Lettuce Eat Local: Meatballs and Mothers
Amanda Miller
Columnist
Lettuce Eat Local
“What do you think about that, Benston?”
It was hard not to grin at least internally every time that high-pitched little voice said something to “Benston.” Even though she actually asked to confirm a couple times over the course of the weekend, the 6-year-old foster girl we had on respite for three days was apparently convinced of the T in Benson’s name. I didn’t correct her since our son didn’t seem to mind, and I’m sure it wouldn’t have made a difference anyway.
She, on the other hand, had no such qualms, and often corrected me since she was convinced I kept calling Brian “Ryan”; sorry, kid, I do know my husband’s name so I’m pretty sure I got it right.
Unfortunately I can’t tell you her name, but we loved having her in our home for the short time we were able. I haven’t talked much about our involvement in foster care recently, since we took a break for the few months surrounding Kiah’s advent into our family. After Benson’s rough beginning, we just couldn’t anticipate how this one would go, and then even when we got to come straight home, we wanted some time for transition. It’s been hard knowing how and when to get involved again: knowing that just because we are in and committed to foster care doesn’t mean that we do it all the time or for all time.
Many moms of littles can find themselves in “survive” mode, but right now I am in “thrive” mode, and I don’t want to give that up. It’s not that we don’t have our moments (or days, or weeks) that are rough — Benson is full of big emotions in this season of development (a generous way to describe his meltdowns), Kiah is still so chill but also several weeks into a major sleep regression, and being a mom has a lovely way of reminding me of my own things I need to keep working on. I don’t so much get hangry (hungry-angry), but I do get tangry (tired-angry), and what do you know, this constantly starving baby makes me so tired that I don’t have as long a fuse for her constantly volatile big brother.
So we do have our moments where survival is the goal. Yet we are in such a Good Place in this season, and I want to be careful with and intentionally bask in this gift of my long-awaited children.
That said, having extra kids in our home doesn’t necessarily mean I can’t, even though it does up the chaos levels a bit. I have several major caterings in the next month, so we are only considering respite care placements for now (unless of course we get a call for a baby, and then someone else will have to say no for me); we’ve had two lovely little girls for a few days each in the last couple weeks, a two-year-old and then this six-year-old.
In a beautiful bittersweet twist, each of the four Mother’s Days since I became a mom have included foster kids. Here I waited so many years for babies, and now I get to love not only on my children but also on someone else’s — a heavy, precious role, as the kids are for whatever reason apart from their first mom.
Our little friend this weekend said her favorite meal was spaghetti and meatballs, so that’s what I made for supper. It was a great excuse to pull out what is such a staple meal in some households but something that I haven’t made in years. Spaghetti and meaty sauce, sure, but not meatballs. I don’t like sticking my hands in raw ground beef and I don’t really like meatballs, so I don’t feel like making it and because I’m the Mom, I don’t have to. But also because I’m the Mom, I loved making it for this sweet girl — and the rest of my family sure didn’t mind. I had a lovely salad.
But before you think I was too selfless, I knew there was my Mom Stash of chocolate pudding in the fridge and chocolate bars in my closet. What do you think about that, Benston?
Family-Pleasing Meatballs
Our girl who came with the warning that she doesn’t eat meals very well demolished five of these meatballs, so that’s all the stamp of approval we need. The baking step gets them nice and browned, and the simmering in the sauce coats them in flavor as well as lets dinnertime be flexible for whenever the rest of the things/people can get corralled to the table. I used a danish dough whisk to mix up the meatballs and a cookie scoop to portion them, so I only had to touch the raw meat a little when forming them.
Prep tips: I added ¼ pound mild sausage to the mix, which is great if you have it available.
4 ounces [1 cup] breadcrumbs
½ cup milk
1 pound ground beef
1 egg
2 garlic cloves, smashed and minced
½ teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed
1 ounce [¼ cup] grated Parm
a bit of chopped fresh parsley
1 ½ teaspoons salt
Soak breadcrumbs in milk for 10 minutes; press out and discard milk, adding soaked bread to a large bowl. Add remaining ingredients, mixing well but gently. Scoop out onto an oiled rimmed baking sheet, and bake at 425° for 30 minutes, turning meatballs over after 15 minutes. Add to a pot of your favorite spaghetti sauce and simmer for up to 45 minutes.
