It still amazes me how one’s life can change so suddenly, whether it be in a split second or a few days. I have experienced both, the latter being as recent as Wednesday. Wednesday morning I went to work at the mail order pharmacy and took the afternoon off to go to an interview ten miles farther down the road. Spent three hours talking to the owner and not only had the job, but felt as if I had known Ellen for years. We are compatible and have similar backgrounds and experiences. She was looking for an older, more mature employee, and I happened to fit the bill, although my mom might disagree about the mature part.
Went into work the next morning, talked to my supervisor and submitted my letter of resignation effective the end of business Friday and not in two weeks, but the following day. It’s not that I was indispensable. Hey, it’s a call center environment with a pond of other fish. I didn’t tell any of my coworkers until yesterday and debated whether to even say goodbye and would send a generic e-mail instead. Hate goodbyes and get too emotional. Can usually hide it until getting in the car and driving away and then the water works start. Well, the word got out and I ended up saying those goodbyes to the few that were special and to my surprise found out how special I seemed to be to them as well. Although the eyes misted somewhat when driving home, there was no flood.
So here I sit on Saturday, out of the drug business and into the fire retardant business. The new job has great potential. Many people have never heard about fire retardant. Fire retardant is flame proofing that results in stopping fires or impeding fire growth. It can be done to almost anything. This company is a consultant firm that offers fire protection and safety services to the public, government agencies, places of business, building construction, and the movie and entertainment industry. They also manufacture, distribute, and apply their own products. There are not many companies who offer these services so the market is huge and possibilities are endless. The biggest customer is Disney so that tells you something.
The business has been around for a long time although Ellen took it over seven years ago. Her fiance passed away and left the business in her hands. Ellen showed me around the office, warehouse, lab and showed me some of the products that have been and are being tested. It was really fascinating. My position is clerical in nature--answer phones, file, paperwork; you know, the usual. However, Ellen sees the position as going from office manager to her personal assistant, marketer, traveler… and if she decides to open up another office in Vegas or San Diego, I would have the option to manage or train somebody else to run it. As I said, the possibilities are endless. More office space is needed and the company might even move in and share space with Disney.
Ellen’s second passion is alternative medicine, and she ran a company for many years in Orange County. She hopes to do something along the same vein and now with me on board, it is feasible.
During our conversation, Ellen mentioned that she lives in a 3,000 square foot home with her dog and cat and within walking distance to the office. She made a comment that we could be roommates. Of course, I thought she was joking until Ellen brought up the subject again and told me to seriously consider it down the road. I was quite dumbfounded--I had just met this lady but like I said, we have great rapport and similarities. It’s also nice to know that Ellen is a Christian.
Commuting is a pain and you never know about the traffic on the interstate in Southern California. There’s always a wreck. For now I’ll commute 21 miles even though there is only a five minute difference than my previous job. Will eventually move but want to stay near my parents until Dad has his bypass and is on the road to recovery. We live around the corner from each other and just a little over a mile from the hospital.
So exciting things are happening. Now, if I only could find a boyfriend. Just kidding. Uh…….maybe not.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Sunday, March 25, 2007
OUR SENSES
There are so many things I take for granted and can wallow in self-pity about my plights but forget that I can do five basic things--smell, taste, touch, see, and hear.
SMELL AND TASTE
There are approximately 2 million adult Americans who have a taste and/or smell disorder. Anosmia is a complete smell loss and Ageusia is a complete taste loss, with many other disorders in between. With a bad cold you can’t smell because of a stopped up nose and can’t taste food because the nose is stopped up. Can you imagine living life that way every single day? Yes, I’m lucky to have the sense of smell and taste.
TOUCH
Myelopathy is a disease of the spinal cord which can result in loss of sensation and/or mobility. Having paralysis--loss of feeling; no physical sensation. Not being able to feel that tender touch from somebody’s hand. Not being able to feel a warm embrace. Yes, I’m lucky to have the sense of touch.
