It's been fun for me to watch Barrett develop a sense of humor. He, at almost 2 1/2, "gets" it...he understands when you're kidding around or making jokes. For example: we spend lots of time looking for various favorite vehicles when we're out in the car...like fire trucks, garbage trucks, school buses, motorcycles, boats, etc. Whoever spots one MUST yell, "Fire truck!" or "Mailman!" or "a big bus!"
Recently, I asked him, "Are you a garbage boy?" And he immediately responded, "NOOOO! are you a garbage girl?" Then, turning to his grandfather, he said, "E-daddy a garbage man!" I said, "Well, then, what is grandmommy?" "A garbage girl," he replied, laughing.
Another day I asked him if he were ready to take his nap (now that was a silly question, right?) He replied, "No, I want to play!" I said, "Well, how about 5 more minutes of playing, then your nap?" He said, "Well, how about playing!" In other words, he made a joke when I was being serious! His daddy said, "Was that smart-alecky?" I don't think it was; I just think he's picking up on phrases like "How about..." and wanted to use it himself.
A sense of humor comes in pretty handy in many instances, whether you are 2 1/2 or 63. I could use a healthy sense of humor many times myself. It diffuses tension...keeps things light...elevates the mood. I've noticed that persons with good senses of humor seem to enjoy life a lot...and don't get too caught up in stress, when they can laugh at situations and at themselves.
It's something I'm working on, as I don't tend to have much of a sense of humor naturally. Barrett is helping me here. It's just refreshing to carry on conversation with an innocent little guy who is bright and happy and interested in learning and conversing on many levels. Most often, our conversations make me smile. Now that's healthy for sure!
So...next time you find yourself in a depressing...or upsetting...or fretful mood or situation, find yourself a little tot and make some jokes...or ask some silly questions...or use funny words or games to lighten your mood. If no tots are available, just be silly with whoever's around...or just with yourself.
Life can be tough...there are enough bad things and bad news out there to get any of us down. Developing and using a good, healthy sense of humor may be just what the doctor ordered. Children can be natural clowns, and just hanging out with them can be better than a dose of medicine or vitamins!
Thank you, sweet Barrett, for keeping Grandmommy young and laughing...just one more reason I love you so!
CONCORD CHRONICLE - Dedicated to God, the author of peace and lover of concord
Monday, July 30, 2012
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
It's the Little Things
It's the little things that make life good!
For a two-year-old, it is:
- wearing a birthday hat just because you want to...and singing Happy Birthday, as well! Even when it's noone's birthday
- wading out into the bay, with all your clothes on
- putting your hand over your heart (the correct hand!) and saying the first line to The Pledge of Allegiance, all by yourself!
- discovering the goodness of Chicken Parmesan and saying, "I wike it!"
- the awe of seeing baby birds in their nest, mouths wide open
- a soft and familiar blankie to snuggle with, while you suck your thumb
- a favorite rhyming Bible Storybook (never underestimate the spiritual nature of a very young child)
- sweet kisses to give and receive
- someone to "hold you."
- Mommy's sweet voice, singing lullabies at bedtime
- Daddy's silly games and faces and times of roughhousing together
- "I wuv you" - saying it and hearing it...the best three words ever
- choo choos and cars and trucks and planes to play with
- learning to blow bubbles and kick your feet in the water: "I swimming!"
- playing outside: riding, throwing, pushing, pulling toys of all sorts
For Grandmommy (aka E-Mommy!)
- the sweet smell of a baby fresh out of the tub
- little boy hugs and kisses
- that cute little voice saying, "Wook!" as he discovers some new and wondrous thing
- seeing that little personality emerging, as he develops confidence and social skills and self-control
- being amazed at memory and ability and recollection
- making believe...almost becoming a child again!
- belly-laughing
- riding horsey-back
- sharing your yogurt with a little one; actually having your yogurt hijacked by a little one!
- getting kissed right in the mouth for no apparent reason except LOVE
- being taken back in time by familiar songs and stories and fairy tales
- wondering how in the world a child can have toes identical to his father's!
- looking at those crazy little Heatherly eyebrows and seeing four generations of genes right before my eyes!
