Lyn sent a short note to let me know she is having trouble sleeping and that it has been progressively getting worse this week. I've received several messages this week with very similar requests... "pray that I can sleep", pray that I get quality rest so I can do quality work during the day", "pray for my mind to slow down so that I can sleep" and even my own, "pray that I will adjust to medication changes that cause more pain and difficulty sleeping".
We've all been there, although Lyn is probably the most ill. I think we can pray better for requests that we have felt ourselves, so remember to especially pray for Lyn and her family to get good quality rest so they can be supportive of one another.
I love the lyrics to this song Mark Lowry sang called "Rest in the arms (of God)"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJxzZbL0zJk
In searching, I found a lot of scripture, praise music and melodies set to beautiful nature videos that I find to be restful, so I will be adding more of these as I come upon them. (Some are just video and sounds of nature.)
Amazing Grace-video set to piano music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-WZ4WoZvPc&feature=PlayList&p=A653B4FB639C0D07&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=23
Sleepy sounds of beach waves: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5dRLPieKoE&feature=related
Gentle Rain, soothing sounds of nature: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgG4vDfcJek&feature=related
Relaxing Music (Piano): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94HYEe1bOFU&feature=related
Relaxing Piano Music (song: One Angel's Hands) set to butterfly video's: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0VJBvaO5G4&feature=related
You raise me up (to more than I can be): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYFC4god31o&feature=related
Tonight, as we settle in for another storm, rest in the arms of Jesus.
Grace
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Living Tribute ~ Lyn Coody
It's difficult to write this, but in the light of so many of my friends and family going to heaven before me... I feel we should start giving tribute to the living... while they are still here. To know how much we love them, how much they helped us in our journey and that whomever God chooses to take first, we'll know that our last handshake here on earth, really was not our last.
I can't wait to meet my loved ones in heaven. To have endless time to sit and reminisce about all the good times past and an eternity to make memories of all the good times to come.
I really don't know Lyn that well and when you consider our off and on meetings through the years, we really haven't known each other that long, but when I heard that she was sick again, I felt I had to get a message to her, so I sent a message through facebook. I imagined that she was not able to talk much since her last post to facebook mentioned being very tired visiting with cousins, but "it's been worth every minute".
Our original meeting was through our parents over Thanksgiving dinner. My parents had just moved next door shortly after my father was diagnosed with leukemia so that he could be closer to the church. To be perfectly honest, I was not looking forward to this meal very much. I really did not know this family since I didn't live with my parents and was busy with odd shift work at the phone company. I had also been warned that their neighbors had a non-traditional meal of quail.
My Dad was a hunter, and through my childhood we ate a lot of meat that Dad hunted. Eating "bunny" just broke my heart and the large game Dad hunted just didn't taste good... it tasted "gamey". At any rate, I had been raised to be grateful, appreciative and keep my thoughts to myself. So, as the dutiful daughter, I crossed the yard with my parents for Thanksgiving dinner. I imagine my brother was there as well, but probably left after dinner to join his friends in watching a ballgame on TV.
Imagine my surprise when we walked in to the aroma of a wonderful meal. The table was set beautifully and we were introduced to the Coody's daughter, Lyn who was already setting food on the table. There was much conversation and explanation as to how this became their traditional Thanksgiving meal as the food was passed. Last was the turkey, I mean quail. It reminded me of cornish hen cooked in a sauce.
I have to say, it was the best meal I have ever eaten at Thanksgiving. Lyn's dad, Darwin knows how to hunt and her mom, Marie knows how to cook.
Dad and Darwin probably talked about hunting the rest of the day, and although Lyn and I were in the living area where our mother's were talking away, we had our own little conversation getting to know about each other as much as you can in a couple of hours.
We were invited back the following Thanksgiving and I really looked forward to it. Lyn and I had not seen each other that year, but continued our conversation, mostly catching up on our employment. I believe Lyn's sister was there that year.
Years went by, and the only news I had of Lyn or her sister were in conversation with Marie. Darwin and Marie spent a lot of time visiting at the hospital and the house through my Dad's illnesses. There were times that they were out helping me find Dad's dog, or preparing the outside faucets for the dreaded freeze that was coming. I remember Marie calling a couple of times when she knew I was house sitting with the dog and inviting me to dinner. Such a nice, helpful family.
They prayed with us for Dad to be granted a healing from this terrible disease and the ill effects of the treatment. I remember asking Marie once, "how do I know if God's answer is no?" (I knew that the ultimate healing was heaven, but selfishly wanted my Dad with us as long as possible.)
