A Heartfelt Tribute: Remembering Aunty Catherine with a Gluten-Free Lemon Cornmeal Cake Recipe

Numbers and dates have always held a special significance for me. Each glance at the calendar, especially at a specific date, has a way of conjuring vivid memories – a forgotten incident, a cherished birthday, or another event etched deeply into my personal history. Today, December 17th, is one such date. It marks Aunty Catherine’s birthday, the first since she departed from us in early August this year.

My heart aches with the desire to celebrate her, as we always did in our family. I would have loved to treat her to a lavish birthday dinner, sharing laughter and creating new memories. But, alas, that is no longer possible. The thought of sending a quick birthday message to her on our family WhatsApp chat or posting a loving tribute on Facebook also brings a pang of sorrow, as I remember she won’t be there to read it.

Aunty Catherine is no longer physically with us, and even four months after her passing, I still find myself grappling with the harsh reality of her absence from this earth. It’s a truth that’s incredibly difficult to accept, a heavy weight that settles in my chest.

The tears often well up, impossible to hold back, especially when I’m reminded that she didn’t get to turn 64. Like so many brave individuals battling cancer, her physical body simply became too fragile to win the relentless fight. Her resilience was immense, but the disease proved to be a formidable adversary.

The loss of a loved one often serves as a profound turning point, reshaping one’s life perspective. Aunty Catherine’s death has, without a doubt, profoundly impacted the way I view the world and my place within it. Before her passing, I had never experienced the permanent, physical void left by someone so deeply important to me.

Now, more than ever, I am acutely aware of life’s inherent fragility. It’s a poignant reminder of how precious each moment is and the critical importance of expressing our love and appreciation to those we hold dear, before it’s too late. These lessons, learned through grief, have become invaluable.

As I write these words, I find myself blinking back tears, recalling her vibrant spirit. Aunty Catherine was a woman of immense beauty, both inside and out. Her life was a beacon of passion, boundless love, and generosity that very few could ever hope to emulate. She approached every day with an open heart and a willingness to give.

Her life, though tragically short for someone with such an overflowing abundance of spirit, was a testament to how fully one can live. Every single day she spent on this earth was a day of celebration, lived with a fiery devotion to God, and infused with purpose and passion. She truly “fought the good fight,” and that is the enduring legacy I, and everyone else who had the privilege of knowing her, will forever cherish. Her memory continues to inspire strength and kindness.

This day, her birthday, is undeniably difficult and intensely emotional for me and for so many who loved her dearly. Yet, it is also a moment to remember and celebrate Aunty Catherine’s life – a life that shone brightly, full of vibrance, warmth, and an unwavering spirit that continues to resonate within our hearts.

My dearest Aunty Catherine,

How have you been in the realms beyond? It has been quite some time since you left us – exactly four months to this day. I often imagine you looking down on us from Heaven, finding peace and comfort there. They say time heals all wounds, and that grief eventually eases its grip, but it still feels inherently wrong that you are no longer here with us. I often wish I had been able to bid you a proper, face-to-face farewell. The vast physical distance between us made that impossible, and FaceTime, while a blessing, felt like such a poor substitute for a final embrace. I carry a deep regret that I didn’t return in time to hold you one last time.

It’s incredibly hard to fully grasp that the last time I saw you at home in March was indeed the very last time I would ever see you in person. When I hugged your tiny, cancer-stricken frame in our kitchen that Tuesday evening, a profound intuition settled in my bones – a quiet, sorrowful knowing that it might well be our final farewell. Oh, how I wish that premonition had been utterly inaccurate, and that I could still look forward to seeing you, just one more time. I so desperately wish you were still here with us, to embark on another joyful shopping spree in Orchard Road, followed by a delightful high tea with Aunty Adeline at some beautiful, bustling cafe. I long for our chats about life, about the future, about everything and nothing. I miss being able to cook and bake for you, to simply have you around, gracing our lives with your presence.

I know, deep in my heart, that you have gone home to be with God, and that you are now in a far better place than those agonizing final days on earth, when you had to endure pain so intense even morphine struggled to offer relief. Knowing you are free from suffering brings a measure of peace. But while your physical presence may be gone, you reside eternally in my heart. The countless chats we shared about life’s tapestry, the comforting sound of your voice, your bright and beautiful smile that always lit up a room, your twinkling eyes full of mischief and warmth, and your incredibly generous spirit – these precious memories will always be with me. I am so profoundly proud and eternally grateful to be your niece. You taught me so much about living with grace and kindness.

There is so much more I wish to say, to pour out the depth of my emotion, but the profoundness of my feelings seems too vast to capture in mere words. I simply hope you know, wherever you are, that I will always, always remember you. I love you, Aunty Catherine, and I miss you so very, very much.

Love always,
Felicia

In moments of deep reflection and remembrance, I find solace in the simple act of baking. Today, I am sharing a recipe that feels particularly fitting for this bittersweet occasion: a simple, yet exquisite, gluten-free lemon cornmeal cake. This cake is a true delight, shining with the bright, refreshing lightness of fresh citrus lemon. Its texture is wonderfully unique, provided by the grainy cornmeal, which also contributes to a truly moist and tender crumb.

This particular lemon cornmeal cake recipe is incredibly easy to follow, comes together quickly with minimal fuss, and holds up beautifully, making it perfect for sharing or enjoying over several days. Its comforting simplicity and bright flavor remind me of the warmth Aunty Catherine brought into our lives.

I believe Aunty Catherine would have absolutely adored this cake – its gentle sweetness and zesty kick. And I’m hopeful that you, too, will find immense joy and comfort in preparing and tasting this wonderful gluten-free lemon cornmeal cake.

Other Delightful Lemon Recipes You’ll Enjoy:

If you love the vibrant taste of lemon as much as I do, you’ll be thrilled to explore these other delicious recipes from my kitchen. Each one celebrates the bright and zesty flavor of this incredible citrus fruit, often with a gluten-free and dairy-free twist, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

• Lemon Blueberry Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free) – A perfect blend of sweet blueberries and tangy lemon in a wholesome bread.
• Lemon Blueberry Cake (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free) – A light and airy cake, bursting with the flavors of summer.
• Easy Lemon Bars (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free) – Classic lemon bars with a buttery crust and a bright, zesty filling.
• No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free) – A refreshingly cool dessert, perfect for warm days, no oven required!
• Lemon Meringue Pie (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free) – A timeless favorite, featuring a tart lemon filling topped with fluffy meringue.

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Looking for more delightful gluten-free and dairy-free recipes? Explore my “Simple Healthy Breads & Treats” e-cookbook for a collection of wholesome and delicious bakes designed for various dietary needs. It’s packed with easy-to-follow recipes that don’t compromise on flavor or health!