Dear Grammie

I accomplished something a week ago that I had only ever dreamed of. I baked bread for my family. Right from start to finish all on my own. The sense of accomplishment went so much deeper than I ever could have imagined. Here i was turning these otherwise simple ingredients into something that would sustain my family, working the dough from start to finish with my own hands. I have been baking bread with you for years, for as long as I can remember. Helping to measure out the flour, mixing it together, kneading the dough, but always just helping. Now, here I am 30 and making bread on my own, for my own family.

The silky dough ready for it’s first rise of the day

I know now why you did it for all those years. The satisfaction of feeling everything come together with the simplest tools (a wooden spoon, a bowl, and your hands). The sweet smell of the yeast floating through the air all day long. The ever so wonderful sound as you first cut into the first loaf. All of these things I got to experience. All of these things I have experienced with you for years, but this time was different. This time there was something deeper, something more. Wee Man was running around my feet and tugging at my pant leg all day wanting to know what Mommy was doing. Seeing the light in his eyes as I showed him the dough, let him feel it, taste it. I couldn’t help but think of you, doing the same thing for years with three little ones running around wanting your attention, wanting their share. I felt the bonds of Motherhood over time in the stretchy fibers of the dough. I felt more connected to you than I ever have, even though such a distance separates us. It was that day, as I was kneading dough and separating it into loaves, that I realized just how lucky I am to have a woman like you in my life, loving me, supporting me, teaching me. Grammie you have taught me so much over the years in the most tender and patient way (I am sure I tried your patience on many occasions!), and always been there to answer any questions I may have. It was through that wonderful dough that I knew for sure that you would always be. No matter what, I hold all you have given me dear and know that through that knowledge you have not only helped to shape the woman I am today, but you will always be with me no matter what distance separates us at the time. I am so proud to be your Granddaughter, and hope that I can continue to soak up your wisdom for many years to come. I love you Grammie.