The Little Red Bean

One small red bean turned an ordinary family supper into a magical treasure hunt.

Throughout the years, my mother delighted in sharing stories drawn from her vast treasury of cherished memories. Each tale she recounted was a precious gem, illuminating family members’ lives and personalities and turning names and dates into vivid, living portraits. I am profoundly grateful for these recollections, for they have woven a beautiful, deeply meaningful tapestry of family stories.

One story, in particular, stands out—a simple tradition that brought warmth and laughter to the Murray family’s dinner table. Beans and cornbread might sound like a humble, even ordinary meal, but my grandmother possessed a remarkable gift for turning the mundane into something magical. Her secret was an ingenious twist: while preparing the pot of white beans, she would quietly slip a single red bean into the simmering mixture. Anticipation built as the aroma of baking cornbread filled the kitchen and the beans softened on the stove.

When supper was ready, she would ladle generous servings into each bowl—seven hungry family members gathered around, each hoping for a bit of luck. Hidden among the beans, the elusive red bean waited to be discovered. The moment of revelation always brought excitement and laughter as the fortunate recipient found the prized red bean in their bowl. The reward was simple but coveted: a reprieve from that evening’s kitchen duties. For a child, the surprise was a breathtaking small victory that made the meal so memorable.

Through my grandmother’s creativity and love, ordinary moments became lasting legacies, and I am forever thankful for the stories that keep those memories alive.