It\u2019s Thanksgiving Eve and I am embarking on yet another new adventure. It is not only my third Thanksgiving without my Mom, it is also my first Thanksgiving without my framily\u2026my chosen family. The people who have seen me through pure hell and never wavered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019m also a passenger princess in the backseat of my husband\u2019s truck. We picked up my father-in-law earlier, stopped for a not so quick breakfast and now we are headed to Massachusetts. My husband\u2019s sister and family live outside of Boston. I\u2019m excited to see them and hug both nephews!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My emotions are all over the place. I\u2019m excited yet I\u2019m sad. I want to make new memories, but I\u2019m sad to leave the old behind. So, in spite of my being a hot mess, I\u2019ve decided that I will try my best to bring some of the old into the new. Let me explain\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Last week, I was on a mission to find a pan\u2026not just any pan\u2026my Mom\u2019s blue granite roasting pan. I felt ready to carry on Mom\u2019s tradition of making Chex mix for the holidays. In 2023, there was absolutely no way I was emotionally prepared to do it. In 2024, well, we were preparing for a move to Maine. But this year, 2025, I felt mostly ready. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anyway, all of the kitchen boxes had been unpacked months ago. So, I wasn\u2019t sure where to even begin looking for the pan. I knew I had a pan that was large enough\u2026but my heart needed to find this particular pan to connect the old with the new.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you know me, you know I\u2019m big on prayer. So, to the basement I went and prayers went up asking for help in my search. As I walked through the basement, I got a nudge to look in a couple of Rubbermaid tubs. I honestly thought I had packed the pan in a box\u2026at Mom\u2019s house. I didn\u2019t take any tubs up there. But, because that nudge was so strong, I moved a couple of boxes of angels and opened the first one. Christmas decorations from Mom\u2019s. Deep breath\u2026I opened the second\u2026there was random Tupperware at the top\u2026I honestly didn\u2019t remember packing anything kitchen related in a tub\u2026but, I removed the random things and under them was the pan! I whispered thank you, Lord and pulled it out of the tub. It was much heavier than it should have been. When I removed the inverted lid, inside the pan were treasures of knives, other utensils and Mom\u2019s favorite wooden spoon! I had wondered about them, but hadn\u2019t really sought them out. But there they were. My heart needed that. Joy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I lugged the loaded pan upstairs beaming! I washed everything up and got out Mom\u2019s recipe box to find her recipe for Chex mix! I knew it was in there because I had gone through it, laminated everything and organized it a bit this fall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I made sure I had the ingredients needed for my first batch\u2026nervous but happy. Let\u2019s do this, Mom! As soon as I got the pan in the oven, my house smelled like home, Mom\u2019s house. More joy\u2026I know you\u2019re here, Mom. Stirring every 15 minutes for an hour\u2026I used her favorite wooden spoon\u2026just like she did. More joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When I finally got to pull the pan out of the oven, and dump it all on the paper towel lined parchment to cool, I couldn\u2019t resist trying it. Not as good as Mom\u2019s, but close. I\u2019ll get there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, the Chex mix is loaded up and in the backseat with me on our way to Massachusetts. As we make new memories, I\u2019ll have just a bit of the old with me, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, I\u2019ll truly miss my normal Thanksgiving routine with Mom and my framily. I am going to try to remember the old with love and thanksgiving while soaking up the new with joy and peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
lp<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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