Last Updated on April 28, 2026 by Lisa Keys
Fresh Pineapple Cucumber Sorbet is a refreshing treat on a warm summer day. It also makes a great palate cleanser. Does anyone do fancy dinners anymore?
My Grief Poem
On the banks of Lake Elise
I saw you on a lily pad
Smiling, sitting Indian style
With your arms reaching up and out
I reached to you and was happy
But then the sun rose
To tear-filled eyes
Dreaming again
It remains a bit of a mystery how my son died that night and it's a mystery how one can be happy and sad at the same time. It's complicated and twisted when it comes to grief.
The obvious is that one who has lost their person will always have a sense of sadness. That cannot be changed. With time, however, the sadness becomes more manageable and doesn't interfere with day-to-day activities. Is there an occasional meltdown?
You betcha, but those episodes are much more short-lived and usually triggered by, at least in my case, fatigue. A good night's sleep and coping skills are restored. What's your trigger? Identify it and try to avoid it.
So unlike him... this photo above always cracks me up...thank you Van Sant family for this good photo laugh.
Welcome happiness. It's a choice. It's all around us. See it in a stranger's smile, smell it in the garden, feel it in a warm embrace, hear it in a song. To choose happiness and to feel joy is an option we all have. It celebrates your person. Reach up and out and embrace it. Like I embrace this fresh pineapple cucumber sorbet.
And speaking of a meltdown, what a warm summer it has been. Want to know what makes me happy this time of year? It's ice cream, gelato, granita and this pineapple cucumber sorbet. You get the picture….oh, wait-did I say frozen snicker bars? Yes, all kinds of frozen treats put a smile on my face. It's no mystery that to make a tasty frozen dessert only a blender is required.
My garden, which always makes me happy, currently overflows with cucumbers. I never realized cucumbers have such a prickly surface until I grew my own. They really sting!
Interestingly, the borage flower also tastes like cucumbers. Conveniently, both ripen at the exact same time, provided you avoid using chemicals on your plants. Combine some fresh pineapple and a few fridge staples in a high-speed blender to reach sweet, frozen heaven. Enjoy the summer. No ice cream maker necessary!
Fresh Pineapple Cucumber Sorbet
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks frozen
- 1 cucumber peeled, seeded, cut into chunks, frozen
- ½ cup silken tofu
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons agave adjust to your own desired sweetness
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
- 1 or 2 leaves fresh mint optional
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into blender* in order given. Start on low speed and increase until mixture is smooth and well blended. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Cathy says
Peace and Hope...you feel William now...and I know you will see his sweet face again...Someday...
Lisa says
I think the first year I was completely numb. In the second year the reality hits and it is the worst. By the third year some sort of acceptance happens and one has to take a path one way or another...4th year--take whatever joy one can grab
Cathy says
ETM...Enjoy the Moment!
Ronna F says
You are so strong and lovely Lisa. Sending you a big hug today! <3
Lisa says
Thanks, Ronna. I really so appreciate you reading and sending love!
Carol says
Love that pic of Tyler, Andrew and William. Such a fun day at the beach, William was the ring-leader with sticking his face in the sand. Such a goof ball! Treasured memories for sure.
PS: Going to try this frozen dessert, easy and looks so refreshing!
Lisa says
Yes-he was the ring leader and could charm all of us into doing some silly and crazy things. He left us with such happy, funny, silly memories. Somehow, he charmed me into writing this blog.
Carol says
BTW I had a lump in my throat reading your poem. Beautiful and heart wrenching.
Lisa says
inspired by a dream I had the night before----had no idea what I was going to write about until I woke up that morning
Krista says
Right now, three weeks after we crossed the threshold of losing Aidan one year ago, life seems to be my trigger. Each day has become a minefield to be navigated through very gingerly. So for now, I continue to get out of bed each day and do the best I can for myself and my family. Like you also commented, many people have warned me that year two is worse. So I try not to think about it, and focus on trying to enjoy some bits of joy before my oldest heads off to college. Not the last summer at home I imagined, but we'll get through one day at a time. Really beautiful post and pictures.
Lisa says
My dear Krista take care of yourself the best you can this coming year. I won't sugar coat it. It's the toughest time, but I think one has to go through it to find any sense of peace. As the shock and numbness of the first year wears off the reality of my son being gone hits me like I have never been hit before. The world seems especially cruel as everywhere I turn something reminds me of my son. I am angry, I am sad, I have outbursts that I don't know how to handle. I did unexpected things like take early retirement from my job and moved to another state. I had to do it to survive---it was about taking care of me. My best advice---surround yourself with people who love you and support you know matter what--they will hold you up and you will keep going......<3. You are never alone and Aidan is cheering you on.
Jennifer Dewey Rohrich says
You so beautifully express your heart! I just adore that about you!
Never would have put cucumber and pineapple together! I'm going to have to try this!
Lisa says
You are my North Dakota sunshine. So happy our paths have crossed. My son would have loved you. Cucumber and pineapple very refreshing on a hot summer day