NANA’S KITCHEN

Today I am sharing with you a poem I wrote about my mother who lived for 83 years. She would be 105 years if she was still living today. This is my father and mother, Ivan and Joyce Bowen. My mother sewed all her own clothes, including my father's jackets. He is wearing one of them in this picture. She loved home and loved people. I pray you will be blessed as you read about life in her kitchen, the heart of her home.

 

 

Nana’s kitchen exuded warmth and love,

It was a little taste of heaven above,

It had a drawing power that was irresistible,

Beckoning, nourishing, totally amiable.

 

Out of her oven came delectable food

To make you feel in a wonderful mood,

Scones, bran muffins, and healthy cookies,

Filled with raisins, nuts, and goodies,

 

She liked to add dried ginger as well,

This made Granddad feel real swell.

Every meal was scrumptious and served with care,

There was always more than enough to spare.

 

Nana started the day with millet and linseed,

The king of cereals for her body’s need.

What joy to sit down for lunch with Nana

And eat her wholesome soups, oh what manna!

 

Oh yes, the salad, Nana would never forget

To have her raw veggies with vinaigrette.

But more than the food, it was Nana herself,

Imparting counsel and wisdom which is true wealth.

 

She always had some new story to tell, -

Perhaps about health or some personnel,

But best of all, rich nuggets from the Lord,

The One she loved and always adored.

 

Oh, how we long for those moments again,

Yet in our memories they’ll forever remain,

Of sitting at her table and being nourished

While our whole body, soul and spirit flourished.

 

Nancy Campbell,

Written 24th December 1999