The Lady of the Day - Happy Birthday Mom

Saturday - February 28, 2009

Happy Birthday Mom

89 years ago today Relma Irene Whitman Layne was born. She was the sixth child of Allen and Mary Jane Whitman who lived in Logan County, WV. I want to tell Mom's life story with pictures. Even though she lost her mother early, she was raised with so much love around her. Growing up I was amazed at how "aunts" I had. She had two sisters and three brothers, as well as nine "foster sisters" whom we referred to as our aunts! The following pictures will hopefully explain Mom's "large" family!

My mother's mother - Mary Jane Fowler Whitman died on February 29, 2009 - my mother was only a day old. This picture is the only one Mom has of her mother!

My grandfather - Allen Whitman - had five young children at home who were way to young to care for a new born baby. My grandfather worked for the railroad and couldn't stop working. He had to decide who would help care for his new born daughter - Relma Irene Whitman.
My grandfather made the decision that would be best for my mother. He gave my mother to his brother and wife - William and Polly Ann McDonald Whitman -who already had eleven children (10 girls and one boy). The older girls were basically given the responsibility of caring for my mother. One aunt in particular took charge of Mom - Aunt Keller.
This is a picture of most of my "aunts" and Granny Polly - who is pictured in the middle. Aunt Keller is in the back row on the left.

Aunt Keller is holding Mom - oh how I do see John in Mom's face! :)

Mom is standing in the front with my Aunt Ruby on the right - not sure who is on the left! :(

This was taken in front of the house where Mom was raised. Mom is on the right - love that hairdo!!!

This is a picture of Granny Polly and Mom's real father - Pappaw Pud. Mom said she always called Granny - Mom; Granny's husband was called Dad; and her real father was called "my Dad!" Everyone made sure Mom knew her "real" family. This picture is of my mother's "real" siblings, their spouses, and Pappaw Pud. Mom's three brothers are Uncle Bunk (in the front), Uncle Tab (2nd row on the left), and Uncle Tommy on the right in the back row) ; her sisters are Aunt Agnes (3rd row on the right), and Aunt Olive (in the center with my uncle's arms around her; Pappaw Pud in on the right (2nd row with the hat on); and Mom is on the left in the back row. (Dad is in front of her!)
This is Mom in her "Rosie the Riveter" pose. During the war, Mom went to Ypsilanti, Michigan and worked in a plane factory. She said they never saw the finished product!

This picture was taken around 1940 - my beautiful mother!

A working lady on the front steps of her home with her niece, nephew, and cousins. Diana (in front) and Brian (on the left) are the children of my Dad's oldest brother who happened to marry one of Mom's foster sisters. Her cousins became her niece and nephew officially when she and Dad married. Mom worked at the Logan County Courthouse and was witness to many marriages taken place there! After she and Dad were married, she had a full time job as a housewife and mother.
This a picture of Mom and Dad before he went into the service and before they were married!Dad wore his hair straight. Mom says this is how we know when the pictures of Dad were taken.Notice Dad's hair style!! This is after the war and after Mom and Dad were married!!!
A happy mother with her first born - Dink!

She looks serious (as do John, Mike, and me) -wonder if we were in trouble??? :):)

This was taken during the 60's - one of Aunt Keller's visit to see her "daughter" and family. Aunt Keller had no children of her own, but considered Mom her own. Aunt Keller was married for a short time - her husband was killed in a mine accident. The ring I wear with my wedding band belonged to her. It was given to me after her death. It is a ring I will always cherish!

A picture of Mom and Dad from one of the church's picture directory!!! Taken after Dad's cataract surgery - no glasses!!!

One of my favorite pictures of Mom and Dad taken when they went to Nagshead, NC.

One of the many "family" pictures of Mom, Dad, and the four kids - John, Mike, Dink, and me (Sue).

This is one I've posted many times - Mom and Dad's 50th anniversary.

Mom and her four kids 2006.

Mom waiting to go to church - 2008.

