Quite a number of years ago I bought a new electric frying pan and decided to sent my old one down to Darryl in Cape Town, where he was setting up a home. I had become very fond of my pan, probably because it had been around for so long. I started jotting down a few things about the pan and special instructions on how to get it to work properly. While doing this I realised how much we had in common, me and my pan.

This is the note I wrote:

Please don’t discard or disregard me because of the way I look;  I still fulfil my purpose, which you of course know, is to cook.

My cracks, age spots and pigmentation marks are proud signs of my experience and age.  My once new shine has understandably faded from over-use.  I know I look jaded but I still feel great.  I have fried, simmered, baked, caked, boiled, broiled, roasted, sautéed, steamed, screamed.  I have been scrambled, mishandled, prodded, clobbered, burnt, stirred, scratched, patched, rubbed, scrubbed, curried, hurried, and ignored.

I have moved around from home to home, city to city, province to province.  During all this time, with the Kruger family growing larger, I have witnessed many family interactions and happenings.  A lot of things happen right there in front of me, but no-one even notices that I am there. Often I have been right in the middle of it all, and not been able to say or do anything.  I am quite good at blowing off steam when things become too heated. Some of the events I have seen or heard have deeply saddened me; others have filled me with immense pride and joy. I wouldn’t have wanted to be part of any other family in the world. I know them all so well, and love them because I am part of them and they of me.

I have largely contributed, directly or indirectly, to approximately 32 850 meals served in my home for hungry growing tummies, family and friends.  I must admit that my importance has dwindled in this respect in recent years as new things and ways have taken my place. But I do realise my worth in having been part of the growth and nourishment of the family during their growing years.

I carry all my blemishes, (tear)stains and laughter lines with immeasurable pride. Because of my age, and stiffening and swelling of my joints, I need quite a lot of shoving, pushing, wiggling and coaxing to connect me to my energy source.  But once I’m hot I work even better than before … but then it is just as difficult to disconnect my power in order for me to cool down again. Luckily, nothing gets stuck as easily as in the beginning as all my rough edges are now much smoother. Some things just slide right off me. You will have to flip my lid for me while I’m cooking in order for me to let off steam, as my vent holes are stuck.

I could go on, but I have told you most of what I feel, and have experienced.  Oh yes, I forgot to mention about all the beautiful aromas and terrible smells I have had to contend with over the years … unbelievable some of them!

My skin is not as thick as it used to be and gets hurt by knocks and blows and who knows what else.  Reach out to me often; wherever you decide to keep me … it will almost be the same as your touch. Treat me with respect and love and allow me to live out my last years with dignity, with the knowledge that you do need me, and will use me often. I will continue to serve you to the best of my ability and will always be there for you.  It will be my pleasure.

I wander what happened to my old pan. Must remember to ask Darryl or Jenni. Could it be just hidden away and forgotten in a dark cupboard?. Perhaps passed along to someone else who needed it more?. Who knows – perhaps even thrown out with the trash?. No ways, can’t be! It is still around, just fulfilling a different role now. Perhaps it has been filled with good old earth, and planted with beautiful growing things for the benefit and enjoyment of all. Of course, nothing grows well without some good old fertiliser added every now and again. However way we look at it, it is still a good old pan. It has evolved from a shiny new inexperienced thing to a faded old grey entity -  but that is life, and she wouldn’t want it any other way!