We host what we call “Orphan Thanksgiving” for all those young people who are working/attending school too far away from their own families. They are invited to bring whatever is their favorite dish served at “Mom’s Thanksgiving Table” and we provide the Turkey and our favorites. One year, a tearful 22 year old showed up with all the ingredients for Pecan Pie, but was too afraid to make it on her own. We tackled Grandma’s recipe and she called Grandma when we finished and said “I did it!!” - again - through more tears.

It’s been several years since my grandmother passed away and my aunts and mother and I spent several weekends together cleaning out her home of 50 years. I remember walking into her huge walk-in pantry and asking my elders about the floor-to-ceiling canning jars, full of jams, jellies, chow chow and every other thing a woman living through the great Depression would have. As none of them canned, they asked me to dump - Yes, I said “Dump” all the jars, food and all into the rented dumpster!!
Today, as I purchase another box of jars to can peaches from Sauvie Island, I kick myself for not looking into my crystal ball and seeing myself in a role more like my grandmother’s than my mother’s. I am proud of how I’m learning to can and how much my family loves it. I am especially proud of how much we save on our food budget. I love knowing exactly what and how healthy I am serving my family. But I sure wish I had Grandma here - for her recipes, her laughter and all those jars!!