Mom is a trooper. Throughout her entire life she has helped nurse back to health many family members which included my grandparents as well as helping out with aunts and uncles who came to Huntington for various reasons. Dad was the one who depended on her the most. It was 1972 when he had his first heart attack and after that, she kept a very close eye on him. He was the love of her life and she misses him very much - we all do.

She lost her mother after only being one day old. But she lost her other "mothers" much later. Granny Polly was a mother to her as were my Aunt Keller and other aunts who were old enough to help raise Mom. Then she lost my Dad, and three years later she lost a child. How hard it must be to lose a child. She has pulled herself together and because of her perseverance, she has given us all the strength to go on with our lives.

The last two weeks has been tough - her oldest son - Dink suffered a stroke and then a heart attack. She has been very upset, but was so pleased when she received a call and Dink sang Happy Birthday to her. Two week ago we didn't think this would ever happen. She has had a good birthday.

Next year, when she turns 90, we hope to have a birthday celebration for her!

A New Challenge

Thursday, February 26, 2009

It is very early Thursday morning, so what do I do when I can't sleep? I write; I crochet; I read; and what ever else it might take to get me sleepy! Today's title is similar to the last posting's title. They are similar in that Dink will be the center of attention.

I would like to challenge all of the readers to send Dink a card at Health South. Rhonda said it tickled him to have received cards today. One was from Mom, another from Uncle Mack and Donna, and another was from Bill, Toby, and me!! He received others - I just can't remember from whom! I am sending Dink a card a day. These cards will vary in being store bought and others I will have made. They also will be different in that each card will contain a riddle. The next card he receives will have the answer to that riddle plus a new riddle. He will not receive the answers until the next day!!

Starting next week, I will ask Rhonda how many cards Dink received and from whom. If the sender has posted a note in the card that they read the blog - their name will go in the basket. At the end of each two week period, we will pick a winner. If you happen to send Dink one card, two cards, or ten cards, that will be how many times your name will be in the basket!

I want Dink to know how much he is loved and how much we are all praying that he will recover from this ordeal. He is progressing and for that we are grateful! Prayers do help!

After seeing him trying to sing "Happy Birthday" and how it wore him out, none of us should take things for granted. We should be thankful for God's grace and mercy and for all the blessings He has bestowed uon each and everyone of us.

If you would like to help brighten Dink's world (and Rhonda's) please send a card, note, or letter to:

William A Layne Room 103 D
Health South
6900 Country Club Drive
Huntington, WV 255705

If you want, you could leave a note here for me or send me an email that you are sending a card to Dink. A small token such as the card can make a world of difference in the mind of the patient and their family! Thank you for those who have already sent him a card.

Remember I will check starting on Monday as to who has sent cards!!! Love and prayers to you all!

Challenges

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

The past ten days has been like riding a roller coaster. Dink, my oldest brother, has had a rough ten days physically as well as mentally. His wife Rhonda, sons - Billy and Bobby, mother - Irene, and Mike and myself along with our spouses and children have been on that roller coaster with him. Monday, he endured three sessions of therapy which literally wore him out! Rhonda said he is determined to do what it takes to get out of there and home!!! He is able to speak some words which is a big improvement. I haven't seen him for a few days because of a head cold/sinus problem. I hope to see him today.

Today is Rhonda's birthday! She has been beside Dink's side. The one thing she would love to have as a birthday present is for Dink's recovery. We are still praying for that to happen. I know this is not going to be the best birthday Rhonda has had, and want to say we love you and pray that you and Dink can celebrate a "birthday observed" (that's what we say when we don't celebrate the birthday on the birthday date) in the very near future! HAPPY BIRTHDAY RHONDA - we all love you!!!!!

Dink and Rhonda have the biggest challenge before them - the determination and faith it takes to do what it takes for Dink's recovery. Dink has to do the physical and mental therapy, and Rhonda will be there beside him all the way - mentally just as stressed seeing what the love of her life is having to go through! We are praying not just for Dink, but Rhonda as well!!!

