I was reading the book, "Have a Little Faith: A True Story", by Mitch Albom when I was struck with a thought that affected me in a meaningful way. So, I thought I would share. In the story the narrator has been asked by his rabbi to give the eulogy at the rabbi's funeral when he should die. This starts a series of interviews between the man and his rabbi. At one of the interviews the man notices how the rabbi loves his repetitive and seemingly unexciting traditions and lifestyle. The rabbi explains that it is these traditions that give him connection with his father and his grandfather and his great-grandfather.
I know this sounds like a simple concept. But this was Thanksgiving Day. I had worn my apron for the first time. In the past I had rejected aprons as something old fashioned, something that my mother or my grandmother wore. They are unnatractive to one's figure and they represent slavery. Wow. How pathetic is that? Then I thought about what a revered figure I was that day to my family. They popped in the kitchen from time to time to see if I needed their help. They offered to iron the tablecloth and set the best dishes. They kept checking to make sure that I did not forget their favorite foods.
Throughout history people have looked to mom and grandma or whatever woman is preparing the meal to feed them. This has been in times of plenty and in times of want. Sometimes a man will step in to help do the job and on goes the apron. There is nothing like a strong man putting on an apron to help out. (oh yea!) But most of our memories are of mom or grandma. What a position of power and provision. Wearing the apron is like a connection with the women in our past that fed us. Remember the excitement of waking up on Christmas and smelling the cinnamon rolls cooking? What do you remember? Maybe you grew up in poverty and your mommy was passed out drunk. Your tummy hurt from the hunger. Maybe they packed you up and put you in foster care. Can you imagine the importance of waking up in your adoptive home and smelling food cooking?
I am thinking the apron is a reminder. I am thinking that we made a mistake when we thought we were being strong independent women taking the apron off. I personally am going to put mine back on.
