It Started With a Grilled Barbeque Rib

It started with a grilled barbeque rib

I took a bite of a rib that had been smoked many hours and slathered it with a hickory flavored hot sauce.  The rib came from a batch of ribs, chicken, and burgers my brother-in-law was grilling for my husband’s “First Day of Spring” barbeque. This event welcomed church members and the community to get a plate and get to know us, the pastor and wife, at the church on the block.

“Where’s sis-in-law?” Ronnie said, as he came in the house. “Taste this!”

 I took the plate with three rib bones and took a bite. The aroma was hard to resist.  That first bite was like a time capsule transporting me back to my childhood summers when Dad was the master griller. Although my father grilled in the spring, fall, and winter, the summer holidays were the best! Dad always worked on the holiday because the pay was more. But when I came home, he never seemed tired. He made us excited about the celebration.

While finishing those ribs my brother in-law gave me, memories of warm days and cool evenings of my childhood flooded my brain. Dad would often listen to a Cincinnati Reds baseball game on the radio while cooking. He didn’t watch baseball on television much. I don’t know why.  Memories came of my dad grilling hot dogs and metts to snack on until the main feast was ready. That was always good.  When it was time for dinner, I remember wanting more sauce to dip my ribs in to savor each bite. I began to remember my mom working in the background making sure everything was there to make our cookout complete.

Besides the cookouts, I also have memories of just sitting outside with dad on the porch. Dad didn’t say much. The radio would be broadcasting baseball or music. When I was of drinking age, we might share a beer.  As these memories came, I shared them with my husband and brother-in-law. After talking, my brother-in-law shared his own memories of my dad grilling for a church event. That warmed my heart.  When these memories show up, I smile and give thanks. I find joy in the memories, and they make me happy.

I’m sure we all have a scent that transports us to a simpler and safer place in our childhood - Triple Lanolin lotion, fried chicken, fresh baked cookies, or Jergens Lotion.  What is the scent that beams you back to your childhood and makes you smile? Cherish it. Remember to give thanks. Having good memories of a parent or any loved one is a blessing.

Moving the grill! - My Dad taking his grill to a family cookout in the early 80’s (R -L My Dad, My Uncle, , My Oldest brother and Another Uncle)