SIGHT
Never gave much thought to our sight until I became an optometric technician at the Vision Clinic in Juvenile Hall almost 18 years ago. When Carl, Jonathan, and I moved to California for the first time, I got a temporary clerical job at the Probation Department. Blanche needed some help in the Vision Clinic, so I was assigned to work for her that day. That one day turned to many other days and a special friendship developed. Blanche hired me to fill a permanent position even though I was waiting to become employed as a probation officer.
Carl said he knew if I liked something. I always talked about this job. It was interesting. It was foreign to me. Never had done anything like it. Besides doing those mundane clerical tasks such as scheduling appointments, filing, and typing, I got to assist with the therapy. Although the clientele--teenagers--were not in my comfort zone, the work was fascinating and rewarding. It also allowed me the opportunity to become part of the acting scene. Graduate students from several colleges around the area spend part of their internship working at the clinic. They were given instructions and told to be observant at all times, but most still had no clue who they would be examining, so I gave them a taste of reality and played the part of a juvenile delinquent. I swiped pencils and instruments. I became unruly and belligerent. I walked around and went outside the boundaries. I made their life a living .... You get the picture. They learned quickly and, hey, it was GREAT FUN!!!!! When it was time to move on, Blanche wrote on my going away card, “Acting only as a second career.” The one truth taken from this experience that has stayed with me throughout--there is a correlation between eyesight and behavior.
When Jonathan was five years old, he was diagnosed with a lazy eye. The doctor stressed the importance of wearing a patch over his right eye as often as possible to strengthen the bad one and had Carl and me try it to see what our son would be experiencing. He also noted, that after a child turns eight, this type of therapy would no longer be beneficial. Jonathan did not want to wear the patch and it suddenly became a battle of wills. Guess who won? Jonathan also started wearing glasses and “lost” three pairs in the same year, and I use that term very loosely. Fortunately, Jonathan has 20/20 in that good eye but can’t pass an eye exam and must go through the red tape when time for driver’s license renewal. The correlation between eyesight and behavior--possibly explains some of the problems we encountered with Jonathan during those years.
Have asked myself the question--If I had to pick which sense to lose, would it be sight or hearing? It would not be sight. Can you imagine not seeing the face of a loved one, watching a television show, or going on a daily four-mile walk? Personally I never knew anyone who was completely blind. So, yes, I am blessed to have my sight, even if it’s no longer 20/20 and have to wear glasses.
HEARING
Never gave much thought to our hearing until I became involved with the deaf ministry at church. For two years I sat in the pew and observed the interpreter signing the songs, prayers, and sermons with flowing movements and facial expressions. It perked my interest enough to start taking lessons at church with two other friends. It felt like being in school again--studied hard and practiced, practiced, practiced. Soon it was time to take the plunge. We were nervous that first night. To combat the stage fright, Jeanne told us to look at the back wall of the auditorium. Others would tell you to pretend everyone is sitting in their underwear. Can’t remember which one I ended up doing.
The more I interpreted, the easier it became, but never quite shook off all the nerves. Mainly did the easier part of your traditional Church of Christ worship service--the announcements, opening prayer, two songs, communion, and another song. Rarely did the sermons and it could be quite a struggle keeping up. You’re always signing behind and have to remember what was said without losing too much of the translation. Although proud of my accomplishments, one thing was lacking--I could not reverse. That means if someone signed to me, it went right over my head. Oh, I could catch a word or two and possibly get the gist of what was being said, but still… It was embarrassing, and I felt inadequate. Jeanne, who I thought was great, was never a certified interpreter because she could not pass the reversing phase of the certification test. What were my chances?
It’s been 18 years since I interpreted and you know the adage--“Use it or lose it.” Still practice somewhat and do a lot of signing “in my head” especially sitting in church and have caught myself moving my hands during some of the Praise Team’s songs. Have thought about sitting in the back of the auditorium to practice signing, but don’t want to be conspicuous.
Those I know in the deaf community are extremely nice and very appreciative of those willing to learn how to sign. They also seem to accept their disability. Yes, I’m grateful for my hearing although sometimes it would be desirable to be deaf when the neighbors get loud and the music echoes through the wall.
