Cora's Visit to Grandad and Mammaw's Home on Craig Road

Wednesday - April 29, 2009

David and Jeni brought their precious baby girl to visit with us yesterday - we had the whole day to enjoy the company of Cora Ann, Jeni, David, and Molly. We had a great visit and as Bill loves to say - it's the ONLY time he gets a home cooked meal! Hmmmmm, I think he is stretching the truth a tad bit!!!

We hope you enjoy looking at the pictures of Cora's adventure on her first visit with us!

Cora Ann Hardin on her first visit to Granddad and Mammaw's on Craig Road!

Where am I?

Cora was just placed in Granddad's hands!

Look at that sweet smile!

Granddad loves his precious angel!

Looks like Granddad is singing, but he is actually telling a tale!

Cora's snug as a bug in her stroller - tummy's full and she's ready to see what's on Craig Road!

Everybody is ready to go for a walk after eating brunch!

Let's take a break to let Molly snoop and Toby to catch up!

A walk on Craig Road with Cora Ann!

A happy "Mammaw" with her precious grandbaby!

Molly and Toby wanted lap time with their "mommies!" Cora already had her spot! If all the "babies" are happy - then everyone else is happy!

Don't look so sad Granddad - you can hold Cora Ann!! She knows you love her very much!!! Both are resting after our walk

Granddad holding his precious little girl!!!!

I did get to hold Cora a lot - I loved it!!!!!

How much better can it get???

Mammaw Sue and her precious baby girl - I love you Cora Ann!!!!

Toby was NOT a happy "babee!" Cora on the other hand was a content "baby!"

Mammaw Sue holding her two babies!!! Both were sound asleep - at least they were comfortable! :):):)

Toby peeping up over his "blankies" to see if he can lay on "his" couch all by himself! :):)

Cora Ann Visits Great-Grandma Layne

Monday - April 27, 2009

Happy one month birthday Cora Ann!

Yesterday, Cora made her first visit to her Great-grandmother Layne. Needless to say, Mom was thrilled, as were my nieces and nephews!!!! Billy and Bobby just looked - afraid of Cora because she was tooooo little! Todd was content to watch Meghan and Cassie hold her and to let Cora hold onto his finger!!!!

The following pictures tell of Cora's first visit to her Great-grandma Layne's home in WV!!!
Needless to say, Bill and I think Cora was a hit! Look how cute she is and how Mom is looking down at her, talking to her, and showing us all the experience she has had cuddling little ones!

Hope you all enjoyed looking at the pictures of "me" with my Great-grandma Layne and my cousins! I'm finding out I have a lot of relatives in WV and from what I hear in OH and some other states - too many for me to remember!!!! I loved meeting everyone and hope I get to meet more relatives!

Dink and His Progress

Saturday - April 25, 2009

Mom and Dink Easter afternoon!

Even though Dink is home, he is still trying his best to recover so he can get back to where he was before the stroke. He is able to communicate -even though it is like playing charades at times in trying to get what he wants to tell us! He tries so hard, and sometimes he will get frustrated and simply say, "just forget it!" This has to be so frustrating to know what you want to say, but can't get it out so others will know.

He and Rhonda are trying to get over a severe sinus/ear infection. Dink has been experiencing severe pain with his right arm and shoulder. He had never been one to complain, but this pain must be excruciating as he will let us know how much pain he is experiencing.

With much research and talking with those who have worked with stroke victims, there is a fear Dink may be showing symptoms of RSD - According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), RSD is "a chronic pain condition that is believed to be the result of dysfunction in the central or peripheral nervous systems." Because many stroke patients can not tell their care givers or doctors of the severe pain, many felt it was just in their mind - a phantom pain. But through research, it has been discovered this pain is real!!! The possibility that Dink may have RSD has been heart wrenching for us all - especially Rhonda.

We know Dink has a long road ahead of him, and we know he has never been one to whine about pain. The pain he has endured through the years with his back, legs, and his heart has been pain most of us will never imagine. You can see the pain in his face, but never a word. The pain he is having with his arm and shoulder has brought sounds of agony from him.

During therapy yesterday, they decided that most of his pain may be coming from his arm and shoulder being dislocated! Where he had allowed his arm to hang it appears to have separated from his shoulder. The therapist thinks this is where his pain is coming from and that it may not be RSD. We are praying that the new brace he will be wearing will help the arm and shoulder relocate and that the pain will subside!

I think about all those who complain about "little" things and whine about something trivial and wonder how some of them would handle the excruciating pain Dink has 24/7 and then goes through the therapy that causes even more pain. Some people have a low tolerance for pain while other seem to be able to handle more pain. Dink is one who does have a high level for tolerating pain. It is harder on us to see him in pain.

I just want Dink to know we are praying for you and that we are so proud of you. We know that it is not easy to do what you are doing, but we know the blood that flows through your veins comes from those who did not know the word quit. You have not quit, but have worked just as hard as your body will allow you.

