Jam Shortbread Bars

"Jam Shortbread Bars"

My cell phone rang just as I was about to deliver a tray of these bars to a friend of mine.  Her daughter was graduating high school and the cookies would be my donation to the dessert buffet at her graduation party.  I answered the phone – on the other end was another friend of mine.  Almost immediately I knew there was something wrong.  Knowing someone as long as we have been friends, you learn to pick up on these things.  Sadly, it was bad news.  Her father had just passed away.  In an instant I knew that the same cookies resting on the car seat beside me destined for a party, would unfortunately be making an appearance at a funeral as well.

"Cherries ripe and ready for jam""Ripe cherries turn a jam into something special""Plumcot and Nectarine White Cherry Jams"

That is how it is these days in the life of an empty-nester.  On one hand, so much joy is happening all around us.  Our children have reached ages where there is so much to celebrate in their lives.  Graduations.  Awards.  Acceptances to college. New jobs.  Moving away from home.  (Still debating whether or not that one falls into the category of joy or sadness.)  At the same time, our jobs are shifting from caretaker of our children to caretaker of our parents.  That is where the sadness comes in.  I said good-bye to my own Dad a few years back.  I am blessed to still have my mom .  However, so many of my friends are either caring for aging parents, or, sadly, have recently lost them.

"Sink your teeth into these fruity, buttery bars""Jam Shortbread Bars"

Grief balanced with joy.  We are lucky to have each other – my friends and I.  Strength is found in numbers.  There was no need for her to even ask.  My friend knew I would be baking something to bring for the dessert buffet at her house as we sat Shiva for her father.  Many friends showed up bearing sustenance in one form or another.  Food soothes the soul.  It brings us together – in times of joy – and in times of sadness.

"Nectarine White Cherry Jam"

Source:  Inspired by Southern Living’s Best-Ever Bar Cookies

 

 




6 thoughts on “Jam Shortbread Bars

  1. Life changes in a split second, doesn’t it? And food is always with us along our journey. A lovely post with a scrumptious recipe, just elegant.

  2. Oh Mary, as each year passes, I see for myself how the beauty of one moment is darkened by the sadness of another, and the cycle continues. This is such a beautiful post and reminder to cherish the delicious things in life, while they are here, with us. Your friend is lucky to have you 🙂

    • I know you learned this at far too young an age. Friends are life’s treasure – both in good times and in sad. I treasure our friendship!

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