57 Comments
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Connor O’Brien's avatar

Got me crying

Caroline Beuley's avatar

This was beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

Morgan's avatar

I really loved Elise’s sentiment that “everyone has a hard part to their story.” I’ve been especially feeling the holiday grief since yesterday and I decided to keep reminding myself to embrace that I’ll probably cry on Christmas, just as I have every year since I lost my Grandpa. And that’s ok. The grief means I am still filled with love for him and that’s how I want it ❤️

Jenna O'Brien's avatar

Yes. A Christmas cry as a memorial to Grandpa — a sweet way to honor him.

sam's avatar
Dec 22Edited

one of my favorite comfort meals is cinnamon butter toast, cut in quarters, just like my mom used to make for me as a kid. miss her every second. thank you endlessly for publishing such a beautiful piece 💕

Jenna O'Brien's avatar

That is such a comfort!

Thank you for reading and for your kind words!

Annika Larson's avatar

My favorite comfort meal is my grandfather's beef stew recipe with a side of rice. My grandfather was a cook in the Navy in the fifties, and he cooked like that all his life, so the stew flavoring comes from a McCormick's packet. But it reminds me of him, so it's the only way I can eat beef stew anymore.

Jenna O'Brien's avatar

That is so wonderful you have that connection to him through the dish.

Rachel's avatar

My favorite comfort meal is spaghetti. Really easy to make and usually makes a large portion - perfect for someone who might not have the capacity to cook for a few days, or can feed a large group. We ate a lot of spaghetti when I was growing up so it always reminds me of home.

Jenna O'Brien's avatar

It's perfect!

meg loughman's avatar

for me, the ultimate comfort meal is my mom's crawfish étouffée! it reminds me so much of evenings spent in the kitchen cooking with my mom and my late bubbie, and is always the dish I request when I come back home. this year I'm committed to learning it so I can start making it on my own and carry on the tradition 🤍

Jenna O'Brien's avatar

I love how dishes help us carry on traditions in a way nothing else can.

Sara Thomas's avatar

My favorite comfort food is a warm pasta or when I’m really going through it, fast food hot chicken!

Caroline Liberatore's avatar

Tomato basil soup with toasted sandwiches is always like a warm hug 🤎

Sophia Laurenzi's avatar

Thank you for making space for my and so many others’ grief here, Jenna ❤️

Jenna O'Brien's avatar

Thank you so much for letting me include your heartfelt story

Skye's avatar

My favorite comfort meal is a Korean beef and rice bowl! It's especially nice if only cooking for one or two people. If I'm having a particularly bad day, it never fails to make it a little better :)

Olivia Wickstrom's avatar

Beautifully written Jenna. The practical tenderness of it, especially the permission to simplify and accept help, feels like real care offered in real time. Thank you for shining a different (and essential!!) light on family dynamics this holiday season.

Jenna O'Brien's avatar

Thank you for your kind words, Olivia! Every time you comment, it is like sunshine!

Bethany Brill's avatar

love this Jenna thank you for sharing

Jenna O'Brien's avatar

Thank you for reading, Bethany!

lexxi with 2 x’s's avatar

What a beautiful article! 🥹 I’m sending love to all of those grieving. My favorite comfort bake is my vanilla chai cookies with cinnamon vanilla icing.

Jenna O'Brien's avatar

Oh, that sounds wonderfully delicious.

Corona's avatar

This article healed so many hearts

Jenna O'Brien's avatar

I truly hope so!

Jonathon Crump's avatar

My wife and I have been making a lemon chicken orzo soup for a few years and it’s probably our favorite comfort meal! It’s like an elevated chicken noodle soup!

Jenna O'Brien's avatar

Sounds delicious!