It was snowing so hard on Saturday night and I rushed up the stairs to my apartment trying to escape the freezing cold. Zoe lagged behind me to chat with some friends, but I was practically shivering. I was so ready to go home and wrap myself in a warm blanket. I flung open the door.
“SURPRISE! Happy Birthday!”
I blinked once, then twice, trying to make sense of what was going on happened. I looked around my small apartment living room that was packed full of smiling, familiar faces. The walls were now beautifully decorated with fairy lights and pictures of Zoe & me. Birthday wishes and notes from friends and families were stuck carefully next to them.
(Picture of the two of us together – happy and still in shock)
(Wall stuck with birthday notes and pictures of us)
Before I could think further someone nudged me forward towards the center of the room. It was time to blow out the candles. I was shocked to see a a beautiful stack of chocolate covered banana bread donuts coated with pecans, coconut, flaked almonds; there was a a gorgeous gluten free strawberry crepe cake, tubs of ice cream, a meringue pie…it was a stunning sight.
It was at that moment everything sunk in. I’m finally 24.
Amidst the chaos of the chatter, I couldn’t help but reflect on the last 24 years of my life. Flashbacks of memories of my childhood in Hong Kong, my friends I grew up with, my mission, my time living in the States just shot through like a bullet through my mind. I couldn’t believe I had come this far. A milestone, perhaps, marking all that I had accomplished and experienced. Everything I am, I have done and I am becoming is because of the people I admire, the people I love and my parents. I scanned the beautiful notes that was stuck on the wall next to all my baby pictures. I had not realized that my friends had asked my parents and aunt and uncle to send happy birthday letters to us!
(Picture taken the day after with the leftover birthday donuts and all the decorations)
In developing this nourishing Chinese soup I am reminded again and again of my parents – their wisdom, their counsel and their love. My mum always tried to convince me drink soup after dinner, because its great for my skin and full of nutrients. Back then, I was stubborn and young, and hated healthy food because all I wanted to eat what my friends liked e.g. ice-cream, chips and chocolate. Despite my stubbornness she never failed to offer me a bowl of soup.
After so many years, looking back I chuckle at my childish self – how could I not like soups? Now I miss it more than ever. My body always feels incredible after having this soup. It calms my digestive system, fills my belly with warmth.
There is really nothing like having a birthday with those you love, and having the opportunity to reflect on the multitude of blessings I’ve been given.
- 1 tbsp dried shrimp, chopped
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 4 sprigs of coriander, leaves and stalks chopped
- 2 cups water
- 4 oz silken tofu, chopped into cubes
- ½ tbsp GF soy sauce
- ¼ tsp salt
- Veggies of Choice:
- 1 carrot/tomato/celery, finely chopped
- 1-2 cups bok choy/swiss chard/spinach/napa cabbage
- Garnish: Nori Seaweed, sesame seed, sesame oil, chili flakes
- Stir-fry dried shrimp and ginger over medium heat until fragrant.
- Add in the vegetables, tofu, water, coriander. Bring the mixture to boil and simmer until vegetables are just cooked (3-5 minutes).
- Season with soy sauce and salt. Serve with white pepper to taste!
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