In Loving Memory of Our Wonderful Mother

OUR WONDERFUL PARENTS

We have been blessed with a wonderful mother. She has taught us so many things. We are grateful for her love, her guidance, and strength. She will be missed by everyone.


This picture was taken at her 61st birthday. We were a rowdy bunch that evening, but we had the room to ourselves.


This picture was taken at mom's 60th birthday.

I want to Thank each and everyone of you for your faithful thoughts, prayers, and love towards our family. Your kindness and love has been a great source of strength and comfort during this time.

I have been TAGGED!!!!

I have been tagged, thank you Linda Clites. What does "tagged" mean? Well, I am to tell you seven things about myself and then tag seven friends and the chain continues. Here is my problem.....I don't have seven friends with a blogspot.

My original reason for this blogspot was to keep in touch with friends and family. Keep others posted about my parents, and some about my children. So, I thought, instead of telling all about myself, I decided I would post seven things about my parents.

1. When my dad was 17 years old he drove 55 miles to visit my Grandma Lila, or was it to visit that beautiful redhead who happened to be her daughter? Dad and Mom spent the next two years dating and taking Grandma Lila, to fellowship and gospel meetings. Dad chose to serve the Lord in August 1965, and Mom followed in October 1965.

2. My parents were married in November 1965. They were both fresh out of high school. They were scheduled to be married on Wednesday night before Thanksgiving, when Dad got his draft notice to report on Monday, two days before their wedding. The draft board agreed to wait for 15 days while they got married, and went on their honeymoon.

3. Dad's army service took my parents to Germany for 15 months. While in Germany, they had Sunday morning fellowship meeting in their home with three other soldiers of our faith.

4. Upon returning to the United States, my parents had us four children. When we were just young kids, they moved us to the country. There Dad and Mom built a house with the help of family and friends. Dad worked a full time job, left work early, and came to Perry County each afternoon and worked until dark to get the house under roof. That was 30 years ago, and we have since made many memories there.

5. Around that time, Mom took a job working for the United States Post Office. She loved being part of the community, and working so she could still be part of our growing up. She worked part-time until we were all out of school and in college. She later became the postmaster of our local post office.

6. Dad worked at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a computer/business analyst. Dad commuted from Perry County for 30 years going 32 miles one way. For three years, I commuted with Dad. Someday we can share some of our funny stories of traveling together.

7. My parents have been married for 42+ years. They have been wonderful examples in so many ways.

Now for my list of 7.... not that my list can match Dad and Mom's.

1. Mark and I were married 1994. We met at our church convention.

2. When we were married, I was still in college.... Mark always says he has already put one kid through college. (Not really he just finished the job)

3. Upon graduation we started the next stage in our lives...... a family.

4. I work at Bill and Margaret's (Mark's parents) personal care home. I have always been able to bring the children with me. I enjoy my job, and feel that the residents are an extended part of our family.

5. Two highlights of our week are Wednesday evening bible study, and Sunday morning fellowship meeting. We have such a wonderful family.

6. Although I only have three brothers, I still feel like I know what it is like to have sisters, because I have wonderful sister-in-laws.

7. I am often overwhelmed by the love and compassion of others. I am thankful for others thoughts, prayers, and love. I realize that I am in debt to so many.


Now that you all can read our lists. I have no one to tag. So, I suppose the chain will stop with me. You can however leave me a message, and I will feel better that I do have a few friends.

A brief update on mom. She has continued to need an increase of pain medication. With the increase of medication, it has a decrease of appetite. I have been with Dad and Mom for a few days, and she seems to be eating better, but certainly not as well as she has in the past. She is however able to rest comfortably when her pain is under control. Thank you all for your love and concern.

Ocean City NJ.

Alexis and Zach both had "sick" eyes. Thanks allergies.
Alexis matched the beach chair.
The Mark Noble family
The Ron Clites family
Cousins

Ian and Matt playing in the ocean.
Zach and Lilianna buried in the sand.
Mark, Matt, and Zach went fishing for drum fish. We checked out the boat before they left.
Zach caught a sting ray, and this sand shark.
All eleven of us on an Ocean City surry. Yes, us parents pettled.

We thought that a few days in the sun would do us good. We spent the first part of the week with Bill and Margaret, and then Ron and Steph and their crew came for July 4-5. The kids had a bundle fun in the sun. The water was very cold, but the kids still jumped a few waves. When Ron and Steph arrived, we packed a lot of activities in just a few days. We are all delighted to get back to our beds where we are recuperating. I think the vitamin D, aka sunshine, did us good.

Hope you enjoyed the pictures. Sorry they are not in order.

Our past few weeks

Thought that I might give all whom may read this an update on our past month.

