The day before Thanksgiving 2018 . . .
I’d never been to an infusion room, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. She said, “Bring stuff in case I sleep,” so I did. And then Kathy had her purse, and a backpack and some snacks and a tote and a drink. So apparently, “buddy” comes from the latin word for “pack mule”. 😊
From the endearing descriptions on my sister-in-law’s FB posts, I recognized “East Texas” and “Cameroon” immediately. I wanted to hug them, but that would have just been weird.
Once we were settled with all our loot and luggage, and Kathy had happily greeted her friends on staff, an elderly newcomer took the recliner across from us. He was quietly cheerful and handsome in his red plaid shirt and khakis pulled together with a braided leather. I watched as the nurse prepared his arm for infusion while his face rested with a smile.
“You all have the same last name,” the nurse remarked.
And with that connection, we entered into the most delightful conversation of the day. We took turns reporting where we were from and how many siblings and children we each had. Then we asked him about his Thanksgiving plans.
In the most soothing Grampa voice, he shared, “OH, I’m serving a wonderful deep-fried turkey, and bread pudding with a nice rum sauce.”
*Kathy and Cari swoon.
“You can’t beat it … the skin is crispy, but the meat stays moist and tasty. For sides, I’m making green bean casserole and squash dressing …”
*Kathy and Cari gasp and sigh together, “Squasssshhhhh Dresssingggggg??”
“And listen, if you don’t like bread pudding [‘xcuse, me sir … we don’t include this type of fictional person in our musings, but please continue …] then my wife is also making her homemade banana pudding. And there will be hot buttered yeast rolls!”
*Kathy and Cari blink away their heart-eyes, silently reconsider all standing plans, and begin shamelessly inviting themselves to HIS side of the Walker festivities.
After a satisfied chuckle, he went on to say what a blessing he considered his cancer to be. He said “to have so many people praying for you and to feel the effects of those prayers – well, it’s just a gift.”
We nodded in agreement, and Kathy told him how encouraging it was to hear people say they are praying for her.
Walker told us stories of times he had prayed specifically for friends’ healing and how God powerfully and specifically answered. I turned to see my dearest girl crying – stirred by tender testimony, her tears streamed down around a hope-filled grin.
“What’s your first name, sweetheart?”
“Kathy.”
“Well, Kathy, as of today you’ve got me as one more prayer warrior!”
And if that weren’t gift enough, he agreed to send us his recipe for squash dressing!!
*Hours later, Kathy & Cari squeal like fan-girls as they simultaneously check their inboxes, click on “Walker”, and read, “Dear Kathy and Cari … What a treat to visit with you today …”
Indeed.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
SQUASH DRESSING CASSEROLE (from the kitchen of Maude O’Dell)
INGREDIENTS:
5 - cups yellow squash (sliced)
1 - stick butter
1 - pkg. jalapeno cornbread mix (or your favorite homemade cornbread)
1 - onion (diced)
1 - cup celery (diced)
1 - can Cream of Chicken soup
1 - egg (lightly beaten)
1 - cup grated or shredded cheese
1 - tsp. salt
1 - tsp. pepper
DIRECTIONS:
Cook, drain and mash squash Bake cornbread as per mix instructions; cool, crumble into squash Sauté onions and celery in the butter, crumble into squash Stir egg, soup and seasonings into squash mixture Bake in a 9 x 13 casserole dish for 45 minutes at 350 degrees Top with cheese for last 15 minutes of baking.
Serves 6 to 8
