Always something to decide. Many small decisions take place during the course of a day. What's for breakfast, what to wear and what to do first begins the day. Things that need to be done don't require a decision - just do it! Then there are the things that require some thought.
Well, those decisions are simple and easy to handle. Bigger decisions are on the horizon. Through the years we were always pretty good at making decisions. We weren't afraid to take a chance, make a move or try something new. As a couple and as a family, we were always "up" for something new.
Sometimes decisions are right and sometimes decisions are not so right. I like to think most of the big decisions we have made were the right ones. Like getting married....what a great idea that was! And from that day on the decisions were made for us by the USN. Where to live, where to work, etc. etc. as well as when to move. Moving consisted of loading up a friend's car with all of our belongings and driving a few hundred miles to the north and settling in at a new base. Those were the early ones.
As our family began to grow, the decisions were a little more complicated. With a young daughter to consider, we moved to a town close to the base where there was family support. With two little ones, we moved to the navy town so our family could be together more. The next move required a moving truck as our household goods had increased and at the end a two bedroom apartment where we could spread out and grow together. Eventually, there came the final move where our household goods were put in storage and we flew to a tiny island thousands of miles from family and everything familiar. The next two years were good - a time for growth in our Christian faith and our dependence on one another. Also a time of great homesickness with no chance for a visit with family. We survived.
We continued to survive for the next 52 years. Civilian life was good. Moves were made for schooling, work, and ministry. Children grew and left home. A decision to re-enter the military and, once again, leave everything behind was made. Three of our kids were out of the nest - we still had two more and the four of us moved to the east coast and our final adventure as a navy family. Of course, this also required some changes. Charleston, SC for four years, Patuxent River, MD for two more. Finally, we ended up in Virginia Beach, VA for the last four years as a navy family.
Civilian life found us staying in this part of the country. Oh, we moved a few times. After ten years in our Virginia Beach home, we moved to Norfolk. After four years in this home we moved to Chesapeake. Twelve years ago we moved to our present home in Bedford, Virginia. This has become "finally home" to us. Although our children are not here with us, it has become home to them as well. It is the longest we have ever lived in one home - even as children the rented homes we lived in were sold or for some other reason made unavailable to our families and we were on the move.
Now it is time for us to make another decision about moving. Circumstances do change and we, too, have changed. Having celebrated our 79th birthdays in the past couple of months, we are becoming aware of some physical changes that cannot be denied as we approach our 80's. We are thankful for the good health we have enjoyed throughout our lives. We are thankful for the activities we still enjoy and for the strength God has given us to take care of this home and yard and all that goes with owning something so lovely.
That said, we are depending on God to lead us once again into a move that will carry us into old age. Our children love us and care about our happiness. There is a home that seems perfect for us. No outdoor maintenance, our daughter as our landlord, and plenty of room for us to live comfortably. It would be nice if we could just jump from where we are now to where we'd like to be. It's not that easy, of course. It takes sorting through years of "stuff" that we've saved because it was worth it. We need to make sure our home is in tip top shape when we sell it so the new owner will love it and care for it as we do. I find my mind working long after I need to be asleep at night, keeping me awake with "to do" lists of what I need to tackle in the morning.
Prayer and trusting the Lord to lead and guide us is highest on our list of priorities. We know that He will continue to lead us as He has in all the years gone by and we are excited to see what He has in store for us.
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God; to them that are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
Sunday, September 17, 2017
Saturday, April 1, 2017
A Memory From My Past - March 31, 1970
Spring had finally come to northern Wisconsin. The sunshine was beginning to feel warm on my bare arms as I walked in the yard of my little house. For the first time in many months, I didn't have to wear a sweater or jacket and it was nice. This was a special spring. Soon I would give birth to my baby - number five in our family. Two girls and two boys so far. It didn't matter to me if this baby was a boy or girl. All of our children were a joy to us and another boy would be just as welcome as another girl.
Although the due date was still a week away, I was beginning to see signs of the coming birth. Easter Sunday had been an emotional day. For some reason, my tears were ready at the mention of almost any subject. I was feeling especially "homesick" and wished our family were closer at this time. I knew I'd have to leave my baby boy (almost four) for a few days when I went to the hospital and that worried me. The others would be fine at home with Daddy in the evenings and at school during the day. My little guy was staying with friends in another town who loved him and would show him a good time. But I knew we had never been apart and he'd miss me.
