My grandmother taught my mother how to cook, and in turn, my mother taught me how to cook. So I guess a large part of my cooking "knowledge" (if you can call it that) can be attributed to her. The only difference, however, is that my grandmother cooked these incredible, multi-course Chinese dinners every night for a family of 6, my mother cooked equally delicious dinners each night for a family of 4....and I squeeze out these 1-course dinner experiments every now and then for a family of 2 :)
Despite the fact that my cooking was probably mere child's play to her, my grandmother was one of my most enthusiastic and loyal readers. She loved reading this blog, and would always exclaim "Everything looks so delicious! Where were you and this blog when I needed it?" whenever I would see her. She and my grandfather even tried the spicy chicken recipe I posted a couple of weeks ago! I couldn't have imagined a more heartfelt reader, or even better grandmother.
We unfortunately lost her this past week, and the absence of her warmth, generosity and kindness has been felt immensely. It's been a really rough couple of days...but if anything has come out of this, it would have to be the overwhelming amount of love and support that everyone has shown us. Thank you friends and coworkers for the flowers, kind notes, and cookies.
More importantly, I had no idea how therapeutic it would be to spend almost every day and meal together with relatives this past week. Family has been such a huge blessing and necessity to all of us. Of course, in true Chung fashion, we haven't just been hanging out at my grandfather's place. Food has gathered us together...and I'm talking platefuls and platefuls of prime rib, homemade salads, pesto chicken & sausage pasta, oven-baked french fries, bbq baby back ribs, apple pie, fresh fruit, biscuits and honey, spice cake and cookies -- oh I've been trained well. PauPau, we miss and love you always. May you rest in peace...
Years ago, at a family vacation in Monterey Bay. We're missing a couple of our younger cousins; don't hate on the glasses.
May, 2009 at our wedding in Sausalito.
Oh SC, I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and well wishes are with you!
ReplyDeleteHugs to you. What a heartwarming post.
ReplyDeleteI miss her very much; she is a beloved aunt. My mom especially misses her - did you know that they talked every week for years, and wrote a constant flow of letters to each other when your grandparents lived in St. Louis and Houston.
ReplyDeleteHi -- I just got back and heard about your grandmother, and just wanted to say how sorry I am. But what a great tribute (and LOVE the picture).
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