Last week, for five days in a row, I got to see one of my favorite people in the world: the woman who watched me during my childhood summers so my mom could work, thus becoming my unofficial “second mommy.” Although I stopped needing a baby-sitter nearly two decades ago, we’ve stayed close, and she still calls me “the daughter she never had.”
Three months ago, she was diagnosed with ALS.
Instead of throwing a self-pity party, she immediately dove headfirst into embracing her new lifestyle and checking everything off of her Bucket List. A wine-tasting girls’ weekend in Napa, an Alaskan cruise, traveling around the country to see baseball games… All while learning to maneuver a wheelchair like a pro, with the most positive and upbeat attitude.
She has always been an inspiration to me, with how she showers love like confetti over every person she meets, but even more so over the past few months.
Her diagnosis reminded me how drastically life can change in an instant, and no matter how much detail we throw into mapping out our futures (especially for a Type A overachieving planner like me!)… Life has a way of surprising us. And often, the most important thing is to appreciate the present, this exact moment we’re currently experiencing.
And right now, I’m truly grateful for you. Your interest in my recipes and my cookbook, along with your support for my blog, has enabled me to turn Amy’s Healthy Baking into my full-time job. It has allowed me to live this dream lifestyle: working from home, setting my own schedule, having the flexibility to see friends for hours on end when they come into town, and enjoying every moment of life.
So to say thank you, I’m putting the spotlight back on you today! Here are some of the recipes that you’ve tried and pictures that you’ve shared on Instagram. I truly appreciate each and every time you do that; it really means the world to me! ♡
And if you’re interested in starting a blog too, I have a super easy step-by-step guide on how you can start your own blog here. It takes less than 30 minutes!
Psst… Would you like to see your picture in my next Sunday Spotlight? Then share it with me on Instagram using #amyshealthybaking and tag @amyshealthybaking IN the photo itself. (That guarantees I’ll see your picture! ?) I can’t wait to see what recipes you make!
I can’t wait to see what you try next! ♡
Amy, I love Sundays. I always take a peek at what everyone is baking and there is always something that jumps out at me and says “try me” lol.. today it was the oatmeal raisin cookies! Oh my goodness…they are delicious. I am a huge oatmeal raisin cookie fan, so your recipe was put to the test! You passed with flying colors as always! Thanks to you and all your followers for posting these amazing photos!
You’re so sweet Lynn!! That means the world to me that you use these Sunday Spotlight posts as your baking inspiration. I’m honored! ♡ I loved seeing your picture on Instagram — you always take such pretty photos! And I’m so glad you loved the cookies!! 🙂