After the meal, the girls, Emma, and I did the dishes while the boys and men played basketball. After dishes were done the girls joined the rest in playing basketball. Emma and I decided to go outside and sit in the yard and watch them play and keep an eye on the younger children. My oldest daughter Elizabeth also sat with us and, as usual, sweet Baby Marilyn was passed back and forth. She never lacked attention and we all adored her as did everyone in the church. It was almost dark before they quit playing basketball. I served ice cream to everyone outside. Jacob’s then left for home with some of the children having a small argument as to who’s turn it was to carry Baby Marilyn out to the buggy.

Monday morning was nice and sunny so I decided to try to finish planting my garden. Little did I realize that God had other plans for my day. Sister Emma thought Baby Marilyn was sleeping a little later than usual so she went in to check on her. After several attempts to wake her she went to a phone to call an ambulance. My neighbor lady took Emma and I to the hospital while Elizabeth stayed behind with the younger children, and Jacob was called at work. Emma and I arrived at the hospital to receive the shocking news that 8 month hold Marilyn had passed away. Her death was ruled Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Our hearts and our minds question why. We know God doesn’t make mistake and he needed another angel. in Heaven. We miss her so much that I cannot grasp the feeling Emma and Jacob must be having during this period. Friends and our church families and have been so supportive and helpful. The visitation was held at our house on May 25 and 26th. A lot of people came to help clean and lots of food was brought in. Marilyn’s funeral was held at our local community center and burial was at the local Amish cemetery.

In the days after Marilyn’s passing, Emma and Steven were coming here everyday while her children were in school and Jacob went back to work. We busied ourselves preparing for church services set to be held at our house on Sunday, June 6.

But misfortunate struck again on Wednesday evening June 2. The children were throwing a football back and forth when it hit my daughter Verena, 12, in the head. It knocked her off balance causing her to fall and lose consciousness. We took her to the hospital and she was kept overnight. After some tests doctors said she had a bad brain concussion so I stayed with her for the night. The next morning she was transferred to a bigger children’s hospital. Se was dismissed on Friday evening, June 4 but will have weeks and maybe months for recovery ahead. She lost a lot of her memory and as of today she still cannot walk unassisted. Doctors say we can expect a 100 percent recovery but it looks like a long road ahead. She will need physical and occupational therapy.

Church services were here yesterday and it did stress her out more than I thought it would. We need your prayers and God Bless you for your past support.

Church Peanut Butter Spread

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1/4 cup marshmallow creme

1 cup light corn syrup

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, marshmallow creme, and corn syrup. Stir with a rubber spatula until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. Place the mixture in a covered container and refrigerate overnight. Allow the spread to come to room temperature before serving on bread or over ice cream.

The Amish Cook’s editor will have a video update about Verena Eicher this week at www.amishcookline.com Since Lovina’s income is great influenced by cookbook sales, all listed softcover cookbooks are $12.99. Free shipping on all orders of two books or more. Online (amishcookonline.com/special) or phone orders are strongly encouraged, delivery within 7 to 10 days on those orders. By mail, send to: Oasis Newsfeatures, PO BOX 2144, Middletown, Ohio 45042 (allow up to 4 weeks)

Titles available: The Original Amish Cook Cookbook, The Best of The Amish Cook, Vol 1, The Best of The Amish Cook, Vol 2 , The Best of The Amish Cook, Vol. 3, The Amish Cook’s Family Favorites & Facts, and The Amish Cook’s Treasury.