Garbanzo Beans

 Garbanzo beans (chick peas) are a great source of fiber! Protein too! And they can improve digestion and aid in weight management. 

Besides eating chickpeas, you can also cleanse your face with them. Smash chickpeas into a paste, combine with turmeric and apply the mix onto your face for 15 minutes, wash it off with cold water- you will brighten your skin! And reduce age spots. 

They strengthen bones, are good for your heart, and protect eye health. 

I make chick pea salads and no one in my family likes them. Vance and Merit will take a spoonful but they admitted last night they are not big fans. I wondered last night why I continue to include garbanzo beans in my life. 

The three or so years before my mom died she found the health benefits in garbanzo beans. She ate them often. A few summers ago some of my siblings were here and I made a garbanzo bean salad. One or more of them said "garbanzo beans always remind me of mom!" 

And this, is why I make them.

There is something really hard about the last picture, the last memory, the last meal, the last salad, the last hug.

My kids know my mom had candy machines in Lynden businesses, she would buy candy in bulk at Costco, fill the machines regularly, and collect the money. They never saw one of this variety in a store. They know about them because I shared the memory. They asked if there are any of those candy machines left. I told them my dad has one or two at his place. They asked if we could maybe get one for the shop we are building. 

My kids don't like garbanzo beans, but they know that I do and that my mom did. 

My kids have heard stories about my Grandma Alma and my mom making almond sticks at Christmas time, Evie playing on the record player, the cozy sights of Christmas, and a row of almond sticks on the kitchen counter.

They know her faith was strong. 

They know she believed in the power of prayer.

2020 made me thankful my mom's home is heaven.

Not that I do not want her here. Of course I do. 

Many lives are more lonesome without her. 

She shared love, kindness, and laughter. 

She made great pies and garbanzo bean salads. 

She loved deeply.

But the hurts of this world, I suppose they have been exemplified in 2020.

Cheers to 2021, to chick peas, candy machines, almond sticks, memories, and dinners together.

Prayers for normalcy for our kids, especially our teens.

Prayers for our elderly.