The beautiful new baby clothes had been washed and carefully put in a drawer awaiting this new little one. My friends had given me a shower a few weeks ago and it was such fun to look through all these fresh new things. One of my friends had given me a beautiful pink outfit with lace on it, obviously for a girl. She told me she couldn't pass it up and included the sales slip in case it had to be returned. I loved it!
As I sat in our living room, watching my little one play with blocks and enjoying the afternoon quiet, I reflected on our years here in this house. The huge yard was the first thing that attracted us to this place. Then the large living room with dining area at one end. The harvest table sat in front of the window, looking out onto our front porch. To separate this from the living room, I had hung white lace curtains at the single window. A long bench on either side sat our family and the ever present parade of friends who ate our Sunday dinner with us. A missionary family traveling through, a pastor who was retired and now ran a Christian campground. Our former pastor who came a weekend a month to lead our church services.
I laughed aloud as I remembered the time a family of six came for the weekend. Four kids plus three of ours slept on sleeping bags on our basement floor, which had a section carpeted and paneled off for a possible fourth bedroom. The tiny kitchen and apartment sized stove fed countless mouths day after day as we lived and loved in this, our home. Often, nearly all of the weeks' grocery money was spent on a special Sunday dinner for guests and we lived on leftovers and sandwiches and creative casseroles the rest of the week. It was always a blessing and I was happier than I ever imagined I could be. On Saturday afternoons we'd pack up the kids and go out to our church, which was meeting in an old schoolhouse that had been renovated. We'd vacuum and dust and polish while the kids played outside or took naps behind the pulpit. Afterwards, we'd stop for an ice cream or other treat on the long drive home. Such a wonderful life - and I was thankful!
Early the next morning, I awoke with a dull pain in my back. Aha! I guess the baby would not wait until it was due after all. I got up and fixed breakfast for the kids and as they headed out the door, I told them they may have to go next door for lunch today. I didn't want to get them upset, so I just hinted at the possibility this might be the day the new baby would put in an appearance. The pains were becoming more intense and closer together by now so it was time to go. I put on a nice maternity jumper, called our neighbor and let her know the kids would be coming for lunch and then dropped our little guy off at a friend's home down the street. He would be picked up later by the family who would be caring for him. I kissed him and said a tearful "goodbye" and climbed back into our car. We were almost out of gas, so we had to stop at the gas station on our way. Jim, the guy who owned the place and knew us well, wondered where we were going and why Wally wasn't at work. He wasn't surprised that we were on our way to the hospital.
After checking in and getting all the paperwork taken care of, we settled down to the business of getting this little one born. Most of my labors had been long and slow so I wasn't expecting anything too quick, which was good. Wally called some friends and our parents to let them know where we were and then we relaxed in the hospital labor room.
As the day went on, it became obvious that Wally wouldn't be home in time for the kids after school so Barb, a friend of ours went to our home to wait for them. Soon her husband joined her and another friend, Marcella. It wasn't long before Dr. Gray stopped by on his way home from the office and Pat and Tony, friends and neighbors joined the crowd. Bedtime came and the three oldest kids were well taken care of by our dear friends. Our little guy was now safely in the home of Russ and Del and having a ball.
The labor and delivery went pretty normal. Other than the doctor giving me the epidural early and having it all worn off long before the baby appeared, it was a normal birth. At two minutes before midnight, our darling baby girl came into the world. She weighed 9 lbs. 2 oz. and was beautiful. We checked her over, counting all her fingers and toes and she was perfect. I can't remember a time in my life when I was happier or more fulfilled than that day. She was all I ever wanted and our entire family was on cloud nine. We named her "Susan Ruth".
Five days later, when we brought her home from the hospital, it was so good for our family to be together again. A neighbor brought us supper and Wally headed off to work at his part time job. After all, there was another mouth to feed and it took all the hours he could work to afford to meet the needs of this happy, growing family.
Although the due date was still a week away, I was beginning to see signs of the coming birth. Easter Sunday had been an emotional day. For some reason, my tears were ready at the mention of almost any subject. I was feeling especially "homesick" and wished our family were closer at this time. I knew I'd have to leave my baby boy (almost four) for a few days when I went to the hospital and that worried me. The others would be fine at home with Daddy in the evenings and at school during the day. My little guy was staying with friends in another town who loved him and would show him a good time. But I knew we had never been apart and he'd miss me.