- Being told, "Tank you, E-Mommy," when I give him something or pick up something he's dropped
- Hearing a soft and sweet,"I wuv you." The sound you're hearing is my heart melting into a puddle.
- Watching a real-life porcelain baby doll sleeping peacefully on his back
- Little blonde curls, big blue eyes, jet black lashes, familiar dimples
- Love personified in a 28 month old child
- Coloring and scribbling and having simple fun with crayons and paper
- Happily watching our favorite shows, with characters like George and Dora and Buddy the T-Rex
It's the little things, just the little things. Thank you, God, for the little things...
For a two-year-old, it is:
- wearing a birthday hat just because you want to...and singing Happy Birthday, as well! Even when it's noone's birthday
- wading out into the bay, with all your clothes on
- putting your hand over your heart (the correct hand!) and saying the first line to The Pledge of Allegiance, all by yourself!
- discovering the goodness of Chicken Parmesan and saying, "I wike it!"
- the awe of seeing baby birds in their nest, mouths wide open
- a soft and familiar blankie to snuggle with, while you suck your thumb
- a favorite rhyming Bible Storybook (never underestimate the spiritual nature of a very young child)
- sweet kisses to give and receive
- someone to "hold you."
- Mommy's sweet voice, singing lullabies at bedtime
- Daddy's silly games and faces and times of roughhousing together
- "I wuv you" - saying it and hearing it...the best three words ever
- choo choos and cars and trucks and planes to play with
- learning to blow bubbles and kick your feet in the water: "I swimming!"
- playing outside: riding, throwing, pushing, pulling toys of all sorts
For Grandmommy (aka E-Mommy!)
- the sweet smell of a baby fresh out of the tub
- little boy hugs and kisses
- that cute little voice saying, "Wook!" as he discovers some new and wondrous thing
- seeing that little personality emerging, as he develops confidence and social skills and self-control
- being amazed at memory and ability and recollection
- making believe...almost becoming a child again!
- belly-laughing
- riding horsey-back
- sharing your yogurt with a little one; actually having your yogurt hijacked by a little one!
- getting kissed right in the mouth for no apparent reason except LOVE
- being taken back in time by familiar songs and stories and fairy tales
- wondering how in the world a child can have toes identical to his father's!
- looking at those crazy little Heatherly eyebrows and seeing four generations of genes right before my eyes!
- Being told, "Tank you, E-Mommy," when I give him something or pick up something he's dropped
- Hearing a soft and sweet,"I wuv you." The sound you're hearing is my heart melting into a puddle.
- Watching a real-life porcelain baby doll sleeping peacefully on his back
- Little blonde curls, big blue eyes, jet black lashes, familiar dimples
- Love personified in a 28 month old child
- Coloring and scribbling and having simple fun with crayons and paper
- Happily watching our favorite shows, with characters like George and Dora and Buddy the T-Rex
It's the little things, just the little things. Thank you, God, for the little things...
Traveling Light
How do you travel? Do you take everything but the kitchen sink? Or do you throw a few duds in your bag and set out on your journey? Whichever, it is challenging. I know with my intelligence that traveling light is the way to go. But my girlie side makes me want to have the right shoes and accessories to go with my outfits. You guys probably can't identify. But it's real to us girls.
Since we are spending lots of time traveling to Florida to babysit, we also spend lots of time packing our bags for the trip. So...I spend lots of energy trying to decide what to take so as to travel light but not leave out a necessity or something that I really would miss having.
Florida has been easier than Oklahoma, where our children lived previously, because of the more consistent and temperate climate. Shorts and skirts and sundresses ... plus a swimsuit, and flip-flops! of course! ... is just about it. A sweater for cool nights in springtime or extra-cool airconditioning is plenty for outerwear, unless it's mid-winter. Oklahoma, on the other hand, is very hot and windy or very cold and windy...one May it never did warm up. I lived in borrowed sweatsuits the entire month, except for church and special evenings out, as I just had not brought the proper clothes. My shorts, etc, were just not warm enough!
All this to say: traveling light is definitely preferable but not always easy to do. There's another side to this "traveling light" scenario as well...and it does not involve physical packing and physical baggage at all. It's emotional baggage...or spiritual baggage...perhaps baggage of a social nature...that I'm talking about.
