Several years ago, I befriened an elderly man at church that was a former college professor. He participated in the men to boys mentoring program at our church. He was a very "proper" gentleman and used very proper English.(he was an English prof.). He had lost 2 wives in his 80 years and lived in many different cities. We were having a conversation around the dinner table one Wed. night and he gave some "words of wisdom" that I will never forget. He told me that life is just "one big adjustment after another" and that "if you can learn to roll with them, you will be fine." HOW TRUE THAT IS!
In the next few weeks, my neighbor and good friend Ruth will be completely gone from the house they (she and Paul-now deceased) lived in for more than 20 years. Although there is a generation difference in our ages, they were the BEST neighbors anyone could have. I have been so close to them over the years. My kids grew up with Ruth and Paul..they never forgot a birthday or Christmas. The memories are endless. Last night, Lesi, their daughter came over for dinner. We spent hours remembering funny things about the last 20+ years. She will finish cleaning out all the family things, then the estate people will begin to come in and organize a sale.
It's time for a change. There's that word again, "change"...While I always knew in my heart that this day would come, it still stings my heart to think that that will not be their house anymore. The house needs updating..a fresh coat of paint, an cleaning..I must look toward the "fresh start" for that house. In some ways, I hope that the buyer is young, just like I was when Ruth and Paul bought that house. Maybe it's my turn to be the older generation (ouch!) and befriend a young couple or single ....I hope so...I look forward to who will live there...
So......it's time for a "change"..I can't change the wind, so I'll adjust my sails.....just like my elderly gentleman advised...Ruth and Paul have been woven into my life's tapestry. No matter who lives there...the memories will always be there..
Happy Sailing......
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Remember, Live in the PRESENT
I have to keep saying it...live in the present..don't worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will take care of itself. I have no control over the future..only the present moment am I sure I have. Learn and remember the past, but stay in the present and what is TRUE for today. Find the good things in today, laugh a little, and know that tomorrow is the future and not in my control.
I am reading "the Shack" and that is what I read about last night..it's typical of God to give us what we need, exactly WHEN we need it.
I am reading "the Shack" and that is what I read about last night..it's typical of God to give us what we need, exactly WHEN we need it.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
29 Years Ago...An Emotional Day
It's hard to believe that, 29 years ago, Stephen was born. His due date was October 21! I realized my water broke and immediately sat up in bed and thought,"what day is this? It' NOT October!" I had planned a last trip to Dallas to see my family, but Emily came down with the chicken pox so the trip was cancelled! Thank goodness, or he would have been born in Dallas! As it was, I woke Jim up and his first reaction was, "what do you want me to do?" I had already called the dr. and they told me to get to the hospital ASAP. Jim stayed with Emily and I drove to the hospital, praying that I would get there because there was VERY LITTLE gas in my car! I did get there and wheeled into ER and left my car there.
It was a nerve-racking day. The drs were trying to prepare me for what might happen as he was 2 months premature..3-4 lbs, maybe some breathing issues, would go straight to NICU...the list went on. I was sooo scared and I was alone. Jim could not get there until he found someone to take care of Emily. Actually, from the labor room, I started calling friends about 8:00 to arrange to take care of her. He didn't get there until about 10:00.
He was born at 3:04p.m..weighing in at almost 5 lbs! For that I was thankful. He WAS tiny, but not 3-4 lbs like expected. He was taken to NICU and although tiny, he did not have breathing problems like anticipated. I was soooo scared, terrified, and worried..I did breathe a sign of great relief when I realized he was breathing on his own.
We stayed 5-6 days, and brought him home...I was supposed to start teaching that fall, but now it would be October before I started..I was teaching at the Anthony School, so they got a sub for me and I stayed home for a couple of months.
Little did I know what would loom in later years......this was just the beginning...
But the story ends happily...because God is still writing his story. I love you Stephen...you make me laugh with your dry sense of humor! What a roller coaster we have been on throughout your life!
I LOVE YOU,
MOM
It was a nerve-racking day. The drs were trying to prepare me for what might happen as he was 2 months premature..3-4 lbs, maybe some breathing issues, would go straight to NICU...the list went on. I was sooo scared and I was alone. Jim could not get there until he found someone to take care of Emily. Actually, from the labor room, I started calling friends about 8:00 to arrange to take care of her. He didn't get there until about 10:00.