The beautiful new baby clothes had been washed and carefully put in a drawer awaiting this new little one. My friends had given me a shower a few weeks ago and it was such fun to look through all these fresh new things. One of my friends had given me a beautiful pink outfit with lace on it, obviously for a girl. She told me she couldn't pass it up and included the sales slip in case it had to be returned. I loved it!
As I sat in our living room, watching my little one play with blocks and enjoying the afternoon quiet, I reflected on our years here in this house. The huge yard was the first thing that attracted us to this place. Then the large living room with dining area at one end. The harvest table sat in front of the window, looking out onto our front porch. To separate this from the living room, I had hung white lace curtains at the single window. A long bench on either side sat our family and the ever present parade of friends who ate our Sunday dinner with us. A missionary family traveling through, a pastor who was retired and now ran a Christian campground. Our former pastor who came a weekend a month to lead our church services.
I laughed aloud as I remembered the time a family of six came for the weekend. Four kids plus three of ours slept on sleeping bags on our basement floor, which had a section carpeted and paneled off for a possible fourth bedroom. The tiny kitchen and apartment sized stove fed countless mouths day after day as we lived and loved in this, our home. Often, nearly all of the weeks' grocery money was spent on a special Sunday dinner for guests and we lived on leftovers and sandwiches and creative casseroles the rest of the week. It was always a blessing and I was happier than I ever imagined I could be. On Saturday afternoons we'd pack up the kids and go out to our church, which was meeting in an old schoolhouse that had been renovated. We'd vacuum and dust and polish while the kids played outside or took naps behind the pulpit. Afterwards, we'd stop for an ice cream or other treat on the long drive home. Such a wonderful life - and I was thankful!
Early the next morning, I awoke with a dull pain in my back. Aha! I guess the baby would not wait until it was due after all. I got up and fixed breakfast for the kids and as they headed out the door, I told them they may have to go next door for lunch today. I didn't want to get them upset, so I just hinted at the possibility this might be the day the new baby would put in an appearance. The pains were becoming more intense and closer together by now so it was time to go. I put on a nice maternity jumper, called our neighbor and let her know the kids would be coming for lunch and then dropped our little guy off at a friend's home down the street. He would be picked up later by the family who would be caring for him. I kissed him and said a tearful "goodbye" and climbed back into our car. We were almost out of gas, so we had to stop at the gas station on our way. Jim, the guy who owned the place and knew us well, wondered where we were going and why Wally wasn't at work. He wasn't surprised that we were on our way to the hospital.
After checking in and getting all the paperwork taken care of, we settled down to the business of getting this little one born. Most of my labors had been long and slow so I wasn't expecting anything too quick, which was good. Wally called some friends and our parents to let them know where we were and then we relaxed in the hospital labor room.
As the day went on, it became obvious that Wally wouldn't be home in time for the kids after school so Barb, a friend of ours went to our home to wait for them. Soon her husband joined her and another friend, Marcella. It wasn't long before Dr. Gray stopped by on his way home from the office and Pat and Tony, friends and neighbors joined the crowd. Bedtime came and the three oldest kids were well taken care of by our dear friends. Our little guy was now safely in the home of Russ and Del and having a ball.
The labor and delivery went pretty normal. Other than the doctor giving me the epidural early and having it all worn off long before the baby appeared, it was a normal birth. At two minutes before midnight, our darling baby girl came into the world. She weighed 9 lbs. 2 oz. and was beautiful. We checked her over, counting all her fingers and toes and she was perfect. I can't remember a time in my life when I was happier or more fulfilled than that day. She was all I ever wanted and our entire family was on cloud nine. We named her "Susan Ruth".
Five days later, when we brought her home from the hospital, it was so good for our family to be together again. A neighbor brought us supper and Wally headed off to work at his part time job. After all, there was another mouth to feed and it took all the hours he could work to afford to meet the needs of this happy, growing family.
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Finally Home
Recently, I've been thinking about all the places I've called home over the past 70+ years. It's hard to believe I've been around that long - but it's true. In all of those years, I have never lived longer than ten years in any one home - until now!
When I mentioned this to a friend recently she answered "Finally Home". Yes, finally home. When we found this house, in this neighborhood, in this town, nearly eleven years ago, we did feel like we were coming home.
Even though it meant moving away from those we loved. Even though it meant starting a new life in a place we had no friends or acquaintances and even though it would require tremendous effort to pack up our belongings and move them out of our current home 200 miles west, it still felt like we were finally home.
