We're homeward bound! Is there any place like home sweet home... The week has been filled to the brim.
Joseph, Daniel's youngest brother, had his long-awaited day come to pass.
The children and I planned to first go to PA to spend time with cousins who had also lost their daddy in their home. We arrived at 7:00 p.m. after traveling exactly 500 miles. Since it was several hours until it grew dark, we took advantage of it and stomped all over, much interested in their farm and all they had going on there. Cows, chickens, horses, and a pet sheep were a perfect fit for the old barn and silo, a machinery shed, and a repair shop. Twelve-year-old Micah was pleased to show us around their welding and repair shop.
I marveled over all the work involved in keeping a farm like that in motion. Rosanna assured me that her married sons do well in helping manage the responsibilities.
And oh, I've never seen so many flowers in one home — like never in my life. There are dozens, maybe hundreds, of potted plants indoors and outdoors, not to mention the countless flowers planted around the house, barn, and the likes. I took a walk with Rosanna and her daughters through the paths of the large flower garden next to the beautiful vegetable garden.
Then there was time for a snack around the fire and talks to go with it. The boys grabbed their snack of watermelon and chewy bars and headed off to the barn, where they romped in the haymow and shot their pellet guns. It was close to midnight when Micah got out his cracklers and smoke bombs. As I watched and assisted here and there, my heart was touched. These boys may not be discussing the depth of all they've seen since bidding farewell to their beloved dads, but they had a pronounced bond. It was evident, and it was truly priceless. By the time we headed for the house, there were two moms who declared it bedtime. It was around midnight when we gathered in the living room for a story and prayer together.
When my children heard that the 65 cows would be milked at 4:00 the next morning, they declared they would be up bright and early to be part of it all. "Okay, let's set your alarm for 5:00 — that'll give you sufficient time to still be part of it, and you'll also get a bit of sleep in the meantime."
It was a deal. It wasn't long until five exhausted boys were sound asleep in the room next to me. The next morning, as I stepped out on the porch still blinking sleep from my eyes, I spied five boys with a pellet gun. "Boys, what was that about going back to bed after chores are done?" Sleep was off their list; there wasn't a single dull moment until breakfast. A steaming breakfast casserole was taken from the oven — thanks to Micah for making sure we got fluffy waffles, too. We all ate our fill as we chatted around the kitchen table.
After breakfast I was ushered outdoors, and Elijah showed me how all five boys piled onto Micah's garden tractor. Boys will be boys. The night before, Micah had let me take his little tractor for a drive. Since he'd geared it up in their engine shop, its ability to pick up extra speed had increased considerably. When I found out he was skeptical I could drive it, that made it all the better for me; the air was cool as we sped down the blacktop road. Upon returning, I shut it off, whereupon (is that an outdated term?) it made a deafening pop. "What did I do?!" I asked. They all laughed with delight — he just hadn't told me it backfires when it's shut off. Okay, Micah, you got one over on me that time!
"Before we leave, I'd like to have a glass of fresh raw milk," I told them. Cousin Faith took me to the milk house. Mmm — straight from the bulk tank, does it get any better than that? I doubt it. Satisfying, rich, creamy... sure, I'd take another glassful right now.
Three hours of travel that afternoon took us to Ohio, where Joseph was getting married. His young bride, who is 12 years younger than himself, seemed to be the perfect fit. We all rejoiced with them. I can only imagine how fired up and excited Daniel would have been to see this all come together.
Daniel's family and friends did amazing once more in encouraging and supporting us. Though we are home alone when waves of loneliness sweep in, we are not entirely alone; many stand with us in prayer and support. God bless you all!
The day passed swiftly. There was much good food, fellowship, and singing. The menu was tops, and since we sat with the family, we even got appetizers of stuffed mushrooms and peppers and sampled the steaks — yummy. The wedding feast consisted of mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, chicken, salad, dinner rolls with cinnamon butter, three kinds of pie, and ice cream.
There were an estimated 350 guests. The community building greatly simplified the event. Earlier in the week the tables had all been set. The wedding vibe could be felt as I stepped into the gym that first night in Ohio. I paused at the memory table, with a picture of Daniel and a write-up by his sister Mary. Moments later, Elijah ushered me outdoors: "Mom, there's a rainbow, there's a rainbow!!" I watched in awe as a double rainbow unfolded. God knows.
Here are some wedding mashed potatoes.
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