A reflection from Meryl
“As it has been said many times, ‘Like mother, like daughter,’ and whether we are speaking about my biological mother or Mother Theresa, I have been inspired by both women.
I spent my youth living in two major metropolitan cities- New York and Miami. In 2003, I felt the need for a greener landscape, and eventually made Nashville my home. After finding a place to reside, I then searched for a place to call home and it wasn’t long before I discovered The Nashville Food Project. I have a love affair with food and gardening, so it was a natural fit. I initially began my volunteering by working in the TNFP garden on Hillsboro Road which is my ‘happy place.’ I love to feel the sweat on my brow and the dirt under my fingernails. I also love to help things grow because every living thing deserves a chance- sometimes it just takes a little nurturing. My husband teases me when he watches (and listens) to me weed our own garden because, because you see, I’m of the belief even the weeds growing between our flowers, are nature’s work so as I pull them, I also apologize to them. My friends chuckle when my husband shares the story but inwardly, I’m smiling because I know my heart is in the right place.
When the new HQ opened, an opportunity to work in the kitchen became available so I jumped at the chance. Initially, I worked on prep, sometimes delivering and serving meals, eventually working on a cook team which led to having my own little team until Covid reared its ugly head and things ground to a halt. Since our return to the kitchens, I’ve been known to take on the task of doing some organizing at the offices and I’ve added a monthly prep at St Luke’s. In both kitchens, the overall feeling from the staff is one of joy and commitment to an important cause. I continue to meet new friends so for me, it’s not a job or even a volunteering assignment, it is pure joy and happiness.
My husband and I are slowly exploring the possibility of retiring — we both work together, for ourselves. When we’re not working, we love to travel and explore the great outdoors. We are blessed with five outstanding children scattered across the country and when I’m not working or traveling, I love to sew, try new recipes, garden, and I’m also an avid reader.
It has been said that we all, sooner or later, quote our mothers and I would like to quote Mother Theresa when I say, ‘It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.’ For me, no truer words were ever spoken.”
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