During the past ten and a half years, there have been times when the emptiness we experience as we miss our loved ones is almost more than we can bear and causes us to question the wisdom of moving here. But then, we realize that the times we enjoy being with our family are precious - going to bed together and getting up in the morning together and spending days on end just enjoying one another. Here at our home as well as in their homes it has brought us together in a closer way.
Here, we've discovered a whole new world together. Smith Mountain Lake is a source of countless fun times. We hike, we boat and we picnic at the state park. Sometimes we stay in a cabin or in a beautiful lake house with all the amenities of home. We take classes and learn how to canoe or make candles or most recently, walking sticks. We have found favorite restaurants and shops and places to love as we explore what has become our new home.
I like to think we provide an escape for these busy families when life gets too hard. A place to come and relax and unwind and enjoy the comforts of being "home". Even after all these years, I still remember the feeling of walking through the door to my parents' apartment and feeling the comfort of knowing I am with them where they live. I pray this is the way our kids and grandkids feel when they walk through our front door. This is a place where there is love and comfort and acceptance. Even when the world is treating them harshly and their days are filled with anxiety, there is love and a warm welcome here at home.
God has surely provided a place for us to live and thrive during these later years. Although I'm well aware of the fact that we won't be here forever, we will enjoy the times we have left to nurture and encourage the children that God has given to us. We've been parents for more than 50 years and it's more evident than ever that our responsibility is not over yet. For that we thank God. It is truly the greatest joy of our lives.
"Before me, even as behind, God is, and all is well". John Greenleaf Whittier
Until next time......
When I mentioned this to a friend recently she answered "Finally Home". Yes, finally home. When we found this house, in this neighborhood, in this town, nearly eleven years ago, we did feel like we were coming home.
Even though it meant moving away from those we loved. Even though it meant starting a new life in a place we had no friends or acquaintances and even though it would require tremendous effort to pack up our belongings and move them out of our current home 200 miles west, it still felt like we were finally home.
During the past ten and a half years, there have been times when the emptiness we experience as we miss our loved ones is almost more than we can bear and causes us to question the wisdom of moving here. But then, we realize that the times we enjoy being with our family are precious - going to bed together and getting up in the morning together and spending days on end just enjoying one another. Here at our home as well as in their homes it has brought us together in a closer way.
Here, we've discovered a whole new world together. Smith Mountain Lake is a source of countless fun times. We hike, we boat and we picnic at the state park. Sometimes we stay in a cabin or in a beautiful lake house with all the amenities of home. We take classes and learn how to canoe or make candles or most recently, walking sticks. We have found favorite restaurants and shops and places to love as we explore what has become our new home.
I like to think we provide an escape for these busy families when life gets too hard. A place to come and relax and unwind and enjoy the comforts of being "home". Even after all these years, I still remember the feeling of walking through the door to my parents' apartment and feeling the comfort of knowing I am with them where they live. I pray this is the way our kids and grandkids feel when they walk through our front door. This is a place where there is love and comfort and acceptance. Even when the world is treating them harshly and their days are filled with anxiety, there is love and a warm welcome here at home.
God has surely provided a place for us to live and thrive during these later years. Although I'm well aware of the fact that we won't be here forever, we will enjoy the times we have left to nurture and encourage the children that God has given to us. We've been parents for more than 50 years and it's more evident than ever that our responsibility is not over yet. For that we thank God. It is truly the greatest joy of our lives.
"Before me, even as behind, God is, and all is well". John Greenleaf Whittier
Until next time......
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Another Birthday, Another Anniversary, Another Summer!
So far this has been a pretty good summer. Lots of sunshine and warm weather. The grass Wally planted and re-planted three times has finally come up and we now have green grass where there was only dirt for the past ten years. Yay!! Every day he waters and works to keep it growing and it's working!! That alone is enough to count the summer a success. But there is more. It seems we chose just the right flowers for the little garden that surrounds our front porch. Large marigolds are growing and flourishing. Salmon and White geraniums are blooming their little hearts out. It just makes me happy to look out the front door every morning and see all this beauty.
Earlier this week, we celebrated our 58th anniversary. We traveled back to Blowing Rock, NC for the fifth time over the past ten years and stayed at the Azalea Garden Inn. It is a lovely place - we have grown to love being there on these special occasions. We always meet the nicest people over morning coffee on the beautiful covered patio. Our visits often resume at the end of the day when everyone gathers to relax and relive the special places we have found in our wanderings around Blowing Rock.