Know that Mom, Mike, and I love you very much, and that we are so proud of not only you, but Rhonda too, She has been the rock to try and get you and keep you on the road to recovery. We love you Rhonda, and we are praying for you too!!!!

The next time you get a cold, stump you toe, or get a twinge remember those who may be in far worse pain than you, and possibly your "pain" will not seems as bad. I have known several people who always had something wrong with them, and they always let you know about every pain. Their pain and problems were always much worse than anyone elses.

Dink's pain is real; excruciating; agonizing; and at times I'm sure unbearable. I pray that God will give him the strength to help him overcome this pain and continue on with his recovery.

We all love you Dink - and Jesus does too!!!!!!! He is right there with you all the way!

Todd helping Dink look at some of his favorite sites on the computer.

Cora at Three Weeks Old

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Just wanted to share a few pictures I "borrowed" from Jeni and David showing Cora Ann at three weeks old! Thanks to the internet, we have been able to "see" her and notice how much she has grown!!! She took her first"walk" last week and from the pictures appeared to have been a soothing and relaxing time! :):) Hopefully the weather will stay warm so she can have many more strolls! Enjoy!!!!

Our precious Cora Ann - three weeks old!

Looks like she's thinking pretty hard here - "am I hungry or not?"

Her little foot resting on Molly's back! :):)

Happy time with her Daddy!

Jeni with her two girls - Molly has adjusted really well to having a sister! She checks on Cora every time she comes in to make sure she's okay!!! Look out bad guys - Molly's on guard!

Her first walk in her stroller . . .

. . . had a soothing affect! :):)

Some readers who are on Facebook will have already seen these pictures - just wanted to share them with non-FB addicts! :):):)

Does Anyone Read the Blog?

Friday - April, 17, 209

Here I go again, wondering if anyone reads the blog! I guess I'm feeling a little down- why - who knows? So, I get on the blog to see if anyone has left any comments about anything we've posted or said - nothing. Then I wonder again, does anyone read the blog? Now don't get me wrong, I don't expect comments everyday or on every posting, but sometimes it's nice to know that someone is reading and looking at our pictures. The blog was started so family and friends could keep up with what has been going on with us since retirement.

A lot has gone on with us since retirement. Life has a way of taking us into many different directions - reality sets in and we realize that life is not always a bed of roses. Since retiring our family has endured many things - heart attacks, stokes, deaths, and births! Mom had a heart attack and stroke two years ago; my twin, John, passed away last August; we've lost two precious aunts in the last three months; and my oldest brother, Dink, suffered a severe stroke and heart attack on February 13, 2009.

On the brighter side of life - Dink is now home and doing well - he still has a long road of therapy ahead of him, but he has the will and determination to do what it takes to regain what the stroke took away from him. The birth of our precious granddaughter has been the highlight of our life since retirement. She is three weeks old today, and we can't imagine what it was like without her. The sad part is that she lives so far away and we can't see her "everyday!" :):):) (Someone needs to spoil her!) We also are getting geared up for a wedding! My nephew Todd (my youngest brother's son), and Cassie Bordea will become husband and wife on May 16 (my niece Dawn's birthday, and the day before Mike's birthday.) We hope to have pictures to share of this occasion. Cassie has already become family!!!

Hmmm -I think writing is a means of therapy for me - putting my feelings on paper (or the computer) seems to diminish the wondering if anyone reads or cares about what is written. The blog has become like a journal. I use to tell the kids that a journal is a good thing to keep so that you won't forget things you may want to remember. As we have gotten older, I think we tend to forget. Occasionally I will go back and look at the older post. Some make me smile, laugh, and even cry. So many things I had already forgotten about - but they must have happened since it's on the blog! :):) I like the idea of putting the date with things that happen - not necessarily for us - but hopefully for the younger generation!

There's no "contest" with this one - sorry, but we may do something later! This is just a means for me to say I hope you are reading it, and that you enjoy what we've written. We hope to scan some more "old" pictures, and tell some "old" stories so that we can all remember them. We also hope to post some "new" stories!

If the notion should strike you to leave a comment every-now-and then; it would be greatly appreciated! Hopefully nothing has been written that would cause negative comments! :):) If Bill reads this - then I will expect one from him - but I have the power to delete it!!! :):):):)

Hope and pray all have a great weekend - it's pretty here in WV!!!!!!

Grandparent's Love

Tuesday - April 14, 2009

Who is a grandparent? According to most dictionaries the definition is simple, it is a parent of one's mother or father. I remember the joy of my parents when they became grandparents, and the fun times they had with the grandchildren as they were growing up towards adulthood. All of their grandchildren are not biological, but you couldn't tell that when you were around them. All of the kids were treated and loved the same.

Through the years I have heard through general conversations that many people do not believe a person can be a mother, father, or grandparent to a child if they do not have their blood running through the child's veins. I have been told by many women that you are not complete until you have a child of your own. To some women, I guess that is what being a woman is all about. There was a times when that's how I felt, but life had a way of changing my thoughts and making me realize the love I had to give was channeled towards another direction. There was a reason, and God is the one who paved that path for me!

