Two Souls Meet Again

After a long illness in 2011, Wilbur (Dad) passed away on October 22, 2011. He had been in and out of the hospital all year. The last admission was due to him falling and breaking his thigh bone (femur). It was decided that surgery was the only measure that made sense and after 2 hours, Dad came through with flying colors. We were sure he was going to make it. But the morning of the 22nd, Dad's electrolytes were off the charts, and he needed another pint of blood because he was still having bleeding issues. Because he was a DNR (do not resuscitate), all the doctor and nurses could do was make him comfortable. We couldn't get to the hospital fast enough and Dad passed away @ 10:20 a.m. I had gone to a TOPS local gathering, but once the doctor contacted me, I left to be by his side. David had taken Mom for a good breakfast before getting to the hospital. Again, they didn't make it in time. We were all saddened to know that Dad had none of his family by his side when he went to the "other side". We can only think that he was happy we were all with him the night before and that this was his way of making it easier on his family.

Nonetheless, after spending time with him, we left to get some lunch. His favorite eating place, Captain D's. It was decided at the hospital that we would bury Dad in his old military uniform. Only had to get a few things; shirt and tie. The rest of the uniform was at home.

Then I spent several days putting together a remembrance booklet of old and new pictures to give to all who came to the funeral. I wrote the eulogy as well. Everyone didn't think I could do it without crying, but with the support of God and Dad on each side of me, I got through it. Of course, being the comic that I can be, I was able to put in a few laughs to lighten the mood. The service was beautiful. A soldier played TAPS, and two Marines folded the flag and presented it to Mom. It was perfect!

Thanksgiving came and went. Christmas was coming. We had the family together on the 10th of December. Mom was lost without Dad at her side, but she muddled through it. She sat at the dining room table and each time a great-grand would come to the table to grab a snack, she would grab a hug and kiss. Christmas Day would have been hers and Dad's wedding anniversary. First time she had to celebrate Christmas without Dad. She was making the best of it. Watching TV with David and Lisa, but she wasn't her jovial self. It was obvious. We took a 8" x 10" picture of the family that was made at our Christmas gathering. She loved it! The next day, David and Lisa were married and she was guest of Honor. So glad she was able to be with them. Afterwards, they took her to lunch with them at Carrabba's. She wasn't in the Christmas mood this year, so she didn't even put up a Christmas tree.

New Year's Day came. She got through it. Even cooked the traditional dinner with Hoppin' Johns, collard greens, and pork chops. On the 16th of January, George and Patty called saying they were coming by to visit. She was looking forward to seeing them. She had called me to make sure they were on their way. She had been out gathering up pine cones and sticks out of the yard that morning. Then George and Patty arrived. She was happy to see them. They had been sitting in the living room talking with her for about an hour when suddenly she slumped to one side of her chair and started talking incoherently. Guess that's when it happened but we didn't know until after she arrived at the Trident Medical Center ER. Patty and George had called me to let me know they had called 9-1-1. So I knew that she would be arriving at the hospital, possibly before me. We got there at the same time. David, Patty and George were not far behind. The doctors did some tests and quick observations and learned she had a cerebral hemorrhage. Because she didn't have a living will, she was placed on a ventilator. But after all of us kids had a chance to be with her, we knew she wasn't going to come out of this. So later that night we had the ventilator removed. She lived another 11 1/2 hours. We stayed by her side throughout the night. The longest night I've ever lived. The next day was fairly long too. At 12:10 p.m. Mom finally went Home to be with her Lord, and Dad. As sad as we were to lose her so quickly and close behind Dad, we knew she was not happy. She was only going through the motions. She and Dad were married almost 63 years. And the last year, she had done everything for Dad but breathe for him. She was lonely and wanted to be with him. The doctors reassured us that there was nothing they could have done for her. There was NO way they could have seen this coming. She had been in perfect health and had just had a checkup.

Everything was good. There is nothing that can fix the Love of a broken heart. She had seen her last child married and happy. Her job was done here on Earth. Now she's back with her true love and partner in life. Mom had a brain like a computer. She knew everything. And she could do figures in her head like no machines we have today. So I have to say that her "computer" crashed that day on January 17, 2012.