SMELL AND TASTE
There are approximately 2 million adult Americans who have a taste and/or smell disorder. Anosmia is a complete smell loss and Ageusia is a complete taste loss, with many other disorders in between. With a bad cold you can’t smell because of a stopped up nose and can’t taste food because the nose is stopped up. Can you imagine living life that way every single day? Yes, I’m lucky to have the sense of smell and taste.
TOUCH
Myelopathy is a disease of the spinal cord which can result in loss of sensation and/or mobility. Having paralysis--loss of feeling; no physical sensation. Not being able to feel that tender touch from somebody’s hand. Not being able to feel a warm embrace. Yes, I’m lucky to have the sense of touch.
SIGHT
Never gave much thought to our sight until I became an optometric technician at the Vision Clinic in Juvenile Hall almost 18 years ago. When Carl, Jonathan, and I moved to California for the first time, I got a temporary clerical job at the Probation Department. Blanche needed some help in the Vision Clinic, so I was assigned to work for her that day. That one day turned to many other days and a special friendship developed. Blanche hired me to fill a permanent position even though I was waiting to become employed as a probation officer.
Carl said he knew if I liked something. I always talked about this job. It was interesting. It was foreign to me. Never had done anything like it. Besides doing those mundane clerical tasks such as scheduling appointments, filing, and typing, I got to assist with the therapy. Although the clientele--teenagers--were not in my comfort zone, the work was fascinating and rewarding. It also allowed me the opportunity to become part of the acting scene. Graduate students from several colleges around the area spend part of their internship working at the clinic. They were given instructions and told to be observant at all times, but most still had no clue who they would be examining, so I gave them a taste of reality and played the part of a juvenile delinquent. I swiped pencils and instruments. I became unruly and belligerent. I walked around and went outside the boundaries. I made their life a living .... You get the picture. They learned quickly and, hey, it was GREAT FUN!!!!! When it was time to move on, Blanche wrote on my going away card, “Acting only as a second career.” The one truth taken from this experience that has stayed with me throughout--there is a correlation between eyesight and behavior.
When Jonathan was five years old, he was diagnosed with a lazy eye. The doctor stressed the importance of wearing a patch over his right eye as often as possible to strengthen the bad one and had Carl and me try it to see what our son would be experiencing. He also noted, that after a child turns eight, this type of therapy would no longer be beneficial. Jonathan did not want to wear the patch and it suddenly became a battle of wills. Guess who won? Jonathan also started wearing glasses and “lost” three pairs in the same year, and I use that term very loosely. Fortunately, Jonathan has 20/20 in that good eye but can’t pass an eye exam and must go through the red tape when time for driver’s license renewal. The correlation between eyesight and behavior--possibly explains some of the problems we encountered with Jonathan during those years.
Have asked myself the question--If I had to pick which sense to lose, would it be sight or hearing? It would not be sight. Can you imagine not seeing the face of a loved one, watching a television show, or going on a daily four-mile walk? Personally I never knew anyone who was completely blind. So, yes, I am blessed to have my sight, even if it’s no longer 20/20 and have to wear glasses.
HEARING
Never gave much thought to our hearing until I became involved with the deaf ministry at church. For two years I sat in the pew and observed the interpreter signing the songs, prayers, and sermons with flowing movements and facial expressions. It perked my interest enough to start taking lessons at church with two other friends. It felt like being in school again--studied hard and practiced, practiced, practiced. Soon it was time to take the plunge. We were nervous that first night. To combat the stage fright, Jeanne told us to look at the back wall of the auditorium. Others would tell you to pretend everyone is sitting in their underwear. Can’t remember which one I ended up doing.
The more I interpreted, the easier it became, but never quite shook off all the nerves. Mainly did the easier part of your traditional Church of Christ worship service--the announcements, opening prayer, two songs, communion, and another song. Rarely did the sermons and it could be quite a struggle keeping up. You’re always signing behind and have to remember what was said without losing too much of the translation. Although proud of my accomplishments, one thing was lacking--I could not reverse. That means if someone signed to me, it went right over my head. Oh, I could catch a word or two and possibly get the gist of what was being said, but still… It was embarrassing, and I felt inadequate. Jeanne, who I thought was great, was never a certified interpreter because she could not pass the reversing phase of the certification test. What were my chances?
