Mac & Cheese and Memories

On the first anniversary of Pa-Beard's death, we wanted to honor him. We decided to make a meal with one of Pa's favorite dishes, butternut squash mac and cheese, as the main course.  We made this meal to feed the 30 residents and families staying at the Central New York Ronald McDonald House.   When he was in Boston for amyloidosis treatment and a stem cell transplant, Pa and Nana stayed at Hope Lodge, which is like RMH for adults. Nana, Uncle Kevin, Aunt Jenny, Reed, Willa and their parents all delivered and set up the food for serving.  Then we all went out for a meal

at Empire Brewing Company, where Reed continued to honor Pa with a dinner choice of the Big Mamu Platter, another one of Pa's favorites.  While the day was bittersweet, surrounding ourselves with loved ones, giving and good food helped to make it a little sweeter and a little less bitter.