She is missed---greatly! To lose two of the best parents in the world so closely has been so overwhelming. We thought we'd have more time with her since Dad had been so sick. She had earned some special treatment. But she always said she didn't want to leave us kids behind to take care of Dad. She thought he would be difficult and she didn't want us to deal with that. He could be cantankerous, but then he was 90. He had earned that too. They were fair to us but they made us mind. They dealt out discipline together. There was never any squabbles between them about how they disciplined us. We respected them and we showed them that respect in our actions and through our words. Never a "yeah" or "nah". It was "yes ma'am", "yes sir"; "thank you", "no thank you". "Please". Something that has slipped away from our society. Our children were raised the same way and we feel it's only right to make sure our grandchildren receive the same discipline. Whether it's followed up when they are not around us is not our concern, but they do it around us. We have fun with our grandchildren especially now that they can share their thoughts and feelings. The little ones are fun too, but love the older kids. They love spending time at our home. Adam (10) is already staking his claim to live in our house when we're gone. The boys love the fact that they have some freedom to run through the woods, or ride bikes on the road. We that they love it.

Anyway, we are now dealing with closing things down with the estates of our parents. That's been a tough row to hoe. Touching all of their belongings. They were so private (always) so seeing their clothes, etc. This is new to us. We never were allowed to go into their dresser drawers. Now we're having to deal with this stuff...and it's not only odd, but it's emotional. We know this is the finality of everything. It will take time to go through it all, and sign things over to whoever...but we'll get through it and then we can start remembering the good times. Right now, we barely have time to mourn our losses.

To end this, please take time to love and embrace those you love...be them family or friends.

Life is tricky...and you can be here one second and gone the next. So never ever take for granted that those you love will always be there. And when you can't give them a hug, be sure to always end your calls with "I love you". God has added two very special souls to His garden of Angels. Now we have to believe that they, along with Him, are looking down upon us and watching over us. That's a comforting feeling.

Love to you all. Come see us when you're in Summerville, SC. We'd love to see ya.

Lions, and Tigers, and Hurricanes!?! Oh my!!!

Hurricane (Horror-queen) Irene! Sounds like the East coast could be facing a dangerous storm coming the end of this week and weekend. It's been a while since SC had a good-size piece of hot air blow through! Oh wait! Have to exclude all of these politicians. I am SICK of all of them! Patty...I don't blame George. We DO need to clean house---AGAIN! Seems once they get to DC they lose all sense of why they were elected. So...if they can't do what we sent them there to do...then Adios! Time to get this country back, and the only way we can do that...is get the right people that represent and convey what the American people want. But---let me step down from my soapbox...it doesn't take much for me get hoisted upon it.
Now...back to the hurricane that is spinning upon us. We'll do whatever is necessary to prepare for her quick visit...hopefully, she will just skirt all of us, bring us some much-needed rain, then dissipate into the ocean. But, if she sees fit to pitch a tantrum and toss a few things around, rip up a few buildings or signs, so be it....just don't hurt anyone or put them on the street. People are in bad enough shape as it is. It's one thing to make work for some, but hope Irene doesn't destroy things to the point that our economy is hurt any more.
School has started and the kids are set up in their significant classes. Noah is in 8th grade, Adam and Aaron are in 5th grade, and Cooper is in 2nd grade. Sawyer turned 4 on July 10th and was hoping to be admitted to 4K classes, but he's just too smart. So guess he'll sit home this year and get into Kindergarden next Fall. Sydney will be 2 soon. She is as girly from the one long curl in the back of her head right down to her polish-painted toes, but loves playing with trucks and cars just as much as her brothers. She knows how to hold her ground too. Those boys are NOT going to get over on her. If nothing else works, squealing deafens them and puts them on the run. LOL They can give her a hard time one minute then give her tender kisses on her cheek or forehead when she's taking a nap. Go figure!?
On July 10th, Allen, Susan, Patrick and Lisa got together and planned a huge birthday bash for Aaron, Cooper and Sawyer. A humongous jump/slip&slide was placed on Allen's property and the kids (of ALL ages) had the most fun sliding and splashing. It looked like a big tiki type castle. To add to the decor, Allen built a tiki hut/bar (furnishing drinks of all kinds, alcoholic and non). BUT...Mother Nature would not hold off the afternoon thunderstorm that evening...and almost as soon as the jump/slide castle was at full-running capacity and all the decorations and tables were set up...then the clouds opened up...and all you could see was people, feet and arms....going in every direction. Thunder clattered and lightning flashed. Rain came down with such a force it was like it had not rained---EVER! Cats, dogs, bullfrogs...I'm sure I felt some of those fall on my back. The guys started setting up tents only to find they were missing some parts that were essential (like the cover part that goes on top). But never fear---guys are great riggers...and they can make anything work in a pinch! The rain would let up for a while, and there would be a mild mist---then it come down a little harder---just to remind us that Mother Nature was still in charge. The yard filled with water to the point people just took off their shoes and splashed and sloshed in water and mud mix. Nonetheless, the kids had a great time and Allen even had a DJ (his helper with his business---Platinum Electric Inc.), Josh! Yes, the equipment was the first tent placed to ensure that Josh's prized possessions weren't harmed. After a few drinks, some good eats and lots of talking and laughing, endorphins were released and the kids could have probably gotten anything they wanted that night. As I said, I really don't know who had more fun...the big kids or the little kids. The slide provided a lot of exercise and fun for ALL!
Sorry that I don't have pictures. This is one thing I have not learned to do YET! But give me time. I will!
Anyway...just wanted to touch base with everyone. I know it takes me a while to post anything, but I have problems with my computer and ---without the assistance of my "happy" pill, I'd probably have thrown this piece of technology out the window, door, or nearest receptacle. But, I'm still retaining some cool and the "beat" goes on.
Hoping next summer that we can have our pool fixed and working. The grandkids are begging for us to get it going again...and with all of them at the perfect ages to be enjoying the pool, it is only fair that we fix it.
So happy to hear that George has completed his chemo and I'm praying that the PetScan will show he's in remission and can get on with his life---once again. So many of our elders are growing weaker in body. We are so fortunate to have them with us at the ages they have reached. Dad is 90 and, if he makes it to November 16th, will be 91. Aunt Toots just celebrated her 86th birthday on Aug 19th. Aunt Marie will turn 82 on October 1st and Betty just turned 80 on Aug 1st. If strong will has anything to do with surviving...these 4 have a good chance of making it for a while longer. Whenever possible, it would make their day if we'd drop them a line to let them know that we love them and are thinking of them. They don't demand much...only to be remembered. OK...I'm closing for now. Until the next time, know that you're all in my thoughts. You're in my prayers. You're forever in my heart!

