When I was a kid, we always went to my Grandmother Kelly’s farm for Thanksgiving. (Yes, I am proudly named after her.) It was about an hour and a half from my house, and I have such great memories of those times. She was always in the kitchen, so we were always in the kitchen with her. Ah, she was such a sweet, dear woman. She loved to cook (I definitely live up to her name in that respect!), and living on a farm, she made everything from scratch. I never saw a box of any kind of pre-made mix or any type of convenience food in her pantry.
She always made my sisters and me feel welcomed in her kitchen. We were never in the way. She had things for us to nibble on as we watched her create delicious dishes, all without a cookbook. She never used a recipe. So if my mom ever wanted to know how Grandmother made something, she would have to sit there and watch her make it, step by step, guessing the measurements and how much she used. It’s hard to know exactly how much a “handful” is!
Today I am so blessed because everyone in my extended family lives nearby. Not a Thanksgiving goes by that I don’t miss my grandmother, but I am thankful that this year, everyone will make it to his or her place at our family table this year. As grateful as I am about that, I know that there are so many people who can’t say the same. There are parents, brothers, sisters, children, and spouses serving overseas, whose place at the table will be vividly vacant. There are family members in the hospital who will be greatly missed as prayers are lifted for their quick recovery. People have moved away since last Thanksgiving, and some can’t make it back home this year. Also, many families have members who are estranged, for one reason or another. Thanksgiving offers a reason for making things right again. It’s something to think about.
Every year, after Thanksgiving, my husband’s Aunt Roxy makes this delicious After Thanksgiving Soup. (It’s pictured above.) Imagine all the leftovers from the best parts of the Thanksgiving meal blended together: turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing… you get the picture! She simmers it all afternoon, serves it up hot and steaming, and it’s another wonderful family meal we can all enjoy together. Don’t you agree that the best part of Thanksgiving is being together? Like Aunt Roxy’s soup, it takes everyone being there–because if someone is missing, the flavor just isn’t the same. Be sure that whoever you’re missing this year knows that Thanksgiving won’t be the same without them.
I think my favorite Thanksgiving memories are of my daughter Kelly Jo, coming home each year. She would head straight for the kitchen stove (after giving me a hug and kiss first of course). She would lift the lid from the huge kettle of noodles and taste them. Of course she always said she had to do it 2 or 3 times to make certain the flavoring was ok. I didnt fall for it but it was funny to let her think I did. As the Christmas songs played in the background of my kitchen, we reminisced and caught up on current happenings in everyday life. Then her sisters, my other 2 daughters would come trialing in and the hugs, laughter and signing began before the feast. These most special times are never to return or be again as my beautiful daughter Kelly lost her battle with brain cancer in 2009. My life has forever been changed and I would give anything come Thanksgiving day to see Kelly Jp, come into the kitchen to lift the lid of the kettle of noodles.
Love and miss you kelly Jo, love your momma