Traditions Tether Us Forever

One generation

tethered

to the

next

strengthening, cementing

cherished customs and values

so a

precious heritage

does not

fade into

nothingness

as family members

one by one

are pulled away

from the world.

As I was getting out my Easter decorations, I was struck by how I am still doing things done by my mother and grandmother. My family has a collection of pysanky eggs. Placing each one into a basket, memories of my mom, grandma and sister toured through my mind. Over my dining room table, I laid an embroidered tablecloth. It was a wedding gift from my sister. She made an embroidered tablecloth for each sibling as we began our new married life. Then reviewing the menu for Easter with my husband, the traditional foods fill the list. I will be baking placek, a Polish Easter bread. Last year while mixing the batter by hand, I looked down and saw my mother’s hand wrapped around the spoon. I am now the age my mother was in my baking memories with her and the skin on my hands has aged to look just like hers. In that moment, it felt like we were making this bread together. I am so thankful for the traditions passed onto me by my grandmother, mother and sister. These actions and items tie my heartstrings to theirs still. It makes them present in my days. I now they are with me celebrating this holiday and many others.