In My Mother's Kitchen

The enhanced, second edition of In My Mother's Kitchen includes examples of how to recall, record, and celebrate significant memories. An introduction to the reminiscence process, it was developed from the Healing Power of Reminiscence Workshop series that Robin Edgar teaches in schools, community centers and hospice locations around the country. Using poignant memories of her mother as examples, Edgar demonstrates how to establish rituals through reminiscence from a non-traditional standpoint. Easy to use exercises at the end of each chapter provide simple steps to using the senses to write life stories, finding forgiveness, developing self esteem, and coping with bereavement and loss. A caring gift to someone who has lost a loved one In My Mother's Kitchen is endorsed by therapists and hospice personnel.

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“For all of us who have loved, lost, grieved and grown from the experience, In My Mother’s Kitchen serves as a poignant reminder of our shared connections to family and friends — the use of rituals providing an emotional yet comforting view of some of life’s most powerful lessons.”

- Matt Lauer, Co-anchor, NBC “Today”

“Robin gently leads the reader into the different facets of healing through ritual. You are drawn into a humorous, tender, and at times sad, journey where you often find yourself ‘walking a parallel path.’”

-Dr. Dora Finamore, Certified Play Therapist

“Robin Edgar has written a poignant account that attests to the healing power of reminiscence and of telling one's story. There is something for all of us here . . . a universal celebration of love and of the memory that unites people across cultures and over lifetimes.”

-Diane Richard Allerdyce, PhD., Professor, Lynn University & Certified Poetry Therapist

“In My Mother’s Kitchen is a touching tribute to her mother and the memories Robin Edgar holds most dear. It is also an example of how healing rituals and memory work can be.”

-Sue Deakin, Director of Community Development, Hospice of Palm Beach County

In My Mother’s Kitchen: An Introduction to the Healing Power of Reminiscence.

Excerpt from the book "In My Mother's Kitchen"

My mother's kitchen may have been tiny, but as far as she was concerned, it was just the right size. She used to say, "I can clean the floor with two swipes of the mop." Every day at four o'clock, she would set aside her dressmaking chores and whip up the most delicious family meal, with barely enough room to turn around in that cozy space.

As a child, I would position myself in a chair by the doorway, my feet propped up on the white enamel gas stove to watch. As she chopped, measured and stirred, we passed the time, talking about everything from Grandma’s bootleg wine that she made in the bathtub to what I wanted to be when I grew up. Whenever she lifted the lid of one of the pots, the aroma of homemade chicken soup or pot roast swirled to the ceiling, and the casement windows, wound tightly shut against the New York City winter gray, would grow cloudy. It felt so warm and safe in my special place by the kitchen door. Sometimes, as an adult with children of my own, I wish I could still wedge myself between the kitchen chair and the stove and prop up my feet so we could talk --- just once more.

My ritual: When I miss my mother, I cook her favorite recipes for my family and friends. As we sit around the table enjoying the meal, I feel warm and safe again.