WHAT MAKES YOU CRY IS YOUR WHY
By: Karen WeHunt Harden, Contributing Writer | wharden1950@gmail.com
Our Mother was not a control freak, and she did not think she was a better cook than we were. She wanted us to come home often and for celebrations. Mother did all the work. The meals were her loving gifts to us for gathering at her house.
The last Thanksgiving Mother cooked was sweet and sad. When we all came in ready to dine, she was sitting at the kitchen table peeling potatoes and cutting them into tiny cubes. I knew right then this was the last holiday we could expect Mother to prepare everything alone. We were hungry and jumped in.
One set the table, and another made tea. Someone turned on the oven and prepared the crescent rolls. Mother finished cutting her potatoes into tiny cubes, and one of us put them on to boil. No one complained about running late or any dish being forgotten.
Mother was a quiet person, and especially quiet and exhausted this Thanksgiving. It was dizzying for her because we swooped in to finish her meal. She knew in her heart she was no longer able to do it all. For Christmas, we discussed the menu and all of us contributed. Of course, Mother made her famous macaroni and cheese. We shared the work. Mother was appreciative, although she longed for the birthdays and holidays when she was able to do it all.
Time takes a toll, and time marches on. Positive change is progress. Making time to be together and sharing is the beauty of family.
Author: Tracy Sanders