Dink - Health South

Friday-February 20, 2009

It has been a week since Dink suffered his stroke. Today he was moved to Health South. Whether he was ready to be moved, only the Lord knows for sure. Prayers are most assuredly needed for this phase of his recovery.

His blood pressure soared to 200/110 in the process of being moved. He is no longer in a private room as he was in MICU - yes they moved him straight from an ICU unit to the rehab hospital! We just pray they have not moved him too quickly, and the rehab will not be overwhelming for his body at this early stage. Rhonda would have preferred a few more days at St. Mary's so his heart could be monitored - so would we. However the doctors' said it was time to move him (or was it the insurance making the decisions?) so he could start his rehab!

Rhonda will not be able to stay with him as she had and this frustrates them both. There is a calm about Dink when Rhonda is there - not only is she the love of his life, but her nursing experience is one that Dink trust completely! Please pray that Dink will have no setbacks and will be able to endure and excel during the rehabilitation period!

Dilemma

Thursday - February 19, 2009

Many times things happen that are completely out of our control which causes us to ponder on what we should do! It will soon be a week since my oldest brother had a stroke and then suffered a heart attack a few days later. He is in very serious condition, but is showing signs of improvement. Today he actually spoke the words "I Love You" to Mom! He is aware of what is going on around him, but cannot communicate with us.

This weekend is also the baby shower for Jeni and David's "baby girl" in Akron. I had planned on attending this shower. I would love to go, but I can't leave. After losing one brother so suddenly, I can't stand the thoughts of not being close with my oldest brother being in ICU. I know they understand why I'm not there, and thanks to David's mother, Charlotte, the baby will receive the special gifts from the Layne clan back here in WV.

My youngest brother and I are trying to help Mom and Rhonda as much as we can. Friends are helping as are other family members and it is so appreciated. Rhonda's brothers, sisters-in law, aunt, uncle, and co-workers have been so supportive and encouraging. All have been saying prayers for Dink and the entire family.

The dilemma of being at the shower and being close to my brother has been heart wrenching. I want to be in both places. I'm hoping via pictures I will be able to see the happy times at the shower. Right now I feel my place is to be close to Dink, Mom, Rhonda, the boys, and Mike.

We know the power of prayer and the miracles that occur - we are praying for a miracle.

Update on Dink

Wednesday - February 18, 2009

Dink is still in ICU. He was more alert today; saying some words; and appears to get frustrated when he can't get us to understand what he wants. They are doing therapy on him - speech therapist said his speech was better today! He is saying yes, no, okay, don't want, and a few other words. He wears out easily - his body did suffer two big shocks within 40 hours - a stroke and heart attack! Physical therapy just absolutely drains him! Doctors are encouraging with his prognosis which is what we are holding on to!

They are talking about moving him to Health South which is a facility where he will be given extensive therapy. He could and very well may be there for at least 100 days.

These small signs of improvement is lifting our hopes higher for a full recovery, but we know he has a long road ahead of him! We ask for continued prayer for Dink and the rest of the family!

Faith - Patience

Sunday - February 15, 2009

Faith and patience - two virtues we as Christians should always have. I do have faith and know that by living by God's word will lead us all to our heavenly home. Patience is a virtue many of us tend to lose when "things" do not go the way we think they should.

Right now I have faith that God will be with Dink and His will is what will be done! God's plan for Dink is still unknown to us - but I do know we pray that he will have a complete recovery. Friday evening he had a stroke which has left him with the inability to talk clearly, move his right arm, and has a weaken right leg. Early this morning he suffered a heart-attack. This makes his fifth heart-attack in 20 years. It has weaken him even more. We have all prayed as have many many of our Christian friends, different churches across the city and state, and his precious mother, wife, sons, brother, sister, and relatives from all around. Dink has been the rock; the one we all listen to - especially our mother - and the one who could fix anything broken! It is our faith that is helping us to continue to believe that Dink will recover. We know that God will always be with him and the rest of the family during this time.