This year in our gatherings, we met a man who had been staying at the Azalea Inn for 53 years. He had stories to tell about the good old days when AC was not even an option and the screen door provided enough cool breezes to keep his room comfortable. We loved listening to him share the changes he had seen during his career working with AT&T. We also met a couple who were staying here for the first time. They escaped from their busy lives in the home building and financing business to enjoy a few days of rest. I'm sure they will be back. Another couple came all the way from Tulsa, OK as a side trip while traveling on business. We met them one evening and Wally enjoyed sharing his experiences in the Navy with this younger man for hours. He thanked Wally and commented that it reminded him of the hours he spent listening to his grandfather in earlier years. The last morning we met a pastor and his wife from Danville, Virginia, right down the road from where we live. Surely a gathering place of people who were enjoying an escape from the ordinary and everyone was happily celebrating!
Now it is time to begin another year of marriage and another year of loving and serving the Lord who has saved us and brought us this far. As much as we try, we can't ignore the fact that we are getting older and that means there simply are not as many birthdays, anniversaries or trips to Blowing Rock in our future. But we are confident that we are in the hands of the One Who Holds the Future!
Psalm 139:14 "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well."
Until next time....
Earlier this week, we celebrated our 58th anniversary. We traveled back to Blowing Rock, NC for the fifth time over the past ten years and stayed at the Azalea Garden Inn. It is a lovely place - we have grown to love being there on these special occasions. We always meet the nicest people over morning coffee on the beautiful covered patio. Our visits often resume at the end of the day when everyone gathers to relax and relive the special places we have found in our wanderings around Blowing Rock.
This year in our gatherings, we met a man who had been staying at the Azalea Inn for 53 years. He had stories to tell about the good old days when AC was not even an option and the screen door provided enough cool breezes to keep his room comfortable. We loved listening to him share the changes he had seen during his career working with AT&T. We also met a couple who were staying here for the first time. They escaped from their busy lives in the home building and financing business to enjoy a few days of rest. I'm sure they will be back. Another couple came all the way from Tulsa, OK as a side trip while traveling on business. We met them one evening and Wally enjoyed sharing his experiences in the Navy with this younger man for hours. He thanked Wally and commented that it reminded him of the hours he spent listening to his grandfather in earlier years. The last morning we met a pastor and his wife from Danville, Virginia, right down the road from where we live. Surely a gathering place of people who were enjoying an escape from the ordinary and everyone was happily celebrating!
Now it is time to begin another year of marriage and another year of loving and serving the Lord who has saved us and brought us this far. As much as we try, we can't ignore the fact that we are getting older and that means there simply are not as many birthdays, anniversaries or trips to Blowing Rock in our future. But we are confident that we are in the hands of the One Who Holds the Future!
Psalm 139:14 "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well."
Until next time....
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Winter Thoughts
It's almost the end of January - Christmas is gone and Spring is still far off and we are struggling to get through the cold and dreariness of winter. I love the colder weather, sweaters, fire in the fireplace and most of all snow. So far we've had everything but the snow this winter. It will probably come in February - and then go away before we have a chance to build a decent snowman. And those who do build snowmen, will find them melting with the warm spring breezes right around the corner.
One thing I am enjoying. This year, for the first time ever, we still have most of our Christmas décor lit up and making our home beautiful. The greenery in the windows and on the mantel is just winter after all. The lighted snowman outside the kitchen doorway looks good as do all the rest of the snowmen who are on display for longer than ever this year. I can't believe I'm getting away with this. Every year I beg to keep these things around and every year they are packed up and put away. Naturally, the Christmas tree and nativity (at least the big one) has been wrapped and stored in the attic. But having these remnants of the Christmas season around has made me happy and I am enjoying every minute of it.
Soon they will be gone - the house will seem empty for a little while and then the flowers and spring time "stuff" will begin to fill the gaps and we'll begin to think about the garden and all will be well. I love the promise that God gave us in His Word.
Genesis 8:22."While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease."
Until next time.......
One thing I am enjoying. This year, for the first time ever, we still have most of our Christmas décor lit up and making our home beautiful. The greenery in the windows and on the mantel is just winter after all. The lighted snowman outside the kitchen doorway looks good as do all the rest of the snowmen who are on display for longer than ever this year. I can't believe I'm getting away with this. Every year I beg to keep these things around and every year they are packed up and put away. Naturally, the Christmas tree and nativity (at least the big one) has been wrapped and stored in the attic. But having these remnants of the Christmas season around has made me happy and I am enjoying every minute of it.
