Our Wonder Working God

      A year ago, January 8th, my precious daughter was called home.  It has been a very difficult year for all of us.  The pain has been very intense for me, but I cannot begin to imagine the pain her three boys are experiencing.  She not only loved her boys dearly; they loved her beyond measure.  How does a grandmother help her grandchildren through such pain?  My prayers daily have been for their welfare and healing.  

     On December 21, I received a call from Tim.  I had not heard from him in years, I was surprised.  He said, "Annette, I had a dream twice I think you should know about.  In my dream I saw Johnny at the side door, as I was leaving Royalwood, and he told me to tell you they are alright.  When I got outside the door, Johnny was gone.  I could not find him anywhere."  Tears fell as I thanked Tim for calling me.  Royalwood was our church home while living in Houston.  Tim is my former son-in-law.

   God works in mysterious ways His wonders to perform!  I wish I could say that all the pain is gone, but the pain is here to stay...just like with Johnny and Booger, but I do take comfort in knowing they are alright.  And, one glad day, we will all be together again.  Thank You Jesus!

Weekend

    I went to have my nails done a week ago yesterday.  Pretty normal thing for me to do.  While waiting for Vickie to finish up on the lady before me, another young woman sat down next to me and began talking.  She introduced herself as Linh and asked my name.  She is a new employee there, so I assume she was just getting to know the customers.  Come to find out she was  one of the "Boat People" brought to the U.S. between 1975 and 1997, and she and her family, plus a young girl Linh's father rescued from another boat were taken to a camp in Pennsylvania to await a sponsor.  This seemed weird for two reasons: 1. I was born in PA, and 2. Vietnam is a nation with hot temperatures.  They had no warm clothing. I cannot imagine what they must have gone through, while awaiting a sponsor.  Anyway, we laughed about that and continued talking.  When Vickie came to the area, Linh disappeared.

     Vickie proceeded to do my nails, and she did an awesome job, as always.  I came home and let our 'new' dog out.  Sandy is a mixed breed, with a big part being Great Pyrenees that we adopted after we fostered her through her heart worm treatments.  She is a beautiful dog, but really on the stubborn side.  I opened the door and let her out into the back yard.  Little did I know she wanted to head to our neighbor's yard on the other side of our very tall boarded fence.  Before I went out she broke out a small section and went into their yard!  This was her second time to do this!  Bob got into the truck and went looking for her on the other street, while I called and begged her to come back.  I was finally able to slide one of the boards over and and see her being nosey and checking things out in the other yard.  I called and called, but she just kept looking around, sticking her nose into everything.  I came into the house to find some lunchmeat to coax her home.  She came up to get it, and backed off so I could not reach her.  I came back into the house and got more lunchmeat.  Praying and nearly crying I headed back out to try one more time.  On the way out, I tripped on a rock circling the grave of my precious pit-bull and down I went, chipping a nail on the way down.  NOT MY NAILS!  I also hurt the base of thumb and my side, but just bruised.  I left the meat on the board and came in to call Bob, but his phone was on the table! WAHH  At that time, Bob came through the front door, and Sandy walked through that tiny space and walked to the door.  He could not find the house behind us, and evidently Sandy wasn't too impressed with the neighbor's yard.  

     I sent Vickie a text to see whether or not she would have time Saturday to fix the chip.  When I told her what had happened, she thought it was funny.  Not me!  When I went in on Saturday, I was sat in a chair a few chairs from Vickie as she was working on another customer.  This time another customer sat next to me and started up a conversation.  When I told her why I was there, she asked what had happened.  I told her the tale of the great escape and showed her a picture of the culprit. " Oh, she is Great Pyrenees," she exclaimed.  "They love to wander."  Just exactly what I had wanted to hear!  Sandy does not go out alone!  

     Sandy is getting better, but she still has a person with her each time she goes out.  She is becoming a special member of our family...

Totally Retired??

     I retired as a classroom teacher in 2011, but I went into substitute teaching almost immediately.  I was not ready for retirement!  At that particular time, I  was far from being ready to retire, but now, I believe I might be.  I may look into subbing at a private school or church school, but I am done with public schools.  I can no longer work for a district that hires an out of state company to manage its substitutes.  This is a total waste of funds!  Nor do I believe that boys have a place in girls restrooms, dressing rooms, or sports.  No, I think it may be time for me to look into doing things for others, as the Lord leads.  

     I love writing, so maybe I need to look into this as an avenue, also.  I have stayed connected with many of my former students, and one said this may be the time I need to write my book.  I mentioned that I may need to add one of his family members in the writing of such a book, and he laughed.  But, seriously, I might!

     Aside from my children, my classroom students were the glue that held me together, even the ones who would rather do anything other than the work expected.  There are so, so many that hold a very special place in my heart!  There is one I would like to find.  His nickname was Pockets.  I have not seen him in many years, but I would like to find him and learn now life has treated him.  

     The Rio Grande Valley will always be home, especially Rio Hondo.  A big chunk of my heart was left there, and the longing never leaves.  I know "things" have changed since I left, but the people haven't.  I am hoping to get to visit "home" again soon.  Hope to see some of my former students when I make that trip!

I Still Believe

     Bob and I went to see the movie "I Still Believe."   It was, by far, the best movie I have seen in many, many years.  Without giving anything away,  this movie opened up a flood of emotions I have kept hidden and dormant for years.  I have never been one to show my emotions, except when I am taken by surprise with a love filled moment: I cry.  As I watched this inspiring movie, memories flooded my heart and mind.  The theme of trusting God, no matter what, hit home; that we all have a divine  purpose is still swirling through my brain.
     The only memory I have of my father is when I was about four years old.  When I came down for breakfast, he was sitting at the table.  I knew him!  But, I do not remember how or why I knew him.  I climbed into his lap and sat there for awhile.  I finally asked him if he wanted some toast with his coffee, and he said, "Yes, do you know how to make it?"  I jumped off his lap and ran to get bread and put it in the toaster.  I was so happy!  Once the bread was toasted and buttered, I set it on the table for him and climbed back into his lap. 