Patience - the lack of it - causes panic, despair, uncertainty, and frustration. We want Dink well yesterday with no set backs! That is not the way God works - we truly need to be patient and let His will be done!

We as the Layne family ask that you lift Dink up in your prayers and that God might lay His healing hand upon him.

Dink

Saturday - February 14, 2009

I don't usually ask for anything when writing the blog - unless it is a response to a little contest we have come up with to see how many readers we have.

I am asking that you please include my oldest brother in your prayers. He was taken by ambulance to the hospital after suffering what appears to be a stroke. As of right now it appears his right side has been affected and his speech is slurred. We are not sure if it is permanent or not.

Those of you who read the blog know how much my family means to me. Dink will never ask for anything, but would give you his last dime and the shirt off his back if you needed it. I am asking for him, Rhonda, the boys, Mom, Mike, and me - please say a special prayer for him! I have seen many prayers answered, and many family members come through medical crisis. I know God has a plan for all of us, and I also know he is a loving and caring God. May the prayers you lift up to our heavenly Father give us all strength, the doctors wisdom, and Dink recovery from this ordeal.

All prayer will greatly be appreciated. As of this moment Mom does not know about Dink - she is dealing with the lost of one of her foster sisters who is to be buried Sunday. Please lift Mom up to be able to handle this news about her oldest son.

In Christian love,
Sue

Update: He is now in MICU - still confused with time telling if this is to last! I know God is listening to all our prayers, and we all appreciate your prayers!

Love

Wednesday - February 11, 2009

Today I took Mom to the optometrists. Sadly, he told her there was nothing he could do to help her eyesight. She was not able to read any line of letters or numbers on the wall or the card. It was heart breaking to see the look of disappointment on Mom's face. She will be 89 in a couple of weeks and still does laundry, cook, and crochet. She crochets using patterns she knows by heart. We got her a new pole lamp with three bulbs which gives off a bright light for her when she needs it! She just completed a baby afghan for Jeni and David's baby girl! She is so proud that SHE did this one all by herself, and I didn't have to help her complete it. This blanket will be a treasure to keep because I don't know how many more she will be able to crochet due to her eyesight!

Mom can be a live and feisty mother, but she gets so much pleasure from making "things" and giving them away as presents. When she was really able to crochet, if she heard that a friend of a friend of a friend was going to have a baby - she would have an afghan made within a week. Dad always said she could crochet with her eyes closed! :) As gifts for our teachers, she would crochet doilies which were a big hit! It wasn't until I started teaching and crocheting myself that I fully understood why my teachers were so pleased with the present!

Dad was a lot like Mom. He loved making things with wood and giving them away!!! Both he and Mom could have had a craft shop and sold hundreds of their creations. This is not who they were/are. It was all about the joy of giving. Many times through the years I have made something special just for them. It was usually something I had written just for them.

The last card I made for them was Valentine Day 2004! It was a poem I created based on the scripture I Corinthians 13: 4-7. This was their Valentine gift and a card all rolled into one. I wrote is as a token to tell them that the love they have given my brothers and me (and the extended family) over the years was the greatest gift and example of what love is all about. They did their best to show by example what true love means; how to love one another; love their parents, their children, -in-laws, grandchildren, and extended family and friends; and how to love God and live a life as He would want them to live.

Love between the two of you is a blessed joy
All who observe this say it's the "real McCoy."
Scripture says that love is patient and kind,
Which has kept us as a family oh so entwined.

Love does not envy and will never boast.
This you have shared from coast to coast.
Love is not to be proud or even self-seeking,
But yours is a love of which many are speaking.

Your love does not anger, nor keeps a record of wrong.
It is the love of God and family that keeps us strong.
Love doesn't delight in evil, but rejoices with truth.
These beliefs you've followed since your youth!

This love shows trust and will always protect.
Your entire family is an example of its effects.
With love there is always hope that will persevere
A life in which we all wish to adhere!