Good grief, Charlie Brown! Where have you been?

Sorry I haven't been keeping uptodate on my blogger. Seemed like we had the family reunion in June and from then on, it was something to do constantly. Things never did settle down...and here we are in the end of January, and there's more and more to do still! Guess a busy life is better. You don't have time to think about stuff that can upset you, or you can get into. ha ha
Dad started going downhill after the reunion. We first noticed that he was just sitting and sleeping more. Then he didn't want to talk much. He's never been a magpie but for those of us who are used to being around him, noticed that he was unusually quiet. Then we noticed that he was getting weaker in his walking. He'd have difficulty picking up his feet. I was beginning to think he was wearing lead shoes. Mom was diligent in taking him to the doctor to have checkups and would mention problems. The doctor never really got serious about his problems until October and November. By December he had taken 3 falls in their house and Mom had had enough. When she was clipping his toe nails she noticed that he had a black toe. Immediately we all thought it was due to bad circulation. He has neuropathy, so we just figured it was getting worse. Well, lo and behold, he had a broken toe from one of the falls. Then he started complaining about his back hurting. So...the doctor said, "we're putting you in the hospital for a week and we're going to run tests on you and see if we can find out why you're falling so much and what is causing your weakness." He ended up staying in the hospital for over 2 weeks. The family was beginning to get anxious about not knowing what was going on. We couldn't get in touch with the doctor. If we wanted to see him on his rounds, we had to be to the hospital by 5 a.m. What??? No intelligent humanoid is up at that hour!? Where is this guy from? Mars?
Mom finally got a few calls from him, but she wasn't paying close attention and she was getting things a bit mixed up...and she asked me to call him. Well, my efforts ended up futile. Never got a call from him, EXCEPT when he thought he was talking to me but had called Mom's number instead. And she never told him any different. Oh MY!!!! After talking with Dad's hospital case worker I was able to find out that their insurance would not pay for him to go to rehab because he was not working with the therapists in the hospital and they would not pay for him to go just lay in the bed. So I suggested that we just take him home. We learned, however, that their insurance would pay for home health care. So we started the wheels spinning on taking him home. Mom was apprehensive about taking him home. We weren't seeing any remarkable changes in him at the hospital and we were pretty sure we were going to be doing a lot of lifting, etc. for him. BUT, alas, the doctor told him that if he'd start making some efforts to work with the therapists, that he would send him home. Well he got busy and we started seeing some big time changes. He got home, and there was a hospital bed there for him, David got a bedside potty for him. Then the therapists and nurses started visiting him. He's improved a good bit. Of course, he's got a long way to go, but he's moving. That's more than we had seen him do in months. He had given up before.
We took him to the doctor for his post-hospital visit. The doctor was impressed with the changes. The findings for all the CT scans and MRIs were age-related. 90 year old brain, and degenerative disc disease. He did have a UTI (urinary tract infection) and developed a bacteria in his urine, so that required some IV antibiotics. But, all-in-all, we are seeing results.
He still has his memory-loss moments. But everybody has those moments...and we don't have to be 90. He has to be reminded to pick up his feet when he's walking. We have to make sure he's standing close to the walker and not pushing it like a plow. And we have to stand close to him while holding onto him while he's walking. Sometimes he gets in a hurry and his feet get tangled up; then he loses his footing and falls.
Now to focus on some much-needed doctor follow-ups for myself. And make sure that Mom gets some time away from the house. We don't need her going stir-crazy. Her life has changed much too but she's hanging in there. Dad has his cantankerous moments and says things that hurt her feelings. Hang...he hurts everyone's feelings! She handles it as well as she can. She knows that following him up would only make things worse, so she just walks away and let's things go. God love her. I find myself wanting to argue. But I know there's no winning or changing, so I, too, walk away.
The weather has gotten better this weekend, and I'm hoping that Mom has been able to get him to at least step out onto the front porch to soak up some "rays". Maybe the sunshine will brighten him up. ha ha
Anyway...I will do my best to keep uptodate now. I won't promise...but I'll try.
Take care. Everyone have a Happy Valentine's Day. It's not too far ahead.

