Ingredients:
1 Chicken
5 cups of water
1/2 tsp. pepper
4 bouillon cubes
1 tsp. salt
1 med. chopped onion
1 box noodles
Preparation:
A chicken is baked until golden-brown. It must be a whole
chicken, preferably medium-sized. After it has somewhat cooled, debone and cut
up the chicken. Some of my fondest childhood memories were spent helping my
mother and grandmother prepare this comforting meal. Cut up two cups of carrots
and potatoes. Submerge these vegetables in a pot of five cups of water.
The aroma of these vegetables being cooked will forever
remind me of chilly autumn days spent indoors. One particular instance was when
I was nine years old. I was home from school with pneumonia. With such a great
grandma as my Mimi, I was waited on hand and foot. She did everything my
cousins and I could ever need and more. Not a single school program, sporting
event, or band concert was ever unattended by my Mimi. She was a number one fan
to six athletes, students, and band members.
When reminded of my precious Mimi, I can recall one
particular event that occurred when I was ill with pneumonia. She picked me up
from my house fairly early in the morning so both of my parents could go to
work. When we arrived at her ranch-style house, a place I also considered my
home, she unloaded my belongings from the car, and we went inside to escape the
chill that would disappear once we reached the comfort of her house.
Once we reached the kitchen, cozier than most, she turned to
me and unrelatedly asked, "Molly, do you know what letter the word
'pneumonia' starts with?"
As any fourth grader would, I believed that it was a trick
question. I replied in a fashion that displayed no confidence with, "The
letter 'n'?"
When she corrected me and announced that it begins with a
silent 'p', I was more than likely confused and annoyed. But over years of
reflecting on this special moment with my Mimi, I have realized how much this
says about her. Not only did she love and care for me, but she valued my
education and success. She would not allow her grandchildren to be mediocre. We
were to be extraordinary, just like her.
After hours of laughter, hot chocolate, bundles of blankets,
and board games, it was time for my mom to come over. Their ritual was to visit
over cups of black coffee and stacks of newspaper. It was my role to sit with
them, doodle on unnecessary mail, and attempt to chime in at inappropriate
times. After this, my mom got up, rinsed out the mugs, and began to prepare my
favorite autumn meal - homemade chicken noodle soup. After the vegetables are
put in the pot, the chicken and one box of noodles are added. The soup stays on
the heat and Velveeta is added just at the end. Serve this delectable soup with
Saltine crackers.
