Comments for CHEF'S WIDOW

Comment on The Shame of Addiction by Mel

Mel — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:18:42 +0000

I still remember the day I introduced myself to you at the restaurant and told you about my brother, the “former” addict. I have never tried to hide the fact that my brother was a drug addict but there was something empowering about saying it out loud to someone else who knew what something about what I have been through. Since he lives thousands of miles away, it has been very easy to hide my brother and when I do talk about him, people are so shocked. Drug addiction always seems like something that happens to other people, other families. Just like the homelessness that usually goes hand in hand with drug addiction, it seems impossible to comprehend that someone who seems so “normal” could have sunk so low. But I have always said that my family and I have suffered enough from his addiction; it should no cause me shame. I did not introduce him to drugs or force him to continue to take drugs or to relapse. Well, now my brother is coming to town in 7 months to celebrate what should be a huge milestone in my son’s life. He is clean now and lives a relatively normal life but all I can think about is what if he does relapse and ruins my son’s celebration. I am with you in trying to take the shame and embarassment away from addiction. I did NOT create his problems and I am NOT the cause of them. I will look to your post when I need the reminder to stay strong!

Comment on The Shame of Addiction by Renee

Renee — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:30:06 +0000

I can’t truly sympathize, but I was still very moved by this post. I’m so sorry that you’ve “lost” such an important member of your family, but I have to admire your perspective. I hope your brother is somehow able to find his way back to health and happiness. And, no matter what happens, I wish your dad peace and the kind of clarity you’ve been able to find.
Renee´s last [type] ..BQRC23: I wonder how many people are eating meat right now because they’ve already forgotten about Lent.

Comment on James Beard Nod by Alyssa

Alyssa — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:37:57 +0000

Congratulations!

Comment on James Beard Nod by Marjorie

Marjorie — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:44:38 +0000

This is awesome. Being with a Chef from Cleveland we are rooting for him. What an incredible honor. Chefs are so damn hardworking and yet they never seek accolades. They do what they do a billion hours a week because they love their craft. They eat, sleep and dream food. They are obsessed and we are obsessed with our Chefs With all that being said, fingers crossed and positive energy from this Chefs girl and her Chef in Illinois. May he win what he so rightly deserves!

Comment on James Beard Nod by kakaty

kakaty — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:44:07 +0000

I am so thrilled for him and for you. Makes me so happy to see someone getting the accolades he deserves. He works hard, you work hard – The passion you two have for your business is amazing. The entire city of Clevleand is cheering you on.