Sunday's sermon, at St Simon on the Sound Episcopal Church, Fort Walton Beach, hit on this very subject. The gospel topic was Jesus' instructions to his disciples about wearing just one cloak, taking no money or extra clothes...no food, not even a bag! as they traveled around about spreading the gospel. Not only was "traveling light" important physically for folks who walked wherever they went, it was important as a matter of priority. Kind of like Jesus' words about the birds of the air having all they need...and the lilies in the field...the disciples were to prioritize: take just what they needed and not one item more, for God would provide for them, even more than He does for the wildlife and flora of the earth which he created and maintains. It would enable the disciples to focus on their mission without being burdened physically and mentally.
We can take a great lesson from this admonition, for "traveling light" can help us in so many ways. When we pack lightly, it is very freeing, for it simplifies our lives. Packing less means taking up less room in the car, in the hotel, in the guest closet. It means we spend less time primping and deciding what to wear. It also is freeing, mentally, when we keep our hearts and minds and souls and spirits free of worry and fretting and assuming and thoughts that are negative or critical. When we empty ourselves of all these things, we are free to fill ourselves up with pure and lovely and positive thoughts...which lead to positive actions...and positive feelings and positive lives.
A heart and mind free of bitterness and fear and anxiety and stress...or at least keeping these things to a minimum if not eliminating them altogether...is so superior to the alternative. We can live abundant lives, fulfilling our purpose, blooming where we are planted. We can serve God and our fellowman with abandon and joy. We can love others and ourselves as we put God first and let His light shine through us.
So, let's pack those light bags and get going on this wonderful trip called life! It's well worth the effort of getting rid of the clutter and keeping just those things in our lives which are healthy and peace-producing. May God bless our efforts and keep us on this road of life.
Since we are spending lots of time traveling to Florida to babysit, we also spend lots of time packing our bags for the trip. So...I spend lots of energy trying to decide what to take so as to travel light but not leave out a necessity or something that I really would miss having.
Florida has been easier than Oklahoma, where our children lived previously, because of the more consistent and temperate climate. Shorts and skirts and sundresses ... plus a swimsuit, and flip-flops! of course! ... is just about it. A sweater for cool nights in springtime or extra-cool airconditioning is plenty for outerwear, unless it's mid-winter. Oklahoma, on the other hand, is very hot and windy or very cold and windy...one May it never did warm up. I lived in borrowed sweatsuits the entire month, except for church and special evenings out, as I just had not brought the proper clothes. My shorts, etc, were just not warm enough!
All this to say: traveling light is definitely preferable but not always easy to do. There's another side to this "traveling light" scenario as well...and it does not involve physical packing and physical baggage at all. It's emotional baggage...or spiritual baggage...perhaps baggage of a social nature...that I'm talking about.
Sunday's sermon, at St Simon on the Sound Episcopal Church, Fort Walton Beach, hit on this very subject. The gospel topic was Jesus' instructions to his disciples about wearing just one cloak, taking no money or extra clothes...no food, not even a bag! as they traveled around about spreading the gospel. Not only was "traveling light" important physically for folks who walked wherever they went, it was important as a matter of priority. Kind of like Jesus' words about the birds of the air having all they need...and the lilies in the field...the disciples were to prioritize: take just what they needed and not one item more, for God would provide for them, even more than He does for the wildlife and flora of the earth which he created and maintains. It would enable the disciples to focus on their mission without being burdened physically and mentally.
We can take a great lesson from this admonition, for "traveling light" can help us in so many ways. When we pack lightly, it is very freeing, for it simplifies our lives. Packing less means taking up less room in the car, in the hotel, in the guest closet. It means we spend less time primping and deciding what to wear. It also is freeing, mentally, when we keep our hearts and minds and souls and spirits free of worry and fretting and assuming and thoughts that are negative or critical. When we empty ourselves of all these things, we are free to fill ourselves up with pure and lovely and positive thoughts...which lead to positive actions...and positive feelings and positive lives.
