It was GRAND to me and many more! Literally…out of the two children that she raised, she was given eight more to love. That number grew in time to a number that is still growing! As I am sure each of her GRAND’s are doing tonight, I am remembering with tears and smiles all of the memories that I will forever cherish of her!
From the earliest of times, I can recall the excitement and anticipation of her arrival, or ours, for a week long stay. I can hear the sound that the train tracks made through her living room windows after the train came speeding by in the middle of the night . I smell the rose petal bubble bath that she always had out at bath times and that “lovely” seashell door stopper that got all of our toes at one time or another. I can remember the candy dishes that were always filled with peppermints and gumdrops.
I can still smell the aroma of her kitchen…
I remember the little things that she did out of habit like hanging the kitchen rag over the cabinet below her sink for “airing” out, as she would say….
the way she ALWAYS had “thin mints” hidden in the refrigerator for an after dinner treat…(she always told me that she had them there “just for me”, but I know better…she had seven others that thought just the same!)
There never was a meal served that did not have the three cherished “staples” that I still love today and serve quite often to my own family. Freshly sliced cantaloupe…ALWAYS sliced EXACTLY the same…cucumber salad and sliced tomatoes with salt and pepper. I know, it sounds simple, but honestly….we NEVER had a lunch or dinner without them and since I was always under foot as she cooked, I took note!!!
I do credit my love for cooking to her….that is something that we definitely had in common and she fostered that desire in me as a very young girl!
I am so thankful for that time with her in the kitchen. I will never cook a gumbo, pork roast, an etoufee or the three “staples” I mentioned earlier without thinking of her!
Many tears were shed today and right now as I am reminded that I won’t have any more “kitchen time” with her.
As I close this post, I would like to say….
Maw Maw, I love you so much and I miss you already! You were an excellent GRAND to me! I want you to know that I treasure the memories that I have of you and not only the cooking and the recipes and the treats that were tucked away in your kitchen, but I will treasure the hair brushing and lotion applying and “story watching” that we did as well. You taught us all how to be young ladies and the importance of proper dress and a clean house….but mostly, you gave me my MOM. Thank you for her…I will continue to see you, through her, when she giggles. You were one of the strongest people I have known and I am so proud to be your GRANDDAUGHTER! I’ll love you and Paw Paw forever! God speed…until I see you again, much love and hugs…from your kitchen to mine and back again!
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