A few weeks back Matt graduated from elementary school. Matt will move on to middle school in the fall, and he seems ready to make the change. When we attended his graduation, we sat there and realized that as one exits the elementary school, another one will enter. That puts us there for another 6 years. This fall Lilianna will start Kindergarten. Now that we have all of the children home for the summer, we are searching for fun, and entertaining things to do. Our most famous saying is "MOM, I'm bored." With that thought, I know they will be ready to start school in September. We have been enjoying the summer days and evenings staying outside until way past our bedtimes. (There is NO bed time in the summer.)

I continue to attempt to get home weekly. Last weekend, Karen Segal, Mom's first cousin was in from CA to visit. It was great to hear mom and Karen reminisce about old times. It was really special for Karen to visit. Mom was able to get outside and enjoy the weather, before we get into the real heat of the summer. Lilianna and I were up for Friday evening and Sat. Lilianna wanted to play games with mom, so we played "go fish" and I think mom won. On Saturday, Ron and Steph and family came..... which always makes for a great day. Mom did really well. Still at times in some pain, but usually when she was shortly due pain medication.

This weekend I again headed up for Friday evening and Saturday. This time I took Zach with me. This way, each child gets a chance to be with Grandma and Pap with no competition. During last week, mom seemed to have a break-thru with her medication. The pain medication that she was on was not keeping the pain under control. With the nurses orders, she was switched to a time-release pain medication which lasts for 12 hours. The nurse indicated that Dad should start the medication Friday evening. She had a good night, and then got her second dose this morning. We were really wondering how she would do during the day, and how the medication would help control the pain. Well, I will just put it this way.... she had a really wonderful day. Thomas, Sally, Riley, and Lauren Annabel were in to see mom and dad. They came at lunch time and we all enjoyed a pot of mom and dad's "convention chicken noodle soup". Up to this point, mom has enjoyed each of her visits. But when her pain takes over, the visit is usually over. We only know, when mom gives us that clue. BUT today seemed a little different. We all enjoyed spending the afternoon together. Mom was very much part of the conversation, sharing her side of the stories. She was even great at sharing memories from the past years together with the Annabels. Mom really did well, and enjoyed spending the afternoon with Tom and Sally. (And the kids had a great time together as well) After Tom and Sally headed on their way home, I was certain that mom would be really tired. Zach and I were also getting ready to head home, but we were being quiet as to not wake mom. When I went to leave, I realized that Mom was not sleeping. As I peeked in to say good-by, I asked mom, "How are you feeling?" She said, "I don't know what this medicine is, but I really feel fine." She then told me how wonderful it was to be able to enjoy an afternoon of visiting with such a special couple. I had to second her comments. It was really special, and although she may have overdid it, she really enjoyed her time with Tom and Sally. Really, the day was special for all of us. Mom's new medication at this point seems to be agreeing and having a positive effect.

Well, I will let this be all for now. I do not have any pictures at this point. I will tell you, I wish I had a picture of mom in her yellow shirt. When I got to mom and dad's yesterday, mom had a BRIGHT yellow shirt on. (one that I picked out of a catalog) She kept complaining that "THIS" yellow is not my color. Finally, Dad put her in her "comfortable" pink color, and she was much herself. ( I will spare mom the picture of her in that bright yellow, you get the picture)

Smiles.

I can not believe that my last post was May 12.... since then, a lot has come our way. We are all trying to process, and sort out what has been handed our way. We are all very grateful for all of the love, care, and concern everyone has expressed. Even if you have not personally spoken with one of us, it is amazing to think of so many thoughts coming our way. There comes to us strength in just that thought.

Dan, Kate, Zolani and I were up for Friday - Saturday. Dad had set up the nurse/aid to come in and help on Friday, so that he could get out to do some errands. Margaret and Bill brought me home and had a lunch and a visit with mom. She was her perky self, but soon "wilted". As Dad was out on Friday afternoon, mom did very well. She was up a bit, and then soon retired to her bed. Most of her day is in bed, with several times to get up, stretch her legs, take a short walk to the chair, where she sits for a short time, and then she is ready to head back to bed. She gets up for every meal, and eats like a champ. On Friday evening, when Dad got home, he was packed with groceries. I just figured that he had something planned for dinner, (Because he usually does). However, he had not given dinner a thought. To keep things simple, I suggested spaghetti. As mom was wheeled to the table, she said "I sure hope there is something good for dinner!" ( I was immediately worried) She then peered into the pot of spaghetti and said, "Boy, that will do just fine!" I think she enjoyed every bite. Mom eats very well, and for that we are delighted. Eating is something that she still really enjoys, and she looks forward to each meal. (even if I am the cook)

As we were together this weekend, we were able to capture a few smiles. Babies seem to do that to each of us. The last time we were together, only a week ago, Zolani would NOT go to anyone. However, this weekend, he seemed to be happy sitting with Mom, and looking at Dad. This delighted Mom.

This will have to be all for now. I will try to post more often.

