The Amish Cook, Week of 6-9-2026: French Mold

Zoo bound. Hundreds of people occupied the premises, yet there was room for all. It was special to spend the outing with Daniel's parents and brother John and family. The adults, including the oldest children, each had a younger child to look after, which proved to work quite well. The sea lion show kept all of us captivated, especially when they clapped and waved, or when they threw frisbees out into the crowd for the lucky one who caught it. I know zebras have been around for years and will be found in any zoo, but today I was amazed anew at their distinct stripes of opposite colors. My sister-in-law took yummy sandwiches for everyone, which we had along with baked goods and salty snacks. By mid-afternoon we were all ready to climb back in the vans and head on to the St. Louis Arch for a closer look.

We were back home by 8:00. In the course of the three-hour trip I picked my mind over what would be the most important thing to tackle when we got back. I knew 10:00 the next day would arrive soon enough — that is when we had planned to be packed up and head for Ohio, where I was eager to join other widows for a widow supper served by Daniel's siblings and youth group. It wasn't something I had on the radar for long. When I had talked with Daniel's sister Mary the day before and found out about it, I was biting at the bit — I knew it was what we wanted to do. Since one of Daniel's married brothers was a youth leader and the other a part of the ministry, they would all be there.

Upon arriving home, I left my travel basket, Joshua's booster seat, some blankets, and a pillow in the van for the following day. It didn't really look simple, so we just tried to simplify where we could. The following morning we did laundry so there would be clean clothes for all. The six-hour trip to Ohio passed smoothly. Arriving at Mary's house felt like coming home. It has both a fresh and relaxing feel. It is the house Daniel and I would go to for several weeks at a time when we were young and married.

This time, however, I hastened to get ready to head on to the community center where their youth group had gone to all extents to make a special meal for us. The tables were set with elegant beauty. Soft pink and white roses were in little vases on the tables, pretty plates, pink flowery napkins, and burlap table runners with lace on top — it all blended perfectly. I took it all in; how unworthy I felt to be a part of such a special occasion. Supper was superb: chicken which Daniel's brother helped grill, mashed potatoes, gravy, mixed veggies, salad, dinner buns, five different types of layer cake, and individual Swedish cream desserts. I thought of Daniel as I sipped the punch — since he was so fond of drinks, and I'm not sold on extra sugars, I would often give him half of mine. This time I knew he was safe in heaven with something better than this delicious drink.

After supper we listened as the youth sang for half an hour or so. Their youth have found a special place in my heart, especially since they had come to visit us some time ago after Daniel passed. He was not here with us, but since it is the youth group he came from, it was healing for me. I'll never forget the fun we had with their girls who overnighted at our house. Has our house ever been so full of girls, fresh scents, and fun?! I'll never forget how bedtime rolled around — we had snacked, caught (or tried to catch) gummies with our mouths, and simply had fun together — before I suggested praying together. That is when one of the girls, whom I have come to deeply appreciate, offered to lead in prayer. Daniel wasn't here to lead out; not that I minded praying, but the support it ministered to me was profound.

And, though we did not know it at the time, it was the last weekend for Daniel's cousin Miriam to really feel well before she went on a downward spiral in her cancer journey, before she went on to her eternal reward.

So yes, sitting and listening to those songs was about the melody and the words they sang — but it was more than that. It was a host of precious memories.

That night I got to know some more girls who had joined their youth group, and chatted with other widows. As one of them was ready to leave she asked, "Will I see you tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow?!"

"Yes, tomorrow at the large widow gathering in Holmes County, Ohio."

I blinked. I had no idea. How could I not go?

I'll be back next week for this all-time highlight — I've never seen so many widows in all my life.