What is one way you honor your grief?

Thanks to an idea from Stacey Zoellner, from my BP adult group, we set up a separate and special Papi tree for Christmas. Rod’s tree has ornaments that have background stories and memories that came in cards and letters sent by our family and friends. We invited people to share their favorite Rod stories with us to help us get to know him through others’ eyes. We set up Papi’s tree on a separate day than our regular tree and take the time to laugh and cry and allow space for tears and memories of our own.

What is one activity that you and your loved one would enjoy doing together?

Rod and I loved cooking together—he made a mess and I cleaned it up! lol He was always amazing in the kitchen, even before he went to school for culinary. He just seemed to use every last pot and spoon available any time he was in the kitchen. I became a great sous chef because I never developed a love for cooking, so our partnership worked out.

What is a food you and your loved one would share together?

If he didn’t cook at home, Rod and I loved to go out for Vietnamese pho—a soup made with rice noodles, herbs and meat. We planned our wedding and came up with baby names over yummy, steaming, comfort food in the winter time. We got married on May 16, Grace was born on May 14, and Sam was born on May 13. We called it party week.

What is one word you would use to describe Brooke's Place?

Compassionate