I got invited to a Sunday School Class Fish Fry.
I’m friends with several people in that Sunday School Class, and they know about my Spina Bifida, so I knew I would feel comfortable being with them. And I love fried fish.
Not Baked. Not Broiled. Deep Fried. With Hushpuppies and French Fries that got Deep Fried in the same oil.
Mmm-mmm.
Church Fish Fries are serious here in the South.
It’s a time for Men and Women to come together and say, “I love you,” “You matter.” “Jesus loves you.”
And, sometimes, it gives the fishermen a chance to brag about their catch.
It started at 11, and I arrived casually late, around 11:15.
The men were seated outside around the deep Fryer and laughing and giggling.
The first thing that always registers in my mind is laughter or crying.
I always listen to what the crowd is doing. Good or bad. It prepares me for what I’m walking into.
Feeling a bit calmer, I park and get out.
“Hey, ‘Lynn,’ come over and sit.”
I reply, “I completely forgot to bring my fold-out chair. I may have to run back home and get mine.”
“We got plenty of extras. Have a seat.”
I sit.
I notice that for every three pieces of fish that come out of the Fryer, one piece gets “tested” by the men. Not the same man, either. They’re all taking turns trying the fish.
I admit, I “tested” some fish and hush puppies and gave them both my “seal of approval.”
There’s nothing like Fried Fish fresh out of the Fryer.
While sitting, we talked pretty much about everything.
We “solved the world’s problems,” as they say.
And yes, I talked about “Tommy” and “Otis.” Everyone there knew about my two “dawgs” and wanted updates. I spoke of them with happiness and joy in my tone.
Later, I needed to use the restroom, so I went inside.
Inside, all the women were gathered, and again, the first thing that registered was laughter.
“Hey, ‘Lynn!’ Come give me a big hug.”
I walked over to the ladies and hugged and got hugged.
It made me remember that I am a hugger. I always was—until COVID.
COVID really hurt the “huggers” of the world. I’m serious.
Especially with my health, I got told by my doctors not to hug “for the time being.” It didn’t matter, though. Nobody wanted to hug—Not during COVID.
People need “Touch.” It’s scientific. I’m serious.
Babies can stop growing and die from lack of touch or getting held.
Hospitals take on Volunteers to come in and hold babies whose mother, for whatever reason, is not at the hospital to hold their baby.
It’s called the “Baby Cuddler Program.”
Today, though, I am glad to say I got hugged—a lot. I felt the love.
And I gave much love back.
I looked at the long row of tables set up to hold all the dishes that people brought in.
I love tasting people’s dishes that they bring in from home.
They usually put their best into the dishes they bring to Church, and if it takes going back twice to try a little of each dish, I was going back twice. I mean, the plates are only so big. You can’t fit a little of everything on one plate. So, I wasn’t going back for “Seconds.” I was going back to try more dishes that I couldn’t fit on my plate on the first go around.
What I just said was a mouthful. So was the food.
I can’t name all the dishes I tried, but delicious is not good enough of a word.
I know I tried my first bite of a “Coke Cake.” It was good, too.
I also tried three, yes three, different types of Cole Slaw. I love Cole Slaw.
Vinegar, Mayonnaise, it doesn’t matter; I love it. German Cole Slaw was also on the table, and it might be my favorite of the Cole Slaws.
I tried two different types of Baked Beans. Both were homemade.
In fact, I’d bet nothing was out of the can, and all of it went beautifully with Fried Fish, French Fries, and Hushpuppies.
Throughout the day, we all enjoyed great food, friendship, and fellowship.
We laughed, hugged, and showed each other we cared.
Even as a visitor, I was shown love, kindness, and caring.
I walked away, knowing I was loved.
It was a Great Day.
That’s all for now.
Love you,
–Lynn
