Passing on Tradition

I went to the grocery store today and, as expected, it was packed.

I had to take three different trips down the "baking goods" isle, even though I had a list!

All three times the isle was crowded! Cute little old ladies all getting their ingredients for pies, jello's, rolls. Things they've probably cooked for years, things their families sort of expect at a holiday dinner.

I thought about my grandma Cooper last night. I thought about when I was younger. I thought about the big family gatherings. I always looked forward to her rolls and especially her marshmallow chocolate chip pie. Sooooo good! I remember looking forward to that. I haven't had that pie in years. I decided last night that I am going to make it for Thanksgiving, for me.

Today when I saw all of those cute old women, and felt the buzz down the "baking goods" isle, I thought of tradition. These women who feel valuable giving a piece of themselves to their families. The families who don't yet know how much a piece of pie can mean to them.

I wonder if baking this pie will become a tradition for me (depends on if I can make it taste as good as my grammy did). Will I be able to tell my grandkids this recipe was one I got from my grandma? I wonder if my grandkids will have a special memory of me, sparked by something I've made (I know, the scrapbooks are a given).

This is tradition, this is what ties generations, this is what spurs appreciation and love. Sometimes I forget, today I remember.

I'm thankful for marshmallow chocolate chip pie, and especially grateful for my grandmother who used to make it.