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A Christmas Story
It was the holiday season several years ago when I was living in Kearney, NE. I had just become a single parent and life was very challenging trying to care for my six year-old daughter, managing finances and healing after the end of my marriage. My daughter was spending the holiday with her father and I found myself facing Christmas day alone. I was very anxious knowing this situation had the potential to immerse me into a dark hole of anger, self-pity and many other negative emotions.
In my life experience at that time, I knew it was very dangerous for me to spend the day alone. I noticed in the local paper the Methodist church was looking for volunteers to prepare and serve Christmas dinner. I arrived bright and early not knowing a single person. Someone directed me to a huge pile of potatoes and I proceeded to peel for 3 hours!
Everyone was so kind; I could see on their faces they were delighted to be there serving others on Christmas day! It did not take me long to know that God had led me exactly to where I was supposed to be. During dinner I found myself moving from table to table pouring coffee, smiling and sharing a kind word. Many of the guests were elderly, incapable of cooking dinner and most didn't have family nearby. I knew they did not want to spend the day alone either.
It was amazing what I learned that day. I left with a heart full of joy and realized that it wasn't so much that I served them....they served me!
Not all Christmas gifts come in a pretty wrapped package placed under the tree. My wish for you this season is many blessings as well as the courage to open your special gift should it appear!
Shelly Holman RN, CBN
Saint Elizabeth Bariatric Program Coordinator
Lap-Band patient 2005
Creative Cooking
Recipe of the Month
Cucumber and Apple Salad
provided by Chef Dave Fouts
1 cup peeled and chopped cucumber
1/4 tsp caraway seeds
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Pinch of salt
Pinch of ground clove
1 cup peeled and chopped apple
1 tsp sugar substitute
1 tsp canola oil
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
For 1 hour refridgerate.
Toss and serve.
Ready in 5 minutes
Serves: 2
Be sure to peel the cucumbers and apples as the skins tend to be tough and may be difficult to digest. The sweet crispness of the apple and the soft texture of the cucumber go together perfectly. The caraway seeds add a slight licorice flavor so be sure not to use too much because it can easily overpower the flavor of the salad. Enjoy!
Nutritional content per serving (1 cup):
60 calories, 2.5 grams fat, 11 grams carbohydrate, 1 gram protein, 100 mg sodium, 2 grams fiber.
% Daily Value: Vitamin A 2%, Vitamin C 15%, Calcium 2%, Iron 2%
Please include nutritional information if available.
Recipes must be original family recipes. If using another source you must send us copyright permission. | 
