AT THE GEDERA TABLE #16: Mother's Day Musings
"You know, I didn't learn how to cook until I got married," My Ammi said this recently at the dinner table. "Yes, I'd help out in the kitchen when I was younger, but I didn't actually cook until I was around 25."
I hadn't heard this before. My Ammi, hands-down, is one of the best cooks in our whole family (I'd say, Top 3 easily and many would agree!). She can whip up a whole meal in 30 minutes with her muscle memory guiding her and transform ordinary vegetables into something magically flavorful. Her cooking comes from the heart. She always remembers when you like something and makes it specially for you the next time she sees you.
It made me reflect on what it's like to grow older and see your mom as a person, in addition to being Mom. Something I admire about her is is that she tries her best to show up and be present, navigating her neurodivergence how she needs to. And more simply put, she tries her best. For someone who's known to be an amazing cook, it's these qualities I forget that transforms a beginner cook, that my mom has intrinsically taught me: show up, put one foot in front of the other, and try again tomorrow.
This Mother's Day, I'm in awe of moms and how they transform and mold time. I'm in awe of my Ammi and the decades of life and cooking experiences she's had—and wishing her more to come, as she approaches 65!
Gedera is a time-saving pantry essential for everyone, especially busy mums, made with the heirloom recipes of generations of Sri Lankan women cooks. I feel so proud of what we're doing here, and to cook Gedera kits for my Ammi.
With love,
Samia A.