After all the weekend festivities and a beautiful week of Chanukkah-latkes, Zach and I both felt the need for a particularly light dish for supper - something with enough fiber and protein to be a main dish, but still uncluttered, cleansing, uncomplicated. A quiet dish, content on some nights to be a side dish, yet also a gentle and nourishing meal all in itself...
On an unrelated, but sobering note, one of my patients passed away on Tuesday night. In the whirlwind past 7 months since I started my first job as a nurse, this is the first time that one of my patients has died. His family had written orders for him not to be resuscitated, and he departed peacefully, talking to his wife just moments before closing his eyes. I know that the death of my patients is a natural, normal part of life, and an unavoidable part of my profession, but I still can't help but feel a bit strange, and even guilty, for continuing on with my days in a normal fashion. I know that even with the best possible care I cannot change the outcome for every single one of my patients, yet I still feel as though something should halt, something should appear changed in the air, in the images around me, in acknowledgment that a life has ended. Yet still, sorrowful as I am, I draw comfort from the knowledge that the universe does continue on, cyclically, bringing sunrises and supper-times across the globe as we each, in our own small way, live out our lives.
And so, in our kitchen last night, I fixed us a simple supper, thankful for the scent of onions and the cool stone tiles beneath my feet...
Corn and Bean Salad with Greek Yogurt
2 T dried minced onion
1 clove garlic, minced
2 T light, nonhydrogenated vegan marg or butter
1/2 cup vegetable broth
4 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen
1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained
1/2 tsp paprika
4 T chives
1/4 cup fat free Greek Yogurt
~ In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, saute the dried minced onion and the garlic in the vegan marg or butter for just a minute or two - until the dried onion has softened and just started to brown.
~ Pour in the broth, then stir in the corn and pinto beans. Allow the mixture to simmer until most of the broth has reduced down to very little liquid and the corn and beans are tender.
~ Stir in the paprika and chives, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for a minute or two more.
~ Stir in the Greek yogurt, and heat through.
~ Serve warm!
I'm sorry to hear about your patient. Just because it's a normal part of your work (and life in general) doesn't make it any easier to deal with. I'll be thinking about you.
ReplyDeleteHang in there - I'm terribly sorry that you had to endure that loss. **hugs**
ReplyDeleteThat's why I really look up to doctors and nurses so much. I don't deal well with death...I mean, I do compared to some people, but I don't know how I would deal with a patient of mine dying. You sound strong and I like that you put a positive spin on it, you've gotta do what you have to do to get by, right? It will get easier each time, I'm sure, which sounds strange, but it's true. Either way, I'm sorry to hear it, but I'm glad his wife got to talk to him before he went :)
ReplyDeleteThis dish looks fantastic. Full of FIBER! I love it.
so sorry girl :( that is so hard..you are so strong
ReplyDeletethat meal looks AWESOME..especially w. the greek yogurt
I am so sorry to hear about your patient. I worked as a clinical RD for a few years and I covered some units where it was inevitable. I don't know how those nurses went to work everyday, but they were great at thier jobs, as I am sure you are too. if it makes you feel any better, I once served breakfast to a patient who had expired, and I have also charted and yelled at a nurse for stopping a tube feed on a patient, and when I asked why it was off, she told me the patient had expired earlier that morning. So, at least you didn't make yourself look stupid in the process. (just tryin to cheep you up with making fun of myself :) ). Thanks for your comments on my blog, glad you liek the new look. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteAw, I'm sorry to hear this. I remember we had talked about this in Atlanta. Yes, what a sad and sobering experience. Thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteThats sad to hear...dont worry dear, you'll feel better soon...hugs.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about your patient. I thank you for the work you do. It has to be very difficult at times.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter isn't a nurse, but she's a counselor for the Salvation Army. She works with homeless and low income mothers and children. She see's some very difficult situations.
I have such respect for people like you and my daughter. Where would the world be without your compassion and caring. :)
death gives such a different perspective to life - and it is important to be sad for people's lives passing as well as to be able to appreciate our own - your job sounds challenging in that way as well as many others
ReplyDeleteOffering you belated **hugs** and my sincere sympathy. This must be the most difficult part of being a nurse - my heart goes out to you and all care-givers. My dear sister in law is a nurse as well, so I know from her how upsetting it is to lose a patient.
ReplyDeleteA comforting dish like this does help to take the edge off - even just a little.
So sorry to hear about your patient--it must have been very hard as this was the first time a patient has died. If only all nurses were as kind and compassionate and caring as you, medicine would be a lot better overall! I'm sure he appreciated your incredible care.
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