To mark Lovina’s 52nd birthday on May 22, each of her children have contributed these short reflections in her honor. Last week we shared the first half of them, and this week we’re sharing the second half.

Benjamin, 23

As a young boy, I would scare Mom a lot and find it funny. I would crawl out the upstairs window onto the roof and run around until Mom would see me. She would be relieved once she had me inside the window. I didn’t realize the danger back then. Mom was worried I would hurt myself. Our pony Stormy was a real calm pony, and I would climb on his back with just a halter on and tie baler twine to the halter for lines. It scared Mom every time.

Mom makes sure to stay up until all her children are home safely. She has done a lot for me in my life. Mom doesn’t have much gray hair, but I’m sure I caused a lot of what she does have. I’m blessed to have her as my mom. Happy Birthday, Mom! I love you!

Loretta, 22    

I’m going to write to honor my mom’s 52nd birthday. I just hope I look as good as her at that age.

I thank God that he blessed me with an encouraging, supportive mom. One thing I know I miss since leaving home is her garden meals, especially waking up on a Saturday smelling bacon—just a great way to wake up. I know her cooking is one thing I try to copy, but it just doesn’t seem to taste like Mom’s. And it isn’t as good if I have to make it. Haha! I know when I was a little girl, I would stand behind Mom’s office chair while she would write her columns or whatever she was writing at the time and pick on a small birth mark on her neck.  I would ask her why it doesn’t come off. There were times us children took turns massaging Mom and Dad’s feet. Mom and Dad would bribe us with a dollar if we did, and I tried to get enough so I could buy something at the store.

One thing I always remember is the first time Mom found out we had muscular dystrophy. Mom cried when the doctors told her—that’s something a mother doesn’t want to hear, but she never gives up on us children. I’d say she was the reason I didn’t give up. Now I’m married with an amazing husband and baby boy. I’m so proud to have a mother like her to show me the steps in life, and I’d say she did really good because I like to think I’m pretty cool. Haha! I have to brag on myself sometimes because nobody else does. Haha, just kidding.

Happy 52nd birthday, Mom. I love you so much.

Joseph, 20

When we all still lived under the same roof and before anyone was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, I remember Dad and Mom playing kickball with all of us children. Mom would have a team and Dad would have a team.

I always look forward to suppers because Mom always makes a good meal. It is a treat to have after a hard day of work. I always enjoy it even more through the summer because Mom makes some fresh meals out of the garden.

Mom will always pack my lunch, although I tell her I can pack my lunch myself. I like how she doesn’t let me go to work on an empty stomach. I don’t think anyone could make a better Saturday morning breakfast than Mom.

She is a good reader and has a great way of explaining the Bible to us. She always teaches us how to keep everything organized and clean. Mom is always really energetic, and she is the best mom. She has a sense of humor that a lot of people don’t see. Playing games is much more fun with Mom playing—she likes to try to add rules to the game to help her team win. She is very competitive in a game, which makes it more fun. Happy Birthday, Mom! Love you!

Lovina, 19

One of the funniest things that I remember Mom always doing when we were younger is answering her own questions. “Lovina, are the windows open?” And before I even get a chance to answer, “Yeah, they are,” she’d ask me, “Hey what time is it?” Meanwhile she’s looking at the clock, and then she’d say, “Quarter after 5,” and go back to whatever she was doing.

I think I was just there for support.

I love how Mom pushes me to be the better version of myself. She taught me how to be organized, how to save money, how to sew my own dresses, how to cook and can. How to be respectful, how to turn to God.

Although being named after Mom was Dad’s idea and not hers, I’m glad I got the name I did. Sharing her name is one of the things I’m proud of, even though we both answer when someone says, “Lovina.” I wouldn’t be the person I am today without her, and I’m so thankful to have a mom like her. Happy Birthday, Mom! Hope you have a great one! Love you always!

Kevin, 17

I want to thank my mom for being there for me and helping me out with my disability. I appreciate her support.

Mom makes the best food, and I’m always glad when Joseph doesn’t eat all the food Mom packs in his lunch because I’m more than willing to eat it.  Playing marble chase is one of our favorite games to play. Mom never likes sitting beside me in the game because I always send her marbles home. I am probably the hardest of her children to wake up in the mornings. So Mom, thanks for always putting up with me. I will always love you!

 

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.  Because Lovina is Old Order Amish, she does not have email or a telephone in her home. Lovina does not respond to comments on this website, if you would like to contact her directly, click here.