When I was in my early 20s, I worked with a friend named Lisa who was diagnosed with cancer. It was my first experience, as an adult, walking through a serious illness with someone I loved. Lisa was older than me and had a daughter younger than I was at the time. Everyone who met Lisa loved her. She had big, beautiful eyes and the kindest, most comforting smile.
In 2002, when my oldest son was born, Lisa knitted him the sweetest baby blue newborn hat. To this day, handmade gifts for my children are some of my most treasured possessions, and that little hat was no different. Years later, I gifted the hat to Lisa’s daughter when she had her first son.
Lisa also loved flowers. One small way we cared for her during her illness was by helping weed her flower beds. Sadly, Lisa’s story did not end the way we had hoped and prayed, and she passed away in 2006.
Years ago, we attended a work potluck where my husband fell in love with a bean salad that Lisa’s husband, Kenny, brought. Kenny was known for being an excellent cook, and this was his original recipe. Later, Lisa handwrote the recipe for me on a beautiful card and tucked it into a protective sleeve. I still pull out that handwritten recipe card regularly, and every single time I do, I think of her.
Because of my age, many of my first recipes were written on index cards or tucked into recipe boxes, while most of the recipes I’ve collected over the last 20 years are digital. I appreciate the convenience of digital recipes, but there’s something especially meaningful about a handwritten one. They hold memories.
Last week, we helped our oldest son move into his first apartment, and the one recipe he specifically asked me to send with him was Lisa’s bean salad.
I think I’m definitely going to handwrite it for him.
P.S. Have you seen the lovely Rifle Paper Co. recipe boxes in our shop? They include coordinating recipe cards and would make such a thoughtful gift for someone who loves storing handwritten recipes.
Warmly,
Adina
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