Cookie Sheet

To most people, it just looks like an old, beat-up cookie sheet. It is dented and scratched...repeated use has aged it beyond repair. It is the most wonderful Christmas gift I have ever received. 

You see, this cookie sheet represents abundant love and lasting tradition to me. For years I watched my Grandma spread a fine layer of flour on this pan with her soft hands. I stood by her side while she measured, mixed, and baked cookies...all the while she was teaching and guiding me so that one day I would share her love of baking. This pan is so much more to me than faded metal - it holds the memories and the love she so lavishly poured out on me.

Many, many afternoons were spent in the basement with Grandma...I can still smell bread baking and cookies cooling. When I think of her, I think of aprons and ingredients, acceptance and perseverance, wrinkles and soft kisses. 

It was our first Christmas without her...and my Aunt decided to give each of the grandkids one of Grandma's cookie sheets. To most this is a small gift, something to take home and put away. But to me it was so much more - I use it on most days, running my hand against the scratched metal and closing my eyes as the memories flood back. I don't think I will ever be known for my baking skills, like my Grandma was, but she did instill in me a passion & appreciation for baking. My favorite recipes will always be hers...written in her shaky handwriting, each with tips and tricks from years of experience. Although she isn't here anymore to teach me step -by- step, being able to use her pans and recipes makes me feel close to her. I hope I would make her proud.