This morning for breakfast: three mochi (rice cakes) pan fried with butter and dipped in sugar with shoyu (soy sauce).My family has made a tradition of making mochi in late December in preparation for New Year’s, where many gather together to enjoy bowls of “good luck soup.”

However it’s been years since I had a bowl. My mother brought these over recently and after cooking pancakes for little ones and hash browns for Joe, I enjoyed these treats from my childhood.

As time passes, I am learning to give thanks for memories, which connect me to my past.