A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I were heading out of town to Virginia Beach. Traveling together is always a joy, and I really look forward to our time away. Since our kids are older now, it’s easier to leave them behind. They’re busy with commitments, jobs, activities, and I always leave a list of chores to do, so that when we return, I’m not overwhelmed! I’m thankful for good kids who get in and help when we are away.

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My motto is this:

If I leave my house clean, I will expect it to be in the same condition when I return.

I had a funny thought though, as I was packing and getting ready the day before we left. I thought ahead to dinner and how I wanted to make something special. I wanted our family to all be together. I wanted good conversation. I wanted connection. It takes effort to bring the family together and my mind was going here:

What if this is our last meal together as a family?

Do you ever get sentimental thoughts before you travel? I can’t be the only one! :)

So in wanting a special time, I also wanted a tasty, healthy experience.

I wanted Mama’s cooking to be a memory they’d never forget.

The night before, we had roasted 2 pans of fresh tomatoes, straight from the garden.

On this night I cooked whole wheat pasta, and we added ground lean turkey to the roasted tomatoes.

We placed the tomato mixture on the whole wheat pasta.

Dubliner Cheese was shaved on top, with chopped fresh basil, and slices of whole wheat bread on the side.

We sat together on our back patio and enjoyed our healthy meal and just being together.

I was satisfied with the outcome. Good food, the blessings of family, open discussions on life, … and deeper connections.

Okay, I’ll be honest and hopefully not too morbid here.

What would you cook, for one of your last meals with your family?