     After he finished eating, he called my brother Tony over and said, "Here take Annie Bananie to the movie."  I clung to him and did not want to go upstairs to get dressed for the movie.   I wanted to stay with him!  I needed my daddy.  But he assured me he would be there when I got home.  So, reluctantly, I went upstairs to change clothes.   I do not remember what we saw.  The only thing I remember is my daddy was not there when we got back, and I never saw him again.
     My mom, having been excommunicated from the Catholic Church, would not go to church.  She did talk about God, but not always positively.  She did, however, listen to music, and one day I heard the song: "It is No Secret What God Can Do." I went up the stairs as this song was playing, and stopped to look up and out the window at the top of the stairs.  Looking out I said, "Okay God, what will you do for me?"  I have not forgotten that, nor the clothes I was wearing.  When this memory comes back, and it has often during my life-time, I can see myself standing there in my sun suit  with green vines across the white suit.  The collar was green with white vines on it.
     I troubled my Mom with requests to attend church.  She finally told Tony to take me one Sunday morning.  We rode the bus to downtown Pittsburgh and went to a large church there.  I was in heaven!
And, then my brother said, "Okay, we've been here long enough, let's go."  We left there and went to the movie, using the offering money Mom had given us.  I remember some of that movie, especially the last line, "Don't trouble him now, he has the world in his arms."  It was a pirate movie.  I did not attend a church again until we moved to Texas, about three years later.
     We left Pittsburgh the summer I turned seven.  My mother had married again, and Bill was in the military.  Mom, Tony, Richard, and I left for San Antonio, but my brother David stayed behind with an aunt.  Tony and I had a fun trip!  We sang songs, told silly jokes and stories as we traveled.  Life changed drastically for us over the next year.  Bill proved to be an abusive alcoholic.  It wasn't long before Tony was sent back to Pennsylvania to live with my Mom's cousin.  As he was boarding the bus, he turned and said, "Via con Dios."  Words taken from a song of that time, but words that have hung in my mind for all this time.
      We moved off base just before Bill was shipped over seas.  Our neighbors went to church often and invited us.  Mom still did not go, so I went by myself.  It turned out to be an apostolic church and it scared me.  The next time I went to a church was in Germany.
       The next memory that flooded my mind as I watched "I Still Believe" was that of my first son.  He was premature and lived twelve hours. I never held him.  I was alone when the nurse told me, and soon after that  my husband came into the room.  He had tears and I held him.  I went home that day, and the first thing asked of me when we got to the house was, "What did you do?" When my Mom was coming to the house, she informed me that my real Dad had died the day my son was born.  I cried when I was alone.  I could not share the pain with anyone.
      The next memory that hit was that of John.  Oh, Johnny, momma has missed you something fierce.  The pain and tears were flowing as I watched the movie.  John's dad is the one who told me of the accident.  I was hanging clothes on the line when he ran out of the back door calling my name.  The look on his face I will never forget.  When he told me, "He's gone, Johnny's gone."  I fell to my knees, and just stayed there.  I could not understand what he was telling me.  Gone?  I got up and rushed inside.  I had to call my older children...
      I went out for a walk the next morning, and as I was walking down the dirt road, I screamed at God.  How could this be happening?  Why did this happen?  Johnny had the kindest heart.  He loved the Lord.  Why, why?  I screamed all the way down the road.  Finally, I stood at the fence of the pasture, and prayed.  Coming home, I was able to thank God for the young man who had been my son.  I was privileged to watch him grow for 19 years.   God had a purpose.
      And Booger.  Why???  This silly, fun loving kid was taken way too soon.  I will never forget his phone call that night.   He called to see who won the football game because he and his friends had left before it ended.  He was really excited when I told him the Bobcats had won.  "Really, Mom, they won?"  We talked about the game for a few minutes, and he said, " I love you Mom."  His last words to me...  Again, I did my crying when I was alone.  I felt I had to be strong for everyone else.
      When my other children left home, I could not let them see me cry.  Perhaps, this is a trait I picked up from being told more than once, "Big Girls don't cry!  Now, stop it and go splash cold water on your face."  I do cry if is am surprised with a happy moment, or if I see something touching...  But, they may rest assured, cry I did...alone.  

     This movie certainly opened a flood gate of memories for me, and it left a desire to do better with the rest of my life.  May the desires of my heart be in line with what God desires.

     

2020 Shelter in Place

    We have been sheltering in place for nearly two weeks.  It is so difficult to truly wrap my mind around this.  People not permitted to work, schools closed, church services not permitted, children kept from their friends, restaurants serving only take out, and standing six feet away from anyone we might encounter has become the norm of the day.  We have been told this will probably last through April.  And, to top it off, the weather is dreary here in central Texas.  Dark clouds, rain, and thunder help drive the isolation to a new level.
      Yesterday, before the rain started, Bob and I went for a drive to see the Bluebonnets.  They and the Paintbrush were absolutely beautiful!  I am not sure what the yellow flowers are but, when there are patches of Bluebonnets, Paintbrush, and these yellow flowers tossed into the mix, I see the marvelous hand of God.  Who else could 'paint' such a scene along the roads, on the hillsides, and through the fields.  Amazing!  Exactly what I needed to lift me from the funk in which I had found myself.
      Earlier this week I was sitting on the deck and looked down to see an inchworm crawling on my leg.  Just inching along!  I watched him for awhile, and then I put my hand down to see if he might climb onto my hand.  He did!  It's the little things!  He probably fell from the Mimosa tree.  Bob was going to put him on the tree, but he fell from his hand and disappeared.
      I was able to talk with my neighbor across the street, as I put the trash can out.  Come to find out, her little girl has a birthday on Sunday, but of course no party is planned. She will be five.  I have asked my grandchildren to help me make her day special.  Hopefully, we will.
      I enjoy watching the birds as they come into the back yard to eat three times a day: dove, blue jays, cardinals and a few other species.  And, of course the squirrels.  The squirrels remind me of frolicking children.  They seem to have so much fun hanging from the trees!  Of course, John D. and Wes G. would disagree.
      Chrystal, her kids, and I went walking Tuesday trying to maintain social distancing.  Domenick,
 aka Little Guy, was wound up!  He talked, telling stories, non-stop!  Chrys had to force him to let
Madison talk.  Madison thinks he needs to stay home next time we walk.  haha
      We will get through this by God's grace.  I do realize that some are not able to see anyone, and this is heart breaking.  If you know anyone totally alone, please, check on him or her.  Send a card, speak from a distance...something.  We are all in this together!  May God bless each and everyone of you!

Christmas Momories

     I really enjoy watching the Hallmark Christmas in July programs.  The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is my favorite time of the year, and I do not mind an extra two weeks of this glorious time brought to me in the summer.  Several of my friends do not care for this dip into Christmas, but I find it heart warming.  These programs bring heartwarming memories...

     I remember 2 distinct Christmases from my childhood.  When I was four, my brother Tony woke me up saying, "Get up Annie.  I am going to prove there is no Santa Claus." Rubbing my eyes I followed him to the top of the stairs and looked over the banister.  Below, I could see my mom decorating the tree.  In our family, at that time, it was tradition for Santa to trim the tree when he visited on Christmas Eve.  Not quite sure what I was seeing, I found myself being dragged to my mother's closet.  Inside there were bags and boxes full of toys.  I could not believe what he was showing me.  How could this be?  I went back to bed broken hearted.  Christmas had lost its charm...

     The next morning, the tree was fully decorated and the floor was laden with gifts and placed all around the beautiful tree.  I received twelve dolls, two dish sets, and a table and chairs set.  I had seven aunts and uncles who were very giving.  I have to admit that I was not very joyful for a four year old on Christmas morning.  After breakfast, I donned my snowsuit and went to visit others in the projects.  What I saw in many of the homes was more painful than knowing Santa was not real.  Far too many families had no gifts at all, nor fixings for a Christmas dinner.  A taste of reality...

     I headed home to gather up ten dolls and one of the dish sets, to then go back out and distribute them to those without.  That was the most gratifying part of that day!

     While we were in Abbeville, LA, waiting to go to Germany, we were living in a small apartment attached to one of the large plantation type homes there.  All of our household goods had already been shipped, so we did not have decorations for a tree.  But, being the innovative individuals we were, we got a branch from a tree on the property, put it in a milk bottle, made decorations, and trimmed that "tree."   We had so much fun!  That night I did everything I could to convince my little brother that there is a Santa.  "Listen Richard, I hear Santa's sleigh bells.  We need to get to sleep!"  He was so excited the next morning!!!

