My family camera has become my worst enemy tonight - but my story is still my friend. It was corn weekend at our house. My brother Eric planted 17 rows of corn in dad's garden and he shared them with our family, it is always greatly appreciated. The timing of getting to Mendon and getting everyone there at the same time - was off - so we went to plan B, or I guess I should say plan C for Corn eh? He delivered it 1/2 way and we loaded up the back of the car with all of those glorious cobs of Ambrosia corn. Labor Day - years past has been spend on a lake in the boat with gale force winds rocking us to and fro... and it would have done so this year again - if we still had the boat, and we were actually on a lake. The family traditions on the Bowen side have been to gather up the corn harvest, shuck (love that word) the corn, bring it to a boil, and plunge it into the cold water, then cut it off and freezer bag it before it even knows that hit it. Everyone helps, everyone goes home with a share of the golden pile of freaking yum. Sure - Pinterest would make you believe that there are 400 ways to do it better - but we don't repin those.. (: We all have our special knives, and cutting boards, and techniques... just ask anyone that was there. Afterwards, without having to dock the boat... or the nonboat.... we break out the grill and cook up some kind of burger fest and eat. Del and I looked at each other after our beautiful children left that night - and said - "That was the best day ever" and it was true. One by one they all got it - the importance of love, and family, and precious time together.
Doing corn - has always been a part of our lives growing up. My dad would have loved this year just as he did all of the other 65 years of family corn fests. Losing him at 84, might have almost broken the corn chain, but Eric, and I refuse to let it get us down. My kids were raised on Grandpa's corn - and the stories of doing it each year never change. It was a little melancholy this year, just knowing he was gone. But deep down - this day was not about corn to me - and I'm pretty sure that my dad knew what he was starting years ago when he planted that very first corn seed he stole from the Del Monte field on the other side of the road (shhh.... don't tell) Realizing that he knew that after he left - he could still be a part of our lives. He taught us to work hard, to gather as a family, to share the harvest, and to teach our children about the wonders of nature around us. He never wasted food, or time, or a quick reminder to 'cut as close to the cob as you can'! As we gathered on Monday, there was more going on than just corn... (enter 12 amazing pictures of the day here - dang it) There was a beautiful little baby girl making her first corn appearance, and she was passed around from loving arms to loving arms. Jake was getting the hang of potty training down - and had earned a car. Ryan M was enjoying NOT having to go to school the next day, but Ryan H and Katie were contemplating the early morning alarm to start another college year. Mandy and Ashley were on comic relief, Mike was serving his duty to his country, Del was in charge of getting his turn with Baby Mack, and I was just watching the magic of my Dad come to life. It's not about the corn... it's about this beautiful family, who had a million things that could have been done that day that was more fun, more exciting, more fulfilling - but chose to carry on something we all treasure. Corn Day. Dad, I know you were grinning over there quietly in the corner. You haven't come to talk to my heart yet since you left, but your presence was everywhere on the hearts of my children, my family that I love, and that I know you love too. Until next year, please pass the butter, the salt and those stupid things you stab into the ends of the corn so you can eat it without 3rd degree burns on your fingers..... harvest memories, and your shelves will be full always and forever.
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