Simplifying Easter Dinner

Easter dinner was made simpler this year.

As we continue to establish a new normal, day to day life with ALS can be unpredictable and, at times, exhausting.

Wanting to get the local family together to celebrate Easter and visit became the goal.  Currently Brett is most comfortable at home so it was decided to host the gathering here, just in a simpler manner.

Rather than make the traditional ham dinner, we went for everybody bringing either an appetizer or dessert.

I did make the carrot cake that has been a tradition for many, many years.

Not long before the Easter plans were drawn up, I had to call EMS after Brett fell and hit his head on the dresser.  His legs have already become so weak that he wasn't able to get up.  I was having no luck helping him up as I was trying to also hold a towel to his head as it was bleeding profusely (as head wounds do).  He took his first ambulance ride to the hospital.  Fortunately, there was no internal damage and his head wound didn't require stitches.  I must admit when I brought him home at 4 a.m. I was a nervous wreck wondering how I was supposed to get him back into the house and safely to bed.  Thankfully, our son was able to assist me.  It made me wonder how the elderly manage such things.  

This event has made me much less confident in leaving him alone for any length of time.  I feel like my 69 year old husband has aged twenty years in a matter of months.  😢

Anyhow, I share this to further explain my need for simple this Easter.

Now, back to that carrot cake . . .

Once it was done and safely under it's cake dome, I went outside to check on my azaleas.  It is their season now and all through the neighborhood they are blooming beautifully.

I found one large branch pushing against the side of the house so I did a little pruning.

Two simple bouquets.

Flowers, a few colored eggs and colorful napkins were all it took to add a bit of holiday cheer to the table.

While in the garden, I snipped a few sprigs of spearmint to add to my bowl of berries.  The ones that look like underripe strawberries are actually pineberries.  They are mostly white with a hint of pink.  After seeing them many times in the grocery store, I decided to give them a try.  Have you ever eaten them?

Life isn't always easy, but I am reminded that among the hardships there are blessings.  I want to remember that along the way.

Let me share a few with you today.

Our nephew's wife.  Despite mourning the recent loss of her uncle, she showed up with ham sliders, pasta salad, deviled eggs and her wonderful sense of humor.

Nephew & Sister-In-Law

Our nephew's sense of humor pairs well with his wife.  Despite everything, they kept us laughing which is such a welcome thing right about now.  

In the 44 years of my marriage, my sister-in-law & I have shared the ups & downs of life.  Too often lately she has become my shoulder to cry on.  Luckily she has broad shoulders. :). She showed up with the potato dish that has also been a tradition for many years & two big salads.

The oldest & youngest family members.

Brett's brother has had numerous surgeries and lives on pain meds to manage it all, yet he shows up every week to play games with his brother.  This week he is coming twice as I have an appointment for two root canals on Wednesday. :(

Their granddaughter and her boyfriend are the youngest of our group.

They add a fresh perspective to our gatherings as they talk about all of the things they are doing and planning for their future.  Oh to be young again. ; D.

And, finally, dear Brett & our oldest son.

Our son lives fairly close by.  He shows up for every appointment and comes over at least 3 times a week.  He's fabulous at researching things and is constantly coming up with new ways to keep his dad safe and figure out how to deal with things as they come along.  He has very willingly become another caregiver to his dad.  

If I could take away this terrible disease, I would do it in a millisecond.  Since I am unable to do that, I plan to do everything that I can to make this road as comfortable and meaningful for Brett.  So many people have told me that we will be carrying a heavy load with this diagnosis.  I can see that already.  I am so thankful to have others in my life to help carry that load.