Six Dozen Eggs And Two Quarts Of Honey

[KLJ77]

It was 1974, San Diego, California, and I had six months remaining on my ‘first’ enlistment in the Navy before getting out. I was young, around 22 years old, and couldn’t wait to get out.

I had met a girl when on leave prior to checking in at my last Command of a four year stint. We called each other and wrote letters, like all good couples did back then. But she missed me and I missed her…young love is strong and demanding. We were impressionable to say the least.

After being at this Command for two months, I was informed that my ‘girl’ (Janet) and her mother were driving from Nebraska to San Diego so Jan could be with me. I was elated by this news and looked forward to her (their) arrival in several days. This was Jan’s idea and desire, so they took off for their 1500 mile trip. Her mother didn’t want her to travel alone, which I thought was admirable on her part.

I was just a young buck Seaman and was living on the ship, so I had no idea how I was going to find a place for us to live for four months. Nevertheless, I didn’t worry ‘too’ much about these circumstances. I should have, though.

Upon arrival, I met them at the main gate of the base and we took off to go look for a place to live. We found a small place tucked away near the freeway that would provide easy access to and from the base / ship. This very small rental place was quiet, but expensive for me even back then. I was paying $100.00 per week for a place that had a kitchenette, a living room/bedroom and a bathroom. I couldn’t afford anything nicer, but Jan was just happy to be with me, and I with her. We would make do.

So we unloaded the car and started moving things into our new abode. While Jan’s mother was taking some things into our ‘space’, I popped the trunk and looked in. There I saw a box with six dozen eggs and two quarts of honey. I looked at Jan and said, “Why in the heck did your mother pack these eggs and honey and bring them?” Jan replied; “You know how my mother is and she is just looking out for us.”

In my naivety and lack of thankfulness, I rolled my eyes and told Jan, “okay, we’ll make it work.” Stay with me now, for there is a lesson to be learned in all this. Well, for me anyway.


Jan’s mother was married to a sheep farmer and had lived through some pretty rough times, but she had a heart of gold. She “knew” how the simple things in life could provide sustenance and wellbeing. She didn’t take life for granted, nor was she a wasteful person. Having spent many times visiting Jan’s parents home during the short period of time knowing her, I still hadn’t grasped the importance of appreciation and blessings they provided toward me. “I” took them for granted in my ignorant mindset.

After we got everything moved in and spent some time in conversation regarding their trip and our quaint little home, we took Jan’s mother to the bus depot where she purchased a ticket to head back to Nebraska. We bid our farewells and drove back to our abode.

Now, after paying for the first week or two for our rental place, I ended up with only $20.00 left, and my next payday was almost two weeks away. Fortunately, the car was full of gas, but we would not have much to eat for the next two weeks. And then it hit me…right between the eyes. I was immediately humbled, humbled in a way I had never been. The six dozen eggs and two quarts of honey would provide us with food for the next two weeks.

With our last $20.00, we went to the store and bought four loaves of bread and two gallons of milk. We still had some money remaining and knew we would have to be frugal in how we spent that until payday. But we were content, safe, had a roof over our head and a very good and reasonable landlord who, I believe, felt somewhat sorry for us. She worked with me on the weekly rental by giving me chores around the place to subsidize our rent. I was learning what it meant to be thankful and appreciative, no matter how small or big the kindness that was provided to me and Jan.

For the next two weeks, Jan and I had French toast, eggs (fixed in various different ways) and honey for our meals. Those items sustained us and we did not go hungry. We never tired of the same thing day in and day out. No, Jan’s mother provided, and we were blessed and thankful for her insight and thoughtfulness.

For the next four months, Jan and I learned what it meant to ‘do without’ and to prioritize our needs. During that time, Jan and I were married and began a life together and experienced our own personal hardships that made our bond to each other much stronger. It was during these times that I personally matured in a way that helped mold my character and mindset that would stay with me even unto today.

The lessons I learned from Jan’s mother, her gracious gift of eggs and honey, along with her heart felt generosity, taught me a humbleness I had never experienced so deeply. That moment has stayed with me for all these years. It encouraged me to be more kind, more giving, and to have a sharing heart, especially when I recognized or felt it would provide a benefit to someone else in need.

Not having, but needing simple amenities in life, teaches one to not take life for granted, no matter whether one is well off financially or not. I learned to count my blessings. I learned to be more thankful for the simple things in life. To appreciate what I had and where and how it came to me. I learned to be more gracious, to love more dearly and to share my blessings with others if it was in my power to do so.

Each of us have our own stories we could tell that helped mold our personality, character and mindset throughout our years. Life can be a huge learning curve if we are willing to stop, recognize and see the benefits and blessings we receive from others. And from there, hopefully, we can truly learn to “pay it forward” and be a blessing to others.

My life changed that day, all because of six dozen eggs and two quarts of honey.

[bestgear]

WOW Ken - that’s a beautiful story that was told incredibly well - thank you for some insight into what has helped make you into the man you are today.

[KLJ77]

Thanks Tom, glad you enjoyed it.

[treefarmer]

Ken,
Amen to Tom's comments.
Made me think back many moons ago when Miss Joy and I started life together.
Thanks for jogging my memory with your great story.
Treefarmer

[doglegg]

Great story and lessons that last a lifetime.

[rea1eye]

Ken, it has been quite a few years that I have read a narration and could not wait
to see where it ended but at the same time really appreciated your writing ability
and did not want to read it too quickly.

Your story writing reminded me of a columnist that wrote for the local newspaper.
I often would cut the paper ( internet was still a baby back then) and handed it
to my daughter in high school. Here, this is some great writing.

While reading your narration I thought of my mother in law. She was a very compassionate
person and really wanted the very best for her children. She sure was a spit fire. I think
when you are in your early 20's you just don't have enough experience in life to really
know important events and appreciate people who treat you with kindness.

Again thank you for the post. This kind of post makes this more than a knife forum.
Yes we talk about knives, but it is a human people forum.

Bob

[1967redrider]

That was the best food gift- you didn't have to worry about anything spoiling as eggs, unwashed, will last for days even without refrigeration. And you know the resiliency of honey, it's even been found in Egyptian tombs still edible.

You had a wise mother-in-law for sure.

[wlf]

Read every word and felt a kinship form.
My mother gave us a little of all her kitchenware that she could spare when we began honeymooning . There were still 6 more brothers and sisters and inter loping cousins too eating at home.
We lived as newlyweds in a camper under a big beech tree by the rock spring .

[KLJ77]

Philip - Thank you for your comment. I appreciate it. Glad it brought back some great memories for you and yours.

DogLegg - Glad you enjoyed it. Yes, lifetime lessons.

Bob - Thank you kindly for your comments. Writing has been a gift I've enjoyed for decades. Thanks for patting my back and stroking my ego. But, I won't let it go to my head. Glad you enjoyed the read.

John - Yes, the eggs and honey were most nutritious. Jan's mother provided a blessing to us in the most timely manner. Thanks for commenting.

Lyle - Thank you...glad it brought back some great reminiscing for you. Those are moments that last a lifetime.

[TrickyRick]

There is a story that belongs in Readers Digest. I enjoyed it very much.

[KLJ77]

There is a story that belongs in Readers Digest. I enjoyed it very much.

Thanks, Rick...I appreciate the thoughts Glad you enjoyed.

[DM11]

Ken, enjoyed your story very much!

[KLJ77]

Sorry for the late reply, David. Thank you for your comment and I'm glad you enjoyed reading about 'my lessons learned.'