A heart and mind free of bitterness and fear and anxiety and stress...or at least keeping these things to a minimum if not eliminating them altogether...is so superior to the alternative. We can live abundant lives, fulfilling our purpose, blooming where we are planted. We can serve God and our fellowman with abandon and joy. We can love others and ourselves as we put God first and let His light shine through us.
So, let's pack those light bags and get going on this wonderful trip called life! It's well worth the effort of getting rid of the clutter and keeping just those things in our lives which are healthy and peace-producing. May God bless our efforts and keep us on this road of life.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Believing...
The child of friends is in the battle of his life. His name is Saxon, and they are asking for God to heal this boy. Will you join in praying that prayer?
Saxon's dad, on their CaringBridge site, wanted their friends to know what they believe, as they go through this journey with their son. It was so poignant, reading how a fellow-believer states the tenets of their belief system. Very humbling. Very strengthening. Very basically a God-moment.
And it made me realize some things about personal beliefs. They make us who we are. They are the fabric of our beings, the Spirit-infused crux of our hearts and souls. They are God-breathed and God-ordained.
I had a conversation recently with a friend whom I admire. We probably don't agree totally on theology and style of worship. But we both believe. I respect his beliefs and would not want to tell him (or anyone, for that matter) what they should believe. I might answer their questions, if asked; I would hope my life would speak loud and clear of what I believe. I would certainly want to act and speak in a Godly fashion. And walk the road that God would have me walk, in a way that honors Him.
My blog is, by design, a vehicle for me to hopefully encourage folk and to point the Way...the Truth...the Life...the Light...I want my writing to be God-driven, pointing folk to the God and His Son Jesus.
But I would never tell someone how he should believe! Plant seeds of faith? Yes. Be salt and light? Hopefully. Beat someone over the head with my Bible? Never. Nor would I for a moment think that I have the corner-of-the-market on how to live out my faith. God is in the salvation business. He is the Judge. Not me. I want to just quietly and humbly walk the walk, and serve Him.
I am hopeful that I, like Saxon's parents, could briefly, succinctly say what I believe. And then live out that faith in a manner pleasing to God. And pray...read...worship...sing...listen to that still, small voice of God that sometimes whispers, sometimes shouts out to me in love and grace and mercy, as He leads and guides. May I follow his footsteps and walk in His ways through this life, with family and friends and strangers alike.
Thank you for your prayers for sweet Saxon, 12 years old...such a great kid, such an awesome family. May God bless them all...and heal that boy.
Saxon's dad, on their CaringBridge site, wanted their friends to know what they believe, as they go through this journey with their son. It was so poignant, reading how a fellow-believer states the tenets of their belief system. Very humbling. Very strengthening. Very basically a God-moment.
And it made me realize some things about personal beliefs. They make us who we are. They are the fabric of our beings, the Spirit-infused crux of our hearts and souls. They are God-breathed and God-ordained.
I had a conversation recently with a friend whom I admire. We probably don't agree totally on theology and style of worship. But we both believe. I respect his beliefs and would not want to tell him (or anyone, for that matter) what they should believe. I might answer their questions, if asked; I would hope my life would speak loud and clear of what I believe. I would certainly want to act and speak in a Godly fashion. And walk the road that God would have me walk, in a way that honors Him.
My blog is, by design, a vehicle for me to hopefully encourage folk and to point the Way...the Truth...the Life...the Light...I want my writing to be God-driven, pointing folk to the God and His Son Jesus.
But I would never tell someone how he should believe! Plant seeds of faith? Yes. Be salt and light? Hopefully. Beat someone over the head with my Bible? Never. Nor would I for a moment think that I have the corner-of-the-market on how to live out my faith. God is in the salvation business. He is the Judge. Not me. I want to just quietly and humbly walk the walk, and serve Him.
I am hopeful that I, like Saxon's parents, could briefly, succinctly say what I believe. And then live out that faith in a manner pleasing to God. And pray...read...worship...sing...listen to that still, small voice of God that sometimes whispers, sometimes shouts out to me in love and grace and mercy, as He leads and guides. May I follow his footsteps and walk in His ways through this life, with family and friends and strangers alike.
