STOP right now…well after you read my point…and think about what you last ate. Did you inhale it? Did you notice how it smelled? What texture did it have? Was it one of your favourites you can’t live without? At this time of year we think of all our special Holiday treats and picture them before that savoury moment with anticipation. Unfortunately, that’s what we take for granted on a regular basis as we rush through our busy days. We used to be guilty of that too. Not anymore.
It didn’t take long, and some tastes seemed like overnight, but Ken’s taste buds have left for now. A few weeks ago we kept track of what Ken ate and made a ‘yes / no’ list. The ‘yes’ column included: chocolate, ice cream, coffee, hot sauce, onions (raw), strawberries, pineapple, blueberries, apples and bananas. The ‘no’ list was everything else we tried. By last Wednesday, blueberries, apples and bananas left as well. Now, we’re down to coffee. But it’s something. His sense of smell is working fine. Grandpuppy Bella is visiting today and tested that a few times…phew!!
Ken best description for us to imagine is ‘eating a wet blanket with a permanent pizza burn and blisters in your mouth’. Not too painful but just not something you would choose if you had to. But, he’s never been one to hold back what he thought J. He is very determined to keep the weight up. It’s hard to eat when you don’t feel hungry because you can’t taste.
Now when we eat, it is an experience like it should be. I describe what something tastes like by comparing to other memories. Our table talk includes smells, textures, temperature observations and memories of when we have had it before.
So we challenge you to enjoy your next meal as if you may not taste it tomorrow. Slow down. Analyze. Enjoy the food AND the company. We do J
Life is short, Break the rules. Forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably and never regret anything that made you smile!
(one of Ken's theme songs in radiation to go to his 'happy' place. Who do you think of when you listen to it?)
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You sure give pause to stop and think about how taste determines what we like or dislike. Raw onions, yuk. Not just the taste but the crunchiness I don't like. My favourite comfort food tastes are very well done toast with peanut butter. I can't wait to hear which buds come back first for Ken. How about the Bud-weiser??
ReplyDeleteHi Jenny! Toast and butter is my comfort food! Love the Bud-weiser wishes! They say red wine may never taste the same...so Ken's hoping they're wrong! Xx S
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