Updates from Lovina’s daughter, Susan

Hi Everyone,

I’m Lovina’s daughter, Susan. I decided to write and let you all know how thankful I am for all the cards, money, and encouraging words people have sent. Also, for all the prayers that helped me through the toughest time.

It is Monday night and I’m sitting here writing. Sister Verena is reading, and Jennifer and Ryan are playing doll. Jennifer is the mom and Ryan is the daddy, though I don’t think Ryan has any clue what he is supposed to do. He just follows his big sister around. They are so sweet.

Joe and Susie, Mom and Dad’s neighbors, sent supper over earlier. They sent pizza and flowers. Mose’s brother Alvin and his wife Susanna and their two children, Kaleb and Isaiah, showed up with supper also. So, they just stayed, and we all had subs and pizza for supper. Alvin and Susanna try to come every Monday night, Lord willing.

My sister Verena stays with the children and me now. The children love that she’s here. They like when she gives them rides on her scooter and she makes them go to sleep like that when it’s their nap time. I’m so thankful to have Verena, it helps to have her here, so the nights don’t seem as long and lonely. I keep her awake to just share memories about Mose. She’s a good listener. May God bless her generous heart.

My family and Mose’s family have been very supportive. They all helped me in many different ways.

Aunt Verena came here Friday (March 5) for the night. I feel bad for her. She also has some long, lonely nights. I have my children to keep me occupied, but Verena is all by herself now, even though we are with her. Her routine changed also. She misses her sister Susan dearly, as do the rest of us, but Verena lived with her. When you live with someone it seems a lot harder. Please keep her in your prayers.

It’s Tuesday afternoon and I just got done getting the laundry in. It was a beautiful day for laundry. Jennifer and Ryan love to play outside in this weather.

Jennifer still comes up to me and asks me if I think daddy is coming back. Ryan can’t talk except for some baby talk, so he tries to repeat after Jennifer. It breaks my heart that their daddy isn’t here to hug them or be with them any longer. Mose was a great father.

Today is the third month since the accident and it seems like Mose still should be coming home. It’s hard to grasp yet. When Mose and I first met, I never once thought that our love story would get cut short. It tore me to pieces when they called and said he passed away. It breaks my heart in two every time Jennifer and Ryan say Daddy. I fight myself when the bitter thoughts take place, and the days seem to be long and the future so dark. I learned to just take one day at a time.

I thank God for every moment I had with my dear husband. God blessed us with these years together, even though I catch myself wishing that I could have had one more year with Mose. Mose left the house that morning with both of us not knowing those were our last moments together. Our last I love you’s, our last hugs, our last everything. If only I would have known I would never have let him go.

Mose never gained consciousness after the accident. I feel like I lost him the 9th of December already. Losing Mose has made me look at life differently. Life is too short, so don’t take it for granted. Make the best of it while you can. In a blink of an eye life can change and it’s devastating. God has carried me a long way and still does. Keep Dan’s wife Jodi in your prayers also. Her life changed too. She has a lot of lonely nights. May God be with her.

Thursday my mom and sisters Lovina and Loretta, brother Kevin, sister Elizabeth and her children, Aunt Verena, Aunt Emma, and her daughter Emma and children, and cousin Susan and her children are all coming for the day. All the food is being brought in.

May everyone have a great rest of the week and God bless.

I will share this sugar cookie recipe. They were a favorite to Mose. He liked them frosted.

Soft Sugar Cookies
2 cups sugar
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 cup lard or shortening
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups buttermilk or sour milk
1 tablespoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 to 5 cups all-purpose flour

In a large bowl, add the sugar, baking powder, lard, lemon juice, eggs, vanilla, buttermilk, baking soda, and salt. Mix until smooth and light in color. Stir in enough of the flour to make a stiff dough. Use your hands to work flour in completely. Chill the dough for a few hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease cookie sheets and drop dough by teaspoonfuls, 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are golden brown, but center is still soft to the touch. Remove from oven and cool on pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool.

