Happy 11th Anniversary

Today, 11 years ago, my beautiful daughter came down the aisle and became the wife of Brian Jones, her high school sweetheart.  It was a blessed day because not only did she marry the man of her dreams, she married her best friend.  I first had Brian as a student when he was in the ninth grade and thought he was amazing.  I knew in my heart that he was the kind of young man I wanted Kat to date/marry.  Two years later when he was in the 11th grade and she was a ninth grader they met.  He went home and dreamed he married Mrs. Harrell's (last name at the time) daughter.  In October of her 9th grade year the two of us went to Six Flags with her friend Jill and her mom.....and Jill's brother Jeff and his good friend, Brian!  That was the beginning of this Cinderella story.  They were in the band together, Brian graduated and went off to college.....Kat graduated and went off to college......and one sunny day at the Shakepeare Festival Park in Montgomery....Brian planned a wonderful picnic, took his guitar, sang her a song, and asked her to be his wife.  She said yes.  Now here we are 11 years later and their life is taking a new turn.  In January they will be starting phase two of their lives together as missionaries in Moldova....and their lives continue to be blessed by God.  They are an amazing couple with an amazing love story.  Happy Anniversary to two people I love to the moon and bacK.

Life With Brian and Kat

My favorite shots of them are when they look at each other.  There is so much love in their eyes.  When you meet them.....and walk away....you have been blessed.....fully.  Happy Anniversary and wishing you both many more....with love.

"By My Side"

Don't you get ahead of me

and I won't leave you behind

if you get unhappy

show me a sign


there's no love like lost love

no pain like a broken heart

there's no love like you and me

and no loss like us apart


promises promise is

only a word

and when softly spoken

is never heard

 

and a heart

is not a stone

and is fragile

when alone

by my side

by my side

won't you be by my side

by my side

by my side

won't you be by my side

my care for you

is from the ground up to the sky

it's over under up above

down below and to the side

no use in pretending

no use in saving face

my love is never ending

you are my saving grace

by my side

by my side

won't you be by my side

by my side

by my side

won't you be by my side

The End of an Era

It is early Saturday morning and already so much has been done and yet, there is so much left to do. Friday was such a disjointed day...It started out good...last day of the nine weeks, day before Fall Break begins,...life was not bad...until 7:05. My dear friend Anelia Bruce came to my room yesterday morning and wanted to talk about my dad and Thursday's move to the Healthcare Center. I had so much to do and really sat there wishing she would leave...when Frank walked in...and I knew from the look on his face...my dad's batttle with cancer was over. I felt as if I had been gut punched. I vaguely remember getting from my desk chair to Frank's car(which he parked in the bus line in front of our school...a no no!)...I remember hugging my boss, getting in the car and heading to Dadeville. The normally 15-20 minute ride seemed like hours. My mom did not know yet...they were waiting for me to get there to tell her. She was asleep when we arrived and looking so precious. I had a few moments with my dad and then we woke her up. The rest of the day is a blurr. We held the body at the Healthcare facility until my daughter, Kat got there...my cousin Judy, Kat, our D.S. (District Superintendent), his lovely wife, Jeannie, Frank's mentor, Dee Dowdy, and Blue came...along with Carol and Bill Meadows (Carol is a Hospice volunteer assigned to my dad....and her brother and his wife)all arrived and Dr. Stryker gathered us together and asked if we could lift up Blessed Assurance. I started it off...it felt so natural to be singing. Then he followed up with the sweetest prayer...and then the Healthcare Center called Radneys to come and get my father. The rest of us headed back to the house to begin to deal with the process of my dad's death and grieving. Judy and I, with the help of Kat and Mary picked out the stuff for my dad, got some pictures together, cleaned house and received guests. We went to the funeral home 12:30 to make arrangements and iron out all the details of the rest of the weekend. While we were at the funeral home we viewed the casket my dad chose...picked out books...and those of you who have ever been here....know what this is like. I can't even tell you much about the hour we were there...a sweet young man droned...and I tried to keep up. BUT...when the sweet little girl came in to talk with us about the little programs people pick up at the visitation and other stuff...I nearly laughed out loud. Sitting on a table were something she called memory candles...she talked about them...I half listened...until she told us that they were made from the flowers of the funeral....all of a sudden that seemed like the grossest thing I have ever heard and I looked at all the people at the table, Kat, Mom, Mark, Judy, Frank...and realized that they thought so too...I coughed to keep from laughing out loud...it was just one of those moments...that laughing would NOT have been the right thing to do. Who ever thought of a memory candle...come on! Anyways throughout the day people were called, people called, food showed up, the day came and went. I have to laugh because about 8:30 my mom asked me who all these people were in the house....I told her they were family and friends who loved Daddy and love her....she then followed up with, "Will they ever go away?" I had to laugh...we finally got her to go to bed about 9:45...and my sweet Mary and my sweet Judy told me they were staying the night because my mom might wander off...They talked me into laying down about 12:30. The visitation will be tonight at Radney's....from 5-8. We will all gather at the Methodist Church in Kellyton for lunch on Sunday around 12:45...Daddy will lie in state at the Kellyton Baptist Church from 2 - 3...the funeral will be at 3...and burial will follow at Hillview. My dad will be buried next to my brother. I want you all to know that I am ok. I am pleasantly numb right now. My dad died exactly as I would have wanted him to...he fell asleep and never woke up. He was so at peace when I saw him for the first time...he actually had a little smirk on his face...like "Ha Ha...beat cha!" And beat me he did...yesterday morning...when I got there...my dad was already sipping coffee with Judy's dad Wilson, his two other brothers...Cecil and Drew...and playing catch with my little brother. Mark, Drew's son...said yesterday that my dad, "Never let a lie get in the way of a good story."...so you see...I get it honest...Drew, Cecil, Wilson, Doug....they all had a story for you...and after yesterday I can't wait to share them with you. Bless You Real Good.

