Good morning from a quiet Yoder household. It’s one of those times when all are in bed, sound asleep and Mom gets to ponder over life. The full moon shines overhead causing the frost to glisten in its soft rays, ah, the peacefulness of early morning.
I think back seven years. It was then, on Valentine’s morning, that I snuggled up to my newborn son, and all the world seemed to be sound asleep. I was completely in my glory. My prayer had been answered so much faster than I thought it would. The day before, I had, in passing, told God I’d like to have a Valentine’s baby, but I didn’t really expect the simple request to become reality.
At bedtime, we sent the children to Grandpa’s house, and 20 minutes after midnight, we held him in our arms in the comfort of our own home. It was one of those moments when time seemed to stop for the preciousness of a new life. My dear husband had been amazing in being there for me, now together we marveled in the stillness of night, savoring the goodness of God’s provision despite the reality of having no doctor or midwife present. For me, it was one of the greater stretches in my life of letting go of worries, through it all there was no doubt that an unseen hand was in our midst and provided perfectly for every need.
Just now it strikes me: the same God who brought Elijah into this world minus a trained doctor can also meet what he now faces with life minus a daddy. God is as much aware of his situation now as he was seven years ago. “Wow, Lord increase my faith!”
Much has shifted in both his and my life. He’s now my seven-year-old, who woke me an hour or two ago and asked if he could sleep with me. He snuggled close, all excited that his big day had finally arrived, there were only several hours until dawn. He’s the same little guy I doted over in those first moments of his life and he’s as precious as he’s always been, thing only shift with the passing of years. Now he is missing teeth, but not for the same reason it was back then; he still loves time with mom, but he’s learning what it means to grow up and think for himself.
He’s the more timid, conscientious type who is happy to stay in the shadows and let Jesse, who is four months older than himself, take charge or answer questions when in unfamiliar settings. I tell him he has the correct middle name, Courage. God gives him courage to stand for what is right, keep on with life when missing daddy, or when stepping out of his comfort zones to try something new.
Elijah got to choose his own birthday menu, which he put much thought and time into deciding. He finally settled with Frogmore Stew (which is really not a stew) cinnamon rolls, and ice cream cones.
I tell him he’s taking after his daddy with his liking for cinnamon rolls with caramel icing. You know Daniel used to enjoy big slathers of brown sugar (caramel) frosting, while I leaned toward healthier options. With a wink in my heart I had decided it really must be healthy for him to eat ample amounts of this sugary stuff since it meant so much to him. Guess what, now I have had no regrets of any sweets I gave him, even though it didn’t fit in my way of thinking and eating.
I don’t know what or who it is you are interacting with, but unless I miss my guess, you won’t regret stepping beyond what you feel like doing to show them they matter to you. Tomorrow may never come for them, or for you. That brings to mind a question from a reader. She asked, “If you could go back and change something in your marriage, what would it be?” It’s a subject that would certainly be interesting to have a round table discussion to hear more of what you others have learned. For now, we’ll wind up with Frogmore Stew and save that discussion for another day.
Frogmore Stew
Broth:
1 cup ketchup
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup vinegar
1 package 3-ounces of crab boil
3/4 cup salt
2 tsp. black pepper
4 quarts water
Mix together
Stew:
6 pounds of chicken (tenders or breasts)
5 pounds link sausage
2 pounds shrimp
12 unpeeled potato wedges
1 1/2 pounds baby carrots chunked into 2-3 inch pieces
18 3-inch pieces of corn on the cob
1-2 green peppers chunked
2 12 ounces mushrooms
3 large onions, cut into wedges
Instructions:
(Schedule if planning to eat at 6:30 p.m.)
1. Leave burner on high at all times
2. At 5 p.m. put broth to boil
3. At 5:30 p.m. add potatoes and carrots
4. At 5:40 p.m. add sausage
5. At 6:10 p.m. add chicken, mushrooms and onions and corn
6. At 6:20 p.m. add shrimp and green peppers
7. At 6:25 p.m. turn off burner and let set 5 minutes. Drain off liquid and serve at once.
8. Tip: have everything cut up and ready before you start.
9. Suggested sauces for dipping: catsup, barbecue sauce, sour cream and ranch dressing.
This recipe is large enough to feed 20 people. Recipe may be divided; adjust cooking time accordingly.
Gloria Yoder is an Amish house-wife in rural Illinois. She is the third writer of The Amish Cook column since its inception in 1991. Yoder can be reached by writing: The Amish Cook, P.O. Box 157, Middletown, Ohio 45042.