 

Lovina’s Amish Kitchen is written by Lovina Eicher, Old Order Amish writer, cook, wife, and mother of eight. Her newest cookbook, Amish Family Recipes, is available wherever books are sold. Readers can write to Eicher at PO Box 1689, South Holland, IL 60473 (please include a self-addressed stamped envelope for a reply); or email LovinasAmishKitchen@MennoMedia.org and your message will be passed on to her to read. She does not personally respond to emails.

11 thoughts on “Updates from Lovina’s daughter, Susan”

  1. Dear Susan: You have a heart full of memories of your beloved husband to give you comfort. Your days will seem a little brighter eventually, and that doesn’t mean you will ever recover from such a tremendous loss. It will just mean Mose will be forever with you and he will be gently guiding you to live your life and raise the children and face your future with Mose gently guiding you to happiness. He loved you and would not want you to be sad. You can honor his memory every day by speaking of him, keeping up with your commitments and raising your children to be wonderful like he was. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you and give you strength.

    1. Beautiful words. I lost my husband to cancer 3 years ago . I agree 100 %. My prayers are with Susan and family.

  2. My heart is with you and your family, Susan. Please know that when you share your thoughts and feelings, I can learn from you. I struggle with my faith. I strive to be grateful for every blessing as you have been able to do. Lots of love and prayers coming your way.
    Ellen

  3. I sure think about Susan and children. I don’t think any of us have any idea of the pain and heartache they are going thru if we’ve never experienced losing a spouse. I thank God for her sister staying with her and her extended family helping her. Many prayers for you and your children.

  4. Dear Susan, You dear lady, are an inspiration to the rest of us!! You are loved by so many and by our loving God. He makes no mistakes, but it is hard for those left behind. My prayers continue for you and your little ones, and your whole family. You will always have an angel on your shoulder. Take care, and God Bless.

  5. Dear Susan,

    I am so grateful that you have lovely memories to share with your children as they grow. I am grateful that you have so much support from your family and your husband’s family, friends and neighbors. I read somewhere that the first year is so very hard. I am grateful that you do not need to do that year alone.

    We will keep praying for you and your family, Jodi, and your Aunt Verena.

    Blessings and Peace,
    Lea

  6. Dear Susan, you and your family. Dan’s family, Mose’s family and your Aunt Susan are always in my prayers. Even the girl’s family who caused the accident family who must be devastated by the two deaths she caused. the first year is very hard and it does get easier, but your life is forever changed. My daughter just passed the first year after her husband’s death and she told me some days are better now. I was 71 and married 49 years before my husband died so my esperience was different, but I know what you’re going through. God bless you and give you peace. Send love and prayers, Char

  7. Dear Susan,
    You have had such a hard time and I keep you in my prayers and thoughts. I am sure your memories of Mose are a great comfort for you. What a blessing you have family close to help in this sad time. The Lord is watching over you and your precious children. May He give you peace and comfort.

  8. Bless you and your family. I have prayed for you all. I am reminded when I get sad over my loved ones that are no longer here, that they are not grieving over losing me, but that they are waiting on me to get there to be with the Lord and them. It makes me feel less lonely for them to just know that we will have a wonderful reunion to be together a bit later on. So the loss is still as deep, but not as shattering as if I had no hope. The scriptures say, “and I gave myself over to prayer”, and that applies to so many hard situations in this life. Thinking on that brings much comfort and peace to a wounded heart. Remember the love lives on, even in a rocky garden beauty and hope can bloom and grow again.

  9. I am sorry honey for your loss. love and prayers such a sweet person Ibelieve God has something good in store for you. Father God help mend broken hearts make the pain more bearable wrap her tight in your love. Help her in each day she lives to be able to make it through each day and to do the things she needs to do. God you are our provider provide for All her needs In Jesus name Amen. LOVE FROM ME TO YOU.

  10. I am sorry honey for your loss. love and prayers such a sweet person Ibelieve God has something good in store for you. Father God help mend broken hearts make the pain more bearable wrap her tight in your love. Help her in each day she lives to be able to make it through each day and to do the things she needs to do. God you are our provider provide for All her needs In Jesus name Amen. LOVE FROM ME TO YOU.

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