He was born at 3:04p.m..weighing in at almost 5 lbs! For that I was thankful. He WAS tiny, but not 3-4 lbs like expected. He was taken to NICU and although tiny, he did not have breathing problems like anticipated. I was soooo scared, terrified, and worried..I did breathe a sign of great relief when I realized he was breathing on his own.
We stayed 5-6 days, and brought him home...I was supposed to start teaching that fall, but now it would be October before I started..I was teaching at the Anthony School, so they got a sub for me and I stayed home for a couple of months.
Little did I know what would loom in later years......this was just the beginning...
But the story ends happily...because God is still writing his story. I love you Stephen...you make me laugh with your dry sense of humor! What a roller coaster we have been on throughout your life!
I LOVE YOU,
MOM
Saturday, August 8, 2009
PRESENT TIME: AUGUST 8, 2009
It's 32 years later. "Back then" I didn't really think about today. Today my Emily Shay is quite a woman, wife, sister, and daughter. She has 4 BEAUTIFUL girls that I adore, is an adoption social worker, takes care of a house and her family as if they were precious gems, serves the Lord with all her heart, gives swimming lessons to earn extra money...and the list goes on. I just stand back in awe of her sometimes. She is absolutely beautiful as well. Her smile is genuine. She oozes with happiness and love. How and why God chose her for me to mother, I'll never understand. I don't deserve such and incredible and wonderful daughter. She is the dream child everyone hopes that their kid turns out to be. I remember looking into her crib when she was first born and wondering what she would look like and be when she grew up. I just didn't think it would come this quickly! I love her with all my heart. She is a friend that I can call and cry on, laugh with, and share my life with.
Happy Birthday my Sweet,Sweet, Emily...I love you
Friday, August 7, 2009
TIME WARP: AUGUST 7, 1977
*****************IT'S A GIRL!!!!!!!!************************
Last night around 10:45 P.M. my water broke! I was laying in bed, but just not quite asleep yet when I felt it. At first thought, I thought I had just peed on myself...yuk! But then when I got up, it did it again..and I thought...mmmm...I think my water just broke!! Jim was in the den watching the Johnny Carson show and I called him in there to tell him. He was pretty calm and ask what we were supposed to do!!!???? I told him my bag was ready to go to the hospital and that we were about to have a baby!!! I sorta freaked because the ONLY way to get this baby out is to go thru labor...suddenly I sorta wanted to change my mind about havin' this baby!!!! Oh, no...too late!!!
We left for the hospital but made one stop along the way. Jim wanted to get a magazine to read, so we stopped at a convience store and he ran in. We got to the hospital and went right up to the 2nd floor of Baptist Hospital and were admitted in labor and delivery.
Labor was only rough around 6 this morning. I asked for something and they gave me demerol. It made me really dizzy. I didn't like it...so I didn't ask for any more. Soon they were able to have my epidural, so things were much better then.
I rocked along in labor until the nurse checked me and it was time to go to delivery!!!
When she was almost born...before "her parts" came out...I asked Dr. Simmons what it was...he peered over the sheets and told me that "they don't come with bows!!" what a dumb question! She, my Emily Shay, was born at 10:04. She is BEAUTIFUL! She weighed 6lbs 12oz and was 21" long. They wrapped her up and let me hold her. The dr. sent word to Jim ( who couldn't, because he didn't think he could deal with it, be in the delivery room). Soon they wheeled us out to see him and took Emily to the nursery and me to recovery.
I stayed in recovery for about an hour then got back to my room to make the phone calls!!!
They brought her to me and she already had a pacifier in her mouth! I am soooo happy. She is perfect. I love to kiss her face and smell her mouth.
I am really tired from being up all day...will take a nap now..all for now.. I already adore my little Emily Shay.
Last night around 10:45 P.M. my water broke! I was laying in bed, but just not quite asleep yet when I felt it. At first thought, I thought I had just peed on myself...yuk! But then when I got up, it did it again..and I thought...mmmm...I think my water just broke!! Jim was in the den watching the Johnny Carson show and I called him in there to tell him. He was pretty calm and ask what we were supposed to do!!!???? I told him my bag was ready to go to the hospital and that we were about to have a baby!!! I sorta freaked because the ONLY way to get this baby out is to go thru labor...suddenly I sorta wanted to change my mind about havin' this baby!!!! Oh, no...too late!!!
