Meridian writer Reflects on the Pull of Home During the Holidays
MERIDIAN, MS - For many Mississippians, the holidays aren’t just a time for party, but a deeply felt return to roots, a tradition explored in a recent column by Meridian Railroad Museum Executive Director Anne McKee. Published in The Meridian Star, McKee’s piece delves into the powerful connection Mississippians feel to their home state, notably when distance separates them from family and familiar traditions.
McKee opened her reflection with a poignant quote – “I’m sad and weary far away from home / Missing Mississippi and you.” – illustrating the ache of being away during Christmas. She recalled a story shared by her friend, Jack Davis, who spent his first Christmas working for the railroad in Illinois, finding solace in a fruitcake mailed by his mother, a gesture that brought him to tears.
The column emphasizes the unique bond Mississippians share with their state, a sentiment often misunderstood by outsiders. McKee writes, “No one but a Mississippian would understand…It’s like a rescue mission, a keep-your-chin-up to the folks back home.” She notes the annual return of former residents isn’t to escape to something else, but to reaffirm their belief in Mississippi’s inherent goodness.
McKee further connected this feeling to Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s song “Meanwhile Back at Mama’s,” highlighting its resonance with the Mississippi experience, particularly the lyrics: “The porch light’s on, come on in if you wanna / Supper’s on the stove and beer’s in the fridge / Red sun sinkin’ out low on the ridge.”
Ultimately, McKee’s piece celebrates the enduring power of simple pleasures – “that red sunset on the ridge, coon dogs yelping in the distance…Mama’s pecan pie” – as the foundation of Mississippi life and a source of strength through challenging times. She concluded by sharing her mother’s pecan pie recipe:
One Pie:
* 3 eggs
* 2/3 cup sugar
* 1/3 tsp salt
* 1/3 cup melted butter
* 1 cup chopped pecans
mix well and bake at 375°F for approximately 45 minutes.