     Another non-exciting Christmas was when I was ten.  We were  in Vogelwah , Germany, and my mother had the tree up several weeks prior Christmas day.  My step-father liked them up early.  However, once a gift was placed beneath the tree, neither Richard nor I could go into the living room.  Not good!  But, the gifts were not wrapped, so we waited.  Well, we almost waited.  When the door was open, we could see inside. Low and behold, beneath that beautiful tree was the ugliest coat I had ever seen.  I knew it was for me and got sick.  It was so ugly!

     Christmases took a turn for me, once I had Claudette.   Claudette's first Christmas was full of laughter and surprises.  My brother was home from college and staying with us, and Uncle Jerry was visiting his mother, so he, too, was close by.  Richard came home, after being out for awhile, with a black eye.  He had gotten into a fight with someone at Clyde's Drive Inn.   Young men, being young men just home from college, were prone to do so.  Anyway, once a couple of punches were thrown, they became friends.  Weird, right???

     Jerry came by the house Christmas day.  He brought me an armadillo purse and a doll for his niece. However, Claudette was more interested in the purse than she was the doll. I carried that purse for years.  It was actually made from the outer armor of  a real armadillo.  Definitely, a conversation starter.

     Christmases after that were filled with kids, laughter, and memories. I did my best to surprise each one of my seven wonders of the world.  I wasn't always able to do so, and I know there were disappointments, and for that I am truly sorry.  But, there was a lot of laughter and even good memories over the years.  The last tree Johnny helped pick out and bring home in his brown pickup
had a nickname, Charli.  I usually buy a 6-7 foot tree that is full.  Well, this one was
about 4 1/2 feet tall, but it was the fullest we had ever owned.  The kids all loved it!

     Christmases after that one in 1985 changed.  Oh, we enjoyed the tree and Christmas fun, but a very important member of the family was missing.

     There were many changes in the family, but Christmas still held a special place in my heart.  I think it is connected to the realization that  our Lord was born at that time, and life without HIM has no meaning.  People are just friendlier during this time, and the presence of God can be felt.

     1997 brought another tremendous heartbreak.  Booger went home in November that year.  I bought a tree, but could not decorate it.  I gave that tree to Mrs. Bates to give to someone she knew had no tree, and David and I went to Alaska.  We flew out Christmas Day and spent a week.  We enjoyed the walks to town through the snow, seeing moose, and sleeping with the window open!
We enjoyed the time we spent there.

      Christmas still brings joy to the heart of this old lady.  The anticipation I feel after Thanksgiving
could be related to the anticipation the shepherds felt after the visit by the angel.  Now, that is a nice thought!

      Bob and I recorded a few of the Christmas in July shows, and will continue to watch them until the new Christmas shows start.  I hope this statement does not offend, but I truly hope you have a Merry Christmas!
 

   

Happy Birthday Baby Girl

     It seems like just recently that I was hanging out with my mother and expecting you.  We were just talking and laughing about various things, and dad was sitting there, not really paying attention to us.  Grandma asked if I was having any pains, and I laughed and said no.  Awhile later she asked again, and my reply was the same.  You were not due for about another month, so I was not expecting her questions.  This kept on for  quite some time, and I was wondering why she had these questions.  Finally, she told your dad that he should take me to the hospital.  What????  I was not in any pain! Finally, she wore us both down, and we headed to Valley Baptist.  I was wearing a  beige maternity skirt and top and had on heels.  The nurses were really surprised with me walking down the hallway with heels on.  😊😊  I think I wore heels every time I went to the hospital...

     Once we got there,and I was examined, sure enough I was in labor.  Later, when I asked grandma how she knew, she said I could see the contractions.  I never felt them!  I was in a bed waiting for Dr. Rodriquez, and heard him rushing down the hallway saying where is Mrs. Haynes, am I in time.  As he passed my doorway, he glanced in and said, "Whew, I was afraid I would be too late."  I am lying there thinking, but there is no pain.

     At that point, I was taken into the delivery room.  When Dr. Rodriquez came  in he was really up tight.  He asked me how I was feeling and why I had waited so long.  My response, again, was I had no pain.  He could not believe it.

     Long story shortened, you were born about 30 minutes after we arrived at the hospital.  You were amazing.  You were laid on my chest for just a few minutes, and then whisked off to the nursery.  Being about five or six weeks early, I think they wanted to check you out.

     Once I was in my room, a nurse came in and told me you were fine, but a little on the small side.  It never dawned on me that there could be a problem with this, because you were perfect.  I slept that night and the next morning the nurse brought you into me.  She placed you in my arms, and I was hooked!  You were content to just be there.  You never cried or whimpered.  So, so peaceful.

     They brought you into my room a couple times that day and once the next morning.  The doctor came in and I was released, but you would have to stay because your weight had dropped  below five pounds.  I had to leave my baby girl in the hospital for eleven days.  Dad and I would visit and look at you through the window, being told how well you were doing, but being able to hold you.

     After eleven days, we were told you were weighing over five pounds, so you could go home!  We wrapped you up and home we went!  Up to this time, we had never heard you cry or whimper.  My mother said, "Well, you will hear her now."  You were home 2 weeks before you ever cried!  Scared me nearly to death!  I was so afraid I had done something wrong.  I started crying...

     You were never one to cry much.  During the night I would hear you squirming, I would change your diaper and fix your bottle.  During the day I would hold you a lot.  Guess you had no reason to cry!!!  I went back to work when you were about six months old.  One evening, you began to cry some, so we took you for a ride.  Worked like a charm!  So, we started putting you into the stroller, and dad would push it with his foot when you got fussy.  During the time dad was not at home, I would do it.  You loved it!!!

     You loved people!  Your cute little smile would bring many to your side.  You just naturally expected people to be kind and respond to your smile.  But, one day, after moving to Brownsville, the postman was on the steps putting mail in the mailbox and you smiled up at him and said "Hi."  He never said a word, and the look on your face, broke my heart...

     Remember Link?  The bratty boy who would pull your hair.  So many memories of you growing up.  Learning to ride your first bicycle.   Having "coffee" with grandma Ila.  Spending time with grandma Elsie and Aunt Annie.  Being a big sister to Jamie.  Asking why the baby cried?  Being my big helper.  Sitting on your bed as a senior saying, "I can't do this any more."  When I asked what was wrong you said, "I just can't make all these A's."  To which I said, "Then don't."  Or the time I gave you the note to read on the bus.  LOL  Or your one and only trip to the emergency room!!!  So much, in such a short period of time!

     Where have the years gone?  Time never stood still.  Here you are grown with two marvelous children of your own and a grandson on the way.  Guess I have blinked once too often.  Never doubt  you are loved and always have been.  In  fact,  I love you MORE!!!

   

Happy Birthday Baby Girl

Musings : Relaxing Sunday

Musings : Relaxing Sunday:      I have been sitting here at the kitchen table with the back door open and watching a squirrel as it eats from the bird feeder sitting o...

Relaxing Sunday

     I have been sitting here at the kitchen table with the back door open and watching a squirrel as it eats from the bird feeder sitting on the small table on the deck.  I have almost laughed out loud as he stands upright and places one tiny  hand/paw on the back of the feeder, as he surveys his surroundings.  The feeder resembles a porch swing but, due to the ropes breaking last fall, it is sitting flat on the table.  I know John Dove would not approve and neither would Wes Griffin but, next to doves, these critters are my favorites.

