Tradition
Our family has a tradition for Father's Day. We drive up a long, windy dirt road to the Dixie Mountain Grange and devour obscene quantities of homemade strawberry shortcake. I'm talking about a literal trough of strawberries and cake and real whipped cream. All served in an old fashioned grange whose walls are adorned with handmade quilts.
Though the drive is ridiculously long, I never stopped to question the logic of this tradition because it's...well, a tradition. But if I step back to think about it, it is pretty crazy. Are we so lazy that we couldn't make our own strawberry shortcake? With gas prices at a ridiculous high, why would anyone drive so far for dessert? I really can't explain this tradition in any logical terms. But my Dad looks forward to it and it is yummy so what the heck. And there is poetry behind the humble surroundings and simple fare.
I have learned the value of traditions, even the crazy ones. They connect the generations. Just check out Nana & Papa swinging my little Lily-bean on the walk from the car to the grange. Weeeee! And when strawberry shortcake is involved, traditions also give you something to lord over non-local relatives. Hey Traci...nyah, nyah, nyah, nyah, nyah, nyah...yummy fresh strawberries...thick whipped cream...and you can't have any!
Happy Father's Day to all the dad's out there. Here's to homemade ties and burnt toast in bed and all the other wacky traditions that make this day, and everyday with your family, special.
3 comments:
Lori,
Ummm...YUMMY! Why oh why must you put such tempting photos on your blog the week before I open a show where I can't even think about gaining an extra ounce...which would make singing, dancing and acting even more of a strain on this aging body! Seriously, I love family traditions...and this one looks like one that my family may have to steal from yours. I mean, is there really anything better?
Love,
Jenn
PS-please tell Jeff he's in my prayers...I've thought of him often today.
Lori,
Your dad mentioned this special tradition to us this week and he was really looking forward to it. These simple, but important traditions are what makes a day one to remember. Liz G.
Ah Man,
Thanks for really rubbing it in! We do miss that extra special strawberry shortcake, excuse to eat like total pigs tradition! Thanks for thinking of us - out here in the HEAT! 105 thank you! I really enjoyed seeing the pictures you posted, it really is a good reminder of how important family traditions are!
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