by Anisah Bright

Created on: July 12, 2009   Last Updated: July 27, 2009

Family tradition has deep roots in the south; so coming from a small family that migrated to the north many years ago, Shyanne Wiggle-Hoff sat patiently waiting in the kitchen for her grandmother. Her grandmothers routine of cooking and cleaning had come so familiar to her, she knew every move being made. Even in a completely separate room, she knew her grandmother was straightening the pillows, clearing off the coffee table, vacuuming the floor, and emptying the ash trays. So when her grandmother came in the room, she knew it was time. Time to sit in on her grandmothers cooking, and listen to the tales of years gone by.

Shyanne wasn't sure what she enjoyed more, her grandmothers cooking, or her grandmothers stories. With every meal and every memory, her grandmother painted her a picture. A picture of who she was herself. Shyanne realized her love for dance came from her grandmother, when her grandmother told her the story of how she use to give dance lessons. Her grandmother would not only give dance lessons at the drop of a hat, she would give dance lessons at the drop of a dish! "Yes, I remember it like it just happened. Kids would come knocking on the door and drive my mother crazy. I remember I was in the kitchen one time doing the dishes and it happened. I heard the knock and my mother went to the door, and before she could turn around and call me, I dropped the dish I was washing and ran out!" Grandmom had a story for all of Shyannes problems, and questions.

Today, grandmom seemed tired, and almost forced. She hummed to herself as she walked in the kitchen. Shyanne wasn't sure what she was going to be making, but she could count on it being delicious. "You alright grandmom?" Concern was on her 12 year old face. Grandmom was usually animated and lively for Shyanne's visits. "I'm ok baby. Just not feeling too well. Would you like a salad?" Shyanne was confused, and didn't do a good job of hidding her confusion. "A salad grandmom? Eww. Thats rabbit food. I'm hungry, I want some collard greens, bake macaroni and cheese, potatoe salad, and fried chicken." Her mouth begin watering at the thought of all of that yummy food. "But salad is good for you, besides my salad tastes good." What is going on, Shyanne thought. "But grandmom the other food taste better, and salad is for grown ups. They eat that stuff so they can get boyfriends and stuff." In that instant, Shyanne realized her grandmother didn't feel like cooking. "No it's not, it's good for you. Now,

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