Congratulations to the birth of another boy

I'd like to congratulate Kris and Amy on the birth of their newest son, Karsten George Cannode.
I know those two little boys are going to bring so much joy to your lives.
As for us in HOT, humid South Carolina, everyone is pretty much drenched by the end of the day. And it's not from rain always. However, we have had a lot of rain and thunderstorms in the afternoons. Usually just makes more puddles and more humidity. But we're surviving. I wish I could bottle this stuff called "perspiration". I truly believe that's why Southern Belle's look like they are glowing. It's Charleston Humidity. Ugh! How can you possibly get wrinkles if you're constantly drenched? Gene went to Arthur Wells' a few Saturdays ago and got this old riding mower that he had only seen once back in the late 80s or early 90s. Anyway...he learned that A.W. still had it and asked if he was going to do anything with it. When he learned that it was almost junked, he asked for it. Well, it's ours now. And he's been working on restoring it to its original self. New tires, a new paint job. Next a little tweaking on the engine to get it going again.
And Ouila! It will be like new. Allen (our son) did some research on it and found it's about 42 years old. They were pretty standard. It's going to be a beauty when it's finished. So I can't post any pictures yet. Have to wait for the unveiling. So be on the lookout for pics. The annual Antique Tractor and Engine show will be held at Santee Cooper/Berkeley County Park in November. It just may be a big focus this year. Of course, the Spirit of Jedburg is always on display and putts around the park during the weekend event. Again, I will post pictures of this too. Just wanted you to know that I have not forgotten everyone. Take care. Enjoy reading everyone's blogs.

