It's a Wonderful Life in Seneca Falls
Karolyn Grimes
I've got my own Clarence watching over me," confides Karolyn Grimes, referring to the angel who comes back to Earth to try to earn his wings in the movie It's a Wonderful Life. Karolyn, who played Zuzu, the littlest of George Bailey's children in the Christmas classic, is best remembered for uttering the memorable line, "Every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings."
Karolyn, who currently lives in the Seattle area, has had to endure much tragedy in her life, beginning as a child when she lost both parents before she was 15. She has seen two husbands pass away and has lost a young son. But she has continued to persevere and feels her role as Zuzu has been a source of great comfort for herself and others.
"My life has changed so many times," she says. "I believe the one constant for me was God. There have not been any miracles, but I think there is a strength within me that I can reach in and pull out when I need it. I think I was chosen to endure some adversities in my life for a reason - to learn compassion for others."
Nowadays, Karolyn tours the country giving inspirational talks about hope. "When I speak to people, they can see I've been through what they are going through. There's some comfort in knowing that someone else has been in their shoes and knows the pain they're feeling and has survived. I've been through a lot, so it's easy for me to talk to people and to share with them that there is hope.
"I talk to people about the four 'F's: Faith, Family, Friends and good Food,'" she says. "They are the spokes of the wheel that make us go around, the main ingredients for a wonderful life."
Karolyn knows good food and shared with us a collection of recipes. Her favorite is Burnt Sugar Cake. The recipe is special to her because it was given to her by her mother Martha. "I always make this around holiday time for friends," she says. "The hardest part is burning the sugar!
"After my parents died, I was sent to Osceola, Missouri, where I lived with my father's brother," Karolyn adds. "It was in this tiny town that I discovered there really were people who were genuinely caring and loving. With the memory of my mother's cooking and the help of the wonderful ladies in Osecola, I learned to cook. I look back at some of those family dinners as my fondest memories. We were fortunate to have had the opportunity to sit down and share meals together. We talked, listened, and learned about each other."
Menu:
Karolyn Grimes Page 1
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Zuzu's "Burnt" Sugar Cake