Thank you for your prayers for sweet Saxon, 12 years old...such a great kid, such an awesome family. May God bless them all...and heal that boy.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Having Hope
Sometimes life is just too hard. Things are going along normally...even splendidly. Then disaster hits. A tragic accident. A life-threatening illness. Unspeakable tragedy. First shock and disbelief. Then the questions bombard us...questions we have; questions others have; questions we have for God. We are shaken to the core and just can't comprehend it. Can't make sense of it. Can't find our peace at all.
So what is a person to do?
We draw on our inner strength. We lean on each other. We lean on the professionals, the ones here on earth who do their very best to help us. We lean on total strangers. We reach out...we reach up...we lean on the Everlasting Arms. And if not for all the above, we would probably just drown in our sorrow, fall off the cliff, totally flounder under the pressure.
Our faith is tested...our faith is strained...our faith feels insufficient. But then, we have a tiny breakthrough. A person...a visit...a card...a verse...a word...a song...a tiny flicker of hope happens. Sometimes so tiny it's hardly tangible. But we find ourselves looking up and seeing a ray of light instead of total darkness...a little bit of joy...
Never ever doubt the power of pray-ers...the power of hope shared...the power of God. We may not always get "yes," but God has not left us nor forsaken us. He weeps right along with us. He cares so deeply. He knows how it feels. For all his power and his might and his strength, his very nature is one of loving kindness...mercy...grace.
His presence is found in the prayers and praises of his people. Those who intercede. Those who carry their brothers and sisters. Those who reach out and share the burden and try to divide the pain by bearing some of it. Even the ones who are too overcome, weakened, and overwhelmed to even voice their concerns except to cry out to their Father. He truly cares. He hears. He does.
God's Holy Spirit...intercedes...petitions...nudges...whispers...comforts...The blessed Trinity: Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Three in One, One in Three. Oh, the sweet, sweet love of Jesus. There is our peace. There is our answer. Praise God for his ever-present, everlasting, ever-conquering LOVE. Love that passes all understanding. Love that carries us through...across...out of the pit of despair. Thank God that we do not have to really understand or to have the answers or even know which way to turn. He is right here with us, giving us what we need, when we need it. He is the source of our hope and our strength. He is the God who is enough.
So what is a person to do?
We draw on our inner strength. We lean on each other. We lean on the professionals, the ones here on earth who do their very best to help us. We lean on total strangers. We reach out...we reach up...we lean on the Everlasting Arms. And if not for all the above, we would probably just drown in our sorrow, fall off the cliff, totally flounder under the pressure.
Our faith is tested...our faith is strained...our faith feels insufficient. But then, we have a tiny breakthrough. A person...a visit...a card...a verse...a word...a song...a tiny flicker of hope happens. Sometimes so tiny it's hardly tangible. But we find ourselves looking up and seeing a ray of light instead of total darkness...a little bit of joy...
Never ever doubt the power of pray-ers...the power of hope shared...the power of God. We may not always get "yes," but God has not left us nor forsaken us. He weeps right along with us. He cares so deeply. He knows how it feels. For all his power and his might and his strength, his very nature is one of loving kindness...mercy...grace.
His presence is found in the prayers and praises of his people. Those who intercede. Those who carry their brothers and sisters. Those who reach out and share the burden and try to divide the pain by bearing some of it. Even the ones who are too overcome, weakened, and overwhelmed to even voice their concerns except to cry out to their Father. He truly cares. He hears. He does.
God's Holy Spirit...intercedes...petitions...nudges...whispers...comforts...The blessed Trinity: Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Three in One, One in Three. Oh, the sweet, sweet love of Jesus. There is our peace. There is our answer. Praise God for his ever-present, everlasting, ever-conquering LOVE. Love that passes all understanding. Love that carries us through...across...out of the pit of despair. Thank God that we do not have to really understand or to have the answers or even know which way to turn. He is right here with us, giving us what we need, when we need it. He is the source of our hope and our strength. He is the God who is enough.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Pie, anyone?
As promised, here are the microwaved pie recipes!