     As it raises up to survey the goings on around him, it resembles an older man standing on his front porch watching as neighbors interact with one another, looking in one direction and then another.  This reminds me of time spent in Rio Hondo as a kid.  Summer would find us kids out goofing off and unaware that there were adults keeping an eye on us,  especially Richard, Robert, Larry, John, Finley, and a few others!  Notice I did not mention any girls' names.  We were usually inside helping momma!  LOL  I remember one evening when we lived on the corner of Catherine and Williams Rd.  We were playing Red Rover in front of  Jimmy Monroe's house.   Funny how these memories pop up.  We were just a bunch of silly, alright crazy kids enjoying life.  Little did we realize that there were adults watching over us.

    This brings to mind another gentleman that definitely watched over us.  He was the constable, Mr. Mills.  He and his wife were both great people!  Richard loves telling the story of his senior year, when he had his old red Studebaker.  He would be heading into town, speeding of course, and as he crossed the railroad track, Mr. Mills would pull out of his "hiding place" on the side of Brotzman's,  and pull in behind that speeding Studebaker.  Richard would keep going, never slowing, until he reached Rachel's.  He would run inside and order two cups of coffee.  When Mr. Mills entered he would sit down, take one of the cups and say, "One of these days, Richard, I'm going to catch you."
He told my mother during my senior year, that I had become a beautiful young lady.  His words meant a  lot to this quiet and hurting senior.

     I used to love skating.  I went every chance I got, which usually meant every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday night.  Sometimes Ruby Dell and I would ride the bus to San Benito, and other times Mr. Parker would drive us.  When my older brothers moved to Rio Hondo, one of them would drive us.  I loved skating and became quite good at it.  Maybe it was because on the rink, I was able to "fly" and leave the pain of school behind.  On the rink, I was my own person and did not care what others thought...

     Mom used to work for Ma Jones as a cook in her café.  She was a great cook.  Prior to that she worked at the Round Up Café, across the tracks, as a waitress.  She told me the story of a man who had come in for a cup of coffee.  He was a regular and folks called him blacky. He was a dark Hispanic and thought nothing of the nickname given him.  Anyway, on this day he left without paying his 10 cents, but no one thought anything about it.  They would catch him next time.  Well, about three hours later he returned to pay the dime. He had walked several miles home, near Heath's Corner, before he realized he had not paid for his coffee, so he walked back to do so.  People were definitely more responsible back then.

    There are so many flashes of those days going through my mind.  Like the day my brother David rolled Tony's black Mercury convertible on the big curve outside of town. When the news hit town, Benny Mac took Tony to the scene, and he picked the car up, so David could crawl out. (our family super man)  David was not seriously injured, but definitely shaken up.  This was before seat belts!  Tony was viewed as a hero.  Life in a small town, gotta love it!!!

     Just think, all these musings began with this old lady watching a squirrel eating from a bird feeder.
These little critters can not be all bad.  Right John?????

What Are We Doing

   While seeing the film, “Paul, the Apostle,” I began to pray and ask the Lord what he wanted me to do.  I was so heart broken by the events of his life and the lives of the Christians during the time of Nero, that I questioned in my own mind “What are we doing?”  Today, what are we Christians doing?  As I stopped at the restroom, while leaving the theatre, I spoke to a very nice woman, as we were washing and drying our hands, and asked her the same question, “What are we, today’s Christians, doing?  Are we willing to risk everything, including our lives, to live out our faith?” She appeared to be as concerned as I.  As it turned out, she and her husband are in ministry to those in a nursing home.  I later met him, too. 

     What I have noticed in our world today is a lot of back-biting, criticizing, and watered-down messages, in far too many of our churches.  Who cares what the numbers are or how magnificent the building, if the message preached waters down the gospel and the Bible becomes a ‘nice book to have around?’  Are we teaching the full text, or do we stop at Jesus loves you?  What happens when troubles come?  Persecution?  Do we teach so that members can search scripture to answer questions that inevitably come?  Do we allow others to find the Lord and cling to Him in a way not like our own?  How do we stack up against the early Christians?   

     Sitting here trying to get my thoughts in order, I am amazed that the Lord loves me at all.  I have failed Him so often.  I am so very grateful that each time He brings me up short, He shows me mercy.  I, too, lay claim to be the greatest sinner of all time.  How often I have failed and sinned against the One who saved me by His grace, only to be allowed, once more, to come into His presence.  So, again the question, “What am I doing?”  How do I repay this magnificent gift?  How do I share with others all that He means to me?  Witness?  Exactly what is witnessing?  Be salt and light?  What does this mean, specifically?  How do I help hurting people, like those in Syria, and Christians in the middle east?  How do I help hurting people here in this country?  This state?  This county?  This city?  My family?  My church family?  How do I show Christ to this hurting world? 

     I bulk at “going out witnessing.”  Not sure why this troubles me, exactly.  Does knocking on doors and sharing the gospel constitute witnessing?  Does approaching strangers on the street or in a mall constitute witnessing?  Is this what the Lord did?  Did He not draw men to Himself?  How did He do that?  Doing good? 

     What about being the salt and light?  How can we be sprinkled out and shown abroad?  How do we make things tastier and brighter?  Don’t we have to ‘dig in’ and mix with those around us and allow Christ to shine through us?  Now, that sounds good, right?  But, exactly how is this done?  If I recall correctly, our Christ was often seen with sinners, and I do not recall Him ever condemning them. 

     A thought/a memory just emerged.  I searched for years, nearly thirty, before I came face to face, so to speak, with our risen Lord.  I searched many churches but did not find Him.  And, then one day, a knock sounded on my door.  My children were invited to ride a bus to Sunday School, and I agreed.  My children were the ones who invited me to join them, eventually.  Is this how the Lord drew me to Himself?

     I had visited several different churches over the 30 years of my life, not knowing for what I was looking, but knew I was not finding it.  I never felt welcomed.  Never!  When my first son was born and died within the first 12 hours, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I could not ask a Catholic priest to do his service because they believed he was not going into the presence of God.  I knew he was.  I still had not had a personal experience with the living God, but I knew He was loving.  How did I know this?  Why was I so sure of His love for my son?  Where did I get that strong belief?  I didn’t even know how to pray.  All I had for myself were yearnings for this God that I knew existed.

     Another memory:  I attended my friend Wanda’s baptism, at her request, after graduation.  As the minister was baptizing her, I saw a bright light… I was drawn to near tears.  After talking with her, she had not seen the light.  Was I seeing things?

     I have been reading the book “The Way Back” by Paul Cooke and Jonathan Bock.  There is a statement in the book that has me asking more questions.  “To surrender is our heart admitting our weakness.  To accept is our ego demanding the illusion of still being in charge.”  Their premise is to accept the Lord is similar to signing for a FedEx package, whereas, to surrender to the living Lord is to devote ourselves to His cause.  Surrender is an all-encompassing word.  Do we (I) fully surrender our lives to Him?  If so, Does He have full control?  Are we holding something back?  How do we know when we are fully surrendered?  Have modern Christians watered down the gospel?  Are baby Christians suffering because of this possibility?  Are they left lacking knowledge?  What part do we play in bringing the needy to Jesus?  How do we do this?  Are we really, truly involved in this great commission? How do we partake?  What is my part?  Your part?

