WRITE 2 THE HEART
Stories that are aimed "Write 2 the Heart"
November 25, 2003
Cheryl Speir, Editor, moderator@write2theheart.com
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Traditions are part of the continuity of life. Ginger tells how an
economical necessity became a much-anticipated part of her
Thanksgiving feast.
Don't forget to check out Cheryl's Corner for an exciting announcement!
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Timeless Traditions
By Ginger Boda
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As Thanksgiving approaches, many stories of holiday memories
spent with grandparents and cousins, and extended family
members have crossed my eyes. A little part of me sighs with
longing, because I never spent one Thanksgiving with my
grandparents. However, I always feel their presence in the
traditions that were passed on to me.
Norwegian immigrants came to Minnesota many years ago, and
my mother was born to Emma and Helmer Wentzel. She was one
of six kids, born in a log cabin, back in the early 1900's. Mom
married my father, lived on a farm for a few years, then they
moved to the coast to raise their own family. Therefore, I was born
and raised in California.
It would have been easy for Mom to let the traditions of her
childhood die away, with all the modernization of their new life.
However, as a little girl, I remember her canning peaches from our
backyard tree, making homemade goodies, and singing songs. On
Thanksgiving Day, we would have the greatest treat of all;
FLATBREAD! This round cracker concoction was like a crunchy
tortilla, 'bout the size ofa large burrito. Made with just flour, salt,
lard and water, it was a bread substitute in the old days when my
ancestors had very little money. Now, what would be so special
about that, and what would you do with it? Well, there is nothing
like mashed potatoes and gravy scooped on top of a piece of
buttered flatbread, with its unique taste, to make the holiday meal
complete.
When I married a Mark,my Frenchman didn't have much use for
"flatbread," but I was intent on taking the 5 hours eachNovember
to prepare a stack of it anyway. I'd roll out each one, patting it with
the back of a fork before heating it on the same pans my mom
used. As my children came along, they grew to know it as a staple
on our Thanksgiving table. Oh, surely, the meal would be fine
without it, but it is included not because it is necessary, but
because it isnostalgic. Sometimes, when we'dshare our
Thanksgiving meal with my sister in law's Italian family, rolls
were always more of a preference. Yet, as the years have moved
on, and Thanksgiving approaches, do you know what everybody
requests? Ginger's Norwegian Flatbread! Yesireee! The nieces and
nephews, and aunts and uncles, now, all expect the floury stack of
tradition to grace our table each year.
My mom died when I was 16 and my dad, when I was 19.
Therefore, it would've been easy for me to forget what I was
brought up with, but I have chosen to keep tradition alive, for the
sake of my children and their children to come. Whether it's the
songs that we sing, or the foods prepared; our heritage lives on. It
breathes in the little things we do -- the extra effort we make to
ensure that those that went before us are honored in our hearts, our
lives, and our memories.
I am grateful for a mother who brought homemade traditions into
my young life, and I pray that when I am gone, my children will
carry on what began so long ago, by people who they have not
known, but by whom their heritage has surely grown.
May each of you have a blessed holiday filled with thanks given
for the many things your ancestors have instilled in you, and may
your table be filled with traditions and love.
Ginger Boda © 2003
Rhymerbabe @ aol.com
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Ginger is a contributor to various online publications, such as
Heartwarmers, Ripplemaker, 2theheart, Petwarmers,
andStorytime_Tapestry. Weaving faith, traditions, and humor into
her stories and poetry, she strives to lift the spirit and cheer the
heart. One ofGinger's stories, The Ring of Love, will be featured
in the upcoming book, entitled Chicken Soup For The Bride's
Soul, which will be released in January 2004. Many of her stories
are found in the archives of Write2theHeart: Volume 2003. Ginger
also loves to read, collect hearts, and entertain friends. She livesin
Southern California with her husband of 27 years,and three grown
children; Jason, Danny and Alisha.
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Letters From Our Readers
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What a great Thanksgiving story. It is so full of the love and
nostalgia that this time of the year affords. Families, food, and fun.
And let's not forget the travel. No Thanksgiving is complete if
someone hasn't traveled a huge distance.
Kim
Thank you Diane for a beautiful story, which allowed me to "tag
along" with your family for a warm and memorable Thanksgiving.
I never had the opportunity to have this holiday with my own
Grandparents, and your story warmed my heart, and let me
imagine the comfort of it all. Thank you!
Love,
Ginger Boda
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Military Prayer Reminder
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As you read over this list of names, please take that
moment to pray for these young people and their families:
Chris Speir
Tim Speir
Alan
Thaddeaus
Howard
Todd Holland
Graham
William
Julie Sagel
Jessie
Marshal Thompson
Jason
Eric Hernandez
Kristin Danielson
Ken Prieur
Ryan
Please continue to pray for our country, our leaders, and our
troops at this time.
If you have loved ones in the military, or who are being
called to go overseas, send their names (first and last
or first only) to be included in our prayer reminder.
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Cheryl's Corner
I am happy and excited to announce that the chocolate e-cookbook,
"Write 2 the Heart of the Chocolate Lover," is now being offered
as a free download to new subscribers. Encourage your friends to
join. All new subscribers will also be entered into a drawing for a
gift basket to be given away in December. Tell them to write your
name in the body of the email and you will be entered in the
drawing also!
There will not be an issue Thursday. I will be busy cooking and
enjoying my family as we celebrate Thanksgiving.
God Bless,
Cheryl
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