Meals that say “I’m Home”

Frodo lived alone at Bag End for years after his uncle Bilbo left.  Now that he was back from saving Middle-earth and the Shire was restored, he tried to settle in to his former way of life.  But it didn’t seem like home without his dear friend Sam.  Sam and Frodo became house mates and,  after Sam married Rosie, Frodo welcomed the couple to stay.

One day soon after moving in, Sam found an interesting box in the closet of his room.  The box was hidden at the back where the light was very dim along with several other boxes of various sizes.  Taking it into the light he discovered a thick book held shut with a strip of leather.  It was with utter delight that he opened the slightly dusty cover and read these words:  “A Collection of Favourite Recipes by Primula Brandybuck Baggins.” 

Sam was excited to show Mr. Frodo this treasure and began to call for him to come quick!   Something in Frodo cringed to hear his friend call out this way, wondering if he were again in danger.  So he was relieved to see Sam sitting on his bed bent over a book!  “Look Mr. Frodo!”  Sam shouted.  “It’s your mum’s old recipe book!”  Frodo took the book in his hands and a warmth came over him as he carefully leafed through it.  Sam excitedly proclaimed that he would cook the meal of Mr. Frodo’s choice from that book this very night! 

 “What should it be, Mr. Frodo?” Sam asked.  “Is there somethin’ in that book about pumpkins?  Cause we got a right big one ready for pickin’ in the garden.”

Indeed, there was!  “Stuffed Pumpkin,” Frodo answered.  As he said the words aloud they felt familiar, somehow. Sam set to work straight away and soon their home was filled with wonderful fragrances that promised a delicious meal.   Frodo continued to ponder the feelings that stirred within him.   He wasn’t sure if he was happy or sad or somewhere between.  By the time he and Sam filled their bowls, Frodo’s memory came fully back to him of times his mum carried her stuffed pumpkin steaming hot from the oven with a proud smile on her face.  He remembered fondly sitting at table with his parents and  in his heart he could almost hear her in the next room telling him to wash up for supper.

Frodo looked up from his bowl. Putting down the spoon he sat back for a moment.  Sam began to question his cooking as Frodo’s face was hard to read.  “Is everything all right Mr. Frodo?”

And Frodo looked at his friend with a slow growing smile and a twinkle in his eyes.  Because he finally understood.  Frodo softly answered, “I’m home, Sam.  I’m finally home.”