This column was written the week before Christmas.
Dear Readers,
I’m Lovina’s daughter Susan. It’s sunny and very windy today. I just finished with the laundry. I hung it all inside because it is too cold and windy outside.
Today my sister Verena and I had sister Elizabeth’s children, T.J. and Allison, here while she attended her oldest daughter Abigail’s class Christmas party at school. My Jennifer and Ryan love when their cousins come over to play with them.
Last night was Abigail’s Christmas program at the school. Jennifer was really excited to see Abigail’s school. She wants to go to school now too.
It is now over a year since my dear husband Mose passed away. It seemed like a long and overwhelming year. And then other times it feels short, when I look back. I feel like the children and I came a long way. When times got hard, I would tell myself, “If life on earth has to be tough to make it to our Heavenly home, then I’ll fight the battle until the end.”
Mom took us out for the day on the anniversary of Mose’s death. She wanted to keep me busy so I didn’t sit and think about it. She took us out to eat, and we had a nice day together.
Sunday night, Martha (a widow in our community) and her five children are coming to visit. Her husband passed away from cancer. It is three years that he passed away, also in December. She has been an inspiration to me. She’s a very brave woman. We want to go to her children’s Christmas program to help support her and to just be there for them.
Recently, some of Mose’s family came to stay with me and others from his family came to also help for a weekend. They put new siding on my house. It isn’t finished yet but it is looking so much better.
My family and Mose’s family have helped me a lot through this past year. They were all a great support.
Please pray for all the families that lost loved ones and belongings in the recent tornadoes. Life is too short. It’s hard to lose one family member; I can’t imagine how the family feels that lost four. After Mose passed, the pain was so great. It felt like with every breath pain slashed through my heart.
I best be going now. I need to feed the horses, chickens, and dogs. Jennifer and Ryan like to go with me to pick up the eggs. Sometimes Ryan will let the eggs drop too hard in the bucket and break the egg.
I will share the recipe of fruit dip. I’m taking fruit and the fruit dip to Dad and Mom’s for the Christmas gathering. I think the hardest part of the day is when we all sit down at the set table and my beloved Mose isn’t there beside me. Mose enjoyed Christmas time and getting together with family. Around strangers he would be very quiet but when he knew someone he was talkative and would always have fun playing games or talk about hunting or fishing.
Someday I hope to be reunited again in Heaven.
Take care and God bless!
Fruit Dip
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
8 ounces cream cheese
2/3 cup whipped topping
Whip all together. Serve with different kinds of fruit.
Lovina’s Amish Kitchen is written by Lovina Eicher, Old Order Amish writer, cook, wife, and mother of eight. Her newest cookbook, Amish Family Recipes, is available wherever books are sold. Readers can write to Eicher at PO Box 1689, South Holland, IL 60473 (please include a self-addressed stamped envelope for a reply); or email [email protected] and your message will be passed on to her to read. She does not personally respond to emails.
Such beautiful family stories ❣️❣️. Thank you for sharing ?
Christmas can be a time of sadness when our loved ones have gone to their heavenly home but remember the good times and joy will fill your heart. I love the fruit tree! So clever! I hope you all had a very happy Christmas filled with love and cheer. Here in Australia we have a very hot Christmas but I still cook a turkey with all the trimmings. Then the grand children swim in the pool for the afternoon. Love to all
Loving , I am also a widow and I can tell you that over time God allows the pain to lessen the loving and wonderful
Times take over. I believe in a saying ..” that God will not let anything happen today that He and I can’t handle together. “ I pray this everyday.
May God give you and your children to remember the happy times.
Dear Susan, many are praying for God to continue pouring His love, peace, help, and encouragement over you and your little ones. We thank Him for His wonderful compassion to those who are hurting and for giving you a wonderful family to help you. I lived with my sister who was widowed with a 6 week old baby. It isn’t easy but God lifts you up.
His love and help are real. God bless you and your children, dear Susan.
Susan and children,
Keeping you all in my prayers. I can’t even begin to think about a life without my husband. Take one day at a time.
Wishing you good health, love, and comfort in the New Year!
?✌❤
Two of my daughters lost their husbands at a young age, and watching thyme struggle and deal with the pain of loss plus the realities of losing your life partner taught me a lot.
Both of them have become stronger, more loving and compassionate people because of the hard lessons learned.
Amy still grieves her husband after almost 8 years..but she does her best to make others happy, and knows that the harder days evolve into gentler ones.
God bless you, Susan.?????
Janet found a good Christian man and he has been a great source of love and support for her, they’ve been married three years now. He helps her keep her memories of her late husband alive..and understands that when you lose someone, you always continue to love them. But that God gives us the gift of being able to love others, too. He is such a good man.
My prayer for you is for God to continue to heal your wounded heart, and that you will find joy in life again..that the pain of your loss will ease, but the good memories will never be forgotten.
Prayers for your little family Susan, your Mose will always be with you
Lovely fruit tree what did you use for the middle to hold all the fruits. Thankyou for sharing your thoughts with us may the lord guide you & children without your Mose
Lovely fruit tree what did you use for the middle to hold all the fruits. Thankyou for sharing your thoughts with us may the lord guide you & children without your Mose
I pray that God comforts you and the children and eases your pain. My heart breaks for you. I pray you can find peace in our savior. I believe that you will be with your husband again in heaven❤️ I believe he is watching over your family!