I have a friend at work who I like to call my “Work Uncle.” The way we became friends was through his generous homemade baked goods that he would occasionally share at work. I’d walk into the dreaded office one morning to find a delicate treat on my desk, enclosed in a clean ziploc bag.

Ever so touched at the gesture, even though he gave them out to everyone in the office anyway, I personally thanked him in person, at his desk, and through conversation, would also end up bonding over our shared love of reading, films, and delicious foods.

I unfortunately don’t see him much anymore since my desk was moved to another building, but we try to keep in touch. Gotta love Microsoft Teams!

During a particularly rough week at work however, I was granted with the most touching gift: a slice of his homemade angel food cake.

Angel food cake has a special place in my heart because it is my dad’s favorite cake. I wouldn’t have even known about its existence if it wasn’t for him raving about it so much while I was growing up. He doesn’t eat that kind of food anymore since he’s older, but lucky for him I will not fail to let the tradition die.

“How did you know?” I asked my work uncle, faced with the familiar white fluffs and golden crust. “This is literally my favorite cake!”

And he hadn’t known, of course. But that’s what makes a friendship special.

As I stared down at the slice of angel food cake in my hands, it suddenly reminded me of who I was. How I wasn’t meant to fit the mold that everyone around me at the time was trying to force me in.

Funny how just a simple piece of cake could bring such uplifting thoughts. But that is why I choose to remind others and myself to always remember what brings us joy. Because when we’re in the darkest pits of our lives, those fond things will be what we must turn to, whether it be a piece of favorite cake, a memory, or both.