As Thanksgiving approaches Willie takes a prominent place in my thoughts. Memories of times spent together and the wonderful smells of the food she loved to prepare for her beloved family.
One Thanksgiving she decided we should go out for dinner instead of cooking. It turned out to be less trouble but of course we missed the family being together for a longer time all gathered at someones home with the lingering smells and sound of laughter and children playing.
Wilma always knew the reason for Thanksgiving and she was a wonderful example for our family teaching us all the true value of the family unit. Material things really meant nothing to her. Family and friends were the important things in her life. I have seen her spend her entire pay check on her grandchildren. At least somewhere around that amount. She never balanced her check book, she just always made sure she wrote checks for a few dollars less than each deposit. I used to wonder if she ever knew what her true balance was. Of course she couldn't have cared less. She just always knew she had enough.
Each year as Thanksgiving approaches we are all so eager to taste that wonderful cornbread dressing and those homemade dinner rolls she always made. We were smart enough to save her recipes in a family cook book that we put together years before her passing. Dee Dee has managed to pretty much master the dressing recipe but somehow I just have never found yeast rolls that match up to hers. I treasure that recipe book and use it constantly. New recipes find their way into my kitchen but some things will never change and Thanksgiving will always be a reminder of the wonderful meals and family togetherness we all shared. It also is a time that brings the realization of how blessed we all were to have Willie in our lives. For me it was 53 years which was not nearly long enough. For her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews it was short but unforgettable.
Love you Willie!!!!