I Pray You Enough

My sweet friend Rhonda lost her mother suddenly back at the first of the year. She has a very tight family and it has truly been difficult for her....and her family to get through this mourning time. I am struggling with the illness of my father...and am watching him slowly waste away to nothing before my very eyes...and feel useless because there is nothing I can do. Anyways, Rhonda sent me this email today...and I felt I just had to share it with all of you out there in blogland....some of you may be hurting...or may not know that tomorrow things may be different than they are today....whatever...read this and remember to always pray enough.

"Recently, I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure. Standing near the security gate,they hugged, and the mother said, 'I love you, and I pray you enough.'
The daughter replied, 'Mom, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I pray you enough, too, Mom.' They kissed, and the daughter left. The mother walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there, I could see she wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on her privacy, but she welcomed me in by asking, 'Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?' Yes, I have,' I replied. 'Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?' 'Well...I'm not as young as I once was, she lives so far away & has her own busy life. I have some challenges ahead, and the reality is - her next trip back will be for my funeral,' she said. 'When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I pray you enough.' May I ask what that means?' She began to smile. 'That's a prayer that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone.' She paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail, and she smiled even more.'When we said, 'I pray you enough,' we wanted the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them.' Then, turning toward me, she shared the following as if she were reciting it from memory.

I pray you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.

I pray you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.

I pray you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.

I pray you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.

I pray you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I pray you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I pray you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

Then, she began to cry, and walked away.

They say, it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but an entire life to forget them."

So I encourage you my friends that I know...and ones I have yet to meet....my family and my loved ones to:

TAKE TIME TO LIVE..... and I PRAY YOU ENOUGH.......

Daddy and What Would Have Been Chemo Number 6.

Well...today would have been chemo number 6 and instead I am going to the radiation oncologists office at 3:00 to learn our fate. Since my dad came home from the hospital, where he missed chemo's 4 and 5, he appears to have deteriorated rapidly. He is in bed by 4, does not eat supper, does not eat much of anything, looks like a P.O.W. and makes me want to cry. This is not my father. My father is a vibrant man. He is funny, a great storteller, a wonderful dancer, a fabulous father, a loving man, a good friend, a Christian....and this man that is living in my house right now...in what was my father's body is none of the above. This man is sad, he does not talk anymore, he hasn't danced in over a year, he is still a loving man....it just takes a lot out of him for him to give love.....and he has not been to church in I can't remember when. I don't remember my father missing church much as a child....it just was not accepted....but now...I don't think he even remembers what it is....or where it is. Frank and I were talking the other day and he told me that there may come a time when I will have to tell my dad it is ok to give it up....that I will take care of my mom....and it is ok to say goodbye and let go. I cried while he talked....I don't want to let him go.....but I don't want him this way either...so today....at 3:00 when we gather at Dr. Jahraus's office....I will find out what God has in store for me, for my dad, and my family. Pray for us. I don't think my dad can do this anymore. I don't want him to suffer. I love this man...but sometimes quality of life is better than quantity.

