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Home-cooked meal is sweet surprise
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Marilyn Barnhart (center) earned a treat from Second Wind Dream, an organization that grants the wishes of seniors in long-term care, on April 26. Barnhart cooked a meal for her husband at her home in Struthers, with help from Boardman Shepherd of the Valley employees, from left, Kimberly Brothers, Kim Osborn, Brenna Davis, and Chris Restle.
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Neighbors | Submitted .Marilyn Barnhart (left) told her husband Don (right) about his surprise dinner through the Second Wind Dream project, once he arrived at their home in Struthers on the afternoon of April 26.
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Neighbors | Submitted .After a long day of preparation on April 26, cook Marilyn Barnhart (far right) served dinner for her husband, Don (left), and two of their children thanks to the Second Wind Dream organization.
By SARAH FOOR
Marilyn Barnhart prepared a dinner of fried chicken, baked potatoes, green beans with bacon, apple sauce, salad, and a chocolate pie for her husband, Don, on April 26 in her home in Struthers.
She hasn’t been able to offer a home-cooked meal to her husband of 62 years since medical issues sent her to Boardman Shepherd of the Valley two and a half years ago.
When the Second Wind Dream Foundation, an organization that grants the wishes of seniors in long-term care, offered Barnhart funds to grant a wish, she knew she would cook for her husband.
“I’ve been cooking since I was 10 years old, and cooking for Don for all of our marriage. It makes me happy to make him happy. It’s good to be back in my kitchen,” the cook said.
Barnhart’s daughter kept her husband occupied and out of the house for the afternoon of the Boardman resident’s surprise.
A “dream team” from Shepherd of the Valley accompanied Barnhart to her house in Struthers and helped the chef with whatever she needed. The team purchased all of the food for the meal and provided a tablecloth, flowers and candles for the kitchen table.
“It’s been great to learn more about Marilyn while we were working today. I’m also learning great secrets to her recipe for fried chicken,” said “dream team” member Chris Restle.
“She is fulfilling a dream that she wants for her family, and being part of that atmosphere and excitement has been really special,” added fellow member Brenna Davis.
Along with the meal and surprise, Barnhart bought a card and slipped in a bookmark because her husband loves to read. The card praised Don for always being there for her and Barnhart added a note that read “I have loved you from the moment I met you.”
When Barnhart’s husband arrived, he was overcome with emotion and definitely surprised. Don, Marilyn, and two of their daughters then sat enjoyed their prepared meal together.