There are certain times in life when I’m especially thankful that I’m a chef and able to help others in times when they need it most.

As a personal chef, I’ve had clients contact me for a variety of reasons: to help with senior parents who find it difficult to cook for themselves anymore, a single commuter who doesn’t have the time to prepare proper meals at the end of a long day, or families with a child facing a new food allergy or special diet. Whatever the reason, it feels good to be able to help them and their loved ones get through a tough situation.

But the one situation I can relate to, and that touches me most, is the call to help someone who is facing a surgery and a lengthy recovery period. This is what I began to call my ‘Surgery Suppers’ service. I’ve had to put this service to the test on myself and for my family more than once, so maybe that’s why it touches me more than any other service.