Marie told me, God himself would let me know when it was time to let go and she went on to tell me of her little boy. She prayed for him to be healed. One day, while holding him on her porch, she felt God let her know, it was time to let go.
Through the years, as I've prayed for friends and family to be healed, I've thought of the conversation I had with Marie. I've prayed that God would help me "listen" as I prayed, so that I could "hear" his answer. Although the answer is not always what WE want, it is the answer just the same. That time came with my father. Dad kept saying he was going "home" and I knew he didn't mean "the house". There was such peace, no more pain or suffering... and the JOY of knowing we would meet at God's house the next time we met.
Soon after Dad's death, our pastor's wife started a bible study on Wednesday evenings. I was going through a difficult situation at work and the bible study came just in time. I had difficult decisions to make. The first evening I walked in, there was Lyn talking to some of my friends. They had known each other better and longer than Lyn and I, but we all sat at the same table and as the weeks progressed, we all seemed to become prayer partners, at that table.
The first night, Jeanne asked all of us to write down a prayer request. It could be as personal and specific as we wanted because, nobody including her would see them. They were put in a box and we prayed over the box for each request inside, but at the end of the sessions, the box was burned along with our burdens.
I had already shared with Lyn most of what was happening before we did this, but she was the only one who knew. She kept it private, but each week would reach over to me to see if things were better and I'm happy to say, although the situation was still tough, my decision about how I should handle it became easier as the weeks went on. I came to a decision, that if it took giving up my job to keep my christian integrity, I would. God blessed me beyond measure... I never had to leave my job. In fact, I was rewarded on three occasions after that for work above and beyond anything I ever could have imagined.
I only saw Lyn a handful of times after that, but I always thanked God for this friend who had come into my life when I needed a friend who knew and believed in the power of prayer. The next big decision I had to make was regarding whether or not I should move out of state to keep my job when our OKC office closed.
Memories of conversations with Marie and Lyn, as well as their prayers came flooding back and I knew that in the most difficult times of my life, God had always been faithful.
The next Sunday, as I walked down to my "usual" seat, the choir was singing "Great is thy faithfulness". We were to let our supervisors know our final decision the next morning. For the next 8 years, I lived and worked in Jacksonville, FL and never had a doubt, I was in the right place for that time.
My first Sunday back in Bethany, I was walking down the sidewalk with my Mom and Lyn was walking toward us. Mom stopped and said, "Grace, I forgot to tell you Lyn had a kidney removed recently" and we both waited as Lyn assured us with a bright smile that she was feeling better than she had in a long time. I've seen Lyn off and on through the last few years.
Last Sunday, I heard the news that Lyn's name was on the prayer list as having cancer. I immediately checked facebook and could tell there had been very few entries in or out, Lyn's most recent entry implied that a group of her cousins were visiting and she was happy but tired. Her info page indicated she was now living with her parents and had stage 4 renal carcinoma.
I knew she must be very sick and may not feel like talking, so I sent a private message with my phone number.
Lyn replied, "Thanks for the prayers. I am stage 4 and very critical, but not quite ready for hospice. So we are making the most of the GOOD days and doing our best on the others..
I am not on fb much and I don't make many phone calls... just don't want you think i am ignoring you or anything... but I will stay in touch as best I can. My stamina is down to just a few minutes." (Lyn Coody January 19 at 7:55pm)
I replied with a few sentences letting her know I understand, but mainly I would be asking my blog readers to pray for her as well.... "I just want you to know I'm thinking of you and sending up prayers on your behalf. If there is anything specific you would like my readers to pray for, just let me know. Otherwise, I am asking prayers for a "friend" unless you tell me it is okay to list you by name. (Grace Smith January 19 at 11:11pm)
Lyn replied back to let me know it was okay to use her name as well as an additional prayer request for her family, "You may use my name. Thanks for the prayers, friend, and for Mother & Daddy, care-giving for a child is hard enough but Mother just turned 85 years old. I do covet your prayers, friends!" {{{{{hugs}}}}
(Lyn Coody January 21 at 1:17pm)
My last message back to Lyn, "I pray tonight for peace, rest and comfort. I know this must be a difficult time for all of you. You are a special child of God. I don't understand why you have to go through this, and I know God can still heal you. Again, I am available for whatever you need.... even "how" and "what" you wish for in the way we pray." (Grace Smith January 22 at 9:06pm)
Lyn may not have the strength to reply again, but we can all continue to pray as she has requested. You can send comments to Lyn and her family at the end of this post. She will see them when she refers to the blog. If you are a close friend or family member, continue to communicate as you have been. I am only doing this as a way of getting news out to friends, such as myself, that did not realize Lyn's health was declining.