We left for the hospital but made one stop along the way. Jim wanted to get a magazine to read, so we stopped at a convience store and he ran in. We got to the hospital and went right up to the 2nd floor of Baptist Hospital and were admitted in labor and delivery.
Labor was only rough around 6 this morning. I asked for something and they gave me demerol. It made me really dizzy. I didn't like it...so I didn't ask for any more. Soon they were able to have my epidural, so things were much better then.
I rocked along in labor until the nurse checked me and it was time to go to delivery!!!
When she was almost born...before "her parts" came out...I asked Dr. Simmons what it was...he peered over the sheets and told me that "they don't come with bows!!" what a dumb question! She, my Emily Shay, was born at 10:04. She is BEAUTIFUL! She weighed 6lbs 12oz and was 21" long. They wrapped her up and let me hold her. The dr. sent word to Jim ( who couldn't, because he didn't think he could deal with it, be in the delivery room). Soon they wheeled us out to see him and took Emily to the nursery and me to recovery.
I stayed in recovery for about an hour then got back to my room to make the phone calls!!!
They brought her to me and she already had a pacifier in her mouth! I am soooo happy. She is perfect. I love to kiss her face and smell her mouth.
I am really tired from being up all day...will take a nap now..all for now.. I already adore my little Emily Shay.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
TIME WARP: AUGUST 6, 1977
I really got alot unpacked yesterday. I had to go to Target to get a few things and while I was there, I had one of the hardest "brackston-hicks" contractions I had ever had. I have been having them all along, but this one made me stop while walking and take a deep breath and wait a minute. In a short time, it passed, but I thought there for a minute it "might be time!"
It is sooooo HOT outside that it makes me tired. Although I got alot done yesterday, I had to stop often and rest a bit. I am "all baby!" I feel like I have a basketball weighing about 20lbs! I went over to my next door neighbor's house (Jan-she's had 7 children) and sat for a minute to ask her about thise "labor pains" that I can't ignore anymore. She felt of my belly during one of the episodes, and said, "Oh, honey, It won't be long now!" REALLY!!!! The carpet guy is supposed to be her by the end of the week...oh, no! Well, babies don't wait and will come when they will come...sooo we'll see.
Gotta go unpack boxes for now..at least the babies' room is all ready. I can't wait to smell baby lotion on him/ her, whatever! I wonder if it is an Emily or a William????
P.S. We needed a new lawnmower..went to Sears to get it..they had to put it together for me. I stood on my feet for 2 hours waiting!!! Think I'll have mexican food tonight...maybe the standing on these swollen feet plus the mexican food will send me into labor! YIKES~
It is sooooo HOT outside that it makes me tired. Although I got alot done yesterday, I had to stop often and rest a bit. I am "all baby!" I feel like I have a basketball weighing about 20lbs! I went over to my next door neighbor's house (Jan-she's had 7 children) and sat for a minute to ask her about thise "labor pains" that I can't ignore anymore. She felt of my belly during one of the episodes, and said, "Oh, honey, It won't be long now!" REALLY!!!! The carpet guy is supposed to be her by the end of the week...oh, no! Well, babies don't wait and will come when they will come...sooo we'll see.
Gotta go unpack boxes for now..at least the babies' room is all ready. I can't wait to smell baby lotion on him/ her, whatever! I wonder if it is an Emily or a William????
P.S. We needed a new lawnmower..went to Sears to get it..they had to put it together for me. I stood on my feet for 2 hours waiting!!! Think I'll have mexican food tonight...maybe the standing on these swollen feet plus the mexican food will send me into labor! YIKES~
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Time Warp : August 5, 1977
August 5th, 1977
Today I am working on unpacking from the move. We moved into our first house at 51 LaFever Lane, just 5 days ago. I have the kitchen unpacked, which, to me, is the hardest...especially being 8 1/2mos pregnant! The new carpet will be laid on August
8th. I can't wait because I really don't like this old carpet. It's going in the den. It was an add-on room and they haven't replaced it since the addition. I LOVE the backyard for our dog, Luke. He is a German Shepherd mix that we rescued from the pound.
