Twinkie Tribute

I seem to have a trend in that this was supposed to be posted April 8th but I didn't quite make it.

For several weeks Dan has been reminding me that he has never eaten a Twinkie. I’m not sure that is true but could easily be considering I’m not a huge fan of Hostess or Little Debbie’s snack cake types of things. There are way better things to spend the calories on. After the 2^nd or 3^rd reminder, I had a burst of inspiration. I promised him I would buy Twinkies for April 8^th and we would make it a family tradition to have them every year on April 8^th.

So now you must be wondering why April 8^th. Well that is my brother’s birth date and one of his very favorite things was Twinkies. I remember having the hostess snacks around our house as a kid. Twinkies were generally frozen and then followed by a small ritual of eating the cake first and then the cream center. I got into that for awhile. I remember when Zingers were put on the market and they were OK too but not the ones with raspberry and coconut! Not a coconut fan.

My big brother passed away 12 years ago on March 28^th. It was our anniversary. I realized the other day (probably on our anniversary) I’m the same age that he was when he passed away. That was kind of an odd feeling. His funeral was on April 1^st. It was fitting because he had a great sense of humor (not everyone knew that). My mom also went into false labor on April 1^st when she was pregnant with him and of course was sent home from the hospital to wait 7 more days. We have joked that his humor had an early start.

So we each had a Twinkie after dinner to remember our uncle, brother in law and brother. Sam needs to learn more about his uncle since his was given his middle name because of my brother. Twinkies will become a new April 8^th tradition.

When my brother was in the hospital recovering from some fairly major surgery, I remember him asking for some contraband. He just wanted Twinkies. I think someone did fill that request. When he passed away among the many floral and plant arrangements stood a most unique vase full of Twinkie flowers. They were individually wrapped Twinkies covered with bright spring colored cellophane and attached to a wooden dowel. Those Twinkies were memorable and taken to the cemetery for a Twinkie Roast, something any passerby would scratch their head at but fun none the less. Now the Twinkie I used for the Twinkie Roast shortly after he was buried was kept in our glove box for years. I think it even made it to Michigan with us. Actually I think its still in there. It is true, Twinkies NEVER mold and maintain their same look for a LONG time. Unfortunately they did not preserve my brother. I love him and miss him but so glad he has a wonderful family that I can still be close to. Well not physically since we live at opposite ends of the US. So for some this might seem an odd post. But it’s what I’m thinking of knowing he must be so happy with his family and all the exciting things that have happened and are happening this year even though he can’t be there physically. I know he is there in spirit.

***UPDATE 11/17/12

Sad day in my family with the latest decision of Hostess.  Think of it as you will, Unions or greedy management salaries.  Doesn't matter as it just reminds us not everything is permanent and must be enjoyed while they last.  For our family it will be the simple reminder of my brother gone.  I'll still remember him though.  I think of him often.  I don't need a Twinkie to do so.  Although it breaks a tradition we started so that is sad.  We will have to fill it with some other fitting tribute.  Maybe something Scouting related.  

Also a comment back back when this was originally posted in 2009 was from my sister.  She reminded me of the Christmas tree that the family did for the Salt Lake City Festival of Trees.  It was so fun to work on it.  It was a Twinkie tree.  Twinkie ornaments.  I wish I had access to pictures of it right now!  I was thinking there were red wagons on it too no?  If anyone has a picture please send along!  Fun memory!  I miss the Festival of Trees!  I'm going to miss Twinkies, at least once a year.