Riverside Pizza

Went to see my Aunt at lunch today. Had a quick sandwich. Told her I was planning on ordering tonight and she said she was planning to do the same. With a sly grin I asked her if she was looking for company? Did I just hear “Free meal”?

Told her we would be there a little after 4. Picked up the wife and headed over. My Aunt had already ordered a large pepperoni and cheese with bacon. As well as a large fry with gravy on the side. Today is a day where comfort food and good company are required. The pizza gets there in record time and we all sit down to eat. I look over at the empty chair at this four seat table. My mom would have enjoyed this. She would have made us order a special which comes with onions. I’m not a fan of onions so we would have fought. She’d win of course. I miss her.

We slowly devour our pizza enjoying the nostalgia of it all. The gravy is excellent. The fries were on point. Couldn’t have asked for better. But the empty chair looking at me seems out of place. Oh how she would have enjoyed this. The talk of my granddaughters upcoming birthday. How may day went at work. The jokes about how my Aunts getting old… How Riverside has been a staple in this house forever. She would have loved this.

As we finish our meal I cleared the ladies and my own dishes from the table. Completely ready for a nap from all the food, I managed to rinse the dishes and my aunt packed us 2 slices to go. I love her. She took me in to give my brain a rest after my mother’s suicide. I try to get together with my aunt on this day every year. It’s easier not to hurt so much when she’s around.

The good food and company make me feel less alone. That I don’t have to struggle so hard to remember her and all the good times we shared around a pizza box. It’s been a long time since she passed but I miss her like it was yesterday. Thank you to Riverside for always being the comfort food Cornwall wants.

Suicide Hotline:
988.ca
Call or text 988