Changes constantly occur throughout life and it is our job to make a pivot. Growing up I always came home to my dad cooking a new dish for me to eat. Calmly, he gathered his ingredients, brought out his new cooking machines and started to go to work. In the house I could already hear his knife dicing through the vegetables, the bubbling water in the pot and the searing meat he places onto the skillet. I could smell the aroma of toasted herbs and spices and feel the heat radiating off of his workplace, all being amplified by the slight breeze coming my way, through the windows. This all disappeared when he passed and the kitchen became dormant. Covid shortly became relevant and throughout quarantine, the only company I had was myself and the recurring thoughts of all of the dishes I missed so much. I was sick of the same rotation of takeout restaurants I had to eat alone and thought I could have some type of feeling of company if I were to recreate one of my dad’s dishes.
Cooking is a recent creative outlet I frequently do. Throughout quarantine I researched how to create an organized environment, practiced cooking my dad’s dishes and experimented with new dishes he never got to try out. Now that it is just my mom and I, I can surprise her with a dish I have been working on when she comes back from her job. Food can transform an atmosphere and I have seen the kitchen become revitalized, no longer barren of its pots, pans and aromas. However, this was not how my cooking journey began.
The very first day I tried to cook by myself I did not feel the need to ask for help. I was so focused on recreating that same memory I had coming home from school, I had no idea that it was a product of a lifetime of cooking experiences. So, I sporadically took out ingredients and asked to myself, “Where do I start?” I mangled the vegetables and protein while the water vigorously bubbled over the pot bringing me a sense of discombobulation. The herbs and spices I attempted to toast began to char and that once loved aroma became a culinary tear gas that penetrated my eyes. An uneasy familiarity consumed me and all I could do was put everything in one big skillet in hopes to counteract all of the bad happenings and create something manageable to eat. I felt defeated as I force fed myself this sludge not wanting to waste all of the effort I poured into the creation. I began to feel sick. That night was the most I have missed my dad in a long time, not just his cooking but all of the countless things he did for me that impacted my life.
When looking at who I am now, I don’t think I would have found this passion if my dad passed. I would have continued to have the privilege of a new meal everyday and I would not have that urge to create something that emulates who my dad is.When there is a loss in any group we as individuals have to become better and make up for the loss to the best of our abilities. Every year on our RHP basketball team we lose such important players. All of our competitors think our team is miniscule compared to the year before; yet we continue to prove the words of doubt wrong each year, surpassing all of the expectations. Every year we all gain and lose people in our lives. It’s important to grow and I feel like my dad has helped me grow the most when he was here and now that he isn’t.
Shoutouts
All of my teachers - Thank you for helping me grow and helping me truly understand what subjects I like and what subjects I unfortunately don't.
Ms. Blanchette - It seems throughout this and last year we can’t get away from each other. You have been the best advisor, math teacher and mentor who always knows what advice to give. Thank you.
The basketball team - We all have faced adversity together and through all of our hard work you all have become my brothers.
Pablo, Jordan, Mateo, David - Shoutout PG, JL, MT, DS My idea of a friend group growing up was always something that was short term and temporary, however you all have changed my perspective and I know this group will always be connected.
Coach Corey and Manasa - Thank you for all of the work you have done for the team and I both on and off the court. I have appreciated all of the discussions about basketball and life I have shared with you both.
Coach Kitani - You have been one of the most influential people in my life and I thank you for making me a better player and person.
Brandon and Maddie - Both of you have unintentionally pushed me to be the best I can be due to our natural competitiveness to be the best sibling.
Mom - You constantly work hard and there are too many things to thank you for because of that. I just wanted to let you know you’ve been the best parent anyone could ask for, I know dad would be proud of all of us.