It’s been 18 years since I interpreted and you know the adage--“Use it or lose it.” Still practice somewhat and do a lot of signing “in my head” especially sitting in church and have caught myself moving my hands during some of the Praise Team’s songs. Have thought about sitting in the back of the auditorium to practice signing, but don’t want to be conspicuous.
Those I know in the deaf community are extremely nice and very appreciative of those willing to learn how to sign. They also seem to accept their disability. Yes, I’m grateful for my hearing although sometimes it would be desirable to be deaf when the neighbors get loud and the music echoes through the wall.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GREG!
Alabama born and bred
Who married his high school sweetheart,
It’s really no great mystery
Why you never want to be apart.
What a mischievous youngster
Who obviously had fun,
And I thought I had problems
With my one and only son.
Musically gifted,
Guitar, keyboard, and drums,
But you would make light of it
And say you’re all thumbs.
Camping and walking,
Amps and guitars,
At least you curb your desire
For those nasty old cigars.
Santana and Croce,
Tomlin and Stevie Ray,
Likes only Clint Eastwood westerns,
But not his “Go ahead, make my day?”
You like Jim Carrey movies,
Please say it ain’t so,
But let us not forget about
Larry, Curly, and Moe.
Hypnotist and chaplain,
Preacher for 30 years,
A licensed funeral director,
And admiration from your peers.
A Psych degree from Lipscomb,
A Master's from U.N.A.,
Graduate work at Harding,
So where is all that pay?
Your sermons are innovative,
Make you contemplate and think,
But if preached in certain areas,
They would cause a great big stink.
What can you say about
The psycho dog from hell?
Chipper is her name,
Who I think is just swell.
Joshua and Jessica,
And Heather, Josh did pick,
Soon we’ll be calling you Gramps,
Now that is just so “sick!”
When you and Janice leave,
What a sad day it will be,
But you won’t catch me begging,
Or bending down on one knee.
So here’s happy birthday wishes
To a truly heartfelt man,
But think Janice has me beat
As to who’s your biggest fan.
Who married his high school sweetheart,
It’s really no great mystery
Why you never want to be apart.
What a mischievous youngster
Who obviously had fun,
And I thought I had problems
With my one and only son.
Musically gifted,
Guitar, keyboard, and drums,
But you would make light of it
And say you’re all thumbs.
Camping and walking,
Amps and guitars,
At least you curb your desire
For those nasty old cigars.
Santana and Croce,
Tomlin and Stevie Ray,
Likes only Clint Eastwood westerns,
But not his “Go ahead, make my day?”
You like Jim Carrey movies,
Please say it ain’t so,
But let us not forget about
Larry, Curly, and Moe.
Hypnotist and chaplain,
Preacher for 30 years,
A licensed funeral director,
And admiration from your peers.
A Psych degree from Lipscomb,
A Master's from U.N.A.,
Graduate work at Harding,
So where is all that pay?
Your sermons are innovative,
Make you contemplate and think,
But if preached in certain areas,
They would cause a great big stink.
What can you say about
The psycho dog from hell?
Chipper is her name,
Who I think is just swell.
Joshua and Jessica,
And Heather, Josh did pick,
Soon we’ll be calling you Gramps,
Now that is just so “sick!”
When you and Janice leave,
What a sad day it will be,
But you won’t catch me begging,
Or bending down on one knee.
So here’s happy birthday wishes
To a truly heartfelt man,
But think Janice has me beat
As to who’s your biggest fan.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
EPILOGUE
It’s hard to believe five years have passed since Carl’s death and it has been a very emotional and disconcerting time. Life as you know it is suddenly ripped apart. Major changes should not be made in the next six months so they say. Jonathan and I didn’t follow that adage. At the time of Carl’s death, we were managers for a self-storage facility in New Mexico. The powers that be were kind to let me stay; however, we lived onsite and my mind was too consumed with the memories, so I resigned one month later.
My parents were living in Austin and offered to let Jonathan and me stay with them until he graduated from high school. Having lived in Austin ourselves for almost nine years, it would be familiar stomping grounds. Two months later my parents had put the house on the market and bought a house in Oceanside. What a whirlwind.
