Pecan Pie--To die for?

by Terri Ferran

We attended our ward temple night last Tuesday and gathered for dinner prior to the session. We were pleased to hear from a member of the temple presidency. Those of us who had eaten at the temple cafeteria before knew how delicious (and scarce) the pecan pie is.

Those who arrived early selected their dessert first and the pecan pie was gone in the twinkling of an eye. I was not one of the lucky ones who snagged a piece, so I had to settle for chocolate mousse.

As the line formed for the buffet table I held back waiting for it to diminish. While I waited, I noticed a worker bringing in a few more desserts--and Yes! There were two more pieces of pecan pie! I grabbed my mousse to exchange for the better part and in a moment of generosity, I took my neighbor's (Sister K's) dessert to exchange because she, too, craved pecan pie. (Covet is not the appropriate word to use in the temple, but I did think it.)

I made the exchange of desserts and, beaming in victory, I made my way back to my table to encounter a wonderful sister (Sister A, one of the sweetest women I know) who was also going for the pecan pie and, discovering I had taken both, scolded me in a disappointed tone.

I was torn. Sister K had already seen me and thanked me profusely. I couldn't easily give hers away at that point, nor did I want to give up my own piece. But I also didn't want to dissapoint or offend Sister A.

I sometimes have moments of kindness. They pass quickly, so I hurried over to offer my pie to Sister A. She declined and said she forgave me for taking it and even kissed my cheek. I offered, King Solomon-like, to split the piece in half, but she again said no. It was for her husband, anyway, and he was very embarrassed by the whole thing.

I ate the pie; which was exquisite. I considered gloating, but caught myself before I did it.

Later on, while still in the temple, I got one of those tickles in the throat that erupted into a full-blown coughing/choking fit that made me think I might cough up a lung. I had a momentary thought as I couldn't breathe--Perhaps this was retribution for swooping in and taking both pieces of pecan pie! I imagined my death, in the temple, by pecan pie.

Luckily the fit passed and I survived. The pecan pie at the temple is divine--but not necessarily "to die for".

I told Sister A what happened later, and she nearly fell on the floor laughing. I think she really did forgive me! The lesson I learned? Get to the temple dinner earlier next time!