Glorious Gratitude

My kitchen days start at 4:51 a.m., and I often don’t fall into bed until 1 or 2 a.m. the next day. I’m not working the entire time, of course. But given that it takes about three hours to set up and tear down in the rent-by-the-hour kitchen, it makes sense to make as many pouches as we can each day we’re there.

When my mom agreed to watch Gavin all day on my kitchen days, I promised I’d make her dinner. It was the least I could do to show her how much I appreciated knowing my dog was being loved, taken care of, and completely happy because Gavin LOVES his nanny. I love having a regular date night with my mom to hear what crafty things she’s been creating or get her opinion on how to get air pockets out of my recipes that are thick when they’re hot or any other process improvement I was trying to make. Gavin’s daily rundown was always the same—sleep, eat his beef taffy, sleep more, follow her around, or stare at her while she ate. Often, he’d stand by the door like he needed to go out, but as soon as she dressed him in all his gear, he’d run and jump on her bed and roll around on his back like a potato bug. 

As the days became longer and later, my mom started making me dinner, despite my pleas to the contrary. Even if I’m fighting a bit of guilt, I still love our post-kitchen dinner dates. And something absolutely amazing has transpired. My sister now comes over and often makes some delicious concoction that she spent far longer than I’d spend searching for each ingredient at the grocery store. My brother also joins us, often chiming in with hilarious anecdotes or funny videos he’s created of the family. 

They didn’t choose my business, yet they’re there for me, caring for my dog while I’m lifting heavy pots, hoping not to drop what I’ve spent hours creating. They pick up a refurbished crate that I thought was going to be the perfect silencer for my air compressor in the new space, or they help me transport my piston filler, or they run around to grocery stores because many of my ingredients have been difficult to procure, and SO much more.

Most importantly, they’re there, at the end of the day, with their beautiful smiles, presence, and love. I don’t know what I’d do without the love and support of my family and friends. And, please know that this small business owner is also very grateful to you.