Daughters of Norway

Bella's DEBUT

A writing sample of a member of the Daughters of Norway Literary's Society's that was published in the May/June, 2009 Døtre Av Norge page 3. Written by by Elderid Everly of both Sigrid Undset Lodge #32 & Anne Grimdalen Lodge #34.

July 24^th was an important day in our family. My great grandson Anthony was a year old. He was born three months premature, therefore this birthday was so special.

To honor the occasion I decided to bake a kransekake, the cake we use for special occasions. Unfortunately, the party was on a day I had another engagement I couldn't break. This posed a problem, as I always presented the cake with a little ceremony explaining its significance, and to show how to serve it. But I had a solution in mind. I would ask Bella, Anthony's big sister, to do the honors in my place.

I called their house, and this is our conversation.

Hello Bella. This is Beste.

Bella replies, I know.

I plunge ahead. Bella I have a favor to ask you.

Bella wondered, Uh, huh.

So I ventured ahead. Bella, I won't be able to come to Anthony's party, and he's going to have a kransekake. You remember I always tell everyone why the cake is so special, and show how it's served.

Bella answered, Uh, huh.

After that enthusiasm I plunge on. I'd like to have you do this. Do you think you can do that for me?

Without hesitation she answered, Well, I'm going to be seven.

Smiling to myself I plunge on. Thank you Bella. And one more thing. You need to wear your bunad for this, and you know how to serve it.

Bella confidently replied, Uh huh, I know all that.

I reply, I'll write your little speech on a piece of paper and you can study it.

Bella answered, O. K. Bye. And the telephone went dead.

It was reported back to me that her other grandma had helped her with her little speech, and had changed the wording a little, and Bella promptly told her the paper didn't say it like that. She discovered Bella could read.

On that day Bella donned her bunad and spoke her piece. When she was serving the cake her daddy came to help her, and he broke the rings into large pieces. She corrected him and said Daddy, that's not how to do it. You should break them in smaller pieces like this. Needless to say, Bella and the cake were celebrated as much as Anthony that day.

This was Bella's first time learning to celebrate her heritage. I'm so proud of her. There are many more little lessons I am anxious to teach her. She is a willing and apt student!