     When we are shut within the walls of our church, are we really reaching the world?  As we sit in the chairs or pews and listen as our minister teaches, are we reaching out?  I cannot help but remember the years I spent looking for a “place” to fit in, and the silence from members I received.  Names are important!  A hand shake is nice, but names are important.  Two or three minutes of “turn around and find someone you don’t know” does not allow for learning names.  Looking into the eyes of an individual and truly welcoming him or her is vital.  How often do we see someone in the foyer or hallway and, in passing, say “How are You?” never stopping to hear the answer.  Are we sincere?  Did our Lord ever meet someone in “passing” and continue without connecting?  What are we doing?  Why do we live life in such a rush?

     How many times have we heard, “People do not care about what you know, until they know how much you care?”  What are we teaching those coming into the ‘fold’ when we separate into groups:  the haves, the have nots; young people and old people; new Christians and seasoned Christians; minister’s inner circle, those on the outside?  Are

we not all in the body of Christ? 

     Earlier today I heard an excerpt of the message the minister of the Royal Wedding gave.  A message heard by millions!    “Love is the answer for all that ails our world: poverty, hunger, homelessness, anger, war, misunderstandings…”  So, are we, the church, loving as Christ loved.  Do we fill our hearts, days, actions, and thoughts with love, both individually and as the body of Christ?

     Because we are human, we are prone to messing up, but do we too often use the “I’m only human” excuse to brush over our lack of love and involvement?   Or, is it our busyness that might keep us from loving and ministry?

     I will never forget my first pastor, Brother Samuelson.  He was the most loving and giving pastor I have ever had.  The year my mother was ill with terminal cancer, he and his family did not take their usual Christmas trip.  I later discovered he did not want to be out of town should I need him.  That is really what one might say is the love of Christ expressed.  How many of us, today, would love like this?  That was over forty years ago, and I have not seen nor heard of another like him.

     In 1986, when my oldest living son died when he lost control of the jeep he was driving, and it rolled over on him, my pastor at that time stood on my front porch and told me he did not believe Johnny would be in heaven because Johnny had left his church to attend another.  Now, that was despicable!  So was my answer to him, “Brother Tanner, if Johnny did not make heaven, neither you nor I stand a snowball’s chance in hell.”  Was that loving as Christ loved?  Again, what are we doing? 

     Again, in 1997, when my eighteen old son Booger was killed in an automobile accident, I called the church I was attending, and at which I volunteered, and never received a call back.  I was not the only member of my family to call for the pastor, but we never received a call.  I had to ask the pastor of a church in our small community if we might use his church for Booger’s service.  He was so kind and allowed my request.  I called a Pastor friend from Houston and asked him to preach Booger’s service.  But, again, what are we doing?  In either of these painful situations, where was the love of Christ?  To be honest, my family and I saw it in the lives of those within our community.  They loved on us and walked with us through our grief.  That was where we saw the love of Christ on display… not in those of our church family.   Why are we Christians failing in our expression of HIS love?

     I have been idle for many days.  That is definitely my fault.  The very loving and giving minister of my hometown, has been relocated to heaven.  It came as quite a shock to everyone who knew him.  A year or so ago, he was asked to leave the church in my hometown.  Many felt he was too old and didn’t teach as he once did.  He left and began another in a community, not too far away.  He was welcomed with opened arms and continued preaching until the Lord called him home.  So, was his dismissal done in love?  Need?

     A beautiful young mother has been relieved of her position at the church I am attending, presently.  The reason given was she is not qualified to do all that was asked of her.  But, as we have found out recently, she is more than qualified.  She does have the certificates needed.   So, why the dismissal?  Where in this was love exhibited?

Was Christ glorified in this?  Does He appreciate seeing family members leaving the family?  Is division the answer?  What are we doing?  Why are we doing it?  Is Christ being glorified in our actions?

     A few days ago, my brother officiated the wedding of his beautiful granddaughter.  Now, Richard is not a minister, he is a deacon.  He took the time to become licensed because the minister and friend the groom had asked told him he would be glad to perform the service for $500.00.  WHAT?  Where is the love of God in that response?  What are Christians doing in this world today?  Is our heavenly Father pleased with all the ungodly trash filtering into our churches?   Do we even come close to what our God wants of us?  What are we doing?  How do we find our way back?

     I spoke to a friend yesterday, and during the conversation I learned that she and her family have not been in church for a couple of months.  They had left the church I attend because there was no group or person with whom her husband could relate.  He is a veteran of the War on Terror with many health issues.  The church they had moved to has no

place for neither her husband nor her daughter.  Both felt out of place, so they stopped going.  She has no desire to return to Fellowship, so they will visit another this Sunday.  What are we doing?  I have heard for years that the church is to be a hospital for the wounded, but how is this possible, if we are driving people away by our actions or inactions?  People are hurting!  What are we doing?  Why can we not just love one another? 

     Last week a well-known denomination voted to remove gender from their prayers.  It is unclear whether or not they will remove gender from the scripture.  Is it any wonder why it, far too often, appears as if our nation is no longer blessed, as it once was?  We have forgotten our foundation.  Are we receiving a wakeup call?  May God be merciful!  May He show us just exactly what we are doing and give us room for repentance.  His grace is sufficient, if we accept it and live it out.  Father, help us know exactly what we are doing or should be doing.

Childhood Christmas Memory

For unknown reasons, memories of a Christmas long ago have flooded my mind.  Perhaps it is the time of the year, the Christmas music playing, the decorations, or a combination of all the above, but the Christmas when I learned that Santa Claus was, in fact, not real came to mind.  Missing Tony has probably added to the memory rising up.

I was four or five, and Tony would have been nine or ten.  We had been sent to bed to await the arrival of Santa.  I had already fallen asleep when Tony came into the room and proceeded to shake me awake.  "Come here.  I want to show you something," he was whispering.  I just wanted to turn over and go back to sleep, but he insisted.  "I want to show you that Santa Claus is not real."  Stumbling I got out of bed and followed him to  the closet, and upon him opening it, I saw all sorts of items, some in bags or boxes, others not.  He then grabbed my hand and took me to the top of the stair case.  We walked down a few steps, just enough to allow us to look into the living room.  There was Mom decorating the tree!  Oh, no!  Santa always decorated our tree, but there was Mom doing it.
"See, I told you!  Now, do you believe me?"  I left him there without saying a word and went back to bed.  My young mind did not want to believe this, but there it was.

In the morning, we were awakened to see what 'Santa' had brought; I never let on that Tony had ruined the day for me.  We did not wrap gifts at that time, so I looked at each gift that was mine--eleven dolls, a dish set, and a table and chairs.  (I had many, many aunts and uncles.)  We had breakfast and I went to dress for outside.  I then went door to door, in our immediate neighborhood.  That was two long buildings that housed six apartments each.  I wanted to see what my friends had received.  Most in those eleven other apartments had received nothing, or very little.  By noon, I had given nine dolls away.  I kept two: one from Aunt Rosemary and the one Richard had picked up and threw across the living room, the little "brat."  LOL  He was two or three at the time, and he had not gotten a doll!

To this day, I do not know why Tony felt the need to reveal that little bit of information.  But, because of it, I did all I could to keep the myth alive for Richard.  I kept the doll Aunt Rosemary had given to me until we moved to Rio Hondo.  I gave the doll to Patsy Stokes' little sister.

