Today my grandmother, Agāfija — lovingly called Gāfiņš — would have turned 103.
She was a remarkable woman. A gifted chef who, even under Soviet rule when private businesses were forbidden, organized a cooking school in 1985 and worked in the local prestigious café. She never owned a restaurant, because she couldn’t — but she led with passion, skill, and quiet authority. Her food brought people together – it was comfy food, appropriate for the era.
But her story held so much more than recipes. In 1944, she escaped Soviet repression by hiding in the forest, in freezing temperatures, unable to light a fire for fear of being discovered. That kind of fear stays with a person. I think she carried it her whole life — though you’d never know it from the calm strength she showed every day.
Despite what she lived through, Gāfiņš chose warmth. She gave love through food, comfort through small acts, and wisdom through example. Today, I lit a candle in her memory and let myself feel both the ache of missing her and the deep pride of being part of her legacy.
You know I have a buffet from here:
Happy 103rd, Gāfiņš. You are still so loved, and never forgotten.
Ilze
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a day in the life of a latvian mom 
Beautiful!
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Such a beautiful tribute to this amazing woman, Ilze! God bless her. 🙏🏻❤️
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Thank you, John. Imagine: I had mom and brother, and her.. that’s all my family. My cousins are 25 years older than I! Now we communicate, but back then they were at a different stage in life 🙂
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Every family has it’s own story. ❤️😊
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The loving bond between a grandparent and grandchild is truly precious.
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Thank you, Tannie! How was your grandmother?
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My maternal grandmother was old and weak, I remember a darkened room and a soft voice as I went to say hello. My paternal grandmother was a strong, robust farmer’s wife, I still see her stirring carrots as they caramelised on the stove top. Wish I could have talked more with both of them …
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That’s such a vivid contrast between your grandmothers—one gentle and fading, the other vibrant and hands-on. It’s touching how specific memories, like a soft voice or the smell of caramelised carrots, can stay with us for so long. I feel the same about wishing for more time and conversations with those who shaped us quietly in the background. What would you have liked to ask them if you could?
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What an amazing life she lived.
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Thank you, Chef Mimi! I wish she were still around. She died when I was 20. I was studying computer science and wasn’t interested in cooking 🙂
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A lovely tribute to an amazing and strong woman.
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Thank you, Peggy!
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Such a strong role model. Keep her close to your heart. Always. 💜🧡🩷
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Thank you, Gail!
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