Cryptics

[With a dreamy, far-off look in her eyes]

“I lost my parents and my brother, Holden, when I was 10. I’ve forgotten a lot of things about them, but I’ll tell you one I remember.

It was Christmas. Holden and I were 7 and Mom was showing us how to make Christmas cookies. She tied little aprons around us so we wouldn’t ruin our clothes and set us loose. She showed us how to mix ingredients, roll out dough, and cut out different shapes with the cookie cutters. Then, while they were in the oven, the three of us danced around the kitchen to stupid holiday music on the radio.

When the cookies were cooled, Mom gave us different colors of icing and all kinds of candy to decorate them. By the time we were done, Holden and I were so hopped up on sugar, it’s a wonder that we slept that night!

I just remember sitting in that kitchen and laughing all afternoon while snow fell outside and the whole house smelled like cookies.

My family was safe, happy, and together and I didn’t have a care in the world. I think that’s part of why I still bake so much. I’m just trying to get back a little piece of that day.”