Finding grace at Martha’s home

Our everyday lives are filled with moments of prayer and grace. Wherever we go, we are presented with blessings that are both obvious and felt.

My dear friend Martha Orosa Uy, a very nurturing soul, invited us over for a sumptuous dinner with her wonderful family.  Her only daughter Sarah, who is pursuing her studies in the United States, was home on school break. Mother and daughter were basking in the joy of this reunion. Martha shared that her own mother died in her arms at the age of 46.

“When you lose a loved one so young, you treasure every single thing she taught you and you try hard to live it every day in order to keep her loving memories alive,” shared Martha, whose mom passed on to her a gracious spirit.

Now, Martha continues to light up the lives of family and friends by sharing her God-given gifts as a talented designer and a thoughtful, excellent homemaker.

Everything on her table that night — appetizers (baked brie filled with candied walnuts drenched in strawberry balsamic reduction and tender octopus marinated in olive oil with Italian herbs), the main course (melt-in-your-mouth beef belly served with juicy roasted vegetables flavored with a tasty eggplant dip and buttery seafood rice), delectable desserts (creamy tiramisu and pistachio baklava), the unique décor and eye-catching centerpieces — were homemade by Martha and her dedicated helpers.

The dinner we had that night was a simple gathering of friends. It was in its simplicity that we all reconnected. Indeed, we all found grace at Martha’s home.

(Would love to hear from you at miladayjewels@yahoo.com.)