Homemade Treats
Mom always liked to be sure she had something in the house for a treat, just in case. Whether it be a neighbor’s child coming over after school for a visit or a friend dropping by, she liked to have something homemade to share and enjoy. In truth, Mom prepared food in general and treats in specific for most occasions. From birthdays to funerals and the holidays between, celebrations involved hours in the kitchen in our house. I think the only non-homemade sweet I can remember in the house was Fudgeeos (our Dad’s favorite). Aside from the family “standards” like chocolate chip muffins and whipped shortbread, our mother prepared jam, pickles, preserved vegetables, cakes, cookies and squares. She spent a lot of her time in the kitchen of our home.
Mom also worked outside our home. She had numerous different jobs while we were growing up. She was an aide in a nursing home, and a hair stylist but her longest running job was as an Assistant Steward on board the ferries of Marine Atlantic. This meant she had long periods both at home and away from home. It was not always easy but she made this schedule work. I try to remember this when I look at my own life. As a mother, I often think to myself ‘well my Mom was able to pull it off, so I can too’. I also remind myself that it is a different set of circumstance and a different time. As we reminisce about the lovely woman our mother was, it is important to note that one’s history is a matter of perspective. Childhoods aren’t perfect and neither are mothers but we love them dearly for all that they are.
Doreen makes a very important point here. Our mother worked hard but she had long periods of time at home (whether off-season or off-shift) that gave her the time to do things like make homemade treats. She always wanted Doreen and me to be in a position where we did that only if we wanted to. I remember the first time I hired a cleaner for my house. I was certain that my mother would not approve but it was quite the opposite. She was so happy that I was in a position to be able to do that.
Regardless of Mom’s schedule though, she always made time for company. Whether in her housecoat or not, she opened the door, turned on the teapot and more often than not, she would put out “a little bite”. The importance of these homemade treats were not about passing down recipes, but rather the lessons she, these treats and the company who shared them taught us.
Show people you care. You may not bake, cook or preserve things, but it is important to have people in your life that you are important enough to you that you want to show them you care.
Don’t be afraid to open yourself to others. Mom always welcomed company into our home. Don’t worry if you can’t boil water or you hate cleaning the house. There are so many ways to
share the unique person that you are with the people you love.
Friendships are how you get through the hard stuff. There were many happy conversations around our kitchen table, but there were also lots of tears. A friend is someone who listens and supports you without judgement. Our Mom was an amazing listener and for that reason she created a safe place for a lot of people. She never tried to solve problems, she just listened and then helped in whatever way she could. If all else failed, good conversation and a lil’ treat couldn’t hurt.