Your loving children - Dink, John, Sue, and Mike
Want you to know the love we have for you is like
That of a white dove flowing through the sky.
It is sweet, trusting, and will forever gratify.

We love you more than words could ever explain;
How to love and be sincere - you helped us to obtain.
The traits you have passed on to our generation
Have been and will always be our inspiration.

Candy and roses are the traditional gifts,
But these words were written to help uplift.
You both have all our endearing and faithful love,
And especially that love from our Father up above!

Sue Hardin - February 14, 2009
(written as a show of my brothers and my love for our parents)

I love my parents very much. I know we all think our parents are the best, but my brothers and I really do have the best! :) I can say this since I'm the one writing!! I love you Mom. I love and miss you Dad!

PS : You have two days left to write a poem or note for your loved ones for Valentines Day!!! Have fun!

Three Days to Go!!

Wednesday - February 11, 2009

Last posting had us with six days before Valentine's Day - now we're down to three! I'm not promoting the commercialization of this particular day, but it seems to be the only day some people feel free to say I love you with words, gifts, or a deed of kindness! What I would like for us to think about is there something you could do or say that would make one person, or a group of people feel the love you have for them??? Most of the younger generation will probably go out on a "date" to a nice restaurant and/or a movie! That's nice, but I'm afraid a little too crowded for us!!

I will be at Mom's Valentine's Day, so I will be trying to make Mom's day special - Hmmm what will she want to do????? I know - go out to eat at Applebees, look around at AC Moore's and/or Michael's, get her hair done for church on Sunday, and watch the Gaither's Saturday night. This is her routine for Saturday's and we shall not rock the boat - just add some sugar free candy and maybe a Teddy Bear and she will be happy and loved!!!

Bill and I will "celebrate" Valentine's Day either on the thirteenth or later! A nice cooked meal at home!! :):) - or a visit to our favorite place - Chilli-Willis! mmmmm - I'm all for that:):) We haven't been there in a while! We've never been ones to buy a lot - a card, a picture, and I have received flowers.

There is one card that is very special to me that he sent me. I received this card the year Dad had had open-heart surgery. Things did not go as planned and he was in ICU for 32 days. He had surgery on February 8th and was placed in ICU on Feb11th. Some may ask how I remember those dates, I remember this not only because of the severity of Dad's condition, but the fact that Bill had done something special for me for Valentine's Day. We had already planned for me to be with Mom and Dad for a couple of weeks while he recuperated (Doctors told us he would be up and walking and ready to go home in 8 - 10 days, unless complications set in!) Complications did set in and I was with Mom and Dad for two months!

Dad was at a very low and crucial point in his recovery. We were holding on to very slim hopes of him pulling out of this very serious state his was in. Before Dad's surgery, Bill had bought me a Valentine card; mailed it to a place in Paris, France; and they mailed it back to me with the postage of Paris, France - the city for those in love! He had to send the money for them to mail the card addressed to me by Bill so that I would receive it on February 14th. It was delivered on that date - but I wasn't at home to get it out of the mailbox! Bill brought it into me at the hospital. It was the sweetest gesture he could ever have done. He chose the card himself and wanted to add that little extra "romantic touch" to the card! It is a card I will always cherish - and yes Bill, I know exactly where that card is!!!!

There are so many little things we can do that will tell that special person just how much we love them and appreciate all they do. Many people think that the woman is the one this day is centered around, but it is for everyone - girlfriend/boyfriend; husband/wife; parents/child(ren); nieces/nephews/-in-laws and on and on. Something simple, something nice as in doing the dishes, cooking a dinner, making a dessert, watching a movie at home, or sending a card from the other side of the world are all sweet gestures that say "I love you!"

You've got three days to think and act!!! Good luck!

Six Days Until . . . .

Sunday - February 8, 2009

Just a short reminder to all who read the blog that you have less than a week to prepare something special for your wife, husband, parents, children, friends, neighbors, and maybe even yourself before February 14 gets here. The candy, flowers, jewelry, cars, vacations, and anything you might wish to give that special person in your life is a token many people give to show how much they love that person. With today's economy, most of us will not go overboard and try and buy something expensive to prove to that special person they are loved!