The next two years were quite an adjustment for the four of us. What can you say when there are three generation gaps living under one roof. There were major problems and difficult situations to face and hard decisions to make and we were the worse for wear. However, the love never disappeared, although at the time the youngest member of the household didn't quite see it that way. If asked whether we would do it all over again, you'd get an emphatic--"I don't think so!"
Jonathan seemed to have the hardest time. Jonathan really was never school material and during his senior year skipped so many classes that the school kicked him out. After sowing some wild oats and doing some serious soul searching, Jonathan wanted to return and be able to graduate with his friends; however, the school refused because Jonathan was 18. Something is wrong when a school turns down a student willing to get an education. Only in California. Jonathan got his GED through an adult school and the school district did an about face and also awarded Jonathan a high school diploma.
Because of Jonathan’s loss, I overcompensated in monetary terms and pretty much let Jonathan have whatever he wanted, and probably to his detriment. Others tried to dissuade me and warn me of the consequences, but it fell on deaf ears. What can I say in my defense? I felt sorry that my son no longer had his father. Let me also say, I could be the poster child for the adage--"Do as I say; not as I do."
Jonathan is just beginning to understand the magnitude of his loss. There are just some things Jonathan doesn't feel comfortable talking to Mom about. It does help that Jonathan can talk to his cousin who also suffered the loss of his dad at 16. But Jonathan has grown a lot and realizes his blunders and wishes he could change the past. (Don’t we all?) However, it’s too hard carrying around the guilt and stress of life’s mistakes.
I'm proud of Jonathan for making the necessary changes. Oh, there's a long way to go but do admire that he is trying to get his act together. Jonathan has what it takes to be successful and it won't surprise me when it happens. Jonathan is stubborn, won't let anybody push him around, and has a mind of his own. I somewhat admire those aspects of my son, not that I’m anything like that you understand. Even if I have screwed up in this job as a parent, I know that we love each other deeply, so maybe I didn't do such a bad job after all.
It probably took me longer than most to come to terms with a spouse’s death, although doubt there is any time frame. Life has been lonely and frustrating. Life has been lonely and confusing. Life has been... Did I mention lonely? Never thought I would be interested in finding someone else, let alone dating. How could I? Carl was my soul mate and always thought everybody had only one. Unfortunately, I lost mine far too soon. There also would be the guilt factor; however, several friends and family members have told me that Carl would want me to be happy and move on with life. Lois was forever advising me not to live life alone and regretted her missed opportunities. Dad's answer--"Find yourself a rich guy."
Suffice it to say, I have fallen for a couple of gents, but my timing is lousy and found out after the fact that both were unavailable. Richard said that if he wasn't engaged, he would have been interested in getting to know me better. Great! I was the also-ran. Who's the idiot that came up with that word? Just say what it is--LOSER--pure and simple. And a celebrity who says that it was an honor just to be nominated. Give me a break. You're a loser! But in all honesty, I must admit it felt good to know that somebody could be attracted to me again. Recently, there was a gentleman at work that caught my eye, and we seemed to have good rapport. Don't know why it took me so long to notice his wedding ring. Obviously my radar needs to be recalibrated.
Since I knew a few success stories with those who used a specific internet dating service, thought it wouldn't hurt to give it a shot. Answering those 400+ questions was time consuming and somewhat obscure, but there was great anticipation in finding possible suitors. Imagine the disillusionment when learning that Debbie was in the 2% of those categorized as incompatible. (Who would have thunk?) The dating service sent an e-mail inviting me to try again and not to take this first attempt as being undesirable (a little too late for that). Although not amused at the time, in retrospect, it really is hilarious; the kind of humor used to create those popular sitcoms we all enjoy watching. And now to know that I'm in the same demographic as Courtney Love--it just keeps getting better. But seriously, I'll try again and might even use the dating service associated with Dr. Phil. Like him or not, the guy has been instrumental in helping me face a few of my issues.
This site was created for all to share and to let you know the real me, baggage and all. This trilogy was not posted to receive sympathy, but to let you take a glimpse of what was a significant part of my life. Yes, it was a painful experience. Yes, there will be more to come. Yes, I will continue to do what all of you are doing--dealing with the challenges of everyday life.
