One Little Pink Cupcake

How can one little pink cupcake mean so much? As Valentine's Day approached, so many different things filled my head. My students at school were preparing to "Jump Rope for Heart" on Saturday. Typically for me, this is just another day that created a little more paperwork and school work for me. This year was different though.

I was checking blogs and remembered the sweetest story of the sweetest little girl, our blogging friend Annabelle, the most precious little girl, that was never without a bow in her hair! (They live in Chapin, and my cousin Meredith remembered them and their journey at MUSC.) You see, sweet was born with a Congenital Heart Defect (CHD). Annabelle's mom just celebrated Annabelle's first birthday not too long ago, but she celebrated it without Annabelle, as Annabelle was celebrating her first birthday with Jesus, with probably a bigger first birthday party than any of us mommies could ever plan! Annabelle's Mom wanted all of us to celebrate her birthday too, by making pink cupcakes with our families and praising God for the many, innumerable blessings he has given us. This lady has more strength and faith than I can even imagine ever having. Immediately, the steps started falling into place for me...

My students would jump in memory of Annabelle! We would raise awareness of CHD's throughout our families and school, and collect items for Annabelle's Baskets! Addie Kate, her daddy and I would make pink, heart-shaped cupcakes to celebrate Annabelle's first birthday, and share them with her friends on Valentine's Day.

Through Annabelle's blog, I ran across another blog of another heart baby, Mary Clare. Sweet Mary Clare is living proud with her beautiful open-heart surgery scar. Her mom showed me that February is National Heart Month, and February 14th is CHD Awareness Day. She also stated some very interesting statistics, including the fact that nearly twice as many children die from CHD's in the United States each year as from all forms of childhood cancers combined, yet funding for pediatric cancer research is five times higher than funding for CHD. (Source: Children’s Heart Foundation). This news just broke my heart. I am quite saddened to think that there are people out there that do not know anything of CHD's. I made it my goal this year to educate my students and my parents, if no one else.

Making the cupcakes for Annabelle and Addie Kate was wonderful. I loved every minute of making the icing pink and making the batter pink. I even hand-picked pink, white, red, and brown sprinkles from a container of all colors, just so they'd be perfect for the hearts. Having a girl is a truly special thing! Sweet Tommy just stands there and shakes his head, but he always obliges! He actually started the baking while I finished up dinner, and got Addie Kate into her cooking attire! (Aunt Laurie and Uncle E gave Addie Kate a super cute apron for Christmas!) Addie Kate loved helping her daddy stir the batter, and especially loved it when he let her taste it!

I loved my first mommy task of making something for Addie Kate's "class!" No, she doesn't go to preschool yet, and not even a daycare, but she and her friends needed to celebrate regardless! This, I loved doing!

So, what all does this pink cupcake represent?

1- The memory of sweet Annabelle. Through this baby, God has certainly touched so very many of us and reminds me daily of my many blessings.

2- The ministry of Annabelle's Baskets that Annabelle's parents have started. Tommy, Addie Kate, and I have donated many items to this, and my students have collected items for this. I encourage all of you to do so, and I can get you any information you need for this.

3- Awareness of Congenital Heart Defects and all heart disease. Heart disease runs rampant through my family, all ages.

4- My little girl growing up and showing interest in doing things with Mommy and Daddy.

5- Addie Kate being physically ready and age appropriate to enjoy doing something such as baking!

6- Addie Kate actually enjoying a cupcake - for the most part, she has cared less for cakes and/or cupcakes!

7- Love, love, loving have a girly-girl!