Soon they will be gone - the house will seem empty for a little while and then the flowers and spring time "stuff" will begin to fill the gaps and we'll begin to think about the garden and all will be well. I love the promise that God gave us in His Word.
Genesis 8:22."While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease."
Until next time.......
Friday, July 18, 2014
Well, here it is the middle of summer and time is flying by. It's been a quiet time here in the Blue Ridge the past few weeks. Not many visitors and not much going on. But a lot of peace and quiet and beauty surround us as always. It's a pleasure to wake up each morning with another day to enjoy and appreciate all that God has given us.
However, we've had our share of heartaches already this summer. Daughter Dale was diagnosed with kidney failure the end of May. The doctors felt it was serious enough to begin dialysis immediately even though there were no symptoms other than fatigue. I am in constant contact with her even though there are 1000 miles between us and was concerned about her lack of motivation. It was when her labs were checked for her annual physical that the kidney function was discovered. Immediately we began to make plans for a trip west to be with her. We were in Wisconsin within a week of the diagnosis and before her first dialysis treatment.
Meeting with her doctor and other technicians who were administering the dialysis, we were told that without this treatment she would not survive to see another Christmas. With the treatment, she would live a normal life other than spending three days a week in the hospital. Surgery was performed to create a temporary entrance for the dialysis. It was in her chest, prone to infection and inconvenience in that she could not bathe or shower or get the tubes wet. She was not happy but was willing to go through with the process.
That was six weeks ago. Yesterday she met with the doctor who will create a permanent entrance for the dialysis - called a fistula - next week. It will be another surgery and will take approximately six weeks to heal and be ready to use.
That said, the results of her latest labs are showing improvement. She is no longer in kidney failure but a long ways from being normal. Sometimes I question the wisdom of going through the process of implanting the fistula but then I realize that the danger of infection from the current trail needs to be eliminated. The doctor who is treating her told us in the beginning there was little or no chance of her kidneys healing. But this week he admitted that the improvement was surprising and there was a very slim chance that they would be normal one day. I feel our prayers are being answered. I know that God can do anything and will continue to pray that Dale's life can return to normal.
Other than that, life is good. We will be celebrating our 57th anniversary this weekend with a trip to Charlotte, NC and the Billy Graham Library. This is a place we've wanted to see for a long time and should be a wonderful time.
The month ahead holds some fun times with the Moody family staying at nearby Smith Mountain Lake for a week and a visit to Chesapeake for Grandson Jake's graduation from welding school. Then the fall season will be upon us with cooler weather, the beauty of the mountains and a nice long visit with Dale.
Until next time......God's richest blessings as we trust Him for all our needs.
Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Phil 4;6
However, we've had our share of heartaches already this summer. Daughter Dale was diagnosed with kidney failure the end of May. The doctors felt it was serious enough to begin dialysis immediately even though there were no symptoms other than fatigue. I am in constant contact with her even though there are 1000 miles between us and was concerned about her lack of motivation. It was when her labs were checked for her annual physical that the kidney function was discovered. Immediately we began to make plans for a trip west to be with her. We were in Wisconsin within a week of the diagnosis and before her first dialysis treatment.
Meeting with her doctor and other technicians who were administering the dialysis, we were told that without this treatment she would not survive to see another Christmas. With the treatment, she would live a normal life other than spending three days a week in the hospital. Surgery was performed to create a temporary entrance for the dialysis. It was in her chest, prone to infection and inconvenience in that she could not bathe or shower or get the tubes wet. She was not happy but was willing to go through with the process.
That was six weeks ago. Yesterday she met with the doctor who will create a permanent entrance for the dialysis - called a fistula - next week. It will be another surgery and will take approximately six weeks to heal and be ready to use.
That said, the results of her latest labs are showing improvement. She is no longer in kidney failure but a long ways from being normal. Sometimes I question the wisdom of going through the process of implanting the fistula but then I realize that the danger of infection from the current trail needs to be eliminated. The doctor who is treating her told us in the beginning there was little or no chance of her kidneys healing. But this week he admitted that the improvement was surprising and there was a very slim chance that they would be normal one day. I feel our prayers are being answered. I know that God can do anything and will continue to pray that Dale's life can return to normal.
Other than that, life is good. We will be celebrating our 57th anniversary this weekend with a trip to Charlotte, NC and the Billy Graham Library. This is a place we've wanted to see for a long time and should be a wonderful time.
