Legacy of the Dreams

Chapter 65 - Preparing for Passover

At the time Susan proposed hosting a traditional Seder supper in the Abernathy's home, it sounded like a good idea. The holiday was 'next month', nearly four weeks away. Even with Jessie's 11th birthday in between, surely that would be enough time to get ready. Or so she thought ... until Greg announced he was helping John with his sermon at the church in the valley on Palm Sunday.

"When is that?" Susan asked while cleaning up after Jessie's slumber party birthday celebration on the day of her actual birthday, April 1st.

For 12 hours, their home was invaded by a dozen eleven and twelve-year-old girls. They were giggly and excited and barely got any sleep, but Jessie had a good time. Many of them were the same girls who came to her party years ago, but now they were all starting to grow up. Some of them wore braces, most were suddenly taller, all of them showed varying signs of undergoing bodily changes. These days, their favorite topic of conversation seemed to be boys.

It was the morning after the party. The girls had all been picked up to go home, and Greg helped Susan put their house back in order while the rest of the family slept. As they worked, they talked.

"One week from tomorrow," Greg told her as they disposed of paper plates, left over snacks and other debris from the party.

"Already?" Susan asked, straightening suddenly.

"Passover begins week after next," Greg reminded her. "Spring break is this coming week."

"Yes, I know. The children will be out of school. Zack is working all week, helping Mr. Keenan at the store, and Jessie and her friends will be here nearly every day," Susan said.

"Are you taking any time off?" Greg wondered.

"A few days. I've been meaning to call Julie to see if she would mind coming early. I think I need help planning and preparing for this thing," Susan told him.

"I'm sure she will. I think she is planning on being available so she can be involved. The last time I talked to her, she mentioned Jake is going to visit Aaron at Harvard during his Spring Break this coming week," Greg said.

"Are either of her boys going to be here for Passover?" Susan wondered.

"Aaron's spring break is the following week. He is coming home with Jake to spend a few days of the holiday with family, so they will both be here. They will arrive on Thursday, the first day of Passover, Elliot will pick them up at the airport on his way here," Greg explained. "Julie is planning to come to our house early to help, which means they are bringing two cars, but that should ensure Aaron has a way back to the airport early enough on Sunday," Greg said.

"He's flying back to school on Easter," Susan realized.

"They got a good deal on the tickets, which is the only reason they decided he could come," Greg said.

Susan nodded. "Well, I'm just about done here. I suppose I should call Julie."

c

"Hi Susan. Of course, I would be happy to help," Julie said when Susan asked.

"Okay, so tell me. I know some things need to be done ahead. Can you tell me which ones and when I should start?" Susan asked.

And so, Julie reviewed the timeline she generally observed when preparing the menu for a traditional Seder feast.

"Do you have the recipes?" Julie asked.

"Yes. I'm pretty sure I can handle the haroset, and the brisket, and even the potatoes. But I need help with the soup ... and probably the cake. I've tried making matzo balls before, but they never come out quite right according to what Greg says," Susan said.