I have kept a canning journal. Below is the recipe followed by notes from the 10th Anniversary of Canning.

Our ancestors have been canning tomatoes for many, many years. What can be better than opening a jar in January and smelling summer freshness!

Each year on or near September 11, I continue the tradition. For me it has special significance. In 2001, as the attacks were being made at the World Trade Center and elsewhere, I was picking up two bushels of tomatoes for canning. I heard the report on the radio, and at first thought it was just a story. When I got home and turned on the T.V., watching the events unfold, it became very real.

My son and his then wife lived in New York. They both worked in Manhattan, not far from the World Trade Center. I tried to call them, no answer, the lines were dead. Through out the day I repeated that useless effort. I had no idea where they were, or if they were safe.

To steady my fears, I started canning tomatoes. As I was doing so, I sent out prayers to the universe and my ancestors.

The day wore on, horrible reports of death and destruction. The tomatoes were salted by my tears. No word from my son, early evening…the canning just about done, the prayers continuing.

I thought of my mother, my grandmothers, and my great-grandmothers who lived through many challenges in their lives, and their memories gave me comfort.

Finally, a welcomed phone call letting me know that both in New York were fine.

I took the last of the jars of tomatoes from the hot canning water, went outside and shouted a thankful praise.

So each year, I can tomatoes, on or near September 11. It has been our clan’s tradition for over 20 years.

We take a moment of silence for those who were lost that day, and a thankful prayer for those who were not, and the strength given to us by our ancestors.