Chocolate Pie
Prick and pre-bake an 8 inch pie crust. Or you may use graham cracker or chocolate cookie crumb crust. If you wish to use a 9 inch crust, just increase ingredients by 1/2 again (eg: 1 1/2 C sugar, 4 1/2 T cocoa, etc.)
In a glass microwave-proof bowl, combine well, whisking to break up any lumps:
1 C sugar
1/3 C regular flour
3 T cocoa
Add:
3 egg yolks
2 C milk
1/2 tsp salt
Mix well and microwave on high for 5 minutes. Stir (whisk) well, til the mixture comes together smoothly. Microwave for another 5 minutes. Add 1/2 stick butter and 1 tsp. vanilla, again whisking well.
Pour into pie crust and let cool while making meringue:
3 egg whites
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 tsp vanilla
6 T sugar
Beat whites til soft peaks form, then add cream of tartar, vanilla, and sugar a little at a time. Beat til stiff peaks form. Top pie with meringue and bake 12-15 min at 350.
Coconut Pie
Just like chocolate one, except leave out cocoa and add 1 large handful coconut (about 1 C) after custard is cooked in microwave.
You may also use the custard for Banana Cream Pie by leaving out the coconut and adding 1-2 chopped bananas.
Enjoy!
Chocolate Pie
Prick and pre-bake an 8 inch pie crust. Or you may use graham cracker or chocolate cookie crumb crust. If you wish to use a 9 inch crust, just increase ingredients by 1/2 again (eg: 1 1/2 C sugar, 4 1/2 T cocoa, etc.)
In a glass microwave-proof bowl, combine well, whisking to break up any lumps:
1 C sugar
1/3 C regular flour
3 T cocoa
Add:
3 egg yolks
2 C milk
1/2 tsp salt
Mix well and microwave on high for 5 minutes. Stir (whisk) well, til the mixture comes together smoothly. Microwave for another 5 minutes. Add 1/2 stick butter and 1 tsp. vanilla, again whisking well.
Pour into pie crust and let cool while making meringue:
3 egg whites
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 tsp vanilla
6 T sugar
Beat whites til soft peaks form, then add cream of tartar, vanilla, and sugar a little at a time. Beat til stiff peaks form. Top pie with meringue and bake 12-15 min at 350.
Coconut Pie
Just like chocolate one, except leave out cocoa and add 1 large handful coconut (about 1 C) after custard is cooked in microwave.
You may also use the custard for Banana Cream Pie by leaving out the coconut and adding 1-2 chopped bananas.
Enjoy!
Daddy's Day
Well, it's Father's Day, and I imagine every blogger in the world is writing about that very special day. Whether we are honoring fathers who are in the here and now, or those who have passed on....whether they be near or far away...whether it be a day of fun-filled memories or one tinged with some regrets...we can all agree that fathers play an extra-special role in the lives of their offspring.
Personally, I want to honor four men who hold extraordinary places in my heart and life: my own Daddy; my father-in-law "Pops;" my wonderful husband; and our son.
My daddy was one-in-a-million. He was the middle child in his family, and he was very typical in that role: not the eldest, not the baby, and sometimes overlooked. He was quiet and mild-mannered, sometimes to a fault. He was kind and honest and smart and thoughtful: a Southern gentleman, with the greatest manners and a gentleness that was so sweet. He was generous and humble and never sought to bring attention to himself. I remember an instance where a dear friend, with four children, decided to give up his career in sales and go into the ministry. Daddy wanted to help, to the point of purchasing his friend's house in order to free the couple of that financial burden so that they could pursue their calling and dreams. And another time when their pastor fell into financial strains, and unbeknownst to all, he helped him. I found out about this from a thank-you letter in Daddy's files, after his death. Just doing the right thing in the right spirit, without fanfare. Daddy was one of the last great romantics: always showering Mother with girly gifts of perfume, flowers, cards...everything women adore...He was a sweetheart of a guy for sure. He went on in 1999, after a courageous battle with Melanoma that had metastisized. And I miss him.
