Now that Thanksgiving is coming, I have so many fond memories of my brother Johnny. My memories keep him alive in my heart.

Our grandmother from Germany always lived with us. She and our grandfather owned a German restaurant and bakery in New York City for 2 decades. Johnny and I were extremely close to her. Our grandfather tragically died very young before the age of 40. Our Thanksgivings would be a blend of both American and German traditions. Some years we had roasted goose instead of turkey. Most of the time we would have turkey plus Sauerbraten which is German Pot Roast. Additional foods would be German potato pancakes, red cabbage salad, pickled vegetables, cole slaw salad, sauerkraut, spaetzle, bratwurst, and tomato soup. The best part of Thanksgiving would be the deserts, especially Apple Strudel and Black Forest Cake. Johnny and I would “help” our grandmother and mother make these magical Thanksgiving dinners and deserts. Our favorite was making a Black Forest Cake with layers of moist chocolate cake, cherries and whipped cream plus there was brandy. We loved eating the leftover whipped cream and chocolate batter. Johnny was quite talented in cooking and baking so it was not surprising that he became a professional cook and baker in various venues.

I cherish these memories and am always very grateful for them. I am also grateful that I was blessed with the best brother one could have.