We love you, friend!
I hope you enjoy this song: "Home"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBQazCC5K8s&feature=related
I can't wait to meet my loved ones in heaven. To have endless time to sit and reminisce about all the good times past and an eternity to make memories of all the good times to come.
I really don't know Lyn that well and when you consider our off and on meetings through the years, we really haven't known each other that long, but when I heard that she was sick again, I felt I had to get a message to her, so I sent a message through facebook. I imagined that she was not able to talk much since her last post to facebook mentioned being very tired visiting with cousins, but "it's been worth every minute".
Our original meeting was through our parents over Thanksgiving dinner. My parents had just moved next door shortly after my father was diagnosed with leukemia so that he could be closer to the church. To be perfectly honest, I was not looking forward to this meal very much. I really did not know this family since I didn't live with my parents and was busy with odd shift work at the phone company. I had also been warned that their neighbors had a non-traditional meal of quail.
My Dad was a hunter, and through my childhood we ate a lot of meat that Dad hunted. Eating "bunny" just broke my heart and the large game Dad hunted just didn't taste good... it tasted "gamey". At any rate, I had been raised to be grateful, appreciative and keep my thoughts to myself. So, as the dutiful daughter, I crossed the yard with my parents for Thanksgiving dinner. I imagine my brother was there as well, but probably left after dinner to join his friends in watching a ballgame on TV.
Imagine my surprise when we walked in to the aroma of a wonderful meal. The table was set beautifully and we were introduced to the Coody's daughter, Lyn who was already setting food on the table. There was much conversation and explanation as to how this became their traditional Thanksgiving meal as the food was passed. Last was the turkey, I mean quail. It reminded me of cornish hen cooked in a sauce.
I have to say, it was the best meal I have ever eaten at Thanksgiving. Lyn's dad, Darwin knows how to hunt and her mom, Marie knows how to cook.
Dad and Darwin probably talked about hunting the rest of the day, and although Lyn and I were in the living area where our mother's were talking away, we had our own little conversation getting to know about each other as much as you can in a couple of hours.
We were invited back the following Thanksgiving and I really looked forward to it. Lyn and I had not seen each other that year, but continued our conversation, mostly catching up on our employment. I believe Lyn's sister was there that year.
Years went by, and the only news I had of Lyn or her sister were in conversation with Marie. Darwin and Marie spent a lot of time visiting at the hospital and the house through my Dad's illnesses. There were times that they were out helping me find Dad's dog, or preparing the outside faucets for the dreaded freeze that was coming. I remember Marie calling a couple of times when she knew I was house sitting with the dog and inviting me to dinner. Such a nice, helpful family.
They prayed with us for Dad to be granted a healing from this terrible disease and the ill effects of the treatment. I remember asking Marie once, "how do I know if God's answer is no?" (I knew that the ultimate healing was heaven, but selfishly wanted my Dad with us as long as possible.)
Marie told me, God himself would let me know when it was time to let go and she went on to tell me of her little boy. She prayed for him to be healed. One day, while holding him on her porch, she felt God let her know, it was time to let go.
Through the years, as I've prayed for friends and family to be healed, I've thought of the conversation I had with Marie. I've prayed that God would help me "listen" as I prayed, so that I could "hear" his answer. Although the answer is not always what WE want, it is the answer just the same. That time came with my father. Dad kept saying he was going "home" and I knew he didn't mean "the house". There was such peace, no more pain or suffering... and the JOY of knowing we would meet at God's house the next time we met.
Soon after Dad's death, our pastor's wife started a bible study on Wednesday evenings. I was going through a difficult situation at work and the bible study came just in time. I had difficult decisions to make. The first evening I walked in, there was Lyn talking to some of my friends. They had known each other better and longer than Lyn and I, but we all sat at the same table and as the weeks progressed, we all seemed to become prayer partners, at that table.
The first night, Jeanne asked all of us to write down a prayer request. It could be as personal and specific as we wanted because, nobody including her would see them. They were put in a box and we prayed over the box for each request inside, but at the end of the sessions, the box was burned along with our burdens.
