09/11/2026
I don't usually get sappy so let's just stay cool. You might recognize my Grandma. 60 million people have watched a video I took of her telling a dirty joke.
My 9 year old son asked me just a couple days ago whose cooking I like the most. I said "Grandma Rel's." My Grandma is 93 and she can't do much cooking anymore. We go over to eat dinner with her about once a week and I usually pick something up on the way there. When she's up to it, she makes us pancakes and eggs. So my son said something like "You must really like pancakes and eggs." He doesn't remember the big meals and the massive holiday spreads she used to make. I spent 20 minutes reminiscing and telling him about it.
For most of my life, I have been fortunate enough to enjoy her cooking. She knew all of her grandkid's favorite meals and she made sure we all got those meals. She still knows our favorites, including my son's. Sometimes at our weekly dinner, even when we're showing up with McDonald's, there's homemade macaroni and cheese or noodles waiting for him.
My favorite was chicken and dumplings. I have been asking her to cook me that meal for almost 40 years and she's never said no. The screenshot of the conversation between my Grandma and I in the pictures I've posted was a mere 8 years ago. Capable of cooking, in my 30s, and with a child of my own... still asking Grandma Rel to cook me chicken and dumplings.
We went over for dinner tonight. Yesterday she said she planned to cook but she'd let me know if I needed to bring something. She texted me today and said she had everything under control. We arrived to find a full meal ready to be carried to the table. INCLUDING deviled eggs. She can't see well these days, certainly not something that's white being peeled off of white. She peeled those eggs by touch, not sight, and there wasn't a single bit of shell on those eggs. She had my son's favorite noodles made. My other son loves corn and peas, those were there too.
It had been a long time since I got to Grandma's house to find a meal like this waiting. It was a meal I'll never forget. It tasted like home. I thanked her and hugged her as we left and told her how nice it was to eat her food again. I know it took a lot of effort and it was made with an amazing amount of love. I also know she'll read this so thanks again, my Grandma Rel. Thank you for showing my boys the same love you've always shown me. Thanks for dinner my entire life and theirs. We love you so much.
