A new ice cream maker to honor Daniel

I sprinted across the yard toward my mother and father-in-laws house. Since they are in Mexico doing treatments for Mom’s cancer, we get to help with things around the house. I have come to enjoy walking to their house every other night or so, to check on the garden, pull weeds, spray bugs, or harvest whatever happens to be ripening. Tonight the children preferred to stay home while I made a quick dash to spray the roses and blackberries, and water the plants on the back porch.

The rain clouds were gathering as I headed to the house to fetch the needed items to mix up another batch of spray in their little pump sprayer. I was aware that with the upcoming rain, spraying for bugs would do little good, but then if it rains every night, the plants would still need to absorb some pest warding matter at one point. When it started sprinkling I told myself I’ll just run home through the rain.

Well, in moments the rain was coming in torrents. I finished my duties in the house and took a seat on the front porch on a rocker. I smiled to myself. It felt good- sitting on a porch, watching rain. Sure, I’ll take that. Did God see that I would need to have my batteries charged for a few minutes before going back home? As I gently rocked, the words of a song came to mind, “… til the storm passes over, til the thunder sounds no more… hold me fast, let me stand, in the hollow of your hand,...” I thought how true to life a natural rain is. During a rain, the sun is hidden from view, the flowers bow their heads, waiting for the sun to beckon them to an upright position and point their face toward it. Then came the words, “… when the long night has ended and the thunder sounds no more... keep me safe til the storm passes by...”

I was comforted. Storms are a real part of life, not only in the natural world, but in our daily walk of life as well. I savored a few more moments with my Maker until the rain slowed down a bit when I felt a nudge to head for home. Ducking under the fence that keeps their beef cow and horse corralled, I entered the small strip of woods. As I slid down the side of the bank through the muddy water I grinned to myself. “The boys would love this,” I told myself. “They’d be pleased to see mom sliding through mud.”

I made my way over the little creek and up the next bank. I glanced down to see mud squishing up between my toes. I know, barefoot may not be the professional way to approach life, but it’s the way I am comfortable. You hear about picking up parasites if you go barefooted, I’m hoping that our family’s annual treatment for that will keep us covered as we keep trekking through mud and grass.

I rounded the corner into our driveway when I spied two youngsters headed my way, clad with garb to keep at least some rain off, clutching daddy’s raincoat for me. Ah, how precious. I was soaked already, a raincoat would not do much now, yet I couldn’t resist such love. I thanked them warmly and draped it over my shoulders. Together we walked to the house where we soon gathered for supper.

Supper consisted of grilled chicken (thanks to the Hochtetlers for sharing with us), fresh peas, pie and ice cream.

For the ice cream, we used the freezer we bought in honor of Daniel, as a Father’s Day present. While we are keenly aware of his absence, there is something I see being filled in the children’s hearts when they can still do things that help them connect with Daddy.

A couple years before his passing I had bought a counter top ice cream maker and told him I’ll make lots of ice cream for him. As a family we enjoyed a refreshing treat from the little one- quart freezer, many times over. Well, you can imagine that for a family of seven, we’ve outgrown that size for quite some time. This year when Father’s Day rolled around, we wanted to do something in honor of him.

That is when we decided to buy another ice cream maker. We agreed that he would be delighted to have his family enjoy it while he waits for us in heaven. On the real side, there has also been processing to do. I admit, I did not feel like having that box opened when it arrived at our house, but then God showed up with His tokens of provision and after some time I was ready to celebrate with the children. You know, it’s as I tell the them, no matter what, Daddy will always be special to us, and we will forever be changed by his love.

We are now each getting a turn to choose what flavor ice cream to make. When it was my turn I chose peach cheesecake, next time I'd like to try a mocha crunch. And what’s better than a good serving of warm homemade chocolate to go with it? Mmm. Makes me want to go make a batch right now. If you ladle it over the ice cream it will harden, of if you’re like me, eat it warm for maximum flavor, just put a good dollop next to your scoop of ice cream, and savor every bite!

HEALTHY CHOCOLATE SAUCE ICE CREAM TOPPER

1 cup coconut oil

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup maple syrup or honey

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons vanilla

Heat and stir together over medium heat until melted. Use over ice cream, as a dipping chocolate, or pour into a 9 by 13 pan and freeze, then break into pieces and enjoy. Works well in mini molds.