Paying It Forward for Landon....

A few months ago I became familiar with CaringBridge. CaringBridge is a site which is set up for very sick children and young people who are suffering life altering illnesses. It is a positive way of getting their message and special requests out to family, friends, and people who simply care.

I became familiar with CaringBridge when the parents of Kate requested prayer for their daughter who is suffering from a deadly brain tumor. Since then, I have become familiar with several children from CaringBridge and COLE's Foundation offering these very special names up in prayer.

Today, it became personal. Landon Bucher has a CaringBridge page. Who is Landon? Landon is the nephew of Barb Hammett, my dear friend who has cut my hair for the last 2o years. Landon is 5 years old. Since my last haircut, before I went to Montana, Landon was diagnosed with Leukemia, and now is preparing for a bone marrow transplant. Life can change so quickly, and not always for the better. We just never know what will face us tomorrow.

What I did not know was that Landon was Barb's nephew. Landon's name appeared on COLE'S Foundation a few weeks ago desperately seeking prayer. I have been praying for Landon, not knowing that he was the nephew of my dear friend.

For the last few years, many of my dear friends have made very generous donations to JDRF in Addy's name. Today, it felt really good to pay it forward for Landon. Please visit Landon at:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/landonbucher

Landon's family has private medical insurance, but health insurance is not covering the enormous cost of his treatment. There will be a benefit for Landon this weekend at Seaside View Campground, Ridge, MD. You may make a donation to Landon on his CaringBridge site. Please pay it forward for Landon and please whisper Landon's sweet name to Jesus.

I Wonder...

Every once in a while I try to imagine what if feels like to be Adalyne. I wonder how it feels to be six years old and know that my life depends on the quick response of others. All children at this age depend on the security of adults. However, kids with T1D know in their heart that if they are in the care of someone who doesn't understand, they could become very sick, or even die. Imagine the huge weight that children with T1D carry on their small shoulders.

Until Addy is old enough to care for herself, she must depend on the expertise of other people. In Addy's world there are very few people in which she can depend. Emotionally, I feel that Addy is a well rounded child. She is a child without extreme fears or behavior. Yet, in her little heart, she knows that she must always be in the company of an adult. An adult who knows how to positively react to the changes that occur everyday as her small body reacts to diabetes and celiac disease.

I can't imagine at all how it would feel to be Adalyne. I can't because I have never walked in her tiny although, well worn shoes. I can only wonder.

I am so proud of Adalyne. She is simply amazing.

My Gluten Free Corn Bread......

Sorry about the piece missing. Bob got to it before I was able to snap a picture. This is my first attempt. You can adjust this recipe to sweetness. You could use honey. I always bake corn bread in a cast iron skillet, any kind is fine. Never wash a cured cast iron skillet once is has been cured. Just use a damp cloth and wipe it out. Then keep it slightly oiled. I use Pam. Store the skillet it in the oven.I save this skillet for corn bread only. Be sure to take it out of the oven before you bake anything else. I have made this mistake many times. Can't hurt the skillet, but will smoke a little because of the oil.

Your Mama's GF Corn Bread

1 1/2 cup GF four
3 1/2 t. GF baking powder
3/4t to 1t salt (according to taste)
1/4 cup sugar, less or more depending on your taste
1 cup yellow corn meal
2 eggs slightly beaten
1 cup milk
1/4 cup canola oil

Mix flour, baking powder, salt and sugar well, add corn meal and mix thoroughly.

Combine eggs, milk and canola oil and pour into flour mixture and stir just enough to mix the dry ingredients well. Do not Beat!

Turn into a well oiled (heat the oil on the stove before you pour in the mixture, makes for a crunchy bottom, yum!) and bake in a hot oven (425 degrees) for about 30 minutes. I think ovens very. Around 20 minutes check the middle with a clean knife to see if the knife comes out clean. The top should be brown and crunchy.

Cut into squares and serve hot with butter, honey, jam or whatever.

Not Bad! I think it needs a bit of fine tuning. Perhaps, 3 eggs to help with better consistency. This is not an exact recipe as I never measure anything, I just cook. However, it is very close!