I can remember Mom saying many times that she didn't care what Dad would buy her - even if it was just a "hanky" - she would love it because HE picked it out. I think most of us already know that the love of our life truly loves us and doesn't have to prove that love by buying expensive gifts!

Growing up we loved getting those packages of cards for forty-nine cents and give to our friends and teachers at school. I always hated giving the boys one - I was afraid they would think I liked them - UGH!!!!! Our teachers always had us make Valentine folders, and then they were stapled on the bulletin board so all the students could place the cards in them. We would then have a party, open up our cards, and either be glad or sad that the special person in the classroom remembered you!!! I can remember the crying of some of the girls because that "guy" didn't give her a card, and then there were those who would brag about how many special cards they received. That made an impression on me that carried over to my days of teaching. Never do anything that would cause pain or bragging rights for the kids. I wanted them all to feel special and loved!!! It was easier done in elementary school than on the middle school level.

After moving from the school I had taught at for eighteen years, I was placed at a different middle school. Students that went to this school came from many walks of life. Some had parents who had great jobs and were able to give them anything they desired. There were also many students who came from homes that were financially making it from payday to payday. I'm not sure when it started, but students started receiving presents (flowers, balloons, stuffed animals, etc) at school for Valentine's Day. Many of these were boyfriend/girlfriend's sending them to the person they liked - which was cute and sweet when it was a stuffed bear or a box of candy. Somewhere after this "tradition" started, the gifts being sent started being bigger and more expensive! I saw many tears on that day, and I saw a lot of gloating! It was so sad. I don't begrudge those who received the gifts - I just wish all the kids could have felt the same joy as some of the others did.

Many of the flowers/gifts sent were from parents so that their child would not be hurt and part of the group who received nothing. I hope all of those kids still receive gifts of love and those who didn't then - do now! I remember on child who receive three dozen roses. Yes, three dozen yellow roses for a twelve year old! Oh my - now that was more than any of the teachers' received!

We don't have to go out and buy expensive gifts - maybe a homemade card, a rose bud, a "hanky," a box of candy, or a simple "I love You" would be enough for most of us! So for all those who procrastinate, don't have the money or the time, you have six days to come up with a special "thing" for those you love!

None of the presents we receive or give will ever surpass our Father's gift - the giving of His own Son to die on the cross for us! How many of us tell our Heavenly Father that we love Him? I know we all pray and many of us do tell Him we love Him, but many times we are asking Him for help and guidance. Take a minute and just tell Him you love Him!!!

Snow Cream Anyone???????

Friday – February 6, 2009

Snow Cream anyone?? The last few weeks have been a winter wonderland. The opportunities for kids of all ages to make a snowman; make angels in the snow; have a fantastic snowball fight with unsuspecting family members and friends; go sleigh riding down the steep hills; and last but not least, enjoying good old fashion “Snow Cream” can be the high light for a winter lover’s dream!

I decided to google to get a little history about making snow cream. I can remember my grandmother, my parents, and their generations talking about making snow cream and eating icicles once old man winter had hit their area with snow and freezing temperatures! According to Wikipedia, snow cream was being made as far back as the 15th - 16th centuries. From looking at a number of the recipes, they all included the basic ingredients of milk, sugar, vanilla flavoring, and snow. Some recipes used condensed milk to make a richer tasting treat; others included using egg whites and flour; and some talked about adding chocolate “quik mix,” raisins, cinnamon, bananas which are really ripe, and any other flavoring that you might enjoy – be creative and enjoy! Whatever might be your personal likes in flavor could allow you to be even more creative!

When gathering the snow, make sure it is CLEAN snow. Make sure no animals have been around the area where you gather the snow. It has been suggested the safest snow is the snow that is in the middle of the snow fall. Don’t get the snow off cars or too close to the ground; wipe the top layer of the snow off because it will contain dirt particles and other things that might fly through the air and settle on the snow. Sure, we didn’t think of those things when going out and gathering snow so Mammaw or Mom could make the snow cream, but times have changed and apparently our environment isn’t as safe as it use to be!