The month ahead holds some fun times with the Moody family staying at nearby Smith Mountain Lake for a week and a visit to Chesapeake for Grandson Jake's graduation from welding school. Then the fall season will be upon us with cooler weather, the beauty of the mountains and a nice long visit with Dale.
Until next time......God's richest blessings as we trust Him for all our needs.
Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Phil 4;6
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Thoughts On a Winter Afternoon
So far, we've had a cold but otherwise uneventful winter this year. Lots of "warnings" but none that ever come to pass. So it's been a bit boring here in the little town at the foot of the Blue Ridge. Oh, not for me. I have enough projects and plans in my head to keep me busy way beyond my expiration date.
Speaking of which, I have been more and more aware of just how fast time is passing these days. By the time my mom was my age she had made up her mind to stay in bed the rest of her life. A broken hip changed her life and kept her from ever walking again. Soon she was in a nursing home being cared for night and day. My dad spent his days at her bedside. Living in a senior apartment across the road from the "home" he dressed each morning and walked over to spend the day with her. It was a happy time for him. He enjoyed joking with the nursing staff and bringing in the treats that made mom happy. Mostly grapes and 7 up. Most days he ate lunch there with her and it was satisfying. The little apartment that was their home became just a stopping off place for Dad. His real life was there with Mom.
After a few years Dad wasn't doing so well. He really didn't have anyone taking care of him and his health was wavering. Occasionally he would push Mom across the road in a wheelchair and they would spend an afternoon at "home". But they were both beginning to realize this was not home anymore.
My sister was getting worn out from taking care of the paperwork and keeping a watchful eye on Mom's care as well as Dad. She had a growing family to take care of, too, and was working to help make ends meet. I spent as much time as I could with them. Flying back to Racine became a regular occurrence during the last years of their lives. While I was there, I would stay with my in laws and catch up with how things were with them as well. They were always a joy to visit and made me feel welcome during these visits.
I remember some special times that I spent with my parents. The first was before Dad was sick. He picked me up and drove me to the nursing home. Every day we went out to lunch together at a different place. It was such fun. Sometimes we'd be joined by my niece or my cousin and those memories will stay with me always. I think he was happy. Another time my daughter Cindy and her two little girls joined me in Racine. She flew from Florida, I flew from Virginia. We loved being together for that time. The little ones were such a joy especially for my Dad. He loved them. Erin and Heather, although very young, were perfect little great grandkids for my parents. Smiling and cuddling with these old folks they had never seen before was natural for them. I was so proud to have my parents together with my precious little ones.
Somehow, I always thought Dad would survive Mom and come and stay with us. He had so many talents and gifts that could be put to use. He loved gardening and would have been so happy with a yard and garden to tend - and we would have been so happy to have him here with us.
But this was not meant to be. The day came when Dad could no longer live in the apartment alone. My sister found a nursing home where the two of them could share a room and we felt comfortable moving him there. I went back and stayed with him for the first week he was settling in. He wasn't happy about leaving his home. And, surprisingly, Mom wasn't all that thrilled to have him as her roommate. They vied for attention when my sister's family would bring in their dog or when other visitors came by. It just wasn't the same.
I came to stay with them that week. I sat between them in the small room they shared. We watched TV and ate lunch together. I drove his car that spring week and brought it to the window of the nursing home. He was wheeled down to look at it and that seemed to satisfy him. He asked me how it drove and I told him it was great as always. It was a mess - inside and out. He just didn't have the strength or motivation to take care of the car during those last years. Eventually it was sold to be used by the police department as a surveillance vehicle. Dad would have liked that.
Every evening of that week, I went through their belongings and gathered pictures and little treasures that they had saved through the years. One thing I really enjoy is the typed program from their wedding reception. The type is faded and the creases are beginning to tear but the words are there. Songs and jokes and anecdotes about the "bride and groom". It's sweet to think of them that way. Young and vibrant - good looking too! They were so happy and so much in love.
In October we went back to Wisconsin for a last visit with Dad. He was in the hospital at this time and was very weak. I knew in my heart that Dad would be gone soon. I remember crying all the way across Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. Three months later we got the call that Dad had passed away. We drove through a huge snowstorm to get back there to say goodbye to Dad. The weather was so bad that there was no service at the cemetery. In fact, the ground was frozen so hard that his burial didn't take place until spring.
