Alma's Mac and Cheese and Maddy's Mighty Minions

Our little community here witnessed the passing of a very special little girl this week, Maddy Grayless.  She was eight years old and passed away this Tuesday after learning of her terminal bone cancer only two weeks ago.

Her last wish was, she just wanted to make a difference and started a campaign of having others do good through acts of kindness.  Here is an excerpt from today's newspaper article on Maddy.

"Help Maddy's dying wish live on forever," Taylor wrote. "It has been so touching to see all of these acts of service in her name. It gives us so much comfort to know that her wish is coming true."

The Maddy's Mighty Minions page, created by a family friend, beckons people to perform good deeds in her honor and write about what they have done. Many posts borrow imagery from the animated film "Despicable Me" and the small, yellow "do-gooder" Minion characters that feature heavily in it.

To read more about Maddy and her story, you can see it here, Maddy's Mighty Minions.

Some members of the group have handed out cards featuring the little yellow characters with information about Maddy's story printed on them.

Her story is heart breaking and as a mother, I cannot imagine the pain and sadness her parents are going through right now.  Friends and family have also started a GoFundMe Page to assist her parents in Maddy's medical expenses.  

Given all the dark events and sadness we are witnessing in our world right now, take a moment to share Maddy's inspirational story with those around you and pay it forward.  I am confident that she is shining her light down on everyone right now and helping others make a difference.

I normally would not have attached a recipe to this story, but it's Mac and Cheese and it reminds me of children and smiles.  It's homemade and comfort...my kids used to love it as children and still do to this day

So tonight, hug your child, family member or friend and let them know how much you love them.

Dedicated to Maddy Grayless

Ma's Mac & Cheese
Courtesy of Alma Wahlberg

1 lb. Velveeta block cheese
1 lb. elbow macaroni
1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
1/2 cup butter
salt and pepper to taste

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.  Add the macaroni.  Boil to packaged directions.

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small sauce pan over low heat.  After it's melted, pour in the milk and whisk slowly until it thickens.  Add the cheese a few pieces at a time and whisk until they melt into the sauce.

Drain the macaroni when ready and return to the large pot.  Add the cheese sauce and stir together well.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

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