We called her Aunt Annie although she wasn’t my aunt.
Only a friend of my grandmother
but throughout my childhood she left many shining moments
and one in particular comes to my mind today…..years later.
When Aunt Annie came to visit she would usually stay 2 weeks at a time.
And one day during these two weeks she made chicken potpie.
Pennsylvania Dutch cook at her best
she made sure to have the freshest chicken.
Smells came from the kitchen early in the morning on the day that
Chicken potpie was being cooked.
Chicken was cut and fried
Dough was made and rolled out into big circles
and then cut into small squares.
I’d come home from school and walk through the dining room
admiring all the pieces of dough drying out on the table.
My mom and aunt worked hard all day it seemed
getting ready that one special meal.
Chicken potpie always had to be served and dandelion greens with hot bacon dressing.
So more chopping
Bacon sizzling in the pan
Eggs cooked
More cutting and talking and talking and talking.
The day seemed to drag as I waited and waited for supper time to come.
An aroma of chicken and bacon and vinegar teased and tantalized
hinting that the time was drawing near.
Then finally the grand moment came.
We all gathered around the table and took our seats.
Hands were joined while prayer was said.
A huge pot of chicken potpie sat on the table
along with a big platter of chicken. Dishes of salad at each place.
My mom usually had sweat on her brow from the full day of cooking.
Aunt Annie was pleased with her efforts.
Yes, I remember the excitement my brothers and I felt as we looked at all the food
and then at each other.
It was certainly worth the wait.
Time has come and gone now.
Aunt Annie went home to be with the Lord many years ago
as well as my mom
and my older brother.
I hold dear in my heart those special times of long ago
when the family gathered close and shared those special times of togetherness.
Nourished on chicken potpie times
and bonds of loyalty we grew to have a sense of family and love.
Like an old photo I treasure those special moments of old
knowing that they were gifts of God to a young girl.
Family times around the table feed not only the body but also the souls
of all who gather.
Holding hands as hearts are lifted to the One Who provided us with it all.
Shining moments that stir me to keep creating moments in today.
Chicken potpie?
Well, maybe I will.
How about you? Do you continue some old family traditions around the table?
Feeding bodies and nourishing the souls.
Lighting a fire deep within that these relationships are yours to have and to hold
in your heart for always.
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