Oh My Man I Love Him So....and Yes, He Does Know

Let me introduce you to my special guy. He is a great man.....at least to me. Meet Frank, the love of my life, the carrier of many of my heaviest load, the listener of my woes, my biggest fan. Frank is a part time United Methodist Pastor at Waverly United Methodist Church, part time college student, and full time assistant manager at Arby's. On top of all this is helps me be a caregiver for my parents. He truly has earned his crown in heaven....with many jewels. Frank is a romantic from the bottom of his great big heart. He proposed to me on the Fourth of July....right after I sang at Thunder on the Hooch in Columbus. When I turned to leave the stage....just as the fireworks went off....there he was...on his knee....holding out his mother's engagement ring. I could have leapt off the stage...and of course I said a hearty, "Yes!" What a guy. He is a very special man. I told him when we started dating that if my daughter did not like him there was not much point in trying to have a relationship.....he won her over almost immediately....but she also won him over. Kat adores Frank and he loves her....as if she were his daughter....just like Amy in the picture. I remember the first time he told her he loved her. They were talking on the phone and he got ready to end the call....and just naturally said....,"I love you." I saw a look of surprise when he realized what he had done....and I saw it become a smile....when I guess she responded to him in kind. That is just what kind of man he is.....loving. He is a true people person. People really like him...and I think that was one of the things that drew me to him....he has an air about him that says....I am good with me. I don't have that aire. I am not always good with me....but when I am with him....I never doubt myself. I want to give the world to him....but it really wouldn't matter. He is tickled with whatever I give him....although I think Disney World would be a big plus. He can make you laugh, has a wonderfully full laugh, and the tenderest tears. He is man enough to be macho....and yet tender enough to cry when someone is hurting or something touches his heart. If I live to be 100 I will be thanking God everyday for this wonderful man. Today is nothing special, it is not our anniversary or anything...it is just Friday and I was sitting here loving him alot and wanted to tell him....and you guys too.

Jesus Loves Me This I Know

I am struggling right now....not with my faith....but with my dad's and aunt's illnesses. Yet, no matter how hard I try to struggle....I seem to struggle in vain. When I am perfectly content to wallow in despair....Jesus seems to pick me up and dust me off and make me move again....and it happened this week too. I was having a good pity party on my way to Waverly on Sunday.....singing songs with the radio and just crying my heart out. God must have told Frank....because he preached a sermon on Sunday about following Jesus that nailed everyone of my toes....yet, from the congregation....it sounded so easy...but, many times it isn't....especially for me. I am one of the hardheads.....but he did tell a story that I thought some of you could relate too so I am going to paraphrase it for you.

"There was a little girl who had a very large collection of dolls heaped on her bed. A guest in her room one day asked her, "Do you love your dolls?" Then with tender loving care she spread out the whole collection for the guest to inspect and admire. The guest asked her, "Which doll do you love the most?" The little girl hesitated, then said, "Promise not to laugh if I tell you?" The guest promised. She picked up a ragged doll with a broken nose, who hair was missing, and one arm and leg were missing. "This is the one." "Why?" the visitor asked. "Because if I don't love this one nobody else would."

How poignant is this story....it is a story that screams out to us to love the ones in this world that no body else will love. Jesus calls us to reach out to the lonely, to the hungry, to the sick, to the ones in prison, to the disabled, to the forsaken, to the needy, to all the people who need to hear that someone does indeed love them.....and that somebody is Jesus. Wow...what a powerful thought. So, tonight when you sign off to go to bed....pray for the less fortunate....and pray for yourself that you can reach out to those who are suffering......love them.....and exemplify Christian love. God Bless You All Real Good.

Happy Anniversary

Today is my 6th wedding anniversary....I know you are asking yourself six years?....someone your age should have a good 30+ under their belt. I could probably boast of that if I combined the total of two marriages. I was married almost 25 years the first time.....and to be honest...should have quit at 1....but didn't. I am from the old school where you stayed married til death do you part....and for some odd reason...neither of us seemed to give it up and die.....so I stayed until my youngest graduated from high school. Now, I am not saying Ronnie was not a good man....he was.....he just wasn't the man for me. He was not a family kind of guy....he was more interested in his stuff....and not so much in ours.....Frank, my current husband, is a truly great guy. He is not only my husband....but he is my friend. He listens to me, makes it right when things are wrong....holds me when I cry.....loves my kids (that is a big plus), but the biggest plus about Frank is....that he not only let....but insisted that my parents come to live with us when their health began to fail. Believe me....that is cause for a Super Hero award. My mom is not the easiest person in the world to deal with, yet Frank does...day in and day out. If I had jewels I would give them all to him.....but I am sure God is watching from up above...and has started a bank account in his name.

Frank is the pastor at Waverly United Methodist Church....so not only is he my husband, my love, my friend....he is also my pastor. I am filled with such pride each Sunday as I sit in a pew on the second row and listen as he delivers the message. I love watching him study for Sunday. Last week before my dad went into the hospital for a minor surgical proceedure....I was actually electrified by him as he annointed my dad with oil and prayed over him. Wow...what a feeling!

Frank is fun to go places with....I love going shopping with him...and just holding his hand....because he holds my hand like I am a precious thing he does not want to lose. After six years....and past the age of 50 it amazes me daily.....we kiss each other good morning, good-bye, goodnight....say I love you multiple times daily....he calls me punkin.....and still makes my heart flutter when he reaches out for my hand. He is truly my soulmate and I love him dearly. I thank God each day for bringing him into my life. Today, January 26th....I am truly a blessed woman....and I feel special. Have a Happy Monday!