Mom followed Dad 21 months later and they now lay side by side sharing a single marker for their graves. Although Mom and Dad didn't leave much in worldly goods there was one gift that will affect us through eternity. Through the witness and prayers of my parents, I was led to a personal faith in Christ. Then my Wally, my children and grandchildren. One day we will all be together again thanks to the faithfulness and love of this dear couple.
Being confident of this very thing, that He who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
Speaking of which, I have been more and more aware of just how fast time is passing these days. By the time my mom was my age she had made up her mind to stay in bed the rest of her life. A broken hip changed her life and kept her from ever walking again. Soon she was in a nursing home being cared for night and day. My dad spent his days at her bedside. Living in a senior apartment across the road from the "home" he dressed each morning and walked over to spend the day with her. It was a happy time for him. He enjoyed joking with the nursing staff and bringing in the treats that made mom happy. Mostly grapes and 7 up. Most days he ate lunch there with her and it was satisfying. The little apartment that was their home became just a stopping off place for Dad. His real life was there with Mom.
After a few years Dad wasn't doing so well. He really didn't have anyone taking care of him and his health was wavering. Occasionally he would push Mom across the road in a wheelchair and they would spend an afternoon at "home". But they were both beginning to realize this was not home anymore.
My sister was getting worn out from taking care of the paperwork and keeping a watchful eye on Mom's care as well as Dad. She had a growing family to take care of, too, and was working to help make ends meet. I spent as much time as I could with them. Flying back to Racine became a regular occurrence during the last years of their lives. While I was there, I would stay with my in laws and catch up with how things were with them as well. They were always a joy to visit and made me feel welcome during these visits.
I remember some special times that I spent with my parents. The first was before Dad was sick. He picked me up and drove me to the nursing home. Every day we went out to lunch together at a different place. It was such fun. Sometimes we'd be joined by my niece or my cousin and those memories will stay with me always. I think he was happy. Another time my daughter Cindy and her two little girls joined me in Racine. She flew from Florida, I flew from Virginia. We loved being together for that time. The little ones were such a joy especially for my Dad. He loved them. Erin and Heather, although very young, were perfect little great grandkids for my parents. Smiling and cuddling with these old folks they had never seen before was natural for them. I was so proud to have my parents together with my precious little ones.
Somehow, I always thought Dad would survive Mom and come and stay with us. He had so many talents and gifts that could be put to use. He loved gardening and would have been so happy with a yard and garden to tend - and we would have been so happy to have him here with us.
But this was not meant to be. The day came when Dad could no longer live in the apartment alone. My sister found a nursing home where the two of them could share a room and we felt comfortable moving him there. I went back and stayed with him for the first week he was settling in. He wasn't happy about leaving his home. And, surprisingly, Mom wasn't all that thrilled to have him as her roommate. They vied for attention when my sister's family would bring in their dog or when other visitors came by. It just wasn't the same.
I came to stay with them that week. I sat between them in the small room they shared. We watched TV and ate lunch together. I drove his car that spring week and brought it to the window of the nursing home. He was wheeled down to look at it and that seemed to satisfy him. He asked me how it drove and I told him it was great as always. It was a mess - inside and out. He just didn't have the strength or motivation to take care of the car during those last years. Eventually it was sold to be used by the police department as a surveillance vehicle. Dad would have liked that.
Every evening of that week, I went through their belongings and gathered pictures and little treasures that they had saved through the years. One thing I really enjoy is the typed program from their wedding reception. The type is faded and the creases are beginning to tear but the words are there. Songs and jokes and anecdotes about the "bride and groom". It's sweet to think of them that way. Young and vibrant - good looking too! They were so happy and so much in love.
In October we went back to Wisconsin for a last visit with Dad. He was in the hospital at this time and was very weak. I knew in my heart that Dad would be gone soon. I remember crying all the way across Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. Three months later we got the call that Dad had passed away. We drove through a huge snowstorm to get back there to say goodbye to Dad. The weather was so bad that there was no service at the cemetery. In fact, the ground was frozen so hard that his burial didn't take place until spring.
Mom followed Dad 21 months later and they now lay side by side sharing a single marker for their graves. Although Mom and Dad didn't leave much in worldly goods there was one gift that will affect us through eternity. Through the witness and prayers of my parents, I was led to a personal faith in Christ. Then my Wally, my children and grandchildren. One day we will all be together again thanks to the faithfulness and love of this dear couple.
Being confident of this very thing, that He who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
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