Bena Mae’s Kitchen: Reach out and touch someone

In 1981 the American communications corporation AT&T with the slogan ‘Reach out and touch someone’. The idea was simply to get customers to make more use of the telephone, but the phrase caught on and now has a broader meaning.
It has become something that we can apply to our daily lives that is meaningful to those who are no longer able to get out and about among people, people who are no longer ambulatory or able to go about on their own. They are mostly housebound and lonely, unable to be a part of the society they once enjoyed.
To many of them, loneliness is a slow walk to the next world. But we can help. It may be only a visit or a phone call but its that much.
Several years ago a church friend and I started eating lunch together after the church service. We were both widows and dreaded to go home to a lonely afternoon. As time went by other ladies who had become widows joined our circle. In time, there were enough of us to fill a large table at the restaurant. The fellowship at the table was an extension of the church service. No longer were we left to go home to an empty house. I think our friendship was a great healer as spirits were lifted during the meal each Sunday.
I used to work at an agency that delivered Meals on Wheels. About 10:30 each morning the phone would start ringing. “When are they going to bring my lunch?” the callers would ask. I soon realized that it wasn’t food they were most interested in, it was the personal visit from the one who delivered the meal. A friendly face from the outside who would break the monotony of the day.
Look around you. I’m sure you know people who would welcome a friendly knock on the door, a telephone call to ask how they are. It might be a little thing to you but oh, so important to the recipient.
So why not reach out and touch someone. It will make you feel good about yourself.

Fresh Peach Chicken Salad

3 medium fresh peaches, peeled and cubed
2 cups cubed cooked chicken breast
1 medium cucumber, seeded and chopped
3 tablespoons finely chopped red onion

Mint Vinaigrette:
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup minced fresh mint
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
4 lettuce leaves

In a large bowl, combine the peaches, chicken, cucumber and onion; set aside. In a blender, combine the vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, mint, salt and pepper; cover and process until smooth. Drizzle over chicken mixture; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate until chilled. Use a slotted spoon to serve on lettuce-lined plates.