Over a year ago, while attending a cake show in Ohio, I learned about a non-profit organization named
Icing Smiles. As a mom and a baker, I love everything they stand for. Bakers volunteer their time and skills to create goodies for children who are facing critical illness. These goodies can come in the form of "fun" cakes, "dream" cakes, and even cookies. Icing Smiles also understands how siblings may feel left out, so they may receive an 'Icing Smile' as well. If you've never heard about it, I recommend that you head over to their website and check them out. While you're there, you can even sign up to volunteer! :)
I'm one of those people who tend to lose sight of the 'big picture' in life. I'm 27 years old and I've struggled with negativity my entire life. The sad part is, I never realized how negative I was being until a recently. A few years ago, our family had quite the challenge to get through. I don't feel entirely comfortable talking in detail about it, and I'm still learning to "deal" with it. I'm sure I'll eventually come to terms with everything, but I'm just not there yet. I strongly believe that everything happens for a reason, even if I don't fully understand that reason, it's there.
About a month ago, I received an email from Icing Smiles to do a fun cake for Adam's 16th birthday. I've been so excited to do this cake. It makes me feel as though I have some sort of purpose in life. I know, some people may think, "it's just a cake," but to me, it's not just a cake. It's the opportunity to make someone else feel a glimpse of happiness and hopefully forget their worries for just a moment. Adam is a huge Jeff Gordon fan and I've been itching to do a 3d carved car cake for quite a while. I get intimidated easily and tend to psyche myself out (I'm still working on that confidence thing). I wanted to do my best and not disappoint Adam...I wanted to make him an awesome cake because, well, he deserves it. ..I think about all of the issues I may have and with all honesty, they're not THAT bad. In the grand scheme of things, I have absolutely nothing to complain about. I'm glad that with my involvement in Icing Smiles, my eyes have been opened and I can look at my life with a new, more positive perspective! (If you want to read about the children, check out the Icing Smiles Facebook page! There are photos of each child along with their cake and story.)
When it came time to deliver the cake, I was so nervous, yet elated. I just didn't know what to expect. I threw on my Icing Smiles t-shirt that I purchased at the cake show more than a year ago and started on my one hour journey to Adam's house. Upon arrival, I introduced myself and thought , "Why in the world were you so nervous?" Adam's family was so kind and best of all, Adam loved his cake! He even gave me a hug! ..And, from what his mother told me, he doesn't give them out freely! It was such a blessing to meet Adam and to be part of his 16th Birthday celebration! I'm so proud to be a part of Icing Smiles and will do my best to spread the word about this awesome organization!