I love Christmas!  I love the anticipation and memories it bring.  I, truly, love the kindness that fills the air.  Realizing why we celebrate has brought much joy.  For God so loved the world...  May each and everyone enjoy this season and remember the real reason for the season.

Road trip -- August 2018

I am listening to Roy Orbison's "station" on Pandora via Google Home, as I write this.  I love the memories this music provides, well, most of them.  The music definitely provides a beautiful background for the memories of our road trip

Bob and I headed out for Ft. Stockton the morning of August 21st, my brother's birthday.  We had decided to go somewhere a little different than the normal drive around Central Texas.  We were celebrating his cataract surgery and the fact that he could, once again, see clearly.  Trees actually have leaves!!  Chrys and Karen would check on Bella, so off we went--headed to West Texas.

Bob loves to take the road less traveled, so we  headed north on  Hwy 183, and then NW on Hwy 29.  The drive beautiful, but NW when we wanted West?  My ,mind was having a little trouble with the direction, but Bob was quite sure of where we were headed.  We started off with talk radio on, but soon turned it off so that we could talk. Of course, we settled all the world's problems, and thought of ways we could help others.  The normal everyday talk!   Once we settled all the problems, we got
quiet, so I asked him to turn on our play list.  He showed me how to do it, so I could learn this valuable tidbit.  :-)

We listened to all our favorite 0ld artists, and memories surfaced.  We spoke of  the various artists and what we remembered of them.  Roy Orbison  held the greatest focus.  We talked of the wreck that took Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ricky Valens'  lives.  I told him of how I cried when I heard the news.  That day was and is called the day that music died.  Waylon Jennings, a member of Holly's band, gave up his seat on that fateful flight.  He lived to become great in his own right, and played Luchenbach with Willie and the boys. The music kept us mesmerized until we found ourselves near Ft. Stockton, on I 10W.  Wow, how time flew! The plateaus or mesas, what ever you want to call the mountains along I 10W are amazing.  In one state one can drive from the beaches, through hills, piney forests, mountains in the panhandle, and the vastly different mountains and deserts of West Texas.  I am very pleased and proud to call Texas home.

                                                            
                                                                   Plateaus/Mesas from I 10.


Once in Ft. Stockton, we settled on a motel and then headed out to find "lupper," Bob's word for
a late lunch or early dinner.  We settled on DQ and had a sandwich---no ice cream!  Once we ate we headed for the original fort area. This historic fort is located on the east side of town.  The site still contains three of the original buildings of Officer's Row, the original limestone Guard House, the original parade ground, and two reconstructed Enlisted Men's Barracks.  This piece of history was home to the famed Buffalo Soldiers, beginning in 1867.  It had been abandoned in 1861, due to the Civil War.

                                                                     
                                   Reconstructed Building






















             Copies of original photos of the Buffalo Soldiers



Once we left the Fort area, we headed to the Annie Riggs Memorial Museum.  This was a hotel originally built by a group of business men in 1899, and it was run by Annie Riggs, a pioneer woman in the truest sense of the word.  It is an adobe building with Victorian detailing.Walking in one is met by  pictures of the stern faced sheriffs of the time period.  Sheriff A.J. Royal's desk is used for signing in and whispers of his 1894 murder--a very bloody chapter in Pecos County history.  There are thirteen rooms in all, and they house so many artifacts of that time period.  I took so many pictures, but the one that amuses me the most is the one of a butter maker that was hung on a wagon and,while the wagon was being used, it swung so much it churned the butter!  There were also several type writers, and one looked as if it could type a full page of a news paper. A flour bin hung in one of the original cabinets.  WOW!  And, of course a picture of Annie Riggs, a true pioneer.

                                         

To say I enjoyed this short but sweet trip is an understatement.  I love history, and my fear is that our young people are not getting enough of it.  The counties of Texas each have a history of their very own.  Do we take the time to look and learn?  Hopefully, some are.

The Meandering of a Curious Mind

     Over the past week I have read much about the need to seek after our dreams, truly seek, and the need to sew seeds for harvest.  These scripture readings come at a time when my mind it whirling, seeking the will of God.  My dream is to write a book...  I do believe that I have sown seeds, seeds of love, hope, prosperity, and friendship, and I am patiently waiting for the harvest.  My dream,  on the other hand, must have "work" applied.  One can dream all day about a desire, but nothing will come of it unless he/she puts forth effort to make it happen.  My daughter Jamie has reminded me of this for years.  Yes, I said years!!!
     I began reading a book by Charles Krauthammer earlier this week.  I am finding it amazing, but I also find it to be perplexing, because of the style.  My mind was reeling until I realized that what I am reading are his articles.  Hmmmm  How much have I written over the years that could be assembled into a book?  Much of my life and the lives of my family members has been written, and the writings could possibly be positioned into the format of a "tell all" book.  NOT!!  It could be a mystery of sorts or, even, a comic book.  After all, the characters would be Claudette, Jamie, Johnny, Jason, Chrystal, Booger, David, Grandma Ila, Grandmas Elsie, Richard, Tony, David, and me.  How much better could it get?  Not to forget Bob and his children and all the friends we have amassed.  No one would be exempt; all could be the target of a section created just for them.  Hey, I am beginning to like this idea!  And, on top of all these characters, I have had thousands of students!  Ah, yes!!!  My wheels are turning...  No one would be exempt from his or her own "chapter" of sorts.
     This book idea is becoming an all encompassing non-fiction reflection.  I can not wait to get started.  This is fair warning, if you do not want to be included, say so now or forever hold your piece.  Watch out world!

Earlier today, I was going through some things, and I came across this folder I used while teaching. It contained a piece I had written years ago.  I hope it brings a smile to Richard's face.  We have since said good-bye to both Tony and Susan.

                               

                                                   The Joys and Laughter of Family

     Sitting on this oh so cool southern veranda has been exhilarating, and there were times in the past when it would not have been possible.  My brothers Richard and Tony are  here, along with their wives Charley and Susan.  Tony is here for rehab after his second hip replacement, and Richard and I came from Bossier and Austin to Nacogdoches to spend time with the 'old man" and, hopefully, cheer

 him up.  It is so peaceful sitting here on this cool, sunny autumn day.  A gentle breeze has been playfully shifting the branches on the tall East Texas Pines that line the drive, as honey bees flirt with the hibiscus type shrubs.  Every now and then one will fly into our circle and linger by an ear or shoulder before flying off to join his swarming buddies.

     The drive from Austin's hills this morning to the rolling mounds of East Texas, as my children jokingly call them, was so awe inspiring.  I never tire of seeing God's handiwork, and today was no exception.  I fell in love with a small ranching community called Crockett and have its image ingrained in my mind.  The ranch land surrounding it is beautiful, green, and lush.  When I stopped for coffee, its people were outgoing and friendly.

     Entering Nacogdoches, I made a  wrong turn and ended up lost for about twenty minutes.  I called Richard, and he talked me through my maze and into the parking lot of the Rehab Center.  The banter that followed hugs was the normal ditzy blonde getting lost, in of all places- Nacanowhere , and was par for the course in the Tewell family.  One of us is always the brunt of jokes: reality makes for better jokes!  

