Fried Taters and Vestal Goodman

I drive a lot for work, and when I drive, I love to listen to music. Yesterday I found myself on a playlist of Vestal Goodman songs. Mom loved Vestal. She always said “Now that’s some singin’!” when she heard her come on the radio or put in a CD that featured one of Vestal’s hits. If you aren’t used to old Southern gospel music, she may have to grow on you because her singing is a little different than what you hear today. But one thing I’ll give her, it’s real and it’s true. She had heart behind the songs she sung and oomph that would either send shivers down your spine or get you up on your feet praising the Lord.

It’s funny how so many things make me think of Mom. The other night I was cooking dinner for the family and I cooked a batch of fried potatoes. I didn’t fry potatoes hardly ever, because that was one of the many things Mom made that was absolutely mouthwatering and delicious. As I stood there peeling and cutting up the potatoes, I got teary eyed as I realized I’m now the fried potato maker in the family and that I won’t ever get to have Mom’s fried taters anymore. It’s in little daily moments like this that I have to make a decision to let sadness overtake me or be thankful for the memories I have, and some days it’s harder than others.

Don’t get me wrong, the memories I have are worth more than anything I own. I cherish them and I know they will get me through life, but in some moments, I can’t help myself from crying and feeling sadness as I think about how much I miss my precious Momma. I miss her cooking, I miss her sassiness and spunk, and I miss her singing ol’ Vestal Goodman songs.

I encourage you today, give Vestal a try and think of Mom. Perhaps try a new recipe or revisit a cherished dish that evokes fond memories. If you’re fortunate enough to still have parents or grandparents, spend time with them in the kitchen, learning their culinary secrets and creating new memories together. It’s often the simplest things – a familiar song, a comforting scent, or a beloved recipe that sustains us through life’s journey and keeps the memory of our loved ones alive.