Monday, September 15, 2008

In Memory...


On Sunday morning, my Grandpa passed away. Normally I wouldn't blog about personal matters on my cooking blog, but my Grandpa was a huge influence on me.
He was a professional baker in New York for over 40 years. Because of that, he was my #1 fan and critic! He always told me how proud he was of me when I baked wedding cakes or even a small tray of brownies. And he ALWAYS 'tested' my buttercream to see if it met his expectations. A few years ago, he gave me his recipe cards from the bakery that were over 25 years old, and were in quantities of hundreds of cakes and cookies! I'll always treasure our special baking bond :)
He lived a wonderful, long, and mostly healthy life, gave and recieved more love than I can explain.
So cheers, Gramps! I'll miss you and I love you!

26 comments:

Kristine Kascak said...

We'll see again one day Grandpa. You better have a cold one waiting for us. We'll all be ready for the best club meeting of all!

Jodi said...

My condolences to you and your family. Sounds like you have wonderful memories of him...what a blessing! :)

annie said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm thinking about you and your family right now.

The Food Librarian said...

My sympathies for your loss. What a wonderful gift of baking and those recipe cards he gave you. A precious heirloom.

Crissy said...

so sorry to hear about your loss. but it sounds like he will live on in your recipes :)

Anonymous said...

Oh Ash, I'm so sorry for your loss. I wish I could be there to give you a giant hug! He sounds like he was an amazing person and role model! I know you made him proud everyday! Those recipe cards are treasure! <3

Mags said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Treasure your memories of him and the special gift he gave you.

Anonymous said...

So sorry about your Grandpa. I'm sure he cherished your baking bond as much as you did!

Sarah said...

I am so sorry to hear about you grandpa's passing-but I am happy to hear about the gift he left you with

That Girl said...

I am so sorry for your loss, however, I personally believe he'll always be with you in a way.

Carly said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I too had a very close relationship with my late grandfather. How wonderful that you shared so many moments and memories together!

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear of your grandpa's passing, but it is wonderful that you had such a great relationship while he was alive. I was extremely close with my late grandfather as well and I know how much they can mean to us. He sounds like a wonderful person.

melly~ said...

what a wonderful legacy he left in you, Ashley. and what a gift - those recipe cards! your grandpa lives on in you and all your tasty baked treats. so smile and remember only the good times.

melly~
TWD

Lauren said...

My thoughts are with you.

Marie Rayner said...

So sorry to hear about your grandfather. What a wonderful legacy he has given you, especially your love of baking.

~Amber~ said...

I am sorry to hear about your loss. Treasure the special moments you shared and recall them often.

Cristy said...

So sorry to hear about you loss.

Peggy said...

I'm so sorry about your Grandpa. I lost my mom this year so I know how it feels to lose someone you are close to. I'm glad you have good memories to hold on to!

Macaroni and Cheesecake said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I understand how you feel. I had a special bond with my grandfather-he passed away my senior year of high school. Your family is in my prayers.

L said...

My sympathies to you and your family

Pamela said...

I am so sorry for your loss. You are blessed to have the bond between you still.

Anonymous said...

My sympathies to you and your family. Tresure the bond you had with your Grandpa!

Ellen and Tom said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Your grandpa sounds like he was a real gem.

Kelly said...

I'm sorry to hear about your loss but those memories will be cherished forever... and what a special gift those recipe cards are. Those are something you can pass down again one day.

Colleen said...

Ashlee, I am so sorry for your loss. It is always hard to lose someone so close to you.

rosasdolcevita said...

Hi Ashlee, I just read this entry of your grandfather. Just wanted to say I'm sorry for your loss. I'm thinking about you and your family. As some viewers said, it's great that you got his recipe cards! Just think that you are your grandfather's hands and everytime you use one of his old recipes, he's standing over you (like a gaurdian angel) and still critiqing you just as he did before! :-)