One Size Only: The Slice of Pie That Inspired a Name

Approximately 35 years ago, a young girl named Madeline was traveling with her family—her mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, and sister—when they stopped at a roadside trading post and restaurant called Luchia’s.

What seemed like an ordinary stop during a family journey became a moment Madeline would remember for the rest of her life.

While at the restaurant, Madeline met Luchia. At one point, Madeline asked if she could have a small piece of pie. Luchia’s response was simple and matter-of-fact: they didn’t serve small slices; they only had one size.

Rather than letting that stop her, Madeline’s grandfather offered to share the pie with her.

Although Madeline remembers the pie, what stayed with her most was Luchia herself. There was something about Luchia’s presence that made a lasting impression on the young girl. Madeline remembers being almost “struck by her presence.”

The encounter was brief, but it left a mark.

So much so that Madeline made a promise to herself: “If I ever have a girl, I will name her Luchia.”

Years later, that simple statement became a lasting reminder of the impression one person can make on another. Luchia may have thought of that day as just another day at the restaurant, but for a young Madeline, meeting her became a cherished memory.

Sometimes, we never realize the impact we have on the people we meet. A brief conversation, a kind gesture, or simply the way we carry ourselves can stay with someone for decades.

Madeline’s memory of Luchia is a beautiful example of how an ordinary encounter can become an extraordinary memory—and how even a moment that seems small at the time can leave a lasting impression.

35 Years Later

For the past 35 years, Madeline, Chris, and her parents have continued to visit Luchia’s on and off. Over the years, what began as one unforgettable childhood encounter became a connection that continued across generations.

Then, on September 15, 2026, something very special happened.

We had the incredible pleasure of finally meeting Madeline’s daughter—Luchia.

She is now 21 years old. When asked what she would like to do, her answer was simple: she wanted to come and visit Luchia’s restaurant.

And there she was—the little girl Madeline had once imagined and promised herself she would name Luchia, now a 21-year-old young woman standing inside the very restaurant that had inspired her name.

For us, it was an incredibly special moment. After hearing Madeline’s story and learning how deeply that childhood encounter had stayed with her, meeting her daughter made the story feel almost complete.

We are so excited and grateful to have finally met “Luchia from Northern England.”

What started 35 years ago with a young girl, a piece of pie, and a brief encounter has now become a story shared across generations.

Sometimes, the smallest moments truly can become the stories we carry with us for a lifetime.