Miles of Smiles

Many years ago, I was on the receiving end of people's generosity. My grandmother had a stroke on the 4th of July, 1999. 6 weeks later, she finally passed away after much suffering. 

During that time, I spent every moment I could with her. First in rehab, then in the nursing home when it became evident she'd never recover enough to come home. I was blessed with an awesome church community who provided love, support & when needed, companionship. Our church had a soups & smiles ministry which provided meals when a loved one was ill or a new member joined the family. 

It was a relief to know I didn't have to worry about making something when I got back from being with my Grama. 

After that, I got involved, because I know how valuable this is.

Recently, a family in my church suffered an unbelievable tragedy when their baby was stillborn. Mom had some complications as well, and has endured more than most could bear. 

Luckily, our Bible study group rallied around them and provided a month of meals.

For my donation, I made an easy peasy casserole. 

You need

1 box of pasta roni creamy garlic

1 bag California vegetables

1 c shredded mozzarella cheese 

Cook the pasta according to tge directions on the box. Top with veggies & cheese. You can add chicken, shrimp or tuna to it as well. 

I took the little man with me when we went to deliver it. He was nervous, understandably. However, the hug he received from the hurting momma was payment in full.

4th of July

fireworks, sioux falls 2010

The 4th of July was always one of my favorite holidays. I remember as a little girl being so excited to go to the parade in my hometown.

hometown parade, from a friend of mine circa 1970's

 I loved the floats, the bands and the fire trucks. After dark, the town would put on a fireworks display that rivaled Macy’s, and was always featured on the local news.

hometown band concert before the fireworks, early 90's from a friend

 When I was a little bit older, I was able to march in the parade. I remember when I was in 4th or 5th grade, not much more than the Little Man, I was a giant sun. The parade theme that year was conserving energy, and I got to be solar power. Man, did I feel special!

As time went on, I took the princess to parades and fireworks. The Big Man & I would watch them too, and have ooh’s and ahh’s over the amazing displays. Little Man loves the fireworks, but isn’t in awe of parades as much as I am.

my grandmother and me, 1977

I have to admit that I don’t have the same joy over the 4th of July as I used to. It was on that day in 1999, my beloved grandmother suffered what would ultimately prove to be a fatal stroke.

my grandparents and my cousin Carol

 It was right before I was going to grill some burgers, and I had just made a pitcher of margaritas (I know, not very American, but it was the drink of choice that summer).

L-R my aunt Mary, my aunt Olga, my grama, my Uncle Kalman

Earlier in the day, she had complained about a headache (warning sign!) but didn’t do anything about it and by later in the afternoon, had stopped mentioning it. She was eating some chips and there was some discussion about something that made her a bit agitated. The next thing I know she is slumped over in her chair and can’t speak. Of course, she was rushed by ambulance.

thanksgiving 1977 or 1978
l-r Aunt Mary, me, Uncle Kalman, my godfather, grama & my Aunt Jeannie

Knowing that, there is a bit of bittersweetness to the 4th of July for me now. I don’t decorate and I wouldn’t even know where my decorations were if everything depended on it. I don’t plan a special menu. I don’t even make a big deal over it anymore, which really isn’t fair to my son.

little man, 4th of July fireworks 2010

 
He DESERVES for it to be a special day, and this year I am declaring it to be so.