Nostalgia

            Though we read a number of stories for today’s class, I’d like to focus on the ideas in just one in my response, “A Good Appetite” by A. J. Liebling.

            In his piece he talks extensively about an old friend of his, by the name of Toto Mirande. He begins by talking about the great things Mirande has accomplished in his life; he explains the impressive choices he made from the time he was young to make the name for himself that he held at the time of his death. Prospering especially in the area of food was where the author came to know Mirande.

            The air of the piece was that of nostalgia for me. It made me think of meals I’ve shared specifically with my aging grandparents. Many years my seniors, much like Mirande to Liebling, it was once very much easier for me to enjoy the large family get togethers we have had over the years. Nowadays my grandparents seem to be obsessed with this being near the end of their lives. This idea, of course, both terrifies me and angers me. I do not wish to see them as old or deteriorating persons, again, similar to the feelings of Liebling as Mirande grew older and wearier.

            The past few holidays our family has gathered for have had an almost morbid feel to them. My grandparents have begun to consider their wills, which I know is a sign that they know the end is approaching. I have spent much of my life with them and I cannot begin to cope with the idea of them being gone.

            In reading his piece, I began to think of the way I react to these incredibly important people in my life. I realized that I too, like Liebling, have begun to pull away from them. Not wanting to hear or think about their approaching deaths, I have made fewer phone calls, and fewer visits to them. This would seem backward, but Liebling and I simply did not want to see our loved ones go. The thought of this was too much to bear.

            I realize that this piece was a tribute to the meals which he shared with Mirande, but I rationalized it differently I guess. Maybe this was not the right way, but it was my way in reading.

            A final point about his piece and also a theme I found to be tied into many of the other sections was that of, eating well is only possible with a healthy appetite. I really loved this idea. The skinny bitches don’t know a thing! They couldn’t possibly truly enjoy the art of food. I also liked the idea that though many of these stories revolved around the beautiful French cuisine, I might still thoroughly enjoy my meals if I let myself. If I let myself take the time and don’t hold back, I too can enjoy the experiences that these writers have had in exotic and world-renowned restaurants.