Back in 2021, Crowe and his friends, who had late school start times on Wednesdays, would often grab breakfast together. But after realizing that nothing compared to the warmth and comfort of his grandmother’s home-cooked meals, Crowe proposed making it a weekly tradition at her house. Winckowski happily agreed, and soon, her kitchen became a place of laughter, good food, and tight-knit friendships. The teens affectionately call her “Grandma Peggy” and greet her with hugs each week. “Wednesday is my favorite day of the week. I will feed them as long as they come,” Winckowski shared, adding, “They will be loved and fed.” Over time, what began as breakfast turned into something much more meaningful—a bond that continues to grow week after week.
Teen's friends continue the custom of visiting his grandma every week after his death
Sam having breakfast at his granny's home. After his passing, his friends kept the tradition alive.
Sharing a meal has always carried deep symbolic and sentimental meaning. Whether it’s with family, friends, or even strangers, gathering around the table fosters connection and warmth. That’s exactly what Peggy Winckowski has been doing since October 2021. In a heartwarming story shared by The Washington Post, the 66-year-old grandmother has been welcoming a group of 15 teenagers into her home for breakfast every week. What started as a simple tradition with her grandson, Sam Crowe, has since become a cherished ritual of love, remembrance, and support.
However, in 2022, tragedy struck when young Crowe passed away in a car crash. Winckowski was devastated at the loss of her young grandson. However, Crowe’s friends didn’t leave Winckowski’s side. They showed up at her house on the day of their beloved friend’s passing. “We were all grieving with grandma. She’s family to all of us. Sam was too,” said Jeremy Roeder, one of the young teens. The youngsters decided to be there for Winckowski, selflessly showing up the entire week after Crowe’s passing to make sure she was all right. The question approached at the end of the school year as to whether this heart-warming tradition would continue.
Winckowski, without a doubt, kept her home and heart open to the young students and assured them that even others were welcome to join. “He would want us to continue so we’re continuing it. We’re all here for each other,” said Roeder. After over a year of losing their dear friend, the tradition continues. Winckowski sure understands their hearts. She said, “To be 15 and lose your best friend, it’s got to be so hard for them to understand. There’s not a day that goes by that we don’t speak of Sam.” What began as a simple meeting with friends turned out to be a remembrance and tribute of love among over 30 students including seniors, sophomores and others.
“It’s a tiny house but its walls are filled with love,” said Winckowski. She connects her meetings with the students to those of her late grandson, expressing that it makes her feel closer to him. “For everyone that knows him and needs an opportunity to grieve, it’s a great place,” said Ruggeri, another student who had been part of the meet since it began. Winckowski revealed that as the group grows, their love for each other and Crowe grows. She also mentioned that many locals and parents pitch in to donate and help with the meet so it can go on. “We can’t get over Sam’s passing but we can surely get through it together. I hope they will pay it forward as they grow older,” Winckowski said.
This article originally appeared 1 year ago.
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