Parents and Peppernuts (Thanks to Grace Children's Home)

My siblings and I can thank Grace Children's Home for our parents. For if they had not met they would not be our parents and it is highly unlikely that they would have met if not for Grace Children's Home.

We can also thank Grace Children's Home for an unusual recipe for peppernuts. This one includes black pepper as one of its ingredients and uses sour cream rather than butter. We found the recipe among those my mother had saved and decided to try it. I'll be sharing the recipe with you a bit later.

Mother to Mother

For my mother, Lillian Epp

Written for Mother's Day in 1999

Mama and me

Now I know just what you gave me

when your body ached with weariness

and you longed to go to bed,

but you heard your baby crying

and came to comfort me instead.

Mom and me in the garden

Now I know just what you gave me,

how you worked to make a home

when you fixed a thousand meals a year,

washed, sewed, cleaned and taught us, too.

And words of thanks were seldom heard.

Our little family in front of the original Crestview Bible Church building.

Now I know just what you gave me

when you made sure I was in church,

taught me all about Jesus; lived your faith in every way.

You never let me doubt, I knew it must be true

because your life reflected everything you used to say.

On my wedding day.

Now I know just what you gave,

and I know I can't return it all, no matter how I try.

But you know your precious grandsons - -

the ones who call me "Mom"?

I've taken what you gave me and I'm giving it to them.

Mom with her first grandchildren, Jesse and Sheree.

Still missed! Mom has been in heaven since 2000.