As a little girl, I fondly remember spending time at my grandparents’ house.  Four generations would gather in the kitchen.  There was always tons of laughter and happiness.  You didn’t have to wonder about the love we all shared for one another.  We shared family traditions through food and stories from days gone by.  Sitting on top of the refrigerator, was an owl cookie jar.  He always looked happy and one of his eyes was always winking at us out of affection.  That owl and I share a lot of memories.  A lot involve cooking, like the time my grandpa made smelt after we all went fishing in a little stream.  Or when my great grandmother made headcheese from a pig’s head.  It was a little gross, but delicious.  My great grandparents came from Germany.  I wish I knew more about them, but I know about my great grandmother’s joy of cooking through her scrumptious breads and rolls.  All the while, that ‘ole owl sat up on that fridge enjoying the smells in the kitchen and the sounds of people enjoying good company and food.  Years later when my grandparents passed away, my mom asked me what I would like to have to remember them by.  I asked for that owl.  He is a symbol of my family’s love and the time I was lucky enough to spend with my grandparents.  I’m honored to have Mr. Owl on my fridge.  Not only can we share our memories of the past but add to them with the love and laughter of my children and future generations as we gather to share family traditions in my kitchen.  Wink.

– KH

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more