     Then it started!  Remember when...  Richard has a unique gift.  He remembers very little of life until he was about eleven.  Perhaps it is his way of coping, or maybe it is selective memory.  Either way, Tony or I could tell him just about anything, and he would not know truth from fiction.  Have we used it?  You be the judge.

     "Remember when David woke up telling Mom he was sick, and I told her he had a test, so she sent him to school?"  Tony is laughing so hard, tears are running down his face, as he manages to say, "And, the nuns called Mom because he had a temperature of 102."

     "What about the time you fell from the tree branch and landed in the pig slop?" I chuckle.  "See, what goes around comes around. "

     "Well, what about the time you stuck your foot in the spokes of the bike and sprained your ankle, and a bee stung your big toe after Mom wrapped your ankle and propped it up on a chair?  What pay back was that?"   We all laughed.

     "Remember when Richard was lying on the grass near the end of the other complex, and Mom runs across the grass screaming, "Richard, Richard," and when she gets to him he opens one eye and says, "shhhh , we're playing cowboys and Indians, and I'm supposed to be dead."  Mom nearly passed out.  Tony is laughing so hard by now, he needs to take a drink of water and catch his breath.  It is good to see him laughing.

     The stories fly fast and furious, as one after another we recall one laughable moment and jump to another.  Even Richard has stories to tell!  The morning passes very quickly. The nurse brings Tony's lunch and medication, so we get up to leave to find something to eat.  Susan and I ride with Richard and Charley, so that we can continue to enjoy one another's company.  During our drive to Black Eyed Pea, Susan tells us how good it is to see Tony laugh.  It has been a rough two weeks.  Tony's middle son Jay had been relocated to heaven, and Tony's physical pain had been unbearable.  He had really been beaten down the past two weeks.  Laughter is good...

     The food at Blacked Eyed Pea is great and the joking continues. This time the joking is with the restaurant staff...they are so friendly.  Good food and great staff!  Try it sometime.

     We head back to the center and pulling into the parking lot, I see Tony sitting there talking with a lady seated toward the other end of the veranda.  She, too, is wheel chair bound.  That brother of mine never meets a stranger.  "Wish I had his gift of gab," as Mom used to say.

     We start in again laughing and joking--one trying to out do the other.  This lasts through most of the afternoon, and then the mood shifts.  The remember whens become painful. 

    "Remember when David called to tell Mom he wasn't coming home because he wanted to stay at Aunt Veronica's for good?"  He said, "Aunt Veronica doesn't eat tomato soup all the time."

     "Remember when you boarded the bus for Pennsylvania?  Why did  you have to go?"

     "Bill didn't appreciate my getting upset with him when he pushed Mom down the steps, so off I went to live with a couple I had never seen before."   Tony's last words that day had been, "Viya Con Dios."

     We were silent for a few minutes.  Some memories are better left alone.  We talked of other things.  We settled world problems and fixed our government's ails, and before we knew it, we were once again laughing.

     We spoke of playing cops and robbers with Mom and Richard behind the sofa and with Tony and me on the staircase, being snowed in and digging tunnels across to the other complex, dressing Richard as a little girl and passing him off as a cousin, and spending  holidays with family and friends.  Life, with its ups and downs, is great!  A whole lifetime has passed as we sit here in the late evening of a perfect November day.

     Rose, a nurses aide, comes out and sits next to me, and she starts telling us about the bats that live in the center column.  "Bats," I say.  "Guess it is time for me to leave."  Everyone chuckles but me.  I'm remembering the bat that got into the trash can near my bed, while I huddled beneath the covers in that dark, dark room at Rancho del Cielo, Mexico.  Nope, I  don't need bats!

     Rose tells Tony about the fresh pot of coffee she has brewed, and I'm thinking it really is time to call it a night.  By the time I find a hotel, it will be nearly ten, and it has been a long day.

     Richard heads off in one direction, heading home, and I in another looking for a hotel.  It has been a wonderful day.  Mom would be proud.  "There is nothing quite like family," she would say, "and the memories they share."

     "Wonder what we can get Richard to believe next time", I smile to myself.

Musings : Luckenbach, Texas

Musings : Luckenbach, Texas:     Yesterday, Tuesday,  Bob and I took a day trip to Luckenbach.  The reason for the trip was...my bucket list.  I had never been, and have...

Luckenbach, Texas

    Yesterday, Tuesday,  Bob and I took a day trip to Luckenbach.  The reason for the trip was...my bucket list.  I had never been, and have wanted to do so for years.  I did not realize how close this historic little town  is to our home.

     We made several stops on the way: the jeweler's to pick up my pinky ring that had to be made smaller, the gas station to fill up on gas, and the bank in Liberty Hill.  It was a drizzly day, but not cold.  Bob and I took long drives when we first started dating.  We took one drive several years ago that took nearly eight hours, round trip.  I believe we drove through every county in central Texas that day.  We enjoyed just being together, talking, and taking in the sights.  But, this day, we had a destination in mind.

     Of course, he had to take the longer way...  He enjoys this!  Me, I just wanted to get there.  LOL
We were talking and laughing and listening to music the whole two hour trip.  We have come to a time in our lives where laughing is a real pleasure!  And, to spend two hours doing this is a big treat.

     We got to Luckenbach, home of Willie and the Boys, around 12:30.  I had been told not expect much because there isn't much there, but the ambiance of that place is like a vast metroplex. The little store that at one time was the post office is now the only place open during the week, but walking into it and seeing the old wooden floor that has been repaired, at times, with slabs taken from walls of another old building and license plates from all over adds to the "flavor" of the town.  At times the license plates have actually been cut to make "signs."   Little trinkets for sale are mementoes of a more precious time.

     I grew up on country music!  My mother raised me right...  So, those who spent week ends there were  names I knew vividly.  A gentleman in the room behind the store was picking and singing.  He sounded great!  We learned that he opened for Willie and others years ago.  I believe his name is Billy.

     I looked for a book or pamphlet to give me some history on the town.  I was given a piece of paper with history written on it.  Why has no one thought to write a book on this amazing little burg?  The post office/general store/beer joint was opened in 1886.  The town itself was named after Albert Luckenbach, the fiancé of Minna Engel.  Her father August Engel was a prolific fellow who also founded another little town, not too far away, named Albert.  At one time the town boasted a blacksmith shop, steam powered cotton gin, and a consolidated school.

     The town went up for sale when Benno Engel retired as post master.  It was bought by Hondo Crouch, who was a story unto himself, and Luckenbach became "A Texas state of mind."  He along with many of his friends began the legendary historic place that housed Texas country/American country music for many, many years.  The music and the legends live on, and one can still meet with others on the famous dance floor found in  the midst of Central Texas.

     I definitely want to go back, possibly in the summer.  I want to learn more about the Engels, Luckenbach, Hondo, and others that have made Luckenbach "A Texas State of Mind."  The history, alone, causes me to anxiously await our next road trip!

Musings : My Drive 11/28/12

Musings : My Drive 11/28/12: Coming home from bible study tonight, I was pleasantly reminded of the articles I used to write concerning my drive to work.  I loved those ...

Summer of 2017

This has been a most unusual summer ... the type that seems to be becoming the norm, though.  We had a tragedy in the family again. Brook's husband was killed in an accident, early one morning.  It was very early, and he was on his way to work.  Apparently, he fell asleep at the wheel.  Derrick was such a devoted father and husband; one can only wonder why the Lord needed him, at such a young age.  I was actually on my way to Brook's birthday party, when I got the call. Is there ever a good place to receive such a call?  I continued on...

