Stories & Updates

One of the things I’ve always loved about you is the way you welcomed my friends with open arms. No matter who they were or where they came from, you always accepted them for exactly who they were. Our house was the kind of place where friends felt comfortable hanging out, and that had everything to do with you. You treated my friends like they were part of the family, and I always noticed how kind and genuine you were with them.

Some of my favorite memories are all of us going out to eat together. You’d always make sure everyone felt included, and without hesitation, you’d pick up the bill so no one had to stress about money. You never made a big deal out of it, but it meant a lot. It showed how deeply you cared and how much you wanted my friends to feel taken care of.

Looking back, I realize how special that was. You created a space where people felt welcomed, accepted, and valued. That kindness and generosity didn’t go unnoticed, and it made a lasting impact on me and on them.

Growing up, learning was always a big deal in our house. No matter what else was happening, you made sure that I had every opportunity to learn and grow. I can still picture us at the kitchen table late at night, flashcards spread out everywhere, going over science facts and history questions again and again and again lol. Even when I was tired or frustrated, you stuck with me and pushed me to finish. You’d find creative ways to help me remember things, whether it was repeating them out loud, quizzing me in funny ways, or coming up with little tricks to make it stick.

It wasn’t just studying either. You were always there for school projects and extra credit assignments, no matter how random or messy they were. Whether it was planting a tree for extra credit or drilling holes into cauliflower to make it look like mad cow disease, you were all in. We’d take over the table with note cards, ideas, and supplies, working side by side until everything came together. You had this calm way of helping me figure things out, like no challenge was too big as long as we were doing it together.

Looking back now, I see how much all of that shaped who I am. You made sure I had access to the best education and pushed me to keep growing, even when I didn’t always see it at the time or want to do it. Those nights of studying and building projects weren’t just about grades. They built my confidence and gave me a foundation that has stayed with me ever since. The way I study, approach challenges, and stay motivated was ingrained in me from a young age. I’m so grateful for all those moments and for how much you showed up for me. It truly made me into the person I am today.

It’s funny that I still have this shirt. It was always one of your favorites, and every time I wear it, I think about the holidays and all the time we spent cooking together. I learned so much during those moments, from how to cook to how to set up the house and decorate, to making all the classic Danish dishes that became a big part of our family traditions.

Even though a lot of Danish families traditionally let the women do the cooking, you always made sure I was included. I loved being part of it. Whether it was peeling potatoes, stirring pots so they wouldn’t boil over, or helping set the table just right, I always wanted to help and learn.

Cooking around Christmas was especially fun. The whole family would be together, everyone buzzing around the kitchen and the house, music playing, and food everywhere. I loved that we made so many different dishes, which made it exciting to eat and try new things. Those cooking days weren’t just about making meals, they were about creating memories that stuck with me.