Home-cooking: That Good Old-Time Religion

I wondered if America would take advantage of this COVID moment, and grow. Not. We have only pitied ourselves and regressed. We have refused to abide by the simplest rules of mask-wearing and social distancing. The proof is in the numbers:  17,000,000 COVID cases; 300,000 deaths. That these numbers far exceed that of any other nation on Earth is a testament to our lack of self-discipline, and our reluctance to make sacrifices.  

I was fortunate to come up during a time when there were women who cooked - mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters. We loved our fathers and uncles, but we treasured the women in our families. They cooked for us; they fed us; they did it wonderfully. And for that, we cherish them forever. 

During this pandemic, America had a chance at some of that "good, old-time religion." Instead, it complained that lockdown has forced restaurants to close, as though restaurants were our salvation. They are not. The aroma of dinner rolls and apple pie wafting from our humble kitchens, and plates being set at the dinner table is at the heart of America. It is the effort cooking takes - the time- that draws families closer, not the money it takes to order meals. 

Being made to stay home is a tough gift Americans have squandered. We could have made ourselves better, strengthened our family ties. Rather, we complained of too much time with the family. Now, the vaccine is here and we cry, "Hallelujah!" No more sacrifices, (as though there were many made.)

We've learned nothing. We havening even learned (yet) how much more weakened we have become during this national crisis. It has tested our character as a people and found us sorely lacking.