“Learning to Adapt after a stroke”
Working as an RN in inpatient rehab, I am often called upon to care for patients who have had a cerebrovascular accident, or more commonly called a stroke. I have observed that every stroke patient experiences a unique combination of symptoms but the one of the most important tasks they accomplish in rehab is learning how to be adaptable.
According to the American Stroke Association, left sided strokes (which affect the right side of the body) cause patients to experience more difficulty with language, both in speech and understanding. Right sided strokes, can cause more behavioral changes that may lead to uncharacteristic impulsivity, and may affect the patient’s vision. Based upon the type of stroke, each patient’s experience is different and they will have their own set of challenges to overcome as they work towards recovery.
Identifying the challenges is a crucial aspect of stroke rehabilitation. A main focus of the rehab team, for example, is balance and gait. Physical therapy is crucial in recovering strength and coordination in the affected side. If a patient is experiencing weakness to the left or right side of their body, they may require the use of a walker to allow for safe ambulation. Some patients may instead require the use of a cane, quad cane, or hemi-walker. Finding the correct assistive devices is one way stroke patients work to return to some normalcy.
Stroke patients may regain their freedom of movement with the help of an adaptive foot brace, or the use of a specialized cane. They may adapt to using their non-dominant hand for eating or writing. They may learn tools to adapt their speech patterns, or use electrical stimulation of the facial muscles to increase strength, and improve oral function. What all of these things have in common is learning how to change, how to adapt. And while each stroke is different, and symptoms vary from patient to patient, one common thread is that all stroke patients, their families, and friends must learn to adapt. And it isn’t just the physical recovery, people must adapt to the emotional and psychological changes as well. Depression, anxiety, altered moods or sudden mood changes are all common symptoms following a stroke. Often, I have had patients who are so frustrated that they feel like giving up on therapy, even giving up on life. Patients and family members may experience grief: mourning the loss of the person that they were, or that they once knew. Author Delanie Stephenson wrote of her stroke, “While my body and mind were healing, I was learning to be a new person”. Just as the body needs time and practice to adapt to the physical changes, the brain also needs time and practice.
Neuroplasticity does not return overnight, and may take months to return to normal. Regaining function requires setting goals, hard work, patience, and most important an acceptance of the need to adapt!
Carter Holm, RN is a Registered Nurse at Avera McKennan in Sioux Falls Specializing in inpatient rehabilitation. Holm is a Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse and works with patients through their rehabilitation from strokes, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and trauma. Follow The Prairie Doc® at www.prairiedoc.org and on Facebook and instagram featuring On Call with the Prairie Doc® a medical Q&A show celebrating its 22nd season of health information based on science, built on trust, streaming live on Facebook most Thursdays at 7 p.m. central
KU News: KU recognizes 14 students with 2024 University Awards
From the Office of Public Affairs | http://www.news.ku.edu
Headlines
Editors: Note students from Dodge City, Lawrence, Leawood, Overland Park and WaKeeney as well as Platte City, Missouri.
Contact: Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, KU News Service, 785-864-8858, [email protected], @ebpkansas
KU recognizes 14 students with 2024 University Awards
LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas has awarded 14 students with honors that recognize community engagement, leadership and academics. The University Awards, among the most prestigious awards presented at KU, were established to recognize students who embody service excellence, dedication or whose academic achievements are stellar.
Class of 1913 Awards
These annual awards go to two graduating students who show evidence of intelligence, devotion to studies, personal character and promise of usefulness to society.
Fatima Asif is a senior from Overland Park majoring in both biochemistry and English.
“I am honored to be recognized for my accomplishments at KU, which would not have been possible without the support of my family and professors throughout the last four years,” Asif said.
“I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to my mentors, who not only encouraged me to explore my wide-ranging interests but also inspired me to become a better scholar and person.
“KU has provided me with invaluable opportunities to pursue meaningful work that I hope to continue in my future endeavors.”
Aditya Vargheese is a senior from Overland Park majoring in biochemistry and mathematics with a minor in business. Vargheese is thankful for professors, mentors, family and friends for their support.
“At KU, I had the opportunity to explore my interests academically while being a part of service organizations where I could get involved with the community,” Vargheese said.
“These experiences helped me grow as both a student and as a leader, and I hope I have been able to inspire my peers to continue our work.
“I am honored to receive this award and hope that I can carry the lessons I learned at KU with me in the future.”
