Tonight we made dinner for the Ronald McDonald House. Once we were there, things went smoothly. Thank you to those who have given me recipes to use. You didn't know it, but I used them tonight. We served - Mimi's Meatloaf, Amy Dixon's green beans bundles, mashed potato casserole, and gooey butter cake, with bread, salad, and watermelon. Nothing like homecooked comfort food to fill some tummies!
Because there was limited ovens at the House, I decided to cook all the meatloaf before we went. I didn't want to spend the day cooking when Icould be playing with the girls, so I waited until they were in bed last night before starting the first round of meatloaf (I needed to make 3 "loaves". So after mixing all the ingredients (which includes most everything in your cupboard) and shaping the loaf. I stuck it in the oven and set the timer for 2 hours. After about 10 minutes, I realized I had forgotten a key ingredient. So I grabbed the meatloaf out of the oven and remixed it with the special ingredient. I stuck it back in the oven and reset the timer. Then I laughed about how I almost ruin the meatloaf and thank goodness it wasn't hot yet... I worked on the computer until the buzzer rang. I jumped up to check on my masterpiece and noticed I didn't smell the normal yummy smell of meatloaf. I got over to the oven and it wasn't radiating heat like it normally does. I opened the door... and you guessed it.... I had forgotten to turn on the oven. BOOOO! So at 11:30 last night, I turned on the oven and went back to work on the computer for another 2 hours of cooking.
This morning Skylar and Kassey helped me with the meatloaf. I love this recipe because you get your hands in there and really have a good time making it. The girls love to help. Kassey can help with pour in the ingredients and crunching the saltine crackers, Skylar helps chop the onions and measure the ingredients. Then when it is mixing time, we roll up our sleeves and dive in! The feel of squishing meat between your fingers is... unforgettable. I love it! It reminds me of childhood. Not sure what part exactly, but childhood in general. So the question remains... Did Genie remember to turn on the oven this time??? YES! I DID!
Luz Estela and Jeni (my sister-in-law) met Gunars, Skylar, and me at the Ronald McDonald House to prepare the rest of the food. It was fun, and I think we all had a good time. This House was different from the one we stayed in while in Michigan. Most of the families were NICU parents, or Rehab families. There were patients who were doing outpatient rehab that were staying at the house. In Michigan, we didn't see many patients. Maybe for one night if they had been discharged late in the day. Today is was interesting to see how few people actually made it to dinner. We were assured that the food would be eaten during the night and for lunch tomorrow, and I don't doubt it! In Michigan, my mom would be at the table by 5:45 in order for us to be able to sit together. People would sit and wait to be sure to get a seat! But, in both places, I know the people appreciate the food and it WILL be eaten!
I eluded to working on the computer earlier and I am sure you are wondering what I am working on. Well, I don't want to keep you in suspense any longer. I have a couple of projects. I am making t-shirts for us to wear when we serve others. I wanted it to have an inspirational saying with "rainbows" as a keyword. Kyara loved rainbows. We would talk about the things she would dream about before each procedure. Rainbows was ALWAYS something she listed. And Rainbows are God's promise to us. So I think it is fitting. Well, while I was researching the quotes, I ran across one that has really hit me. Not one to put on the t-shirt, but one that has grabbed me by the shoulders and shaken me. It said, "If you don't pray to God when times are good, don't pray when times are bad." Hmmm. There are many ways one could look at this. But here is what has grabbed me... How faithful am I? When Kyara was sick the hospital and home and I wanted her to get better I was praying like a crazy woman. After Kyara passed away, I prayed tons. But I look back to before Kyara's surgery and I see someone who almost never prayed. I think about the past week and realize, I have not done my bible study. I have not spent that time with my God. And when I pray, I realize I talk to God, but also to Kyara. When I think about heaven, I can't wait to see Kyara; God is in second place. I wonder if I believe in God, so that I can see her again. And I know this is not how I should be thinking. I should not love anything more than GOD! And yet, Kyara is the one I want to see first. Lord, forgive me! I have read comments about my faith, but the truth is, I am a work in progress. My Lord knows I am not perfect. Yet He loves me anyway.
Friday is Kyara's earth Birthday. We are going to prepare a meal for Hospice Atlanta. I am nervous and scared to go back to the center where Kyara took her last breath, but I look forward to serving other families and bringing some comfort (food) to them.
1 comment:
Genie, Your blog really, REALLY made me think. I understand your concern that you might love anything more than God. But I honestly believe that He gave Kyara (and Skylar and Kassie and Gunnars, for that matter) to you to TEACH you how to love. I think He understands that we are but humans, and can come to know Him best by learning to love and sacrifice for those He sends into our lives. You're doing fine, Genie. You're walking the path He would have you walk, and you're doing it with introspection and thoughtfulness. God bless you and your family, and may He bless your efforts in feeding those who are suffering now. Love, Linda, Zachy's Grandma
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