Eat, Darling, Eat 

Mom had a sunny disposition and a zany personality, but cooking was not her strong suit, even in the hearth of a home that had been a Civil War hospital.

Mom’s attempt at protection felt like punishment and led to rebellion. Her prediction—“One day you’re going to have a child just like you”—was prescient.

While living in the family's old mobile home, storms were scary. So Mom began a practice of making pancakes to soothe her daughters.

Mom and her three sisters constitute an Italian-flavored version of Little Women, each with her own distinct cooking personality.

Mom left home and traveled North for a promised sense of worth. But not all memories of the South were troubling, like the groaning table of desserts.

Stripping stems from collard greens with Mama and the aunties was an opportunity to learn about being of service to others and making your voice heard.