Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Mama's Boy

"It's a boy," the doctor said, as he laid the child in her loving arms. Blonde hair, brown eyes, he toddled behind her, her baby boy. She held him and rocked him and scolded him and played with him and was so proud of him, but mostly she just loved him, because he was hers and he was the baby.

When he was five years old she took him to the photography studio to have his picture made in his cowboy outfit because he wanted pictures to hand out like the older kids. He smiled from ear to ear, his hair slicked back, cute as a button.


When he started school she watched him get on the big, yellow school bus, following his older brothers and sister and turned around to wave at her. When he threatened to run away from home, his belongings packed in a plain, brown paper bag, she watched him walk down the street, his shoulders low, until he turned around and came home. With tears in her eyes she scolded him and told him to "never do that again."

He grew up tall and skinny and she watched him through the awkward teen years, full of youthful mischief. He was charming with the girls and voted "Most Polite" and "Biggest Flirt" by his classmates.

And she watched him get on the bus once more, after his high school graduation. He came home a man, this time wearing a uniform that Uncle Sam had given him, a soldier ready to go to war. She watched with a mother's pride and a mother's anxiety as he was shipped off to an Asian country, dropped in a jungle with other rookie soldiers far from home. Two months later she received the news that he'd been shot, but he going to be alright. It mangled his hand, but he was alive.

She saw her boy get married and have children of his own. He was a grown-up now, but he never forgot her birthday and never forgot Mother's Day. He was still a Mama's boy at heart and called on the weekends to see how she was getting along. He still had that boyish charm and love of life and playful sense of humor.

The years passed and life was full of ups and downs, but she always had her children to care about. Then one day it all changed. Her youngest boy was sick and it was serious. The doctors offered treatment, and she clung to hope. And so she was by his side when God called him home, the son she had brought into the world. Mama's boy.

(In memory of my husband, Don)

Monday, April 19, 2010

A Lucky Day


My granddaughter's Kindergarten class had Kite Day this past Friday. However, there was barely a breeze, so the kites didn't make it off the ground. My granddaughter tried again the next day, excitedly dragging her kite along the ground, hoping for a lift-off.

My daughter and her husband finally tilled their garden this weekend and shopped for plants. Erika was so excited about the garden and couldn't wait to put the seedlings in the ground. She gave up a shopping trip with Mawmaw to stay home and help Daddy. "Today is my lucky day," she said, referring to the garden. She is five years old. Things that we take for granted are a big deal to a five-year old. Simple things. Flying kites. Vegetables. Sunshine.


Sunday, April 18, 2010

"Talking to a Grave"



I go to a place
Where I stand alone
Where once was a patch of dirt
Now your name is etched in stone
I say hello
I love you
I miss you

And wish you were here
My conversation sounds hollow
As I get down on my knees
There is only silence
But for the whisper of a breeze
I blow you a kiss
Before I say good-bye
And I want you to know
Once more
I love you
I miss you
And wish you were here


(c) Anita M. Ashworth 2009


Friday, April 16, 2010

Black Forest Cherry Cake

A friend asked me to bake her a Black Forest Cherry Cake for her birthday, so I did. Here is my very simple recipe.

Black Forest Cherry Cake

1 Box of Devil's Food Cake Mix
1 Pint of Heavy Whipping Cream
1/4 Cup confectioner's Sugar
1 Can Cherry Pie Filling

Pre-heat oven to 350. Bake cake as instructed on back of cake mix in two 9-inch pans. When cool, place first layer on cake plate and spread 2/3 can of cherry pie filling over the layer. Top with second layer. Whip the heavy cream with the confectioner's sugar until stiff enough to spread. Put remaining cherry pie filling on top layer and ice the whole cake with the whipped cream. You may garnish with Maraschino cherries or chocolate shavings.



Enjoy!



Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Easter


I love this time of year. A time of joy and renewal.



A time to celebrate the resurrection of Christ.



We also celebrated my granddaughter's birthday this weekend.



I had time to color eggs, and eat the chocolate ones.



I had time to bake cupcakes, not from scratch, though, and the decorations were store bought. They still looked  pretty with the pastel sugar sprinkles.



My grandson on his first Easter Egg Hunt, taking it pretty seriously.



Have a blessed week!