My parents were living in Austin and offered to let Jonathan and me stay with them until he graduated from high school. Having lived in Austin ourselves for almost nine years, it would be familiar stomping grounds. Two months later my parents had put the house on the market and bought a house in Oceanside. What a whirlwind.
The next two years were quite an adjustment for the four of us. What can you say when there are three generation gaps living under one roof. There were major problems and difficult situations to face and hard decisions to make and we were the worse for wear. However, the love never disappeared, although at the time the youngest member of the household didn't quite see it that way. If asked whether we would do it all over again, you'd get an emphatic--"I don't think so!"
Jonathan seemed to have the hardest time. Jonathan really was never school material and during his senior year skipped so many classes that the school kicked him out. After sowing some wild oats and doing some serious soul searching, Jonathan wanted to return and be able to graduate with his friends; however, the school refused because Jonathan was 18. Something is wrong when a school turns down a student willing to get an education. Only in California. Jonathan got his GED through an adult school and the school district did an about face and also awarded Jonathan a high school diploma.
Because of Jonathan’s loss, I overcompensated in monetary terms and pretty much let Jonathan have whatever he wanted, and probably to his detriment. Others tried to dissuade me and warn me of the consequences, but it fell on deaf ears. What can I say in my defense? I felt sorry that my son no longer had his father. Let me also say, I could be the poster child for the adage--"Do as I say; not as I do."
Jonathan is just beginning to understand the magnitude of his loss. There are just some things Jonathan doesn't feel comfortable talking to Mom about. It does help that Jonathan can talk to his cousin who also suffered the loss of his dad at 16. But Jonathan has grown a lot and realizes his blunders and wishes he could change the past. (Don’t we all?) However, it’s too hard carrying around the guilt and stress of life’s mistakes.
I'm proud of Jonathan for making the necessary changes. Oh, there's a long way to go but do admire that he is trying to get his act together. Jonathan has what it takes to be successful and it won't surprise me when it happens. Jonathan is stubborn, won't let anybody push him around, and has a mind of his own. I somewhat admire those aspects of my son, not that I’m anything like that you understand. Even if I have screwed up in this job as a parent, I know that we love each other deeply, so maybe I didn't do such a bad job after all.
It probably took me longer than most to come to terms with a spouse’s death, although doubt there is any time frame. Life has been lonely and frustrating. Life has been lonely and confusing. Life has been... Did I mention lonely? Never thought I would be interested in finding someone else, let alone dating. How could I? Carl was my soul mate and always thought everybody had only one. Unfortunately, I lost mine far too soon. There also would be the guilt factor; however, several friends and family members have told me that Carl would want me to be happy and move on with life. Lois was forever advising me not to live life alone and regretted her missed opportunities. Dad's answer--"Find yourself a rich guy."
Suffice it to say, I have fallen for a couple of gents, but my timing is lousy and found out after the fact that both were unavailable. Richard said that if he wasn't engaged, he would have been interested in getting to know me better. Great! I was the also-ran. Who's the idiot that came up with that word? Just say what it is--LOSER--pure and simple. And a celebrity who says that it was an honor just to be nominated. Give me a break. You're a loser! But in all honesty, I must admit it felt good to know that somebody could be attracted to me again. Recently, there was a gentleman at work that caught my eye, and we seemed to have good rapport. Don't know why it took me so long to notice his wedding ring. Obviously my radar needs to be recalibrated.
Since I knew a few success stories with those who used a specific internet dating service, thought it wouldn't hurt to give it a shot. Answering those 400+ questions was time consuming and somewhat obscure, but there was great anticipation in finding possible suitors. Imagine the disillusionment when learning that Debbie was in the 2% of those categorized as incompatible. (Who would have thunk?) The dating service sent an e-mail inviting me to try again and not to take this first attempt as being undesirable (a little too late for that). Although not amused at the time, in retrospect, it really is hilarious; the kind of humor used to create those popular sitcoms we all enjoy watching. And now to know that I'm in the same demographic as Courtney Love--it just keeps getting better. But seriously, I'll try again and might even use the dating service associated with Dr. Phil. Like him or not, the guy has been instrumental in helping me face a few of my issues.