I know the love I have had for all the little ones that came across my path which included all my nieces, nephews, and Bill's son, David, has been real. I love them all with all that I have, but I have been told it's not the same. Granted, I did not carry them for nine months and endure the pain of childbirth, but I love them just the same, and I worry about them as a parent would (at least I feel I do).

I actually worked with a woman who told me I would never be complete because I did not have a child of my own, and that she was a better woman than me because she had a child. Needless to say, those comments hurt, but I did not let my life revolve around them. I freely gave my love to all my nieces and nephews, my cousin's children, and most assuredly to David. Why do some people say such cruel things? Only God knows! There have been times when things were said that hurt, but they weren't said with the intent of hurting me. There are many woman out there who would love to have children of their own, but for various reasons can not! We can't live our lives wondering why and being depressed! God would not want that!

Since Cora Ann's birth, I have thought about what it would have been like to have had a biological child and ultimately a biological grandchild. Right now I don't think I could love them anymore than I do Cora Ann. I have appreciated being included in the circle of Cora Ann's grandparents. As I watched both David and Jeni's parents hold their granddaughter for the first time, I could see the love in their eyes; the tenderness in their touch; and the sound of their soothing voice when talking to her. Love was unleashed after nine months of waiting at the first sight of this baby girl.

Yes, it is sad to say there are many parents and grandparents in this world who do not possess the quality of loving a precious baby as he/she enters this world. Too many times the baby is a trophy to be shown to the world that my life is now complete. Those children will grow up in a house without the nourishing love needed to help them become the person God wants them to become.

Cora Ann was born into a family of love, faith, and hope. The love she will and has received will be astounding and unmeasurable; the faith she will learn as she learns to love our Lord and Savior as her parents and grandparents do; and the hope that her life will be a blessed one will help her as she grows and reaches adulthood. Cora Ann is going to be blessed with the love of all her grandparents, aunt, uncle, cousins, and most assuredly her parents. So much love for one so small!

Last week while holding Cora on my shoulder, and her placing her head against my neck with her little hands touching me was surreal. How can it get any better than that? The love I felt; the content of that precious baby girl in my arms; is that the same love grandparents feel when they hold "their" grandchild? I think so. I hope and pray that Cora Ann knows how much I love her even if my blood does not flow through her veins.

The following pictures will introduce you to all the grandparents! Notice the love beaming from all their faces as they look at and hold their granddaughter!

Cora Ann Hardin - our granddaughter! Two weeks old!
David's mother - Charlotte - Grandma

Jeni's father - Rick - Grampy

Jeni's mother - Carol - Grammy

Grandad Bill

Mammaw Sue

We all love you Cora Ann. To all those out there who are afraid to give your love to a child that is not yours biologically, go for it, because the love you receive in return is overwhelming! The love I have received - first from my nieces and nephews and then from David - is one of the most wonderful feelings I have had! The love I have for Cora, and the love I felt from her in return last week is unbelievable!

Today, I feel complete! I do have a precious granddaughter to love!

Cora also has some great-grandparents! Jeni's grandfather on her mother's side; her grandmother on her father's side; David grandparent's on his mother side; and we can't forget about my mother who has always counted David as one of her eight grandchildren!

So many "grandparents" to love one small baby! How much better can it get than this!!!!

Thankful - Cora Ann

Monday - April 13, 2009

Bill and I are so thankful we were able to spend time with Cora Ann last week. It is amazing at how attached you can become so quickly! We have dealt with the middle school age children for so long - we almost forgot how sweet and innocent they were when they entered this world! We know that it is a "stage" that most kids go through, and that eventually they will grow out of "it" and become responsible human beings - at least most do!!! We would like to share some pictures of our precious baby girl! Hope you enjoy them - we think she is a doll and is the most precious jewel on this earth - we're not prejudice or anything! :):):):):):)

Cora Ann in Grandad's arms sleeping like a "baby!"

Cora's wide awake after her bath! Look at her hair style - adorable!

Cora's first Cincinnati Reds' outfit - thanks Grandad - Go Reds!

Molly keeping an eye on Cora and Grandad. Molly checks Cora out all the time to make sure things are okay with her! They are going to be great buddies - at least until Cora starts pulling ears and tails! :):):)

Mammaw and Grandad with Cora after her return from the doctor - she is perfect and all is well!

I love this baby girl soooooo much!

Looks like Cora and Grandad are having a great conversation - I think she could ask for the moon and Grandad would lasso it for her! Hmmmm, seems like I've seen that it a movie - ahhh "It's a Wonderful Life." We are praying that it will be a "wonderful life" for Cora!

The happy family - well almost, seems Cora is a little upset at the moment - but still a great family portrait!!!

We send a prayer up to the Lord above as Jeni and David raise this precious baby girl. May the love and faith they have help them through the tiring nights and long days. May God guide them in all that they do. They love the Lord, one another, and now they love their baby girl! We know they will trust in the Lord with all that they do! We love this "new" family with all our hearts! (yes Molly, we love you too!)