There was terrific news yesterday that Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords is regaining her ability to speak. This is a huge leap of progress given the severity of her injuries. The news warmed my heart.
It seems we aren’t getting updates of her condition as frequently as we were in the first weeks following the shooting tragedy she survived, so I listen to all reports with an interested ear.
This might sound silly, but what really warmed my heart was what she reportedly said in one of her first utterances. As breakfast was being served, she asked for toast. I don’t think we know whether “toast” was said as a single word or part of a complete sentence. No matter.
I am the last person to know what I’d have done in Rep. Giffords’ horrific situation – how does anyone muster the courage and will to fight for her life given such spotty odds and gigantic obstacles? But I do know that the first thing I’d ask for after regaining speech and an appetite would very likely be toast.
To me, toast is one of life’s greatest comfort foods. If I’m hungry and don’t know what I want, I have toast. Toast settles the stomach and softens the blows.
I like a woman who knows what she wants. Now give the woman some toast.
Word Nymph 
My grandmother, who lived with us when I was a child, responded to every household crisis with “Let me fix you a piece of good hot toast.” I grew up thinking of toast as a balm and blessing.
And it is. My brothers are probably too young to remember this, but when we were little they used to quote me: “I love cold cereal and hot toast.” Still do. Also, when I was a kid, I used to make triple decker balogna and cheese sandwiches, with the outer layers being bread and the inner layer being toast. I challenge you to try it. Heck, I might try it, being that I haven’t had one in about 40 years.
I didn’t know a thing about the triple-deckers! But I do recall vividly your early morning enthusiasm for “cold cereal and hot toast”. I do believe that combo represented one of the high points in your childhood!
Reminds me of Heywood Banks’ song…
http://www.heywoodbanks.com/listen.htm
I don’t know where you find this stuff. It’s great; and I swear that’s my brother Matt laughing in the background.
As children we were served toast with butter and sugar when we were not feeling well. Cinnamon sugar and butter on toast was for a good day. And a neighbor, our pediatrician’s wife used to serve butter, peanut butter and jelly on toast. The first I have not had in years; the latter two, at least once in the last 2 months.
Is that a tickle in my throat?
Butter, PB and J is a winning combo, though I like to reserve that for special occasions; when it’s really special, it goes on an English muffin.
Couldn’t agree more. Nothing soothes the soul like toast. One of my favorite indulgences in the morning: Hot black coffee with peanut butter and bacon on toast. Mmm. Mmm. One of my mother’s pet peeves: finding toast sweat and crumbs on the counter after school. Thanks for acknowledging Representative Gifford’s small but oh so meaningful step forward!