This site was created for all to share and to let you know the real me, baggage and all. This trilogy was not posted to receive sympathy, but to let you take a glimpse of what was a significant part of my life. Yes, it was a painful experience. Yes, there will be more to come. Yes, I will continue to do what all of you are doing--dealing with the challenges of everyday life.
Monday, March 5, 2007
What Special People!
The memorial service for Lois was very touching. Beautiful surroundings. Outside with squirrels running up the hillside. Listening to the fountain flowing in the background during the minister's and Hospice chaplain's loving words. Peaceful. Serene. Tranquil. Poignant words to describe a wonderful lady.
No large crowds. Just special people coming to support and console those grieving for their loved one. We personally want to express our deepest appreciation to three ladies and two gentlemen for coming all the way from Long Beach to Encinitas to be there for us. But how can you only say "thank you"? It seems so inadequate. So, Greg, Laura, Judy, Chuck, and Barbara, let me just say that our family will never forget what you did for us today, Monday, March 5, 2007. Ed was blown away that you actually came all that distance. Your love and support means more than you will ever know.
No large crowds. Just special people coming to support and console those grieving for their loved one. We personally want to express our deepest appreciation to three ladies and two gentlemen for coming all the way from Long Beach to Encinitas to be there for us. But how can you only say "thank you"? It seems so inadequate. So, Greg, Laura, Judy, Chuck, and Barbara, let me just say that our family will never forget what you did for us today, Monday, March 5, 2007. Ed was blown away that you actually came all that distance. Your love and support means more than you will ever know.
Sunday, March 4, 2007
MAY YOU REST IN PEACE
[My Aunt Lois passed away early Thursday morning, March 1 at the age of 87. I will miss her deeply.]
Woodrow Wilson was the President,
Two cents for a letter to send,
The signing of the Versailles treaty,
Brought World War I to an end.
The enactment of prohibition,
The start of IBC root beer,
The first crossing of the Atlantic,
Yes, 1919 was a very good year.
A gal born in Wyoming,
With the same middle name,
Who never went back,
Or rose to great fame.
You were quite the nomad,
You always liked to roam,
But really think it was Roswell,
That you considered home.
Although you had three siblings,
You still were miles apart,
Which really didn’t matter much,
For Ed truly had your heart.
We all knew you were very upset,
You could no longer drive your car,
But at least there was one compensation,
You could always have a fudge bar.
We truly were kindred spirits,
You understood me the best,
Your advice to take one day at a time,
Helped better than all the rest.
Arthritic agony since early youth,
Made it difficult to bare,
With years of constant toil and stress,
Where was all of that gray hair?
The dreaded “c” word hit you thrice,
It started with the breast,
And then moved to the lung and bone,
Was this some sort of test?
There’s no more pain and suffering,
Now you can rest in peace,
You were much more than just my aunt,
And I was much more than just your niece.
Woodrow Wilson was the President,
Two cents for a letter to send,
The signing of the Versailles treaty,
Brought World War I to an end.
The enactment of prohibition,
The start of IBC root beer,
The first crossing of the Atlantic,
Yes, 1919 was a very good year.
A gal born in Wyoming,
With the same middle name,
Who never went back,
Or rose to great fame.
You were quite the nomad,
You always liked to roam,
But really think it was Roswell,
That you considered home.
Although you had three siblings,
You still were miles apart,
Which really didn’t matter much,
For Ed truly had your heart.
We all knew you were very upset,
You could no longer drive your car,
But at least there was one compensation,
You could always have a fudge bar.
We truly were kindred spirits,
You understood me the best,
Your advice to take one day at a time,
Helped better than all the rest.
Arthritic agony since early youth,
Made it difficult to bare,
With years of constant toil and stress,
Where was all of that gray hair?
The dreaded “c” word hit you thrice,
It started with the breast,
And then moved to the lung and bone,
Was this some sort of test?
There’s no more pain and suffering,
Now you can rest in peace,
You were much more than just my aunt,
And I was much more than just your niece.
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