STORIES AROUND THE TABLE

This year's Lenten Devotional features stories from parishioners about times they spiritually connected around the table with a loved one. We hope these stories invite you to reflect on times you experienced meaningful connection or the presence of The Spirit through the sharing of food and around the table.

 Thanksgiving Memories & Nina's Corn Pudding

by Nancy Burns


March 27, 2023

At a request for a Lenten Reflection, I somehow found myself thinking about my childhood Thanksgivings. Funny how my mind works! As a child growing up in Norfolk, Virginia, my Mother’s side of the family lived in close proximity to each other during the 1950s and 60s. There were eleven first cousins; 4 sets of parents and our Grandmother; Nana and Great Aunt Mildred whom we all fondly called Billie and her husband, Uncle Charlie. 


We were all very close and spent holidays and summer beach vacations together. Uncle Charlie and Aunt Billie had no children of their own. They loved their nieces and nephews both young and old. So much so that they would host us all for Thanksgiving. Each family would drive to their home in Portsmouth, Virginia, with someone picking up Nana, where the pre-party started with Champagne for the grownups or as us kids called them (thinking we were terribly funny) “The Grumps” and way too many soft drinks for us children. 


I remember the television blaring whatever football game was going on that year with people periodically coming in to check on the score. Then at a pre-set time we would all get in our parents’ cars and drive to The Circle Restaurant where each year, for many years, Uncle Charlie would have reserved the large private banquet room. Before our Thanksgiving meals were brought out, Nana would have us go around the table and say what we were grateful for. The adults were appropriate and we cousins were fairly repetitive in our replies – Thankful for family, good food, good health and so on. We all became a little shy with being put on the spot and later as some cousins and brothers got older (not me, of course) would try to be funny. I’m sure we were just obnoxious. 


Then came the Blessing, usually by one of the Dads until Nana decided the older cousins should be asked to participate. Those who were asked showed a respectfulness with this duty, and sometimes one would volunteer to take on this important responsibility. There were always some goody-two-shoes. Once the plates of food arrived there was always spilled milk or coffee and a switching of seats or a young one wanting to sit in their parent's lap. 


Years later I think about what the workers at The Circle Restaurant on High Street must have thought of us. I, however, know that I will always be grateful for these Thanksgiving memories. Nana, Uncle Charlie and Aunt Billie are gone now and so are all our parents and a couple of the cousins too. Cousins grew up, moved away, married and had children of their own, but I can guarantee every single one of us remember with fondness and grateful hearts those raucous and annual meals and all the love around that huge table.


Dear Lord, Bless this food to our use and us to Thy service, and make us ever mindful of the needs of others. Amen

My Mother's Corn Pudding Recipe 

Known as Nina by the Grandchildren 


1 can of creamed corn

1 can corn, drained

2 eggs

2 tablespoons sugar

1 cup milk

Dash of salt


Mix all the ingredients in a 2-quart casserole. Bake for 40 – 45 minutes at 425 degrees. Serves 5.

 

Great for Easter!

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