It is so hard to know what to do when someone dear to you is hurting. And this is a really big hurt. So I have been doing two things I know how to do: organize and cook. I’ve contacted the many groups with which I share membership with Ericka: the widespread Literary Mama community, the local group of women writers, WOM-BA (Word of Mouth-Bay Area), our beloved freewriting group and solo performance group. Everyone is so eager to do something, ANYthing, to show their love and support.

I ordered several platters of sushi, thanks to the Literary Mamas. I picked up a big honeybaked ham thanks to WOMBA. I was going to order a few more catered dishes, but for the places I had in mind, it turned out to be too late.

So I turned to Ericka herself for ideas. She is quite the foodie, and loves to make food as well as enjoy it immensely when someone else makes it. I’ve shared so many awesome meals with her, and have loved the unabashed delight that she takes in food (for anyone who has seen her solo performance, her orgasmic response to an avocado is unforgettable!). Once we did a writing retreat together, and we took turns cooking. She made the most delicious mushroom risotto which provided great fuel for churning out the chapters.

I went to her blog, which is a treasure trove of amazing recipes. I picked some of her favorites to make for her homecoming tomorrow. Baby back ribs with rosemary and garlic for my favorite “porkatarian.” (our kitchen smells so awesome!) Chicken Paprikash. Tomorrow I’ll make her mushroom risotto and my own spanakopita. Then I’ll pack up the folding table and drive to her house to give food and hugs, the only thing I can offer right now.