Every year without fail, the King cake arrived. I don’t know how many Harriet sent out, but every family member across the USA remarked about it… and that’s a LOT of King Cakes.
For those who may not know, (I did NOT before I met my sister-in-law, Harriet!)… the King Cake originated in France and was brought to New Orleans in 1870.
But the history of this celebratory delight is not why I write of it today. Rather, this cake will forever symbolize for me, Harriet’s life and how she lived it outward…
Last week, Harriet had a massive stroke sending family from many corners of the country to surround her. As we dealt with the shock, we were equally blessed as we realized how many corners of her world Harriet has touched. Hers was a life of living the faith she treasured at the depth of her soul. And we were all blessed by this.
King cakes are decorated with royal colors …like the jewels of a crown.
Purple for JUSTICE, Green for FAITH, and Gold for POWER.
Harriet lived her life embracing these traits every day. Her faith was a living faith, she challenged injustice by doing, and saw power in relinquishing self for others.
When we went to pick up Harriet’s car that was left in the lot where she had her stroke, we found of course, a King cake.
Harriet did not ‘know’ she wouldn’t be delivering her ‘few dozen cakes’ this year; yet she managed to arrange one last cake for family as we gathered in vigil for her passing.
Before life support was removed, we gathered around Harriet and broke bread. Passing the box, we each oh so gently chose a piece of King cake that had been cut into as many pieces as family present. Then, we shared ‘communion‘ one last time.
There are few things more sacred than praying someone home. In life, Harriet taught us many lessons by living a faith-filled life. Power had a ‘bigger meaning’ than might because love led Harriet; justice touched her world in word and deed.
Now we carry these truths forward, honoring Harriet’s memory and listening for our own call to live our convictions of faith. May we too be instruments that recognize the power of love and justice.
Beautiful! What a precious time we all shared together and how thankful I am to have had Harriet in my life!
Indeed. Truly blessed. Love you!
Grace, after reading that great story about Harriet I found myself thinking about you. I believe that you are so much like Harriet. I don’t now if you go to church but I think you live a faithful life by always trying to do the right thing for all people no matter if you know them or not.
You spread justice by teaching people. It doesn’t matter if it’s a child or an adult you always share your knowledge of people, places and things. I always take something away with me after talking to you.
The last is power. Are you the strongest person I know? No but you are courageous and determined. You never let anything stand in your way and I have tried to live my life that way.
You spoke so highly and loving about Harriet that I really wanted to let you know how much you are like her. You took me under you wing and from that time on you have always watched out for me. I love you Grace🥰
Your words touch me deeply Anna. Let’s do coffee soon!!!
Grace, after reading that great story about Harriet I found myself thinking about you. I believe that you are so much like Harriet. I don’t now if you go to church but I think you live a faithful life by always trying to do the right thing for all people no matter if you know them or not.
You spread justice by teaching people. It doesn’t matter if it’s a child or an adult you always share your knowledge of people, places and things. I always take something away with me after talking to you.
The last is power. Are you the strongest person I know? No but you are courageous and determined. You never let anything stand in your way and I have tried to live my life that way.
You spoke so highly and loving about Harriet that I really wanted to let you know how much you are like her. You took me under you wing and from that time on you have always watched out for me. I love you Grace🥰