Bob, Chrystal, the little ones and I went back for the funeral the next week.  Derrick was well loved by his fellow workers and those from the community.  I hurt for Brook...  She was trying so hard to hold it together.  I am so thankful she has family and friends who are helping her walk this painful road.

Not long before Awana was over for the summer, I met a young man and his adoptive family.  Jaron is from Haiti.  A bashful young man  with a heartwarming smile!  He was in need of some help getting ready for school next year.  He will be a freshman and has not had all he needs to be prepared for his first year of high school.  I am tutoring him, and I am really hoping he is getting all he needs from our hour and a half, 3 days a week.  I love seeing the lights go on in his eyes!  His passion is soccer, and his favorite player is Neymar.  Jaron can tell you anything you might want to know about Neymar.  He has followed him, closely, for more than 5 years.  He did his research paper on this soccer player from Barcelona.  I think I need to assign a topic for the next one.  One where Jaron will have to dig a little deeper for information.  Yes, I still want my students to work!

I had a birthday celebration that lasted for days.  Can you imagine anyone celebrating getting "old" for nearly a week?  I had lunch with Jamie, her boys, Chrys, and her little ones on Friday.  I was able to do that because VBS students were at the pool until nearly two.  Carson had come in for the week end, and they stopped by as they were traveling to visit his dad.  Claudette came in on Saturday.  Jamie and Claudette stayed here with Bob and I.  Saturday evening, the girls, Domenick, the little ones, Bob, and I went to PF Chang's for dinner.  I love their food!  We had a great time.  Afterwards, we went to Chrystal's for cake.  Oh, my...  so, so good!

Sunday Jamie headed out to pick up the boys, so she could head back to Keller.  Bob, Claudette, and I headed to Sunday School and church.  Lunch afterwards was fun.  I enjoy spending time with the Griffins, Karen, and the Smiths.  Laughter is like a medicine, and that we did.

Monday, one of my dearest friends from the valley came.  Paula and I always manage to have fun.  Her reason for coming was to teach me to make tamales.  Some of you may be laughing, but I never learned.  Needless to say, we had a great time.  More laughing and joking ensued for the next three days.

I have been praying for the Lord to give me eyes to see what He sees.  He has been answering that prayer.  The pain of our fellow men does not go unnoticed by our heavenly Father.  He knows the pain: the deaths of loved ones, the illnesses striking both young and old, job losses, individuals needing to make moves that were unexpected, the need for more believers to become His hands and feet on this earth, and our reluctance to do so.  He sees it all.  I have asked for a double portion of the energy and stamina of our former executive pastor, Pastor Derrick Norris.  I am hopeful the Lord will begin to answer that prayer, too.  I want to be used by God.  I want to be his hands and feet.

I wonder what tomorrow will bring.

Goodbye Aunt Annie aka Annalee Hailey

     The nieces and nephews amazing and loving Aunt Annie left this world June 24, 2016.  To say she will be remembered and missed is to put it mildly.  WE had her memorial this past week end, July 23rd.   My children were the only nieces and nephews able to attend, but I am sure their memories and shared stories would be very similar to others who could not attend.  Brother Gene was gracious in his words of love and hope, and the shared memories read allowed all to smile and remember the love and warmth they felt each time one or all visited their beloved Aunt Annie and Uncle Cliff.  Those two had more love in their little finger than most people have in their entire being.  One thing for sure, they knew how to have fun and make lasting memories. 
     We visited John and Booger's grave sides, and shared more memories and laughter before leaving Mont Meta.  Yes, there were tears, but we know that they have been relocated to heaven and probably had tricks to play on Aunt Annie when she arrived. 

     We ended up going to Longhorn Barbecue in San Benito where we continued the stories and laughter.  It was wonderful to see the kids all together again.  It has been quite awhile since we have all been together.  Katie and Andy were there as well and shared in the laughter.  Of course. Madison and Little Guy were there and added to the laughter.

     Later that evening we all went to Creasey's Bowling Alley in Harlingen and spent the remaining evening hours laughing at the joking and jesting.  I found it amusing that the picking on one another has not changed over the years.  Boys against girls and oldest picking on youngest...some things never change.

     The next morning, while the boys helped their dad clean up the last of Aunt Annie's home, the girls and I went to church in Rio Hondo.  It was wonderful seeing old friends, but sad to see some in ill health.  Time marches on.  Brother Gene's message of God's love and His willingness that none should parish was refreshing.  Little Guy wrote a note : I love you Jesus, Domenick.  He left it with Brother Gene.  Even the littlest know the love of our heavenly Father.

     We had lunch with the boys at La Playa in Harlingen.  The food was good, but the portions were too big.  There was more laughing and joking and, then, the embarrassing time arrived.  It was my birthday, so Jason had told the waiter, prior to our arriving, and the plot was set.  As we were finishing our meal, a group of waiters came up behind me and put a humongous sombrero on my head and sang a form of happy birthday.  I was totally embarrassed and my kids and grandkids were very amused.  One thing they may have forgotten is mom does not forget.  LOL

     We said goodbye to Jason, Andy, and Jamie, as they were heading home.  I truly hated to see them leave.  The rest of us went back to the hotel to change and head to the beach.  I could not get over how much traffic there was heading to Padre on a mid Sunday afternoon.  Once on the beach, the little ones, Uncle David and Aunt Claudette headed for the water.  Okay, the mom in me still worries about my kids in the water, and the grandma in me worries even more, and when my son takes my granddaughter out to the second or third sand bar, I really worry.  But, they had a blast.  I thank God they were safe and memories were made. 

     After an afternoon of fun, we stopped at Pirate's Landing for dinner.  Coconut shrimp how sweet the taste!!!!  A magician named Johnny stopped at our table and performed tricks with coins and small red sponge balls.  We were all amazed, but the little ones were mesmerized.  How did he get the coins into and out of their little hands?  How did he put the third ball in Madison's hands?  Now, that is something to ponder.  Even Uncle David was caught up in the feats.  Truly, another remarkable memory to be shared by all.

     Those of us still in the valley met one more time for lunch at Pepe's on Monday.  There is no finality to a trip to the valley without eating at Pepe's! Again there were memories shared and laughter, too.  I hated to see this trip end.  I know that Aunt Annie would have loved the way we laughed and joked around.  A very fitting farewell to a much loved family member.

     Chrys, her little ones and I set  out for home about 1:30p.m.  I was glad to see the green of the valley and the fields full of cotton.  I had hoped to stop and let the little ones pick a boll of cotton, but I would not allow it due to the defoliant.  The trip out of the valley was quiet, for the most part.  Chrys worked on her computer, the kids watched a movie on the ipad and I listened to music. We decided to take the long way home through Skidmore and Karnes City because I certainly did not want to go through San Antonio during rush hour.  I am glad we took that route.  I have never been that way, and the little communities and ranch lands reminded me of what Texas is all about. The cattle and goats on the rolling hills was relaxing for me.   We stopped several times and just enjoyed the trip.  We made it home around 8p.m.

     I hope to make another trip to the valley next month.  There are many people I did not see.  Valley is home.