Learning to Cook With Love

From time to time, I will introduce you to friends and family and today I want you to meet some who I love very much and who has always been part of my life.

One cool Thanksgiving weekend ever so many years ago, my parents brought home their first born child and only daughter who was named Libby after a dear friend. As they tell it, I was the perfect baby, sleeping cooing, and crawled contentedly until I was confident enough to walk across the room without falling. From there I twirled and haven’t stopped since.

The first person to hold me or talk to me besides my parents was Mary Alice. She was there when they brought me home from the hospital and she’s been part of my life ever since. She taught me to love the kitchen as I would cling to her apron and beat on the pots with wooden spoons as she cooked. Oh my, devil’s food cake and crispy fried chicken are real comfort food for me because of her. When I was old enough, she taught me some of her kitchen secrets, but hers was always better because she cooked everything with her own special love.

She took care of my brother and me and taught us so much about life and people and just how simple it really is – just live by the golden rule. I don’t ever remember her fussing at us much less spanking us and Lord knows I’m sure we needed it. Mary Alice ruled us with a kind gentle heart and I know now how lucky we were to grow up with her guidance. My mother laughs that we were such brats that she and my father had to have help to keep us in line. Mary Alice laughs louder and tells everyone to this day that I’m her baby and can do no wrong. How wonderful to have someone who has always loved you in spite of everything and everyone! My prayer for you is that you have a Mary Alice to love in your life – it just doesn’t get any better.