When checking the different sites out for recipes, I found some that were really simple, and also gave exact amounts even for the snow. Hope you get to make some snow cream before the snow is all gone!!!!

Sites with recipes for snow cream!

http://southerncuisine.suite101.com/article.cfm/snow_cream_recipe

http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/how-to-make-snow-cream-3707.html

http://www.chathamjournal.com/weekly/living/food/snow-cream-recipes.shtml

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Snow-Ice-Cream-II/Detail.aspx

A warning about where not to get the snow! The following pictures were taken in our yard – we definitely will NOT be using the snow in these areas!!!

The tracks are from our four legged friends!
Looks like they were trying to find cover from the snowNow I wonder what Toby is doing????

Tracks out back - were they looking for food?

Tracks made by my "two legged" friend! :):):)


The snow on the cars still has too much dirt - so the experts say!!!


This snow is definitely out of the question as a choice to use!! It's yellow!!!!


Hmmmm - I wonder why???

When making snow cream, make sure your snow is CLEAN!!! Enjoy!

Winter's Beauty

Wednesday - February 4, 2009

This posting is going to be more pictures and less words! This winter has let us witness first hand some of God's beauty using snow as the common denominator. The following pictures were taken during the last week! Hope you enjoy!

The first two pictures caught my eye because of the shadows created by the trees on the snow. Such beauty, but oh so cold!

The snow resting quietly on the tree limbs!

The sun just starting to rise above the tree tops this morning after the heavy snow fall last night!


This may be my favorite shot!

Pretty to look at as in a picture - but not so good to travel in!!!!

One of our pine trees in the back yard heavy laden with snow!
This is the neighbor's holly tree!

We are expecting rain toward the end of the week - mixed with all this snow that will be melting - ohhh my - high water is in our forecast!

Times Have Changed

Monday – February 2, 2009

Times just keep on changing! I remember hearing the stories of my parents and how they would WALK to school with snow past their knees – school was never canceled! Many of those walks took them through the woods which happened to be a faster route to another “main” road that happened to be dirt! My parents’ generation NEVER got out of school because of snow! At least that what we always heard!

Did we get out for this snow fall!

Next came our generation – one in which I don’t remember getting out of school due to the weather. I do remember thinking how unfair it was that Wayne County got out of school while Cabell County was going to be in session. This did not happen often, but when it did, I never could figure out why them and not us!! Once I started teaching I knew why! While growing up we only lived about a mile from the county line, and we had to go to school and Westmoreland and Vinson didn’t. Of course this was because most of Cabell County students could walk to their schools and were not relying on the county bus system! Even though the Westmoreland students could walk to school, they still had more buses running than Cabell did!

We lived about a mile from our junior high school – and it was on the coldest days of the year that we had to walk to school due to cars of our parents not starting – whew! This was also during the time when as a girl I was not allowed to wear pants at school!!! SO, Mom made me wear pants under my skirt, and then I had to go to the restroom to take them off until the trip home! This was so embarrassing, but it did help keep me warm!

A beautiful scene looking up the road, but not one to have to drive on!!!!

I’m sure even back then that many counties that relied heavily on the bus system to transport the kids to and from school had more days out of school than we did. It wasn’t until I started teaching at East Lynn Elementary that I really comprehended that not all kids lived where they could walk to school!! East Lynn had only a few that could actually walk to school – those who lived across the road from the school!! Now, I really did understand why Wayne County was out of school and Cabell wasn’t!

Some of our friends who are still teaching were out all last week due to the snow, ice, and power outages. This had Bill and I both reflecting back to the times when we were still teaching and we DID NOT get out a full week of school. We don’t begrudge the schools getting out last week – just noting how “times have changed.” We thought we would jot down some of the things we remember about these bad weather days when we were teachers!

