The Middlesteins

This is a story about how some deal with voids in their lives. It always amazes me how some people can face anything and move on with their lives and others break down and fall apart right before our eyes. 

In this story, Edie faces a divorce because her husband just can't deal with her overeating anymore. He feels powerless and refuses to watch her eat herself to death. Members of the family are appalled that he would leave his wife in her time of need.  Edie eventually dies and Richard attends the funeral. Everyone shuts him out, and his own daughter blames him for Edie's death. There is so much food at the funeral reception that Richard can't stop eating. Alone, with only food for company, it dawns on Richard why Edie ate so much: “Because food was a wonderful place to hide.” 

There is a silver lining at the end of this sad tale; Edie does not die in vain. She was loved by many. Her memory helps those in her life realize how blessed they are and how grateful they are for their loved ones.