A Day For Remembering

The Rolling Pin and The Pyrex Dish

What Does a Rolling Pin Have to Do With Remembering?

You may be wondering why I have not been in your inbox for a while. Let me update you now. Over the past several months my dear brother has been battling pancreatic cancer. It is a monster, unrelenting, painful, and cruel. Last week his battle came to an end. He passed away in Hospice just days ago. We are grateful for his life, and feel the peace of knowing he no longer is suffering from this horrible disease.

All our lives are remembered in moments, so many moments... Your: first car, first date, first home, getting married, finding out you will be a Grampa or a Nana, a promotion, seeing a beautiful sunrise or sunset, and who you were with for all those moments, and so many more.

One thing my brother told us in his last days was to "tell the stories." We did that, at his bedside, in our homes, at his services and in the days that followed. We will continue to tell the stories for years to come. Today is his birthday and I want to share this gift with you.

One story that spans generations is my Mother's rolling pin.

Warm Saturday Mornings in the Kitchen

So many Saturday mornings from my childhood are etched in my heart, filled with the sweet aroma of baking and the laughter of my Mom and me in the kitchen. Just the two of us, surrounded by flour and sugar, we would prepare delicious treats for our family of seven. It was our special time together, and I cherished every moment.

We whipped up a delightful variety of goodies: cookies that melted in your mouth, rich brownies that were always a family favorite, fluffy cakes, and quick breads that filled the house with warmth. But, oh, the pies! There were always some pies—apple, blueberry, cherry, squash, pumpkin, and the light, airy lemon meringue that seemed to dance on our taste buds.

Beyond the sweetness of that delicious treat, I can vividly recall the familiar sound of my mother wielding the rolling pin: a light, rhythmic "thud" or "thump" resonating as the pin met the dough and the counter, accompanied by a soft "scrunch" as the dough yielded and flattened beneath her skilled hands.

Yet, among all these wonderful creations, the one that holds the most special place in my heart was the pie made from the leftover scraps of dough. Mom would take those little bits and pieces and lovingly press them into a small Pyrex dish, adding a light layer of maple syrup that made it taste like pure magic. It was simple, but to me, it was the sweetest reminder of our time together—just a little pie made with love, a symbol of the warmth and joy of those Saturday mornings.

Connecting Memories Through a Broken Handle

After my Mom passed away, I remember bringing that rolling pin to my home, a cherished reminder of her baking. Somewhere in the move, the handle broke, rendering it usable only without that crucial piece. It was a small but significant loss, as it felt like a piece of my memories had cracked along with it.

One day, my brother noticed the broken rolling pin and asked me what had happened. With a reassuring smile, he told me to give him the pieces, promising that he would fix it. I watched as he took the broken handle, a mix of hope and nostalgia swirling in my heart.

The very next time I saw him, he returned the rolling pin, now restored and working beautifully once again. As I held it in my hands, I felt a wave of emotions wash over me. Now, the memories of both my Mom making pies and my brother in his workshop fixing the handle inhabit that rolling pin. It became a symbol of resilience, love, and the connections that bind us, even through loss.

In that moment, the rolling pin transformed from a mere kitchen tool into a vessel of cherished memories, a testament to the enduring bonds of family and the power of shared experiences.

On this day, I hold that rolling pin close and it brings a smile and the memories of a wonderful time in my life.

I hope this small story is a reminder to you of the simple, powerful memories of your life. Legacy matters, it matters very much. I have just told you one story, but there are enumerable stories to tell. We all have them and we should tell and preserve them.

I have written much in the past few years about legacy and leaving the details of your story for your family. Here is the podcast episode where I discuss about Creating an Ethical will.

Though not the same as the will for your property and possessions, it is about the stories of your life. How you felt about things, what you want your family to know and to share for the coming generations of your family. This is how they can keep you alive, in the memories you share. In the podcast noted above I share about my father-in-law, and how he shared his Ethical will with our family. I hope you will give it a listen and add this to your family legacy. You won't regret it.

Yes, there are other items to document as well as our legacy stories you can find more about those in my latest book, "Beyond the Estate Plan Guide: Important Details Your Family Needs When You Are Not Here To Tell Them"

And, lastly for those of you who have your own business, you might want to listen to this podcast about documenting your details for business owners.