Toby even has had trouble getting through the snow!

Our Tidbits of Bad Weather Days 1973 – 2006

1. Many days we had to report to school with bad weather – just like the days we had last week – even though the buses did not run. We would have some kids – most were kids whose parents were going somewhere and would drop their child off at school. Sometimes I wonder if on the elementary level if we weren’t “babysitting” while the parents went out and about! We never had a full class, and we could do only so much with the few that came. We would allow them to play more than when the full class was there. We had a parent call about one of the sixth grade teachers not teaching on those days. He had one student – who happened to be his cousin. The next time we had a day when the buses didn’t run, and knowing from experience, we knew which kids would be there – this teacher wore a three piece suit; gave a spelling test; worked from the math and reading books; gave science and social studies’ quiz; and all make-up work to that ONE student. That child didn’t come back when he knew there would only be a few students at school! Mom wanted him taught – so he was taught! Parents did not understand how hard it would be to go on with lessons when the majority of the class was not there!

One of our "treacherous" big snows

2. There were many, many days when both of us would already be on the way to school – or for that matter at school – when the word from the Board’s office would be sent out that schools was being dismissed! We would slip and slide all the way!!! One episode that comes to mind is the day we already had about six inches on the ground, and it was still snowing – school was not called off until 10:00 when all students and personnel were at school. The call came that all buses would be coming back – to take the kids home with the road conditions being in worse condition than the trip to school! Our principal allowed those of us who lived in Huntington to leave early (we were suppose to wait until all kids were sent home)! It took us almost ten hours to get home. On every small incline between East Lynn and Wayne, we had to literally push Bill’s big car up the little “hills!” The reason for this – his tires were bald!!!!! If memory serves me correctly – he got new tires soon after that episode. Some of our colleagues in the carpool wore heels that day – not at all suitable for a day like that! These ladies had to get out and help push the car – now talk about worn out and looking like drowned rats – this was a sight that is still as vivid as if it were yesterday!

One of our past big snows!

3. As I said earlier, there were many days we would make our trek to school only to be told to go back home. Another one of those days which stand out is a day that remains as an “I can’t believe that happened” day! These were the days when we had about five teachers in the carpool with pickup points from Huntington to Lavalette. One of the teachers thought she had missed us and proceeded to head towards the last pick-up place. She was always late, and we had been known to leave her!!!! Lucky me – it was my week to drive! I had a Ford Futura that was two doors with bucket seats! Going up one of the treacherous hills between Huntington and East Lynn was nerve wracking. I had learned how to drive in these conditions – steady low speed – don’t use the brake – steer toward the way you are sliding. I was always fine if I didn’t have to stop!!!! Whoa – trying to get the traction back was impossible some days. On this particular day, I was at a steady speed making my way up the hill when we noticed this teacher waving from the side of the road. She wanted me to STOP and pick her up!!! I’m going – “I can’t stop – I’ll never get going again on this icy/snowy road!” She yells for Bill to open the door, lean up, and she will jump in the car!!! Guess what – he did and she did! Oh, I shudder when I think about what could have happened! I do NOT recommend this method of getting a ride to anyone!!!

My Ford Futura!

These are three of some of our most memorable episodes when dealing with the snow during our teaching days! We were all dedicated to the fact that we HAD to get to school no matter what!!! (Or we didn’t get paid!) I like the approach the school system seems to be taking now. School systems are taking more precautions today – or so it seems. We were wondering why – it wasn’t because our lives were less thought of, but the fact that there weren’t as many drivers on the road as there are now; kids could walk to school; and the distance we had to travel may not have been as far since consolidation of schools began. Another contributing factor might be that school funding also depends on attendance!! If there are not at least 93% of the kids in school – the system will not get their government funding!!! Regardless of their reasoning – it is far more important to make a decision that will help keep all safe!!

The following pictures are of snow from last week! Nice to look at, but horrible to drive through!!!

Small amount of snow - but a solid sheet of ice underneath the snow - yikes - too slippery to drive on!