A Grandpa Memory

Grandpa passed away one week ago yesterday. So many people have memorialized him so beautifully, and I want to take some time to do that too, but this morning as I was contemplating my morning oatmeal, I wanted to capture a sweet memory.

We all remember Grandpa for his famous pancake breakfasts, complete with bacon and eggs and animal shapes. But he could make a wonderful pot of oatmeal too!!

One year, I made a goal of travelling to Twin Falls to visit with Grandma and Grandpa at least once a month. I think I hit at least 7-8 of the 12 months of the year. It was just me and Grandma and Grandpa, and I felt so close to them for a while. Pancakes were usually reserved for large family gatherings, so my short visits were more common place, and I was able to just spend an ordinary day with them. Usually we'd have cold cereal, toast and orange juice, or this fantastic oatmeal for breakfast. He would cook it on the stove top, boiling the water, and carefully adding the raw oatmeal and salt to the water. We had to be careful to turn the heat down, or stir it just right so it wouldn't boil over. We had brown sugar, white sugar, honey, cinnamon, peanut butter... and mocha mix to pour over the top-- everything you could think of to flavor your oats to your personal taste.

I don't think eating my oatmeal will ever be the same... no more microwaved oatmeal for me!!

I miss you Grandpa!!