As I sit here at the dining room table I can smell the fragrance of the lilac bouquet that my sister Emma brought me yesterday. I miss my lilac bushes very much since we had to cut them down while building the new house a few years ago. I'd like to get more started but it will be a few years before they get as big as my others were.
Last week turned out completely different than I had planned. I had surgery on Friday that I didn't know I was going to have until late Wednesday afternoon.
The surgery was to have an abscessed cyst removed that had given me a lot of pain over the past few weeks. A biopsy test was taken and we are praying the results will turn out OK. God is in control, so let us leave it all in his hands.
I am recovering very well so far. All of the help, encouragement and meals brought in have been so much appreciated. I am also thankful for a helpful husband and children that make my load a lot lighter. May God bless their dear hearts.
Joe and some of the children went to church yesterday. The lady that had church services planted a flower for each of the mothers that were there. She sent one home for me with Joe. My children also gave me two nice potted hanging flowers (begonia and impatiens) that are being adored on our front porch right now. The children all made nice cards for me and a few of them put in coupons. The coupons say things including, "I will wash dishes," "I will clean my bedroom" and "I will mow the grass." There was quite a variety of different jobs on the coupons. It said whenever I want to use one I have to give them a coupon. Oh, the joys of motherhood.
Now I would like to share the sad, shocking news I heard right before I needed surgery. We received word that Aunt Barbara, 65, died suddenly. She was my mother's youngest sister. Aunt Barbara and Uncle Henry lived on the same property that my grandma and grandpa did. My family spent much time there through my growing-up years. All the family New Year's Day gatherings were held there. I felt so frustrated not being able to go to the visitation or funeral. My doctor said I'd still not be strong enough to travel. I tried to see if my surgery couldn't be put off until the following week but doctors wouldn't allow it due to the emergency of the situation.
Then late Friday evening we received news that Uncle Henry collapsed and was rushed to the hospital. Aunt Barbara's funeral was postponed until Uncle Henry has regained his health. So maybe I will get to go to the funeral after all. Uncle Henry is still in the hospital possibly awaiting open heart surgery. Our hearts go out to the family. May God be with them through this sorrowful time. We wish Uncle Henry a complete recovery.
At times like this, memories of our own parents come back very strong. We know what they are going through is not easy. But letting God help us makes the road ahead easier. I would like to thank everyone for their prayers and encouragement. God's will is not always what we want but let us pray: Dear father, thy will be done.
Until next week, try this delicious recipe to use up some of your garden asparagus, which are really coming up this time of year.
Asparagus Bread
3 eggs
1 c. oil
1&2/3 c. sugar
1 c. brown sugar
2 t. vanilla
2 c. (3/4 lb.) asparagus, cleaned and grated
3 c. flour
1/4 t. baking powder
1 t. salt
1 t. soda
3 t. cinnamon
1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)
1 c. raisins (optional)
In a big mixing bowl, beat eggs until light and foamy. Add oil, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla and asparagus; mix lightly. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, soda and cinnamon. Add flour mixture to asparagus mixture and blend. Add nuts and raisins. Spoon into two greased loaf pans. Bake at 325Ëš for 1 hour. Makes two (5x9-inch) loaves.
Lovina Eicher is Old Order Amish. She hand-writes this column from her home in southern Michigan. Anyone with cultural or cooking questions can send them to: Lovina Eicher, The Amish Cook, P.O. Box 2144, Middletown, OH 45042. Read all of her columns online at www.record-eagle.com/amishcook.
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