Yesterday was Lou’s birthday. Lou is Amber’s dad and we miss him quite a bit. He died a few years ago during a period of time when Amber was having a hard time reconciling her feelings about him. It has been rough at times. We have celebrated his birthday each year since in a special and somewhat unusual way.
Amber has memories of Lou waking up and cooking food in the middle of the night. One of his favorites had been fried ravioli. So each year on his birthday we celebrate with Midnight Ravioli. It isn’t a complicated recipe. Just heat up a bit of oil in a frying pan, throw in some cheese ravioli (I think fresh works best), flipping once and cooking until the ravioli are warmed through. They get browned, slightly crisp and a little puffy. The cheese gets warm and melted and they are absolutely delicious. We finish them off by dipping in some red sauce.
I’m glad we’ve chosen to remember his birth and not his death as some family members have. It is nice to have a simple yet meaningful ritual that helps us keep him in our hearts Soon we’ll be able to involve Wesley and Jillian in a happy event and teach them a bit about their grandpa. Happy birthday Lou! We won’t forget you so long as we have midnight ravioli.
I recall your tradition, I admire thoughtful ones such as Lou’s dinner.
Abore ” just because” dreaded habit traditions.
I cant think of a better daughter than Amber.