When you eat and are satisfied....

"One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating."
— Luciano Pavarotti

Eating is such a simple yet profound gift, one I’ve come to truly appreciate after facing a life-changing health battle.

The Joy of Eating

Did you ever realize how much pleasure eating brings? Not just the enjoyment of different flavors and textures, but the feeling of being satisfied and content afterward? Food is a gift, straight from God, in so many ways. It’s something we get to enjoy over and over again, every single day.

We are incredibly blessed to live in a country with an abundance of food. Not only do we have our “daily bread,” but so much more. Since I came from the former Soviet Union, I could talk a lot about the difficult times that my parents and grandparents had to live through, today, I want to focus on the simple pleasure that comes with eating—a gift we often overlook.

A Childhood of Appreciation

I’ve always had a deep appreciation for food, thanks to my parents who taught me to cherish every meal from a young age. Growing up, I heard stories of the hardships my parents and grandparents endured, facing famine and struggling to get enough food. Their experiences instilled in me a profound gratitude for the abundance we have here in America. Now, as I sit down to eat, I often pause in awe and marvel at the simple miracle of having food to enjoy. Yes, I said miracle.

A Life-Altering Experience

When I was 21, my life changed dramatically. I had midgut volvulus, which led to sepsis, and as a result, I lost three-quarters of my small intestine and half of my large intestine. I was in critical condition and given less than a 5% chance of survival.

For over two months, I literally didn’t put food in my mouth. After that, for years, every time I ate, I felt awful. During this time, I was receiving intravenous nutrition (TPN), which, let me tell you, was no easy feat. Carrying a pole with a 3-liter bag of fluids that's connected to you was a constant reminder of the struggles I faced.

The Constant Thirst

One of the hardest parts of that time was my constant thirst. At that time, I drank three times the amount of normal people and still felt thirsty. I was thirsty WHILE I was drinking. At night, I dreamt of liquids and even had nightmares about not having anything to drink. I would wake up in a panic. In desperation I would drink the entire pitcher of water next to my bed.

Even now, I savor every drop of water, and tea was my best friend for years, soothing my stomach and offering comfort in my darkest times. Especially in the years that I didn’t feel great most of the time, it would settle my stomach like nothing else. When I couldn't drink before surgeries, etc., that was the worst. All I could think about was getting some ice chips as soon as they rolled me into PACU.

Gratitude in the Simple Things

Perspective shifts when you face challenges. Sometimes, I stand in the shower with warm water running over me, and I want to cry out of joy. For years, taking a simple shower was a complex ordeal, trying to keep all my tubes from getting wet. I could only stay in for a short time, and it was exhausting.

Today, I’m deeply grateful for the simplest gifts in life: a warm home, strength to work, the beauty of nature, the sun on my skin, and, of course, a loving family. I often tell my husband, "Sergi, it feels so good to feel so good." Because for years, I didn’t.

Devastating News

At 21, lying in the ICU, I was told by my GI doctor that I’d likely spend my life on tube feedings or TPN (total parenteral nutrition). My intestines were so damaged they might never be able to absorb nutrients again. My love for food, something that had always been a part of my life, was slipping away. Cooking had been my hobby since I was a little girl, and I couldn’t imagine a future without it.

At that moment, I realized what a big part food has in life.

Food is Such an Integral Part of Life

When friends gather, there’s almost always food involved. What if I could never experience that part of my life again? Cooking had always been my passion since I was a little girl. So many of life’s special moments—barbecues, picnics, potlucks, family gatherings, and of course, holiday feasts—are centered around food.

While I understand that there are more important things in life than food, I had to come to terms with the loss I experienced and learn to find joy in the other blessings I still had.

The Miracle of Healing

But God had other plans. Thanks to the grace of God, I received a miracle no one can explain. Today, I’m healthier than ever and no longer need supplemental nutrition. I’m able to cook again, create new recipes, and explore different flavor combinations—all while surrounded by my loved ones.

Never Taking Food and Eating for Granted

Those dark days are behind me, but they are forever a part of who I am. I don’t take eating for granted anymore. Every meal, every bite, every drink is a gift from God. As I move around in my kitchen, cooking up new and old favorites, I think back to those years when I couldn’t enjoy the simple act of eating. I couldn’t join friends at gatherings, or even eat during long road trips without feeling sick.

The Gift of Food and Gratitude

When we sit down at the table with my husband or share a meal with friends, I’m filled with gratitude. Food is no longer something I take lightly. It’s a gift, and I treasure it deeply.

As you sit down to dinner with your family or enjoy a snack in your living room, take a moment to thank God for the gift of eating—feeling satisfied and healthy.

"Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits."
— Psalm 103:1-2

"When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you."
— Deuteronomy 8:10