Picture in your mind a stark white room with very bright lights. That room is my earliest memory. I was lying on a table and the lights were in my eyes. My parents were in the room and so was a man in a white outfit. He put a tissue over my eyes and told me he was taking a picture. That is all I remember.
My parents tell me what happened that day. This part is not my memory but theirs. It was a Sunday morning and I was 2 years old. My parents bed was next to a window and I was jumping on it. Then I fell and hit my forehead on the window sill. Apparently I bled a lot. So they took me to the emergency room. I got a butterfly type bandage, no stitches for the tiny cut in the middle of my forehead just below the hairline. The scar is still there but you have to be looking for it to see it.
So, just a few years ago I asked my mother about that picture they took. I told her what I remembered about the tissue and the man placing it over my eyes. I wanted to know where it was. Did she have it? I don't remember her exact words, but no she did not have that picture. That was an x-ray, not an actual picture. I was, I don't know the word I'm looking for here, but I was upset that the picture didn't exist! Wounded or mortified? One of those words. How dare them! Not my parents but the doctors.
That memory is so vivid that I truly believed there was a picture somewhere I had not seen. Between 2 and 4 years of age, I have no vivid memories like this at all. The trauma must have somehow caused me to remember that incident above all else.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Memories and Writing
My sister and I were chatting on FaceBook one night quite a while ago and our chat was about writing books. I have always dreamed of being a writer and actually have a few ideas so we were just chatting about writing. We thought we might collaborate on a book one day, came up with a name or two to write under combining our names. At the same time, I was also chatting with my eldest son. He asked what his aunt and I were chatting about and when I told him, he said he did not know I wanted to write. And he said he probably did not know some other things about his mother.
So, somewhere down the road, he mentioned that I should write about my life for my kids. He had become interested in some of our family history at that time and had done a bit of research so he was in that frame of mind. Now I have been telling stories about our family and myself for years and thought my stories were infamous. But I digress. So, I credit this longing to put my stories in writing to my son. He then began writing a blog about his life as the dad of a toddler which inspired me to begin writing my blog again. I had begun this blog as a library study but just went ahead and continued here on the same blog. I renamed it and here we are.
Since my son mentioned that I should write it all down, I have done a lot of thinking. I questioned myself on how I would write. Use a word processing app? Use this blog, that can be published as a book? Where would I start? My first memory? Do I know what that is? What do I remember? I decided to at least begin writing here and see where it takes me.
I have been leaving names off here in the interest of security and privacy but if I am to write my memories, names will be important. So I will be using first names only as I write. With all of this foundation set in my head, I think I can start.
So, somewhere down the road, he mentioned that I should write about my life for my kids. He had become interested in some of our family history at that time and had done a bit of research so he was in that frame of mind. Now I have been telling stories about our family and myself for years and thought my stories were infamous. But I digress. So, I credit this longing to put my stories in writing to my son. He then began writing a blog about his life as the dad of a toddler which inspired me to begin writing my blog again. I had begun this blog as a library study but just went ahead and continued here on the same blog. I renamed it and here we are.
Since my son mentioned that I should write it all down, I have done a lot of thinking. I questioned myself on how I would write. Use a word processing app? Use this blog, that can be published as a book? Where would I start? My first memory? Do I know what that is? What do I remember? I decided to at least begin writing here and see where it takes me.
I have been leaving names off here in the interest of security and privacy but if I am to write my memories, names will be important. So I will be using first names only as I write. With all of this foundation set in my head, I think I can start.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Pets We Have Had
In thinking about our family, I think about our pets. We have had many and I will try to remember them all. When we first married and lived in Arlington, we got a cat named Leo. He was an orange tabby. When we moved out of state for the military, we handed him off to sister. He was a wild one and a neighbor lady had him carted off to the pound - sad day.
When our second son was a toddler, we got Ginger. She was a shetland sheepdog also known as a sheltie. She was an outside dog and very protective of the kids. She died at age 13.
Before Ginger died, I got a hankering for Siberian huskies. So I set out to find one. Located a female, red and white with blue eyes. No papers, but she was a beautiful dog. Then one day, she attacked Ginger over a chicken nugget and freaked us all out. Casey had to go. And so she was sold to someone with no other dogs.
Before Ginger got too old, we got Zack. He was originally named Pork Chop, I think, but our daughter fell in love with him at a family reunion. He was free and a mutt. Poodle, shihtzu mix or something. He is still living and is 15 years old. He has cataracts and hearing loss, very weak now.
Our oldest son, at some point, decided he wanted a dog of his own. When a fireman was giving away a rat terrier, he or maybe I, decided to take her. She is a paranoid little thing and is still with us. She is going on 10 years old. Our son never bonded with this dog, didn't like her much. Our second son did. He couldn't take her with him when he got married so we still have her.