I had already shared with Lyn most of what was happening before we did this, but she was the only one who knew. She kept it private, but each week would reach over to me to see if things were better and I'm happy to say, although the situation was still tough, my decision about how I should handle it became easier as the weeks went on. I came to a decision, that if it took giving up my job to keep my christian integrity, I would. God blessed me beyond measure... I never had to leave my job. In fact, I was rewarded on three occasions after that for work above and beyond anything I ever could have imagined.
I only saw Lyn a handful of times after that, but I always thanked God for this friend who had come into my life when I needed a friend who knew and believed in the power of prayer. The next big decision I had to make was regarding whether or not I should move out of state to keep my job when our OKC office closed.
Memories of conversations with Marie and Lyn, as well as their prayers came flooding back and I knew that in the most difficult times of my life, God had always been faithful.
The next Sunday, as I walked down to my "usual" seat, the choir was singing "Great is thy faithfulness". We were to let our supervisors know our final decision the next morning. For the next 8 years, I lived and worked in Jacksonville, FL and never had a doubt, I was in the right place for that time.
My first Sunday back in Bethany, I was walking down the sidewalk with my Mom and Lyn was walking toward us. Mom stopped and said, "Grace, I forgot to tell you Lyn had a kidney removed recently" and we both waited as Lyn assured us with a bright smile that she was feeling better than she had in a long time. I've seen Lyn off and on through the last few years.
Last Sunday, I heard the news that Lyn's name was on the prayer list as having cancer. I immediately checked facebook and could tell there had been very few entries in or out, Lyn's most recent entry implied that a group of her cousins were visiting and she was happy but tired. Her info page indicated she was now living with her parents and had stage 4 renal carcinoma.
I knew she must be very sick and may not feel like talking, so I sent a private message with my phone number.
Lyn replied, "Thanks for the prayers. I am stage 4 and very critical, but not quite ready for hospice. So we are making the most of the GOOD days and doing our best on the others..
I am not on fb much and I don't make many phone calls... just don't want you think i am ignoring you or anything... but I will stay in touch as best I can. My stamina is down to just a few minutes." (Lyn Coody January 19 at 7:55pm)
I replied with a few sentences letting her know I understand, but mainly I would be asking my blog readers to pray for her as well.... "I just want you to know I'm thinking of you and sending up prayers on your behalf. If there is anything specific you would like my readers to pray for, just let me know. Otherwise, I am asking prayers for a "friend" unless you tell me it is okay to list you by name. (Grace Smith January 19 at 11:11pm)
Lyn replied back to let me know it was okay to use her name as well as an additional prayer request for her family, "You may use my name. Thanks for the prayers, friend, and for Mother & Daddy, care-giving for a child is hard enough but Mother just turned 85 years old. I do covet your prayers, friends!" {{{{{hugs}}}}
(Lyn Coody January 21 at 1:17pm)
My last message back to Lyn, "I pray tonight for peace, rest and comfort. I know this must be a difficult time for all of you. You are a special child of God. I don't understand why you have to go through this, and I know God can still heal you. Again, I am available for whatever you need.... even "how" and "what" you wish for in the way we pray." (Grace Smith January 22 at 9:06pm)
Lyn may not have the strength to reply again, but we can all continue to pray as she has requested. You can send comments to Lyn and her family at the end of this post. She will see them when she refers to the blog. If you are a close friend or family member, continue to communicate as you have been. I am only doing this as a way of getting news out to friends, such as myself, that did not realize Lyn's health was declining.
We love you, friend!
I hope you enjoy this song: "Home"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBQazCC5K8s&feature=related
Friday, January 22, 2010
Pray for Lyn Coody
I can't type much tonight due to itchy, allergy eyes.... but I just received a note from Lyn to continue to pray for her and with her permission to list her name.
I will write more about Lyn in my next blog, but we met through our parents who became neighbors in 1980 or 1981 soon after Dad was diagnosed with leukemia.
We came to know each other better through a singles bible study a few years later.
I can tell you, Lyn is a beautiful example of what a christian should be. I have no doubt she has sent up many prayers on our behalf, and now is the time for us to pray like we've never prayed before, for our friend Lyn.
I will write more about Lyn in my next blog, but we met through our parents who became neighbors in 1980 or 1981 soon after Dad was diagnosed with leukemia.
We came to know each other better through a singles bible study a few years later.
