Aunt Pat's fudge

Growing up, my Aunt Pat always brought two things to Thanksgiving and Christmas meals: a ham and 2 things of fudge - one with nuts and one without. I'm sure she brought other things as well, but those two things were on my favorites list so those stand out in my mind. Her death my second year in China left me reeling. I've made half-hearted attempts at fudge over the years using various recipes, some semi-successful, some abysmal failures. Years ago I mentioned to Mom how much I missed her fudge at the holidays, and she informed that Aunt Pat's recipe was the one on the back of the marshmallow creme jar.

So tonight I tried it. It set. I don't remember it being this sweet, but it is good. 

I'm sure I will eat way more of it than I should, but more than anything I am thankful for the impact she had on my life. For sharing a children's book on the trinity when I had questions, for the memories of her smile, her hugs, the words of affirmation and encouragement, for teaching me that gifts were about the person receiving them, that servanthood was a privilege and an act of love.  And as I enjoy every bite, I'll pray for my cousins who miss her way more than I do and feel her absence keenly. 

Holidays are good, but they can also be hard.