When Randy and I were dating in college, my roommate, Hilma, was dating Randy’s dear friend, Lynn Stratford. For Thanksgiving 1966 (?)Lynn invited us with some other friends to come to his home in Westwood, California. I hadn’t been to California in fall or winter and I was incredulous that it would actually be warm. When we arrived the weather was perfect and Lynn’s home was lovely.
As we entered the house, Lynn’s mother, Sally, took Randy’s face in her hands and looked long and hard into his eyes. “I am so glad you’re here, Randy!” she said with such a warm infectious smile and a twinkle all around her.
We later sat down to a gorgeous Thanksgiving dinner! I had never been to a dinner party were the hostess actually heated the dinner plates and chilled the salad plates and forks. Sally had prepared a beautiful spread of delicious food. Every dish was perfectly presented. I remember hearing one of the guests say, “ This sweet potato casserole is wonderful! May I have the recipe?” Again with that delightful sparkle, Sally answered, “Some things are too sacred to share.” I wouldn’t be surprised if she shared it in private with that woman after dinner.
As I look back upon impressions of people who have had an influence on my life, I do think of Sally and her personification of graciousness. In my adult life when we were called upon to entertain groups, I remembered the day that Better Homes and Gardens visited the Stratfords. Sally, ‘the hostess with the mostest,’ was the example I tried to emulate. Planning and preparing such a meal was her gift to others, all the details designed to show her guests her love. And the food was memorable, too!
Lynda Turner
Sally Stratford 