I can tell you, Lyn is a beautiful example of what a christian should be. I have no doubt she has sent up many prayers on our behalf, and now is the time for us to pray like we've never prayed before, for our friend Lyn.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Answered Prayer
Today is a better day... received 2 answered prayers, but still praying for a friend who is very ill. I don't feel free to mention the name because I have not communicated with the family yet. Please continue to pray with me.
No other news and no songs come to mind today. Getting a little light cleaning done. Hoping to sleep better tonight.
I hope all of you are doing well.
Let me hear from you when you have a moment. You can comment here or on facebook.
No other news and no songs come to mind today. Getting a little light cleaning done. Hoping to sleep better tonight.
I hope all of you are doing well.
Let me hear from you when you have a moment. You can comment here or on facebook.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Make it real - Link and Lyrics included
So much going on in the lives of so many friends.....
I'm praying for good news while waiting for the test results of one friend due today and found out another is now living with her parents because she is in stage 4 renal cancer.
While I continue to pray for the needs of my friends and family, I regret being able to keep in touch with all my friends as I would like.
Right now, I find myself drained and feeling as if my prayers are not getting through.
I sent the lyrics for this song to someone earlier today, who made the request, "I want so much to just feel a bit of his presence....a bit of SOMETHING!" As the day progressed, I'm feeling a need for myself as well. So "Make it Real" will be the song of the day for my blog today. I imagine many of you have felt the same at times.
=========================================
Make it real (Lyrics by Suzanne Gaither Jennings)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSk-JuzlmtI
to hear Mark Lowry sing this song
--------------------------------------
I've seen alot of crazy things done in your name, I know the tricks behind the magic show
I've almost thrown the towel in a time or two and walked away from everything I know
But I can't fill the emptiness inside of me, or calm the troubled waters of my mind
So if you're really out there and you're listening, then prove to me that those who seek will find
----------------------------------------
Chorus
If you can just see fit to show me some of who you are
If you can shed some light into this broken sinner's heart
I need to know the truth and I need something I can feel
I need you to make it real
--------------------------------------
There must be some good reason why you brought me here through valleys where the shadows hover close
Down here, there's a mask to cover every face, your sweet face I long to see the most
So if you think there's just the slightest hope for me, In spite of all my questions and my doubts
Then let me hear your still small voice speak out my name, And let me know what others talk about
---------------------------------------
Chorus
If you can just see fit to show me some of who you are
If you can shed some light into this broken sinner's heart
I need to know the truth and I need something I can feel
I need you to make it real
======================================
I'm praying for good news while waiting for the test results of one friend due today and found out another is now living with her parents because she is in stage 4 renal cancer.
While I continue to pray for the needs of my friends and family, I regret being able to keep in touch with all my friends as I would like.
Right now, I find myself drained and feeling as if my prayers are not getting through.
I sent the lyrics for this song to someone earlier today, who made the request, "I want so much to just feel a bit of his presence....a bit of SOMETHING!" As the day progressed, I'm feeling a need for myself as well. So "Make it Real" will be the song of the day for my blog today. I imagine many of you have felt the same at times.
=========================================
Make it real (Lyrics by Suzanne Gaither Jennings)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSk-JuzlmtI
to hear Mark Lowry sing this song
--------------------------------------
I've seen alot of crazy things done in your name, I know the tricks behind the magic show
I've almost thrown the towel in a time or two and walked away from everything I know
But I can't fill the emptiness inside of me, or calm the troubled waters of my mind
So if you're really out there and you're listening, then prove to me that those who seek will find
----------------------------------------
Chorus
If you can just see fit to show me some of who you are
If you can shed some light into this broken sinner's heart
I need to know the truth and I need something I can feel
I need you to make it real
--------------------------------------
There must be some good reason why you brought me here through valleys where the shadows hover close
Down here, there's a mask to cover every face, your sweet face I long to see the most
So if you think there's just the slightest hope for me, In spite of all my questions and my doubts
Then let me hear your still small voice speak out my name, And let me know what others talk about
---------------------------------------
Chorus
If you can just see fit to show me some of who you are
If you can shed some light into this broken sinner's heart
I need to know the truth and I need something I can feel
I need you to make it real
======================================
Thursday, January 14, 2010
One day at a time, sweet Jesus (includes song)
Dear friends and family:
Please continue to pray for the John Griffis family.... for his wife: Saundra, his children: Matthew, Rachel, Isaac and Hannah, his parents: Jay and Marilyn, his sister: Dawn, and all the extended family and friends who love John's family.