In between all the dogs, I got rabbits from the same family reunion location, and killed them both. The first one ran around the house eating dead roaches and got poisoned. The second one died out in the weather overnight one night, it may have froze to death. But I can't remember their names. Somewhere in there we buried a couple of hamsters and a guinea pig.
Then my daughter got her dad a cat right before she left for college. She knew we both enjoyed cats so a high school chum's brother had brought one home and his mother wouldn't allow it so that's how we got Riley, a beautiful cat that is part Maine coon, according to the vet. He is multi-colored. He pretty much only loves my husband. He takes to all the males in the family and is finally warming up to our daughter now that she has been home a while.
Then I thought Riley needed a companion so the guy that cuts my hair was giving away kittens and I took one. He is a black cat named Ty. Very loving and snuggly. Since Riley didn't take to me and is not a lap cat by any means, I needed Ty. He is my cat. Sits in my lap all the time and sleeps at the foot of our bed every night.
We did get to have one more Siberian husky in the household for a brief time. Our oldest son was given a female black and white, one blue eye, one brown eye husky by his soon to be wife. She is still living and is almost 9 years old, I think. Her name is Kiara, but they call her Kiki. They also have a younger male husky named Koda.
Second son and his wife have a beagle named Lexie and a cat named Bella. We sit for Bella from time to time. Watched her while they honeymooned.
We have decided we are cat people, not dog people. So, when the last two dogs pass away, no more dogs for us. I think we will like having just cats.
When our second son was a toddler, we got Ginger. She was a shetland sheepdog also known as a sheltie. She was an outside dog and very protective of the kids. She died at age 13.
Before Ginger died, I got a hankering for Siberian huskies. So I set out to find one. Located a female, red and white with blue eyes. No papers, but she was a beautiful dog. Then one day, she attacked Ginger over a chicken nugget and freaked us all out. Casey had to go. And so she was sold to someone with no other dogs.
Before Ginger got too old, we got Zack. He was originally named Pork Chop, I think, but our daughter fell in love with him at a family reunion. He was free and a mutt. Poodle, shihtzu mix or something. He is still living and is 15 years old. He has cataracts and hearing loss, very weak now.
Our oldest son, at some point, decided he wanted a dog of his own. When a fireman was giving away a rat terrier, he or maybe I, decided to take her. She is a paranoid little thing and is still with us. She is going on 10 years old. Our son never bonded with this dog, didn't like her much. Our second son did. He couldn't take her with him when he got married so we still have her.
In between all the dogs, I got rabbits from the same family reunion location, and killed them both. The first one ran around the house eating dead roaches and got poisoned. The second one died out in the weather overnight one night, it may have froze to death. But I can't remember their names. Somewhere in there we buried a couple of hamsters and a guinea pig.
Then my daughter got her dad a cat right before she left for college. She knew we both enjoyed cats so a high school chum's brother had brought one home and his mother wouldn't allow it so that's how we got Riley, a beautiful cat that is part Maine coon, according to the vet. He is multi-colored. He pretty much only loves my husband. He takes to all the males in the family and is finally warming up to our daughter now that she has been home a while.
Then I thought Riley needed a companion so the guy that cuts my hair was giving away kittens and I took one. He is a black cat named Ty. Very loving and snuggly. Since Riley didn't take to me and is not a lap cat by any means, I needed Ty. He is my cat. Sits in my lap all the time and sleeps at the foot of our bed every night.
We did get to have one more Siberian husky in the household for a brief time. Our oldest son was given a female black and white, one blue eye, one brown eye husky by his soon to be wife. She is still living and is almost 9 years old, I think. Her name is Kiara, but they call her Kiki. They also have a younger male husky named Koda.
Second son and his wife have a beagle named Lexie and a cat named Bella. We sit for Bella from time to time. Watched her while they honeymooned.
We have decided we are cat people, not dog people. So, when the last two dogs pass away, no more dogs for us. I think we will like having just cats.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Husband
My husband is well, many things to many people. He has been a bivocational minister in the Baptist church for many years, meaning he is a part-time minister with a full-time job.
He has worked as a youth minister, education minister, and children's minister. He has worked in the inner city, rural community, and the suburbs. Only one church has been near where we live.
Due to full-time job responisbilities, he just resigned as children's minister at his most recent ministry job. It was a most difficult decision for him. The children boo-hooed and so did he.
That's the latest stuff. Here's the early stuff. We met at college and dated for about four months, then we got engaged and married eight months later. He returned to the military after we had been married about six months. He stayed in for four years and then we moved back home.
At some point, he felt called to ministry and attended seminary. He has two Masters in Christian Education and is a doctoral candidate. He will try to finish that now that he will have a bit more time.
