Brainberries and More

An excellent book to help children cope with unexpected changes in a loved one. 

   There’s a children’s book written by the talented and compassionate author Tomie dePaola, entitled One Foot Now The Other.  If you’re not already familiar, it tells the story of the unusually close relationship between a boy and his grandfather.  When he was a toddler, it was Grandpa Bob who taught little Bobby to walk.  Growing up, Bobby and Bob played blocks together, coloured, set up army guys, you know, all the things very young and the rather old boys enjoy doing. 

An image from inside Tomi dePaola's book.

   In this story, Bob lives with Bobby and Bobby’s parents, allowing the bond between child and grandparent to only deepen.  One day when Bobby gets home from school, his grandfather is not sitting in the chair where he often sits reading.  Bobby’s parents sit down to explain to Bobby his grandfather was taken unexpectedly ill and needs to stay in the hospital, for a very long time.  Bobby, is of course, quite upset.  The story only saddens from here.

   When Grandpa Bob returns home, Bobby is shocked to see his best friend, now feeble, can not speak, walk or eat on his own.  Bob suffered a stroke. Tomi dePaola, takes us on a journey of giving back and supporting people you love in whatever means you have.  Bobby is able to slowly get over his fear and discomfort with his grandfather’s condition and becomes the focal point of healing for Bob.  Helping his grandfather to eat by actually feeding him as Grandpa Bob had done for him when he was a baby.  Entertaining Bob by building those blocks into the tall, tall tower and then joyfully knocking it down, just as he and Bob did when they played together. 

   Seeing small indications of response in Bob, that no one else in the family can see, Bobby doesn’t give up.  Finally he is able to coax his grandfather to take a walk with him.  Carefully removing the blanket from his grandfather’s lap and helping him to stand, Bobby instructs Bob to take one step, now another.  As you can probably detect the story does indeed have a happy ending with a picture of Bobby and Grandpa Bob holding hands and walking down the block together.

No explanation needed here, right? 

   I used to read this book to the children in my Pre-k and kindergarten classes.  It was a wonderful way to show children that unexpected changes in our loved ones is not something to be feared.  My own children were introduced to this story at very young ages, as my youngest brother was a paraplegics.  They grew up understanding the subtleties of when to offer help and when not to intervene, to respect independent effort when they encountered someone with an obvious physical disability. 

   Until one is written specific to the changes that occur with Alzheimer’s disease, this book is an excellent tool for us to use when explaining feelings of fear, discomfort with our children.  Showing them how to transforming unease and discomfort  into feelings of hope and creative helpfulness. 

   Of course there are no discussions regarding medications, doctors or nutrition in this little story,  it is my hope that while Bobby was busy taking Grandpa Bob for walks and dazzling him with displays of block towers and army men brigades, Bobby’s mom and or dad were in the kitchen preparing healing foods.  I certainly would be. And to maintain my status as helpful, healing chef here are a couple of good brain foods both Grandpa Bob and Bobby would benefit from and enjoy eating.

YUM!!

   Blueberries are a potent antioxidant.  Considered one of nature’s SuperFoods. Some refer to them as “Brainberries.”  Vitamin E is another Brain Booster and is naturally found in most seeds and nuts. 

Fresh Blueberry and Kale Salad

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa or wheat berries – rinsed, cooked according to package directions and cooled

1 cup sweet peas-fresh or frozen or peeled edamame                       2 cups fresh kale – rough chopped

1 ½ cup fresh blueberries                                                                 ½ cup pine nuts - toasted                      ½ cup crumbled feta                                                                       ¼ cup red wine vinegar                          1 tablespoon Dijon mustard                                                             ½ tablespoon honey                              1 small shallot - minced                                                                  salt and pepper to taste

Process

In a large mixing or serving bowl, combine cooked grain of choice, peas, kale, blueberries, pine nuts and feta.

In a small mixing bowl whisk vinegar, mustard and honey until well blended.  Slowly drizzle in olive oil, while continuously whisking, creating an emulsion.  When oil and vinegar are completely combined, whisk in shallot and season vinaigrette to taste with salt and pepper.   Drizzle over salad.     

                                                                                                                Serves 4

OR

For a wonderfully tasting and energizing snack try this open-faced sandwich.

Ingredients

2 slices whole grain bread, such as Ezekiel                                    4 tablespoon almond butter

 ½ fresh papaya - sliced                                                                a handful of fresh, cleaned blueberries

Process

Lightly toast two slices of whole grain bread, such as Ezekiel.  Spread a generous amount of almond butter on each slice and top each slice of bread with sliced papaya and a few blueberries. 

                                                                                                                 Serves 2   

      

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