I am posting this Kris Kristofferson song today as my prayer for them. Nothing can be said, that has not already been said. Although each of us have been touched by grief in some way, at some time in our lives, nobody grieves the same, takes the same amount of time to heal or knows how the other one feels.
Whether you know this family or not, just lift them in prayer, that God will bless and heal each individual in this family, as only God knows thier need.
Also, continue to pray for my Aunts and cousins who lost husband's and father's this year.
Song: One day at a time, sweet Jesus
(Recorded at Kennedy Center by Gaither Singers)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uz_QfUzf_V8
For my cousins, you may want to go back to my very first blog in archives for 2009, Saturday, December 19th.... "Just words until the music plays" and then under seperate title, the song: Knowing you'll be there.
I started this blog out of grief and tribute for Uncle Ray, Jim's friend, John and Uncle M.H. Herb, you mentioned once in a phone call or facebook about starting to pick up the phone to tell your Dad something and "Knowing you'll be there" mentions that very thing.
God Bless,
Grace
Please continue to pray for the John Griffis family.... for his wife: Saundra, his children: Matthew, Rachel, Isaac and Hannah, his parents: Jay and Marilyn, his sister: Dawn, and all the extended family and friends who love John's family.
I am posting this Kris Kristofferson song today as my prayer for them. Nothing can be said, that has not already been said. Although each of us have been touched by grief in some way, at some time in our lives, nobody grieves the same, takes the same amount of time to heal or knows how the other one feels.
Whether you know this family or not, just lift them in prayer, that God will bless and heal each individual in this family, as only God knows thier need.
Also, continue to pray for my Aunts and cousins who lost husband's and father's this year.
Song: One day at a time, sweet Jesus
(Recorded at Kennedy Center by Gaither Singers)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uz_QfUzf_V8
For my cousins, you may want to go back to my very first blog in archives for 2009, Saturday, December 19th.... "Just words until the music plays" and then under seperate title, the song: Knowing you'll be there.
I started this blog out of grief and tribute for Uncle Ray, Jim's friend, John and Uncle M.H. Herb, you mentioned once in a phone call or facebook about starting to pick up the phone to tell your Dad something and "Knowing you'll be there" mentions that very thing.
God Bless,
Grace
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
God will make a way (includes link to song)
I'm back! I wish I could tell you how busy my life has been and why I haven't posted for almost 3 weeks, but all I can tell you is, I just haven't felt like it.
After Jim made it safely home from our Uncle's memorial service, I thought life would go back to normal. There would be Christmas Eve and Christmas with the family, then some after Christmas sales where I hoped to pick up some badly needed towels in a new color scheme.
As it turned out, the weather mentioned in my previous blog, didn't allow for that. There was enough of a break that I was able to get to the pharmacy for a refill and pick up a few necessities. Then the weather turned so cold and windy, I just had to stay inside again.
It was clear enough and warm enough for me to house sit with my neice's little dog, "Goofy" for a short weekend while they went to Dallas with friends. On the way over, I stopped at Chik-fil-a and picked up a couple of salads. One grilled chicken with the low-cal vinagarette and then my old time favorite, the chicken strip salad with the original thousand island. I ate one chicken strip while it was hot and then refrigerated the rest for later. "So good"... I hadn't tasted anything fried in a long time and Chik-fil-a is the best!
I left my laundry in the trunk, but made sure to bring in the blanket that Goofy and I use to cuddle up together in front of the TV. He is normally not allowed on the furniture or in the bedrooms, but Lori said as long as he was on the blanket, I could hold him on the furniture. I tried to catch her off-guard and get permission for him to sleep on the bed with me as long as the blanket was there... nope, Lori heard exactly what I said and didn't fall for that! No problem, I usually end up falling asleep in the living room with Goofy on top of me anyway.
The tree was still up and beautifully decorated, but I couldn't figure out how to turn the lights on. so I cuddled up in my warm fuzzy gown and slippers, under the blanket with Goofy and started watching a Christmas movie. The laundry could wait until the following day.
As usual I dozed off during the movie and woke up to Goofy sleeping on his own pillow bed. I had only missed about 45 minutes of the movie, so I was able to rewind on the DVR and still watch the rest. I wandered to the kitchen to eat the rest of my salad and then started feeling sick. I thought it was the combination of the fried chicken, the salad roughage and the high fat dresssing that I had not been eating for awhile. Since Goofy seemed content to sleep on his bed, after his "healthy" snack of baby carrots, I went to the bedroom as soon as the movie was over and watched something on regular cable until I fell asleep. I slept until the sun woke me up..... it was 11 am!