I think he is looking forward to our empty nest as much as I am, though he wishes sometimes that the kids were little again so he could hold them in his lap. I told him that is what grandkids are for! And, hopefully, there will be more of those sooner rather than later.
He has worked as a youth minister, education minister, and children's minister. He has worked in the inner city, rural community, and the suburbs. Only one church has been near where we live.
Due to full-time job responisbilities, he just resigned as children's minister at his most recent ministry job. It was a most difficult decision for him. The children boo-hooed and so did he.
That's the latest stuff. Here's the early stuff. We met at college and dated for about four months, then we got engaged and married eight months later. He returned to the military after we had been married about six months. He stayed in for four years and then we moved back home.
At some point, he felt called to ministry and attended seminary. He has two Masters in Christian Education and is a doctoral candidate. He will try to finish that now that he will have a bit more time.
I think he is looking forward to our empty nest as much as I am, though he wishes sometimes that the kids were little again so he could hold them in his lap. I told him that is what grandkids are for! And, hopefully, there will be more of those sooner rather than later.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
My (our) Kids
My husband and I have 3 kids. They are all grown now. The youngest, our daughter, still lives with us - hence the title of my blog.
Two boys and a girl. Both boys are married, our daughter is getting married in July this year.
Our kids are wonderful kids and a blessing to be sure. All have come to know Jesus as their Savior and all are trying their best to serve Him as we taught them.
Our oldest is married and the father of a 2 year old son, our grandson. His family has been in flux the past year or so moving and dealing with marital separation. They are on the mend now, but it has been a rough road for them. We have, as a family, also struggled with their situation. I question myself all the time about whether or not I handled myself in the right way for them. Nevertheless, our son is being the husband and father he should be. It is quite wonderful to see. So proud of both he and his wife for trusting the Lord in all they are doing. We continue to pray for the healing of their marriage and family.
Our second son got married in January last year and just celebrated their first anniversary. He is a great guy. He is our miracle child that God gave us. As a 9 month old, he was diagnosed with cancer. His right kidney was engulfed by what they call Wilm's tumor. He went through 15 months of chemotherapy and some radiation right after surgery to remove the tumor. He has had checkups throughout his life and is cancer free. He lived with us right up to the day he married. He just finished his bachelors degree in history with a minor in secondary education. Very proud of him. Looking forward to seeing how he and his wife take on the world. She is a registered nurse.
Last but not least is our daughter. She turns 24 this week. Wow! Hard to believe. She is marrying her "boo" this summer. She is also a registered nurse. She is funny, witty, and charming. It has been a joy to have her living with us. She got her BSN at Baylor University and lived away from home for four and a half years during that time, two and a half in Waco, and two years in Dallas at the nursing school. Wedding planning in full swing!
We have had all three of our kids and a daughter-in-law and grandson living with us at some point or other all our lives. But I believe that is about to end for real now that our daughter is getting married. Once she marries, we will truly have an empty nest for the first time ever, completely and totally.
I have always prayed that God would grant us enough time on this earth to raise our children to adulthood, and to be growing, serving Christ followers. I believe He has answered my prayers.
I have also told my mother for a few years now, ever since I saw the light at the end of this tunnel of raising kiddos, that I could not wait until they are all grown, gone and on their own. I may live to regret those words just a bit. I truly want them all to be out there and successful without us but pretty sure that now it is eminent, upon us, if you will, that sadness may creep in a bit.
Tearing up just thinking about it. Ah, well, we will enjoy it once we get used to it. The boys live nearby but sweetie daughter and her "boo" will be in another state for about a year while he finishes pharmacy school. Such is life, and I am truly grateful to God for my life. I am blessed beyond measure....
Two boys and a girl. Both boys are married, our daughter is getting married in July this year.
Our kids are wonderful kids and a blessing to be sure. All have come to know Jesus as their Savior and all are trying their best to serve Him as we taught them.
Our oldest is married and the father of a 2 year old son, our grandson. His family has been in flux the past year or so moving and dealing with marital separation. They are on the mend now, but it has been a rough road for them. We have, as a family, also struggled with their situation. I question myself all the time about whether or not I handled myself in the right way for them. Nevertheless, our son is being the husband and father he should be. It is quite wonderful to see. So proud of both he and his wife for trusting the Lord in all they are doing. We continue to pray for the healing of their marriage and family.
Our second son got married in January last year and just celebrated their first anniversary. He is a great guy. He is our miracle child that God gave us. As a 9 month old, he was diagnosed with cancer. His right kidney was engulfed by what they call Wilm's tumor. He went through 15 months of chemotherapy and some radiation right after surgery to remove the tumor. He has had checkups throughout his life and is cancer free. He lived with us right up to the day he married. He just finished his bachelors degree in history with a minor in secondary education. Very proud of him. Looking forward to seeing how he and his wife take on the world. She is a registered nurse.
