The sun has risen. Mama woke up today, went up to her botanical rooftop in Ashrafiye, and started picking up her fruits and vegetables as she does every day, singing her favorite songs. The chanting continues in the kitchen, “chwayit bhar men hon… 3asrit hamod men honik…”.

It’s a sound ritual, Mama's dancing along, behind her colorful kitchen window, pulling out her measuring cups and mixer, washing her freshly picked products, and preparing meticulously. When the clock strikes 12, arises the smell of the delicious meat grilling. The house is filled with colors and smells.

Mama has that one thing that makes gatherings so special, her perfect grilling, from chicken, red meat, to salmon.. It was a normal platter with side vegetables, but man oh man, could mama’s platters erase a bad day at school or ease anxiety over a work meeting.

The appetite for Mama’s cooking remains, long after the plates are cleaned, where Mama’s efforts nourished spirits through love in food, expressed in great but simple ways.