A beautiful day to get the laundry done and enjoy the comfy furniture, big screen TV and play with Goofy...
but oh, I was sick. I never did bring in the laundry and I never did anything, but sleep and watch TV the whole weekend. Goofy seemed to sense I wasn't well. He would bring one of his toys over beside the chair and play by himself. I called Jim's cell phone Sunday evening to see how far out they were. He said they would be home in about an hour. I didn't make it. About 30 minutes later, I had to get home.
I slept away about 2 more days at the apartment and everything was fine, so I guess I may have picked up a stomach bug. The apartment had been neglected far too long and was a mess with boxes, bags, paper, ribbons and gifts yet to be given. But, I had an "excuse".... we still hadn't been together as a family to have a chance to open gifts. I realized I had not seen Jim or Jenna since the Thursday before the accident of Jim's friend and hadn't seen Lori since before then. (Before Thanksgiving)
Anyway, we finally were able to gather together at Mom's house this Monday evening. Jim brought in chinese food which was really good. We were all talking at once about everything, anything and nothing at all. It had been so long, it was kind of crazy. But we opened gifts, had an indoor paperball fight and then Jenna had the dubious task of cleaning up the mess that her daddy and I had made, along with her. She and Jim took it a step further, with a game of trashbag basketball.
Lori, (thank you) cleared the rest of the dishes off the table and cleaned the kitchen. I said something about picking out a color scheme for my bathroom when Lori mentioned she had some things she had used in her office at SNU that I might like. She brought them in, and they were perfect. Part of the pieces I can use in my living room and the rest match with the color scheme I was thinking of for the bathroom. She and Jenna loaded them into my trunk and off we went.
I'm sure Mom was a little down that she was left with a quiet house after all the laughter and chaos that had been there just moments before. On the other hand, maybe she was glad she was able to retreat back into some peaceful quiet. I need to call her in a minute, we didn't talk all day yesterday, which is unusual for us.
Well, there you go. No reason I haven't updated in awhile. Just life!
Last evening and this morning were spent preparing for the quarterly extermination. I'm in a lot of pain and dread the days ahead that I need to spend cleaning so that I can enjoy the new decor for my bathroom.
Oh for the days when I lived here 30 years ago and could run back and forth to the laundry room at the community center and then run up and down the stairs taking out trash and bringing in groceries, then running back to the community center to move the laundry to the dryers, visiting with neighbors in between... not to mention working full time, going to the hospital to see Dad and selling something (AVON, Home Interiors, House of Lloyd... whatever was hot at the time!)
Now, I'm one of the tenants who the younger ones look out for. Occasionally, one will take a bag of trash out of my hands, have it down to the dumpster and make it back before I even make it out of the driveway! I now live on the first floor as a "disabled" person while hearing my young neighbors and thier children running up and down the stairs.. sometimes laughing, sometimes fussing, sometimes crying, yet always helpful and kind when they see me. I'll tell you another time about how I met the little girl upstairs the first time. She always has a story to tell me and sometimes I find cookies taped to my door, made by she and her mother.
It's like a family here, this little community. I'm happy to back here... in the good days and in the painful ones. God will make a way, however long it takes.
Song: God will make a way
Sung by Janet Paschal with Vestal Goodman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsJY48WI3T8
Music Video by Janet Paschal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAz7K72a8ks
After Jim made it safely home from our Uncle's memorial service, I thought life would go back to normal. There would be Christmas Eve and Christmas with the family, then some after Christmas sales where I hoped to pick up some badly needed towels in a new color scheme.
As it turned out, the weather mentioned in my previous blog, didn't allow for that. There was enough of a break that I was able to get to the pharmacy for a refill and pick up a few necessities. Then the weather turned so cold and windy, I just had to stay inside again.
It was clear enough and warm enough for me to house sit with my neice's little dog, "Goofy" for a short weekend while they went to Dallas with friends. On the way over, I stopped at Chik-fil-a and picked up a couple of salads. One grilled chicken with the low-cal vinagarette and then my old time favorite, the chicken strip salad with the original thousand island. I ate one chicken strip while it was hot and then refrigerated the rest for later. "So good"... I hadn't tasted anything fried in a long time and Chik-fil-a is the best!
