A few weeks ago, my great aunt passed away and this was the poem read at her funeral. She had written it about her mother, my great grandmother, the woman that I never knew but that left a mark in so many ways in my life. Finding her old box of faded recipes in my grandma’s attic years ago inspired me to go to culinary school in the first place. I wish more than anything she was still around so I could sit across the table from her and tell her just how much she has inspired me…all while nibbling on her famous molasses cookies, the one recipe I can’t seem to quite get right.
My grandma recently sent me a copy of the poem and I just love it because it sums up exactly the image I’ve always had in my head of my great grandma. I love thinking about her in Minnesota, decorating cakes and baking cookies to support her family during the war. She must have only been my age when she found out that her husband had been killed on the front lines, leaving her to support her young children all on her own. I can’t even imagine.
Even though I love the images of the divinity candy, molasses cookies and homemade coats in the poem, I think my favorite four lines are at the very bottom:
So, you see, your life goes on
by the example you set
by what others do
because of you.
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I love everything about this. What a beautiful sentiment and you’re so lucky to have recipes from family members that have passed. The first time I ever made butterscotch pudding from scratch (just because I know my dad loves it), he told me that his Scottish grandfather used to make it for him all the time. This terrified me; would mine live up? I think I stopped breathing as he tried it, smiled and eventually went back for seconds. It may not be his grandpa’s recipe, but now I’m for sure keeping the one I used in a box for my kids and grand-kids to find.
What a beautiful poem. She sounds like a wonderful inspiration.
How old was your great aunt when she wrote this for her mother?
Food holds deep memories, especially with family. At my grandmother’s funeral, every grandchild was asked to write up a short paragraph to be read during the eulogy by my Dad. Just about every single one of our memories of her had to do with her love through cooking and food. I hold so many cherished memories about her through food.
you have your way with words .. such a lovely piece Jenna it shows ur personality where its beyond food, blogging etc .. very impressive!
I do love those last lines, and they are so very true. Especially fitting to read after yesterday’s commemoration.
That’s beautiful and so bittersweet…reminds me of all the Divinity fudge my grandmas used to make and the afghans they used to knit and crochet. And how I miss them so.
What a touching poem; thank you for sharing something so personal with all of us
Aw, that is so sweet and beautiful. A beautiful photo also. You have honored your family well. I am sure they are very proud of you.
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss but I’m so glad you’re able to look back on fond memories. And you’re so fortunate that you have that box of recipes. That is such an incredible gift.
So wonderful about the recipes and poem.
Love the photo and her very admirable determination and strength as a young widow to continue on and support her family. Because I adored and miss my grandmother, aunt, and Mom so much–esp loved this, ‘So, you see, your life goes on by the example you set, by what others do because of you.’ That’s tremendous. Am sure smiling down on you & all your accomplishments.
What an amazing poem and life. Thank you for sharing that with us Jenna!
Gorgeous.
Such a beautiful poem.
how beautiful.
very touching, thanks for sharing.
Jenna, this is beautiful in every way! Thank you for sharing it…such a tender and personal touch. Love that the art of food has been in your family for so long
So beautiful
Fantastic poem. As an author/columnist – I love words – especially old ones! What a wonderful tribute. Something to be passed down in your family…
absolutely beautiful, jenna. your blog inspires me in different ways each and every day.
I’m so sorry to hear about your great aunt, but this poem is beautiful
Neat poem. Now I really want to know what a trilby is though. I tried googling it and came up with cookies and a weird cheese ball thing. I’m guessing from the other baked goods mentioned in the poem that it is probably a cookie?
This is a very beautiful post. Thank you for sharing. Makes me think of my grandma who gave me the gift of sewing but never got to see it.
Not related, but I was skimming the newspaper today and came across an article about these guys and it made me think about you: http://wagonstays.co.nz/
I’m so sorry for your loss. That’s a beautiful poem (I love the flour dusted on it).
So sorry for your loss. What a beautiful poem from a talented lady!
This is beautiful Jenna. Thank you for this poem. I am so sorry to hear about your Great Aunt’s passing. Sending you a virtual hug your way. xo amy
Really, really beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
How special! Very meaningful for you to be carrying on such a beautiful legacy of food and family.
This was so, so beautiful!
That’s a beautiful poem! Those last lines, when you repeated them, gave me goosebumps.
Very inspiring. Thank you for sharing!
So beautiful! I think of recipes my mother has passed on to me, that were passed on by her mother or my father’s mother, and how special they are even if it’s just a casserole or cookies at Christmas. But they mean so much more. Your family has a wonderful tradition that you’re carrying on. Inspiring!
This is so beautiful, Jenna, and so beautifully written as well. Love you, friend <3
I absolutely love that poem and completely agree that the last 4 lines are absolutely amazing, what a beautiful writer your great aunt was and beautiful person your great-grandmother must have been!
What beautiful words. This poem makes me think of my own grandmother who passed away a few months ago. Thank you for sharing.
This is beautiful – so much love in those words. It moves me not only to find ways to commemorate the amazing women in my life, but to act in ways that will inspire future generations as your great grandmother did.
Thanks for sharing.
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