My Aunt Sue passed away on May 22nd, 2013. Of my dad’s three sisters, she was the oldest. She was the aunt who attended my wedding. She was probably the first of my dad’s siblings to relate to me as an adult, when I worked my first serving job with her at Cracker Barrel in 1995. For many years, she and her husband, Rob, hosted Thanksgiving at their house in Steger. I remember those meals fondly, the sights, smells, and flavors. The spread, though modest, always held a few surprises, like Rob’s homemade bread and pea salad. I’ll miss those dinners, not for the impressiveness of the dishes, but for the heart and passion that went into them. No matter the quality of the food, the best home meals almost always come about as a result of the love of the hosts for the guests.

Thank you, Aunt Sue, for the love over the years. Goodbye for now. Save a plate for me at heaven’s buffet table.

Enjoy life, enjoy love, enjoy family, while they are here to be enjoyed. Share a meal with family as often as you can and preserve the relationships. Enjoy!