Pops was a character, a sweetheart, in his own way, as well. He had grown up in a large family, one of a bunch of brothers with a lone sister. They didn't have much, materially speaking; they lived off the land and worked hard to make ends meet. Their father was stern but loved his brood and taught them to love each other and to make the most of what they had. Pops, I learned from his sister, was fastidious as a child. He ironed his own clothes because noone else could do it to his satisfaction. He came to live with us when he was 59 years old, after the sad illness and death of his wife, John's mother, who succombed to ALS. During her illness, Pops was her chief caretaker, and he did that well. He pretty much gave up after her death, losing his zest for life. All he wanted to do was fish, and he did lots of that after his retirement, until his own health problems precluded him from pursuing this lifelong passion. It was good for us, for the most part, having him in our home for 23 years. It was good for him for sure, being around people rather than being alone. It was good for our children, having a Waltons-like family atmosphere where they learned from him and kept him young with their fun and games and childlike joy and all. It was difficult, at times, as well; for it's hard for two families to live under the same roof. I learned lots from him, and I loved him and I miss him. He was a pretty much self-made man; a good person with a good heart who loved the great outdoors with its wildlife and possibilities for not only hunting and fishing but just enjoying the plants and animals God created. He had probably more common sense and natural wisdom than anyone I've known. RIP, Pops.
My husband: my John...such a blessing to me and our family and to so many. He is probably the most humble man I know. He has accomplished much in his life, but you would never know from talking with him or being around him. He never talks about himself; what he accomplished is "history," according to him and belongs in the past; he talks little, but what he says is worth hearing. We met in 7th grade, started dating when our parents allowed us to, at age 16; married after our sophomore year in college. So we truly grew up together; now we are growing older together! He is very neat, organized, and administratively gifted. He has been a wonderful provider, protector, and friend. And a great example to our children. And to hundreds if not thousands of those he taught and coached over his 30 year career at Farragut High School. More than one has told us that they considered him like a second dad. He has been there with wise counsel, a great listening ear, honesty, integrity, and Christian values throughout life. The life of a teacher and coach and Army reservist made his working days long. But we made the most of the time he did have off and have wonderful memories of summer camping trips, trips to the beach, and many adventures outdoors. We spent some of our happiest times at the ball parks where we followed his teams and supported his efforts. He and I are more or less joined at the hip, and we are thoroughly enjoying retirement together...and being parents of adult children, who are our pride and joy, along with our latest blessing: our little grandson. It is pure joy for me to watch him with that precious child. He would be thoroughly embarrassed to hear these comments, as he does not like to be in the limelight. Although greatly honored, he did not like being front-and-center when the baseball field at FHS was named for him...nor when he was inducted into the Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame...just too much fanfare for a quiet and humble man who would rather just be enjoying his family and golf and fishing or reading. I love that man so much.
Our son is one of our heroes. He is smart and funny and very capable. He has been a stay at home dad since his little son was born 27 months ago. He is a captain in the Florida Air National Guard and in training now for a new full-time job with that branch of the armed services. He is a great son...wonderful husband...and the best daddy in the world. He has gotten his son off to a great start, caring for him with a perfect blend of love and laughter, play, good nutrition, and routine/schedule. He has read to him since day one, and that little guy loves books and reading, the building blocks of education and learning. Johnny has a special bond with his little boy that is enviable and exemplary. And he can cook! His lucky wife has had a lunch packed with love and yumminess everyday...plus a well-planned and prepared meal each night. Yes, I think he gets the award, don't you?
So...Happy Daddy's Day to each of you dads out there and especially to the four men who are so special to me. I love you and am so grateful for your lives and contributions to our world...and to my life, personally. I thank God for each of you.
Personally, I want to honor four men who hold extraordinary places in my heart and life: my own Daddy; my father-in-law "Pops;" my wonderful husband; and our son.
My daddy was one-in-a-million. He was the middle child in his family, and he was very typical in that role: not the eldest, not the baby, and sometimes overlooked. He was quiet and mild-mannered, sometimes to a fault. He was kind and honest and smart and thoughtful: a Southern gentleman, with the greatest manners and a gentleness that was so sweet. He was generous and humble and never sought to bring attention to himself. I remember an instance where a dear friend, with four children, decided to give up his career in sales and go into the ministry. Daddy wanted to help, to the point of purchasing his friend's house in order to free the couple of that financial burden so that they could pursue their calling and dreams. And another time when their pastor fell into financial strains, and unbeknownst to all, he helped him. I found out about this from a thank-you letter in Daddy's files, after his death. Just doing the right thing in the right spirit, without fanfare. Daddy was one of the last great romantics: always showering Mother with girly gifts of perfume, flowers, cards...everything women adore...He was a sweetheart of a guy for sure. He went on in 1999, after a courageous battle with Melanoma that had metastisized. And I miss him.