I am working today on the baby's room. We have the crib together. The crib looks sooo cute. I took a poster board to school and blew up a Mickey and Minnie Mouse picture from a coloring book and transferred it on to the end of the bed. It is a used bed and new mattress. It is white and looks soooo cute with the characters on the end. I put pale yellow sheets on it yesterday. We went shopping for a mobile. We bought a lamb one at Dillard's that plays, "Mary had a little lamb." I am going to get all the baby's things in order today. The changing table is up and I will fill it today. I only have a couple more weeks until my Aug. 21 due date!
Our new house has 4 bedrooms. One is actually very tiny. We will use that one for an office for Jim. It had a big living room and a long skinny den. The den is off the kitchen. I love my new kitchen. It is bigger than the rent house and has a built in dishwasher. I also have a washer AND a dryer. At the rent house, I only had a washer. We bought this dryer used, because, with a baby coming, I really need to be able to wash clothes here instead of hauling wet clothes to the laudrymat.
It is VERY hot and I am VERY pregnant! I am moving a little slow these days! If the baby is a girl, we will name her Emily Shay...if it is a boy it will be William Shay. My grandmother's name was Emma Leigh and Jim's mother's name is Emma...so Emliy is a family name. Shay was my little brother's name. He passed away at 22 mos old from a heart defect. William was Jim's father's name. Everyone (on Jim's side of the family) is really hoping for a boy because with 8 sisters and only 2 Benton boys, they want the Benton family name to continue. All I want is a healthy baby....the heartrate at the dr's office was 160 which is usually typical of a girl's heartrate...either one is great! I am soooo excited and nervous all at the same time. My friend, Mary, had a baby girl just 6 weeks ago. I can't wait to hold my baby!
I'm sorta apprehensive about going into labor. I know what the books tell me, but since I have never done this before, it's a little scary....
Well, gotta run unpack and get some work done around here ....need to be all organized by the time the baby arrives!
Today I am working on unpacking from the move. We moved into our first house at 51 LaFever Lane, just 5 days ago. I have the kitchen unpacked, which, to me, is the hardest...especially being 8 1/2mos pregnant! The new carpet will be laid on August
8th. I can't wait because I really don't like this old carpet. It's going in the den. It was an add-on room and they haven't replaced it since the addition. I LOVE the backyard for our dog, Luke. He is a German Shepherd mix that we rescued from the pound.
I am working today on the baby's room. We have the crib together. The crib looks sooo cute. I took a poster board to school and blew up a Mickey and Minnie Mouse picture from a coloring book and transferred it on to the end of the bed. It is a used bed and new mattress. It is white and looks soooo cute with the characters on the end. I put pale yellow sheets on it yesterday. We went shopping for a mobile. We bought a lamb one at Dillard's that plays, "Mary had a little lamb." I am going to get all the baby's things in order today. The changing table is up and I will fill it today. I only have a couple more weeks until my Aug. 21 due date!
Our new house has 4 bedrooms. One is actually very tiny. We will use that one for an office for Jim. It had a big living room and a long skinny den. The den is off the kitchen. I love my new kitchen. It is bigger than the rent house and has a built in dishwasher. I also have a washer AND a dryer. At the rent house, I only had a washer. We bought this dryer used, because, with a baby coming, I really need to be able to wash clothes here instead of hauling wet clothes to the laudrymat.
It is VERY hot and I am VERY pregnant! I am moving a little slow these days! If the baby is a girl, we will name her Emily Shay...if it is a boy it will be William Shay. My grandmother's name was Emma Leigh and Jim's mother's name is Emma...so Emliy is a family name. Shay was my little brother's name. He passed away at 22 mos old from a heart defect. William was Jim's father's name. Everyone (on Jim's side of the family) is really hoping for a boy because with 8 sisters and only 2 Benton boys, they want the Benton family name to continue. All I want is a healthy baby....the heartrate at the dr's office was 160 which is usually typical of a girl's heartrate...either one is great! I am soooo excited and nervous all at the same time. My friend, Mary, had a baby girl just 6 weeks ago. I can't wait to hold my baby!
I'm sorta apprehensive about going into labor. I know what the books tell me, but since I have never done this before, it's a little scary....
Well, gotta run unpack and get some work done around here ....need to be all organized by the time the baby arrives!
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