Happy Mother's Day

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all. We had a most wonderful mother's day yesterday. We spent Saturday evening with Ron and Steph so that we could be with mom and dad on Sunday. The plans were that I would stay with mom while dad went to morning meeting, and then the rest of my family and some of Ron's would come up later to visit. When I arrived in the morning, mom was up and perky. After dad got ready for meeting, she was then ready to retire for the morning. (This is better, since I can not help her up.) After she headed for her morning nap, dad headed to meeting. Mom and I had a very QUIET morning. We both took a nap, hers was just a little longer than mine. I kept very quiet so that she would sleep soundly. When dad got home, we started to make some noise in preparing lunch. Dad had planned a lunch based on past experiences. (We soon found out that today was not like the "other" days. Today may have been that "turn the corner" day.) First, I asked if I could make cole slaw. Dad told me that mom did not like "mixtures" anymore. So I made cole slaw for dad and I but instead of mayo dressing, I used italian dressing. Next, dad had only three ears of corn, so I said I would not need my ear of corn. Again, Dad said that Mom would never eat two ears of corn, so there would be one for each of us. And we had chicken. As we started to eat lunch, mom dug right into her ear of corn. Soon her response was "Boy, Dick this corn is really good!!!" Dad and I had also dug into our chicken and corn. When she was finished with her chicken and corn, she asked if there was anymore corn. Boy, did we feel bad. But mom was fine with that, she just went onto the cole slaw. She started with a small bowl. Yum that was good as well. She kept eating and asking for more. I went back to the kitchen two times to make more cole slaw, which each time she polished up. With our bellies full, we retired to the chair and waited for the company. Soon, Mark and our three children, and Ron and three of his kids came bouncing in the door. (Alexis and Steph spent the day together. Alexis was sick. ) With all of the commotion, mom did really well. The kids were on their best behavior, and they had brought Masseys' ice cream. We soon scooped into the ice cream, which mom eat a healthy portion of that as well. And YES!!!! IT IS THAT GOOD!!!! After a bowl FULL of chocolate ice cream, mom retired for a afternoon nap. To keep the house quiet, we headed out to the rope swing with all 6 children.Mom enjoyed the quiet house, and we enjoyed trying out our old rope swing.

This is Uncle Ron helping Matt, Lilianna and Robert on the swing. Mark is at the other end, making sure they do not fall off, and tumble down the hill. They had a ton of fun.







Soon it was about time for mom to get up, and we all went back inside. When mom awoke, there were some cards from some of us. In the past, mom has not been able to read her cards. She sometimes will listen to us read them to her, and other times, she puts them aside to be read later. This time, as dad sat down to read the cards with mom, he kindly asked, "Sally, would you like me to read the cards to you?" Her quick response and dad's face in the next picture tells the rest of the story. Her response "NO, I can read the cards myself!!!" Dad's face really tells the story!!! AND she did..... she read all of her cards, and thoroughly enjoyed each one. Along with mom being awake more each day, she is also still her spunky self. We have been getting a charge out of her cute and quick witted comments, but we are really realizing that she is still the same Sally we all love!!! Mom really had a wonderful day. She enjoyed seeing the children, being part of conversation with us adults, and she especially enjoyed eating!!!!!

To all of you, we hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day. We had one to write in the books!!!



Happy Mother's Day!!! Mom was beautiful then, and she is still beautiful!!! We were not able to capture great smiles, she saves them for us!!!

My day with Mom and Dad,

Today was a wonderful day!!! I only hope that we continue to have this kind of improvement. Last evening I decided that I would head up to Mom and Dad's. Since I got a late start, I decided to stop at Ron and Steph's for the evening, as to not disturb Mom and Dad by coming in late. This morning as Ron headed to work, I headed to Perry County. I got to Mom and Dad's just in time for breakfast. Mom woke up and looked great. We headed to the breakfast table, but there was no hurry for breakfast. (I was in a hurry for coffee) We had an apple, and later a couple eggs, and toast. As we continued to visit, I soon realized that Mom had been up for 2 hours. (That was far greater than the 1/2 hour up time from the day before) By 9:45 she was down for her morning nap. While she had been up, it was amazing. She realized that there were no birds out the window by the table. She mentioned this to Dad, who told her that he had taken the bird feeder down. Amazing!!! It seems to me that her thoughts were clearer today.

Later, Aunt Flo came to visit. I suppose she came to visit with Mom, but she got me instead. Mom slept right through our chatting in the family room. It is always great to chat with Aunt Flo. She has been wonderful to visit and lend a helping hand.

While Mom was resting, Dad headed out for his errands, only to return with a CRV full of necessities. The best purchase was a new chair for Mom. It is a recliner/lifter. After Mom awoke from her nap, watched us carry in her new chair, and test it, then she gave it a whirl. I think this new addition will be great. She sat in her new chair for over an hour before heading for her afternoon nap.

Once Mom headed for her afternoon rest, I headed on my way. I can say that today was a wonderful day. Mom seemed brighter, clearer, and had more awake time. Although each day can be different, we hope for a steady climb of improvement. It was a wonderful day!!!


PS. I wish I had a picture to post of Mom, she really looks great....I suppose I will get that next time.