Hi, I am Verena, the third oldest child in the family. I am the one who had the brain concussion on June 2. I wanted to write the column to give Mom a break since she isn‘t feeling well today.
I also want to thank everyone for the cards, gifts and for praying for me. Thank you for keeping me in your prayers.
Today, I have had a good day so far. Mom wasn’t feeling too good this morning so Dad made us breakfast. He made grilled cheese sandwiches and coffee soup. And we also had cereal.
Susan, Loretta and I washed the dishes. Sister Elizabeth went to another community for the weekend to a friend’s house. Her friend invited Elizabeth for her 16th birthday. It always seems empty when she isn’t at home.
It is very nice out today, and very warm, too. I like fall and watching the leaves fall off the trees. I really like it when it gets windy and the leaves blow away so we don’t have so many to rake.
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I don’t mind raking up the leaves when my sisters and brothers help. Together we make it fun so it doesn’t seem like work.
I like all the other seasons, too. I like winter so I can go sled-riding and I can smell the fresh snow. I like to see the snow fall and watching my breath in the cold. I like cuddling up in my bed and listening to the wind and blowing snow outside.
Our friend gave my sister Loretta and me a bed and a soft, cozy blanket and a quilt. We like it because it is so comfortable. Our other bed was older and not as comfortable. Our friend seems like a grandma to me. She treats us like Grandma Coblentz would have if she was still alive.
On Friday I had to come home from school in the afternoon because they said I started having a post-concussion episode. I went almost all of the other four days. It was different to be there that much out of a week.
We did some state-testing so I am glad I could be there.
When I came home, my mom’s editor, Kevin, and his mother, Rita, were here visiting. They were probably surprised to see how I am during a post-concussion. I am glad I came out of the post-concussion while they were still here, though. I always like to talk to Kevin’s mom. She is so nice to talk to.
It was nice today; we could go outside without a jacket. My brothers and sisters were playing basketball. I wish I could play, too, but I understand why Mom and Dad do not want me to for now.
I will be glad when I am allowed to run and ride my bike and do anything else I want to do. I like to read and write, which seems to be about the only thing I am allowed to do without injuring myself again.
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Mom made mashed potatoes, hamburger gravy, peas and salad for lunch. We had chocolate cake, canned peaches and pudding for dessert.
Tonight we were all sitting out on the front porch. It felt like summer. Now it is dark and Loretta and I are going to make popcorn. Our family likes when I make the popcorn because they say it tastes good.
Dad and Benjamin are playing checkers. Susan, Joseph, Lovina and Kevin are playing the board game, "Sorry." Mom is reading. I will say good night. I will also share my favorite chocolate cake recipe with you.
Verena's chocolate cake
1 cup sugar
1-1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cocoa
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1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup salad oil
1 cup cold water
Mix all ingredients together in a mixing bowl with an egg beater. Bake in a greased 9-inch square pan at 350 degrees for approximately 30 minutes.
