Haribos and Peach Tea

Strange how in the midst of a catastrophic event it’s often the smallest things that bring a smile. My dad has always loved Snapple peach iced tea. The usual type of love. Like, “Wow, its sure hot outside, I could really appreciate a peach iced tea to cool me off!” After his accident, there were hours and days when he was NPO (nothing by mouth) for various reasons. Multiple surgeries, and the we-aren’t-sure-you-can-swallow-without-choking-and-dying, etc. So when drinking was reinstated the level of appreciation was off the charts.

For many days all he wanted to drink was iced cold Snapple peach tea. Eli and I would scour the nearby grocery stores and purchase them by the case. There was a small fridge in his room that we kept well stocked. It was a tiny thing that he could control and partake of that brought physical refreshment.

On the snacky side, Haribo sour gummy bears brought as much joy as the iced tea!! The first thing Dad wanted was these sour gummy bears. Man, there isn’t anything I have ever tasted that will pucker my lips as fast! Wow! Many many nights have been spent munching on these little guys. Dad watching Law and Order SVU and me working full time on my computer in the corner. Every few minutes I would get up and pop another two bears into his waiting mouth. When he was ready for the next one he would say, “Load 2” and I would come over and pop them in for another few minutes of enjoyment. Grateful for the opportunity to make these memories with my Dad. So proud of him!

-Stephanie

“Put their hope in God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”

1 TImothy 6:17

“Taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him!”

Psalms 34:8

Peach Iced tea

Haribo’s and Chloe