I’ve been thinking about perspective a lot here lately. Heather’s family was all called in to the hospital this past weekend, for fear that her great-grandmother wouldn’t make it much longer. She’s been diagnosed with a medical condition that requires surgery, but the doctors fear that at her ripe old age of 95, she might not make it through it. The family has made the difficult decision to not do the surgery. Heather is obviously devastated, but during their visit last weekend, Big Mama said something to her that just made me think. “I’m ready to go see Big Daddy now. You be good,” she told her. While the family is dealing with the startling idea that she might not be here much longer, she’s rejoicing in the idea that soon she’ll be reunited with the love of her life. She’s lived a long, amazing life. In fact, until just over a year ago she still lived by herself and was completely independent. She’s ready and rather than fear death, she can see Big Daddy just over the hill waiting for her with his arms outstretched.
What a gift it would be if we each could change our perspective so easily. From one point of view today is just another day – a number in a long line of months and years. But tweak your perspective a touch and today can be seen as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to do something good, or great even. You will never ever get a second chance at today. Ever. I say it a lot, but it bears repeating here. You’ve got to squeeze all the goodness out of this day, so you need to put on your work clothes and get to going. Each day is a gift and not a single one of us is guaranteed tomorrow. Today, think of Heather’s Big Mama and change your perspective. It might change your whole life.
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We’re about to close the book on this summer, but if you’re planning one last get-together this Labor Day weekend, I’ve got a great, easy side dish for you. This Greek Pasta Salad can actually be made with any bottle dressing or cheese. Feel free to swap out the veggies, too. It’s just a great basic recipe that you can adapt to make it your own. Y’all enjoy!!
Recipe Card
Greek Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) package tricolor or garden rotini pasta
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 2 small summer squash, chopped
- 1 (2.25-ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
- 1 (4-ounce) package feta cheese crumbles
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 (14-ounce) bottle Greek vinaigrette dressing
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions and drain well.
- Pour the pasta into a large bowl and add the other ingredients. Toss well and refrigerate until serving. If you're going to be serving this the next day, I would wait until a few hours before the meal to add the dressing. If it sits in the refrigerator for too long the pasta absorbs all of the dressing and the salad may become a little dry.
* If nutritional values are provided, they are an estimate and will vary depending on the brands used. The values do not include optional ingredients or when ingredients are added to taste. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, I recommend grabbing your favorite brands and plugging those ingredients into an online nutritional calculator.
Libby Butler
You don’t cook the squash?
No. There’s no need.
Beth
Thank you for this lovely perspective, I shall put my work clothes on and get going.
🙂
Donna
I have a recipe very similar to this. I add chopped artichokes. I don’t use squash but think I will start adding this as it will give more texture and a pope of color. It is a great salad that goes with anything grilled. Loved your post about your wife’s Big Mama. Your family was blessed.
Sounds like a delicious addition. I LOVE artichokes. Yes we are and continue to be! 🙂
Pam Jes
Can you recommend a brand of Greek vinaigrette dressing, Stacey? I’ve tried to make a similar recipe before, but I wasn’t happy with the dressing I picked.
For this recipe I use either Ken’s Greek Dressing or Kraft Greek Vinaigrette with Feta and Oregano. The regular Kraft Greek Vinaigrette seems to have too much sugar for my tastes.
Leslie
Thank you for sharing your family with us.
I am sending you and your family prayers and hugs as I watch my mom come to the end if her life. She says she she is ready to go to heaven but my heart hurts some days caring for her as she rapidly gets to the end of her journey here on earth. Bless you and your family.
It is my pleasure, Leslie. I can’t imagine the pain, but I’m sure there is solace in knowing she is ready. Prayers to you and your family. I’ll be thinking about you often.
Elizabeth
My father had been battling emphysema for many years and was in his last stages of it. This one morning he knew he was dying and got up to go to the bathroom, then returned to his bed and said to me, “I’m ready to go now.” I said, “where are you going daddy?” He said, “I’m ready to go to heaven!” Then all of a sudden he was having a terrible time breathing so I called the ambulance. As I sat holding his hand in his hospital room, his eyes were closed with a mask over his nose and mouth, his pressure dropping rapidly, I don’t know if he knew I was there with him or not. And then It was only 3 hours later he was on his way to heaven. That day made me realize how precious life really is and never to take it for granted because tomorrow is never promised to anyone.
It is so true, Elizabeth. I’m sure he knew you were right there with him. You are so fortunate to have been there for him and for you as well. Thanks so much for sharing your story.
Tina
Wonderful post Stacey. Thank you for the reminder to cherish each day we are given. Keeping your family in prayer.
Thanks so much, Tina!
Stella Wilson
Beautiful words and great recipe.
Thanks, Stella!
Judy D.
Okay…this post had me crying. My Dad is 93 y.o. and is living on his own and very independent. However, I know he won’t live forever and he probably looks forward to joining my Mom who passed away eight years ago. I’m a real “Daddy’s Girl” and can’t think of my world without him. What you said in your post made me think in different terms and hopefully I’ll be able to handle things better (when the time comes). BTW…the salad looks yummy and easy…which I really like.
I’ll have Heather and the family in my prayers.
Blessings,
Judy D.
Perhaps that is the blessing in all of this, Judy. Thanks so much for your kind words.
Jenne
I have been looking for salads like this to put in mason jars for my teenage sons lunch. I think he will like this one. He might add roasted eggplant to it. Looks delicious!
Sounds like a great addition! I hope he enjoys it!