“ Las Kotek” and ode to Babci in Worcester

“ Babci in Worcester”, our grandmother Emilia, had lived with us, adding an air of mystery to our lives. At 15 she came to America, the land of freedom.

She worked at a relatives tobacco farm in Western Mass and married by arranged marriage at a tender age to an artist, craftsman of metals.

She never talked much, but was lost deep in thought. She taught us songs and to sew. She spoke some Russian. She would take us on our birthdays shopping to Woolworths! She cooked with us every day for dinner!

We had mega baking events for the holidays with all the Polish aunts! I learned to make potato pancakes and kluski noodles. Last night I made some egg noodles and thought of her, also peeling potatoes a family activity, and making fried turkey makes me think of all those home memories.

My preference for Chai or “ herbata” taught me the ancient ritual of sharing tea with friends and strangers. Making friends over tea or coffee is been a great blessing in my life.

She loved Chicken and Stars soup, root vegetables, and orzo with butter. She added an element of earthiness to our lives, appreciating the quiet and the simple pleasures.

I was always curious about what she must be thinking with her far away eyes. was it the home far away in Poland? the simplicity of farm life?

For nearly 18 years I lived with my cat Trabelsi. Once while he was sleeping in my lap all cozy as I sipped some tea I reflected on her introspective spirit. Finding a deep connection to her and thinking of a Polish song she taught us, “ Las Kotek” about a group of kittens. That moment she was close to my heart, I bless you, Babci in Worcester.