The Donald K. Alderson Memorial Award
The award goes to a graduating senior who has demonstrated loyalty to and interest in the university and who has been active in events and services that benefit other students. This award was established in memory of Alderson, former dean of men and dean of student services.
Curtis Nelson is a senior from Overland Park majoring in architectural engineering.
“Serving the KU and Lawrence community has been incredibly fulfilling,” Nelson said. I’m deeply grateful for the support of my mentors, advisers and family empowering me to be the change and representation I want to see in the world.
“I am thankful for Phi Iota Alpha, Theta Tau and TRIO/McNair scholars, which helped shape me into the proud Black engineer I am today.”
The Alexis F. Dillard Student Involvement Award
This award goes to two graduating students who have unselfishly contributed to the university through campus involvement. It was established in 1993 by Dillard’s family and friends to remember and honor him.
Hassan Ahad is a senior from Overland Park majoring in microbiology with a minor in chemistry.
“I am eternally grateful for the mentors, peers and friends I have had the pleasure of interacting with here at KU,” Ahad said.
“They continually inspire me to strive for personal greater heights and ultimately motivate me to give back to the community in whatever way I can.
“I truly would not be the person I am today without my experiences at KU, and I hope to one day inspire others the way they have inspired me.”
Aisha Malik is a senior from Leawood majoring in speech-language-hearing.
Malik said having been immersed in the Honors Program and in diverse interdisciplinary pursuits fostered deep engagement in the “vibrant tapestry” of campus life.
“I’m deeply thankful for the guiding light of God, the unwavering support of my family, the wisdom imparted by my professors and the invaluable mentorship I’ve received,” Malik said.
“But above all, my time here has been defined by a clear sense of purpose: to uplift others, to serve my community and to inspire each person I encounter to strive for their fullest potential.”
The Rusty Leffel Concerned Student Award
This award annually goes to students who demonstrate a concern for furthering the ideals of the university and higher education. The award was established by a group of seniors in 1973 to honor their fellow student, Leffel.
Lesli Koffi is a senior from Denver majoring in architecture and with a minor in business.
Koffi said that being a part of organizations like GEMS (Gifted, Empowered, Motivated Sisters), Black Student Union and others provided confidence and strength to become a better leader, student and person.
“I want to give a huge thank you and kudos to all the organizations that have welcomed me with open arms and pushed me to achieve more than I could ever imagine,” Koffi said.
“Biggest thanks to my mentors and faculty members Nikita Haynie, Paige Freeman and Jordan Brandt. These are three women who have empowered me and believed in me in ways I could never explain.”
Cherin Russell is a senior majoring in English from Lawrence.
“I am thankful for all the support I’ve received from my mentors, family and friends who encourage me,” Russell said.
“It is a blessing to represent my community and campus, and I’m so grateful for the trust and belief that many peers have shown me.”
Aakanchcha Raj is a doctoral student in architecture from India anticipating to graduate in December.
“Having received this award validates my work as a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Kansas and motivates me to work even harder for the communities I engage with in my research,” Raj said.
“The University of Kansas has provided me with a platform to bridge the gap between research and community participation, and I am grateful for this opportunity to give back to communities by listening to their stories and helping change the narrative for the better.”
The Caryl K. Smith Student Leader Award
This award goes to a graduating sorority or fraternity member who has demonstrated commitment to the local chapter, the KU sorority and fraternity community, the university and the Lawrence community. It was established in 1993 to honor Smith, a former dean of student life.
Libby Frost is a senior from WaKeeney majoring in business administration.
Frost said she is thankful for a support system of family, friends and mentors — including Caitlyn Gastfield and Keith Chauvin — for creating an “amazing” undergraduate experience.
“I also owe a huge debt of gratitude to my chapter, Alpha Delta Pi, for always lifting me up and being my ‘home away from home’ throughout college. The Panhellenic community at KU has been a constant source of encouragement and inspiration, and I feel so fortunate to have been able to serve it.”
The Kathryn Nemeth Tuttle Student Scholar Award
This award is presented to a graduating senior scholarship hall student. Recipients have demonstrated academic focus, leadership in the scholarship hall and commitment to the KU and Lawrence communities.
Emma Jones is senior from Platte City, Missouri, majoring in environmental studies with a minor in sport management.
Jones said that being part of the scholarship hall community has been life-changing.