Last but not least is our daughter. She turns 24 this week. Wow! Hard to believe. She is marrying her "boo" this summer. She is also a registered nurse. She is funny, witty, and charming. It has been a joy to have her living with us. She got her BSN at Baylor University and lived away from home for four and a half years during that time, two and a half in Waco, and two years in Dallas at the nursing school. Wedding planning in full swing!
We have had all three of our kids and a daughter-in-law and grandson living with us at some point or other all our lives. But I believe that is about to end for real now that our daughter is getting married. Once she marries, we will truly have an empty nest for the first time ever, completely and totally.
I have always prayed that God would grant us enough time on this earth to raise our children to adulthood, and to be growing, serving Christ followers. I believe He has answered my prayers.
I have also told my mother for a few years now, ever since I saw the light at the end of this tunnel of raising kiddos, that I could not wait until they are all grown, gone and on their own. I may live to regret those words just a bit. I truly want them all to be out there and successful without us but pretty sure that now it is eminent, upon us, if you will, that sadness may creep in a bit.
Tearing up just thinking about it. Ah, well, we will enjoy it once we get used to it. The boys live nearby but sweetie daughter and her "boo" will be in another state for about a year while he finishes pharmacy school. Such is life, and I am truly grateful to God for my life. I am blessed beyond measure....
Friday, January 14, 2011
Pictures
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| A very young me right after I started working at the library, circa 1996 |
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| Library's 10th anniversary in new building, circa 2006 |
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| 2010, city's ice cream social |
So, I wish I was still skinny as in the first pic. I should always wear lipstick as in second pic cause it looks good. The third pic is pretty much how I look now. Definitely need to start walking, dieting or something!
The Folks
Our folks are good Christian people and raised us to be good Christian people. I call them Mother and Daddy or Mom and Dad, depends on what is going on. My dad is retired from the federal government. Mom was a stay at home mom until after I married. She worked for a pharmacy and then a local pediatrician's office and quit when Dad retired. They are busier now than when they worked! Mom sits my grandson once a week and makes my brother's piano tuning appointments. Dad takes care of his mother's finances (she is 96!) and my sibs tax returns. Dad still plays softball. I have lost track of how many teams he is on currently. He plays in a seniors league.
They are active members of their Sunday School class. They stay pretty busy. They host 2 birthday get togethers each year and Thanksgiving every other year. Our tradition for Christmas is to gather at their home on Christmas Eve.
What else? My dad has 2 brothers and 1 sister all younger. His sister has 3 kids, all married with kids of their own. One brother has 2 girls with kids and a grandkid. His youngest brother has 2 boys, one about to get married in May. His dad, my granddaddy passed away in April, 2001. Mother has five siblings. Two of her brothers have passed away, one nephew, and brother-in-law have also passed away. She has a sister with 4 kids and tons of grandkids and great grandkids. She has two brothers left and they each have one kid, neither are married. My mother's parents passed away in 1977 and 1988, her dad, my granddaddy first, and then her mother, my nana. Her brothers that have passed have 3 daughters between them.
So, there is a lot of family! Our folks love the family stuff, getting together and visitin'. I enjoy it too.
We, my family, use to live around the corner from our folks. We moved less than a year ago to a neighboring city. We were there for more than 19 years. Sometimes I miss the ease of going through the gate in the backyard to their back door. Especially when I need to "borrow a cup of sugar"! I think Mom misses it too. But I love our new home and visits are special.
Maybe I will get to my kids tomorrow...
They are active members of their Sunday School class. They stay pretty busy. They host 2 birthday get togethers each year and Thanksgiving every other year. Our tradition for Christmas is to gather at their home on Christmas Eve.
What else? My dad has 2 brothers and 1 sister all younger. His sister has 3 kids, all married with kids of their own. One brother has 2 girls with kids and a grandkid. His youngest brother has 2 boys, one about to get married in May. His dad, my granddaddy passed away in April, 2001. Mother has five siblings. Two of her brothers have passed away, one nephew, and brother-in-law have also passed away. She has a sister with 4 kids and tons of grandkids and great grandkids. She has two brothers left and they each have one kid, neither are married. My mother's parents passed away in 1977 and 1988, her dad, my granddaddy first, and then her mother, my nana. Her brothers that have passed have 3 daughters between them.
So, there is a lot of family! Our folks love the family stuff, getting together and visitin'. I enjoy it too.
We, my family, use to live around the corner from our folks. We moved less than a year ago to a neighboring city. We were there for more than 19 years. Sometimes I miss the ease of going through the gate in the backyard to their back door. Especially when I need to "borrow a cup of sugar"! I think Mom misses it too. But I love our new home and visits are special.
Maybe I will get to my kids tomorrow...
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