Giving Voice (Plus Blueberry Peach Pie)

Becoming an Advocate:

“Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”
—Harriet Tubman

Looking back on this now, everything seems surreal. I hope my narrative can help you as you navigate similar waters.

We are a family familiar with extreme health issues. With numerous hospitalizations behind us I assumed I was savvy in this area, but nothing prepared me for making life and death decisions for my sister. I was thrust into the role as my sister’s advocate when what we thought would be a week’s hospitalization turned into months. I became Naomi’s voice. Everyday there was a new decision and question as to what choice she might make. I was overwhelmed to say the least.

Friends and family supported me as I traveled to and from Mass General Hospital for over three months. Naomi has a wonderful friend who was an alternate on her health care proxy. I relied on her as we became a team, striving to do what was best.

I also reached out to a friend who knew a cardiologist with expertise in the field who was willing to talk to me. Knowing and seeking out medical professionals helped me make decisions. I learned that I had every right to ask for a family meeting with the doctors working on my “person”. This was in addition to asking for daily updates.

Social workers held pieces of this complex puzzle, and it was important to seek out their assistance. For example, I learned that once I had paid full price for parking at the hospital for a month, I could purchase passes for $5 a day. I would not have known this if not for the social worker.

I went to see Naomi every day to support her and her care. I felt that it was my job to talk to the doctors, nurses and aides to make sure they knew who Naomi was. I wanted them to know she was loved and cared for. When Naomi could not talk as the result of a tracheotomy, communication was challenging. This was a scary and frightening time.

Throughout these kinds of experiences finding my support, doing the research and trusting my gut was key. As a patient’s advocate I needed backup too. Things moved slowly and very quickly all at the same time. Building my support network was essential. I would not have made it through without my team.

Once Naomi came home, I became her chef. I continue to strive to create recipes that are rich in taste and rely on fresh ingredients whenever possible. Along with each of my posts I will include a recipe. These recipes consider her unique diet. They are low in sodium, low in sugar, kidney friendly, low in vitamin K and heart friendly.

About This Recipe:

We love fresh fruit pies. I wanted us to have a healthy version of this comfort food. I felt they should be part of our day-to-day culinary repertoire.

Blueberry Peach Pie

Ingredients:
Wholly Whole Pie Crust (They have wonderful ingredients, do not add preservatives and
they come frozen from Whole Foods)
2-3 Pints of Blueberries (we like a pie stuffed full of berries)
6-8 Ripe Peaches
Cinnamon (whole foods organic is rated one of the best)
Flour
(I do not add sugar as the fruit is sweet enough on its own)
Tools (optional):
Ceramic Pie Plate – I use these because I find they cook the pie more evenly

Preparation:
1. Lay the pie crust into the pie plate (Roll it as needed)
2. Skin and cut up the peaches into slices into a bowl and add a little cinnamon and flour (the flour will help it thicken a bit)
3. Put the peaches in the crust (If you prefer: add some of the blueberries in with the peaches before putting them in the pie)
4. Put blueberries in a bowl and add a little cinnamon and flour
5. Add them to the pie, covering the peaches. (I tend to over stuff my pies)
6. Place the top crust on and seal around the edges (Roll as needed if you need to stretch the crust)
7. Cut slits in the crust
8. Sprinkle a little cinnamon on top
9. Put in it a cold oven (ceramic pie plates can crack when put in a hot oven)
10. Bake at 350 for about an hour.
11. It is done when it bubbles, and the crust is golden brown.

We love this warm!

This makes a great apple pie too. Feel free to use whatever fruit you have available.