Reunion Time

As usual, this was a welcomed event...and it was even more special this time. Gene and I were invited to come up on Saturday to spend time with everyone who had arrived early. It was wonderful. I still had a bit of a backache, but I just popped the ibuprofen and kept on going.
Arthur Wells and Melanie were gracious host and hostess and laid a spread fit for kings and queens. Wow! Everything was delicious! The weather was hot and steamy, but after a thunderburst blew over and drenched the grounds, it did seem to cool things down a bit.
We talked and laughed and shared pictures. It was great! Then the day of the reunion was upon us. Melanie, Tracy and Wayne, (all Reases) prepared the food. Wayne has started a business cooking pork and chicken. He did a fantastic job and the food was perfect. I enjoyed it all. Several people brought desserts. Yummmm! With the heat being so high...and the humidity draining all fluids from us, water, tea and any other kinds of drink was most appreciated.
The kids enjoyed the swings, jump castle, and just running around in the rain. Family photos were made quickly due to the storm coming. Everyone was cooperative during the photo sessions.
It is sad to see all of our elder Rease's getting frail, but they hung in there like real troopers in that horrific heat. Wilbur is the oldest and will be 90 years old in November. Next, Ruth "Toots" (Rease) Lyon. I was sorry to see her having to be in a wheelchair, but I know one thing; she enjoyed eating those boiled peanuts (or bald peanuts, as the Southerners say). Marie (Rease) Nash looked great! It was good to see her laughing. And last, but not least, was Betty (Rease) Kelley showing off her beautiful smile. She's a hoot and so much fun to be with. Those elders missing were Eunice (Rease) Lawrence, Charles Edmund Rease, and Arthur Wells Rease. Also missing was our cousin, Sheryl Elizabeth Kelley Ray. I'm sure they were watching over us while we showed off pictures of them, and shared our memories of them. They were not in our presence but we felt them in our hearts.
And just as quick as the tents and jump castles and chairs were set up, they came down. Before everyone left, it was as if nothing had taken place. But the memories are on film and in our thoughts. Nothing can take those wonderful moments we shared.
Thanks to the Ruby Rease family for their graciousness and organizational skills that everything went off smoothly and I didn't hear one complaint.
I will post pictures later. I'm in the middle of dealing with a dead computer and trying to get another one set up. So be patient with me.
Tomorrow Gene is having oral surgery done on a wisdom tooth. It started breaking into pieces so it's time to deal with it. Then I will go on Friday to have x-rays done on my back and hand. I'm thinking arthritis is the problem. I noticed years ago when I crocheted that my hand would cramp up on me. As for my back, I think it, too, is arthritis but it's aggravated by picking up little ones. Babies must be picked up and hugged and there's no getting by that one. We've had some busy weekends since the reunion, so there is more to come.

Ahh! Rain. Finally!!!

Alas we are getting some much needed rain, but, unfortunately it comes down in buckets and floods everything, everywhere. A nice, long, slow rain is what everyone needs. But, we'll take whatever God blesses our parched grounds. Gene was able to get outside for a little while and put a few things away before the clouds opened up. You know the old saying, "no time outside makes Jack a sad boy!" Or something like that. That's Gene. He's not a happy boy if he can't go outside to play...even if it's to just put things away. I got one load of clothes washed and dried. Now trying to get my 2nd blog posted. No pictures uploaded yet...but hang in there, Folks! Rome wasn't built in a day. Neither is my blogger.
Went to TOPS on Thursday morning to learn I gained .2 lbs. I'm not going to quibble over that. I was holding down a couple of jobs that morning and trying to take care of recruiting 2 new members. Got them signed up and paperwork ready to send off to Headquarters. Then off to my next duty post, whereby I watched my 3 youngest grandchildren. Oh, yes...Happy Birthday, Cooper! He's 6 years old today! Yippee! We'll all celebrate his birthday along with his little brother, Sawyer, in a week or so. Sawyer will be 3 years old on July 10th. Wow! They are growing up so fast.
In between getting breakfast, arriving to my baby sitting post and taking care of TOPS paperwork...I took 3 phone calls. Wow! Almost considered hiring a temp for secretarial needs.
But, it wouldn't have paid much. Everything moves fast with me. Blink...and you miss it.
Backache is getting better. That's a plus...so I'm not so cranky and blue. Another plus. Yay! Life just keeps getting better.
Looking forward to the 26th of June....joining all of the cousins for the upcoming Family reunion.
Always have fun seeing everyone. Going early so we can have time to talk and learn about everyone. One day just doesn't get all of the talking and sharing in. Anyway...that's the extent of what's going on right now. Oh, yes. Forgot. Sharon and Myron took Noah and Adam to Atlanta, GA to see the Braves game on Thursday evening. Of course, they got a sudden thunderstorm which delayed the game for a short while. But, I'm happy to report that the Braves won the game 3-1 against the TB Rays. And, yesterday, the Jordan family was going to the aquarium. I hear it's spectacular! I'm sure they will have lots of wonderful pictures to share with us. So...you all take care until the next time when, hopefully, I will have pictures to post along with my blog. Have a great one!

Cuz Time....

Spent time with my cousins, Patty and George, yesterday. It was wonderful. We got in a lot of talking, laughing, joking. Those two are SO much fun. Hmm! I used to be fun...then I got a backache and I'm not so much fun right now. But not to worry. I'll get fixed and be back in good working order shortly. Thanks to my cuzes for getting me set up on Skype and blogger. Wow! I'm moving on up. No particular direction; east, west, north or south. But I'm not dawdling either. If I can't move my body, I can at least keep my brain moving. OK...gotta run fix dinner for the working boy. He just got home and he's STARVED! That's always good to hear. When he quits eating, something is BAD wrong!!!