefits of sharing food in the community at our recent monthly compassionate suppers at ETNA.
“Thank you space2grieve for the compassionate supper yesterday evening. It was an amazing gathering . We shared memories of people we had lost and how we are feeling today… of not feeling ready to clear clothes of our loved one, of not being able to face redoing our wills, of keeping busy to fill the large hole of loss. We also talked of the good days, and why they were good.”
join us for a compassionate cuppa and biscuit at our monthly drop in grief cafe at ETNA
We recognize that opening up about your grief to family and friends can be challenging. Engaging in conversations with others who are navigating their own loss can be beneficial.
If you would like a comfortable and safe space to chat and share your memories with other bereaved people, drop by and join us for a compassionate cuppa in ETNA Community Centre.
Every third Tuesday of the month.
Everyone is welcome from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.