I left my laundry in the trunk, but made sure to bring in the blanket that Goofy and I use to cuddle up together in front of the TV. He is normally not allowed on the furniture or in the bedrooms, but Lori said as long as he was on the blanket, I could hold him on the furniture. I tried to catch her off-guard and get permission for him to sleep on the bed with me as long as the blanket was there... nope, Lori heard exactly what I said and didn't fall for that! No problem, I usually end up falling asleep in the living room with Goofy on top of me anyway.
The tree was still up and beautifully decorated, but I couldn't figure out how to turn the lights on. so I cuddled up in my warm fuzzy gown and slippers, under the blanket with Goofy and started watching a Christmas movie. The laundry could wait until the following day.
As usual I dozed off during the movie and woke up to Goofy sleeping on his own pillow bed. I had only missed about 45 minutes of the movie, so I was able to rewind on the DVR and still watch the rest. I wandered to the kitchen to eat the rest of my salad and then started feeling sick. I thought it was the combination of the fried chicken, the salad roughage and the high fat dresssing that I had not been eating for awhile. Since Goofy seemed content to sleep on his bed, after his "healthy" snack of baby carrots, I went to the bedroom as soon as the movie was over and watched something on regular cable until I fell asleep. I slept until the sun woke me up..... it was 11 am!
A beautiful day to get the laundry done and enjoy the comfy furniture, big screen TV and play with Goofy...
but oh, I was sick. I never did bring in the laundry and I never did anything, but sleep and watch TV the whole weekend. Goofy seemed to sense I wasn't well. He would bring one of his toys over beside the chair and play by himself. I called Jim's cell phone Sunday evening to see how far out they were. He said they would be home in about an hour. I didn't make it. About 30 minutes later, I had to get home.
I slept away about 2 more days at the apartment and everything was fine, so I guess I may have picked up a stomach bug. The apartment had been neglected far too long and was a mess with boxes, bags, paper, ribbons and gifts yet to be given. But, I had an "excuse".... we still hadn't been together as a family to have a chance to open gifts. I realized I had not seen Jim or Jenna since the Thursday before the accident of Jim's friend and hadn't seen Lori since before then. (Before Thanksgiving)
Anyway, we finally were able to gather together at Mom's house this Monday evening. Jim brought in chinese food which was really good. We were all talking at once about everything, anything and nothing at all. It had been so long, it was kind of crazy. But we opened gifts, had an indoor paperball fight and then Jenna had the dubious task of cleaning up the mess that her daddy and I had made, along with her. She and Jim took it a step further, with a game of trashbag basketball.
Lori, (thank you) cleared the rest of the dishes off the table and cleaned the kitchen. I said something about picking out a color scheme for my bathroom when Lori mentioned she had some things she had used in her office at SNU that I might like. She brought them in, and they were perfect. Part of the pieces I can use in my living room and the rest match with the color scheme I was thinking of for the bathroom. She and Jenna loaded them into my trunk and off we went.
I'm sure Mom was a little down that she was left with a quiet house after all the laughter and chaos that had been there just moments before. On the other hand, maybe she was glad she was able to retreat back into some peaceful quiet. I need to call her in a minute, we didn't talk all day yesterday, which is unusual for us.
Well, there you go. No reason I haven't updated in awhile. Just life!
Last evening and this morning were spent preparing for the quarterly extermination. I'm in a lot of pain and dread the days ahead that I need to spend cleaning so that I can enjoy the new decor for my bathroom.
Oh for the days when I lived here 30 years ago and could run back and forth to the laundry room at the community center and then run up and down the stairs taking out trash and bringing in groceries, then running back to the community center to move the laundry to the dryers, visiting with neighbors in between... not to mention working full time, going to the hospital to see Dad and selling something (AVON, Home Interiors, House of Lloyd... whatever was hot at the time!)
Now, I'm one of the tenants who the younger ones look out for. Occasionally, one will take a bag of trash out of my hands, have it down to the dumpster and make it back before I even make it out of the driveway! I now live on the first floor as a "disabled" person while hearing my young neighbors and thier children running up and down the stairs.. sometimes laughing, sometimes fussing, sometimes crying, yet always helpful and kind when they see me. I'll tell you another time about how I met the little girl upstairs the first time. She always has a story to tell me and sometimes I find cookies taped to my door, made by she and her mother.
It's like a family here, this little community. I'm happy to back here... in the good days and in the painful ones. God will make a way, however long it takes.
Song: God will make a way
Sung by Janet Paschal with Vestal Goodman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsJY48WI3T8
Music Video by Janet Paschal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAz7K72a8ks
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