It's been a tradition in my family for more years than I can remember to gather at the home of my Aunt Henrietta and Uncle Preston for a Memorial Day weekend picnic following Family Day services at their church. Uncle Preston would stroll around the grounds making sure the tables and chairs were placed properly, while Aunt 'Rette,' as we called her, supervised the kitchen.
The food would usually be served around 3 or so; that is, after grace was said, sometimes by three people. We'd quickly line up for food, not because it was going to go quickly; to the contrary, it was always in plentiful supply. Rather, we got there fast because the food was so good. The highlight of every picnic was Aunt Rette's crab balls, rationed out one or two to a customer, and her corn pudding, which was exactly what it sounds like, kernels of corn in a sweet sauce. It was pointless to ask her for a recipe, as the formula, much like the one for my mom's rice pudding, was in Aunt Rette's head and it wasn't going to be pried out.
Aunt Rette was always stylish. Her dresses were immaculate and tasteful, but, most importantly, her hats (and she was never seen in church without a hat) were impeccable. If she didn't know, there would be a moment where she would size you up, but once she did, she always had a warm smile. I always made a point to plant a kiss on her cheek when I saw her.
My aunt Henrietta, who had been in poor health in recent years, passed away yesterday in Annapolis at a care facility, six days past her 85th birthday. The family will gather again near Memorial Day, but it won't be the same. You can bet that the picnics in heaven just got the best corn pudding they've ever had.
Rest in peace, Aunt Rette.
No comments:
Post a Comment