The joy of a good dinner

Well. As you know, I have three best friends in my life: My wife; my BFF from high school; and the Gaybrarian.

Yesterday, the Gaybrarian was at my house. We were cleaning out my garage so that he could store his third car in the space. (Yes, he's the straightest gay man you've ever met.)

We did all the work, and got the space sorted out so that he can come on Friday and put Ziggy in the garage. Then, I made dinner.

I had gone up to the Mexican meat market up the street from me, and had gotten pollo asado. It was perfectly marinated, and I grilled it on the indoor grill.

Nothing gives me more joy than to make dinner for those I love. Even if I don't have to do that much—all I had to do yesterday was grill the chicken and cook the rice—the fact that those I love are eating that which I make fills me with joy.

We are in a time of turmoil. Nothing seems certain. But what is certain is the love we have for others. And what is certain is what we do for those we love.

I ply my friends and family with food and drink. Why? Because I love them, and this is a manner in which I show my love. I give of my purse and time to feed them. I expect nothing in return save for a fond remembrance. You give of yourself because it makes you feel good. Good food, good drinks, and then you hold on until the next time.

These are the special times of life. The ordinary times of life. You're not changing the world, but you're making it a better place. Merely through the simple act of hospitality and conviviality. There is a reason why trespassing against the culture of hospitality was a gross crim to the gods. Hospitality is what holds humanity together. No, we're not likely to invite strangers into our homes, as the Patriarchs did. But we can extend that hospitality to those whom we love.

We gather together with those we love because it reunites us with the universe. In them we see something more than us. We see that we can be more than we are. We are taken out of our quotidian lives and made to consider someone else's needs. We are no longer focused on the self, but on the collective. 

I buried my mother on Friday. And to salve my soul I try to help others. That alleviates the pain I feel. And that's what she would have wanted me to do. She was the kind of woman who always did for others. That has bled down to me.

Whether you're by yourself tonight, or with others, have a good dinner. Treat yourself with the honor you deserve. Because you do deserve it.