My Coworker's Sourdough Starter

My coworker, Abdi, brought a jar of his sourdough starter to the office in a little cooler, and announced that he was giving everyone in our department "a piece of the family."

His starter is named Mama. It's been alive for twenty-three years. His grandmother started it in Minneapolis, and he's kept it going ever since. It has moved with him across three states.

Twelve of us took home little jars. We started a group chat called "Mama's Children." We share photos of our loaves. Some are beautiful. Some are tragic. Abdi responds to every single one with encouragement.

Now, every Friday, someone brings in bread made from Mama for the whole office. Twenty-three years old, and still feeding people. I think Abdi's grandmother would be proud.