“Here, I have met individuals who I will be friends with long after my time being a student Jayhawk,” Jones said. “Additionally, (I’ve been) able to continue the legacy of Elizabeth Miller-Watkins — whose mission was to support women in their academic endeavors by providing them with affordable housing — by serving as a member of the Watkins Hall Executive Board.”
The Agnes Wright Strickland Awards
These awards were established in 1953 in memory of Strickland, a member of the Class of 1887. They go annually to graduating seniors in recognition of their academic records, demonstrated leadership in matters of university concern, respect among fellow students and indications of future dedication to service in the university.
Rileigh Heeke is a senior from Dodge City majoring in both political science and history with a minor in women, gender & sexuality studies. Heeke said life-changing experiences, opportunities for growth and constant support at KU have come from places like the Department of History and the Student Ambassador Program.
“I cannot imagine what my undergraduate journey would look like without such an extensive community behind me along the way,” Heeke said. “They have offered the ability to develop academically and professionally, but most importantly, they have made me feel valued at an individual level. I am so incredibly fortunate to receive such an honor from the institution that I love from the bottom of my heart.”
Thanh Tan Nguyen is a senior from Vietnam majoring in business. Having arrived in Lawrence in fall 2020, Nguyen feels fortunate to be part of a strong college community that takes pride in uplifting each other.
“My commitment to enriching the student experience at KU started with the support gifted upon me by my first-year roommates: Jackson Rauenzahn, Karson Mustain and Wyatt George,” Nguyen said. “They helped me understand what it felt like to be a Jayhawk and to help others. This award encourages me to do my best job in representing KU to the world and empowering aspiring Jayhawks.”
Campanile Award
The Campanile Award is given to a single graduating senior who has displayed remarkable leadership, character and respect for KU.
Eleazar Abraham is a senior from Indonesia majoring in both chemistry and molecular, cellular & developmental biology with a minor in global & international studies. Abraham said KU offered opportunities to be challenged and to excel. Abraham expressed gratitude for support from family, friends and KU faculty mentors and advisers.
“From community service to scientific research, the opportunities at KU have shaped who I am and what I am excited to be in the future,” Abraham said. “The unmatched school spirit KU has instilled in me is something that I hold dearly. I am eternally grateful to be a Jayhawk and will always be a Jayhawk as I go through my next steps in life as an aspiring scientist.”
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KU News Service
1450 Jayhawk Blvd.
Lawrence KS 66045
Phone: 785-864-3256
Fax: 785-864-3339
http://www.news.ku.edu
Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, director of news and media relations, [email protected]
Today’s News is a free service from the Office of Public Affairs
Media advisory: Information for news media covering University of Kansas Class of 2024 Commencement
From the Office of Public Affairs | http://www.news.ku.edu
Media advisory
Contact: Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, KU News Service, 785-864-8858, [email protected], @ebpkansas
Information for news media covering University of Kansas Class of 2024 Commencement
LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas invites news media to cover the university’s Commencement ceremony May 12 for the Class of 2024.
The ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. as graduates begin the traditional “walk down the Hill” to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, followed by a program and the conferral of degrees by Chancellor Douglas A. Girod.
News media photographers will need KU credentials to shoot from the photo pen on the Campanile plaza and to get inside the stadium. News organization credentials alone will not suffice. To receive KU credentials, email Erinn Barcomb-Peterson by noon May 8.
Construction on the stadium that is part of KU’s larger Gateway District means guests will be seated entirely on the east side of the stadium, with some overflow seating available on the field if needed. All graduates will enter the stadium on the east side before being seated on the field.
A few other things to keep in mind:
Members of the news media are welcome to capture photos or video of the events from any publicly accessible area.
The graduates will be seated on the field facing south. Limited roaming in the graduate seating area is allowed; however, photographers may not photograph on or from the dais.
Because of space constraints, media members may not bring large video cameras with tripods into the photo pen.
Only graduates and the university’s official photographers from KU Marketing are allowed to walk through the Campanile.
Unmanned aerial systems, including drones — other than those of official photographers from KU Marketing — are not allowed.
Nearly 2,300 parking stalls are available a short distance from the stadium, and a complimentary shuttle service will run May 12.
Additional details, including an inclement weather plan, are available at the Commencement website.
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KU News Service
1450 Jayhawk Blvd.
Lawrence KS 66045
Phone: 785-864-3256
Fax: 785-864-3339
http://www.news.ku.edu
Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, director of news and media relations, [email protected]
Today’s News is a free service from the Office of Public Affairs