Pops was a character, a sweetheart, in his own way, as well. He had grown up in a large family, one of a bunch of brothers with a lone sister. They didn't have much, materially speaking; they lived off the land and worked hard to make ends meet. Their father was stern but loved his brood and taught them to love each other and to make the most of what they had. Pops, I learned from his sister, was fastidious as a child. He ironed his own clothes because noone else could do it to his satisfaction. He came to live with us when he was 59 years old, after the sad illness and death of his wife, John's mother, who succombed to ALS. During her illness, Pops was her chief caretaker, and he did that well. He pretty much gave up after her death, losing his zest for life. All he wanted to do was fish, and he did lots of that after his retirement, until his own health problems precluded him from pursuing this lifelong passion. It was good for us, for the most part, having him in our home for 23 years. It was good for him for sure, being around people rather than being alone. It was good for our children, having a Waltons-like family atmosphere where they learned from him and kept him young with their fun and games and childlike joy and all. It was difficult, at times, as well; for it's hard for two families to live under the same roof. I learned lots from him, and I loved him and I miss him. He was a pretty much self-made man; a good person with a good heart who loved the great outdoors with its wildlife and possibilities for not only hunting and fishing but just enjoying the plants and animals God created. He had probably more common sense and natural wisdom than anyone I've known. RIP, Pops.
My husband: my John...such a blessing to me and our family and to so many. He is probably the most humble man I know. He has accomplished much in his life, but you would never know from talking with him or being around him. He never talks about himself; what he accomplished is "history," according to him and belongs in the past; he talks little, but what he says is worth hearing. We met in 7th grade, started dating when our parents allowed us to, at age 16; married after our sophomore year in college. So we truly grew up together; now we are growing older together! He is very neat, organized, and administratively gifted. He has been a wonderful provider, protector, and friend. And a great example to our children. And to hundreds if not thousands of those he taught and coached over his 30 year career at Farragut High School. More than one has told us that they considered him like a second dad. He has been there with wise counsel, a great listening ear, honesty, integrity, and Christian values throughout life. The life of a teacher and coach and Army reservist made his working days long. But we made the most of the time he did have off and have wonderful memories of summer camping trips, trips to the beach, and many adventures outdoors. We spent some of our happiest times at the ball parks where we followed his teams and supported his efforts. He and I are more or less joined at the hip, and we are thoroughly enjoying retirement together...and being parents of adult children, who are our pride and joy, along with our latest blessing: our little grandson. It is pure joy for me to watch him with that precious child. He would be thoroughly embarrassed to hear these comments, as he does not like to be in the limelight. Although greatly honored, he did not like being front-and-center when the baseball field at FHS was named for him...nor when he was inducted into the Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame...just too much fanfare for a quiet and humble man who would rather just be enjoying his family and golf and fishing or reading. I love that man so much.
Our son is one of our heroes. He is smart and funny and very capable. He has been a stay at home dad since his little son was born 27 months ago. He is a captain in the Florida Air National Guard and in training now for a new full-time job with that branch of the armed services. He is a great son...wonderful husband...and the best daddy in the world. He has gotten his son off to a great start, caring for him with a perfect blend of love and laughter, play, good nutrition, and routine/schedule. He has read to him since day one, and that little guy loves books and reading, the building blocks of education and learning. Johnny has a special bond with his little boy that is enviable and exemplary. And he can cook! His lucky wife has had a lunch packed with love and yumminess everyday...plus a well-planned and prepared meal each night. Yes, I think he gets the award, don't you?
So...Happy Daddy's Day to each of you dads out there and especially to the four men who are so special to me. I love you and am so grateful for your lives and contributions to our world...and to my life, personally. I thank God for each of you.
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