Bill's Baby Brother

Sunday - October 12, 2008

John Wilson Hardin is the baby brother of Bill and "Twink" alias Charles Hardin. He is the third son of Clyde and Bertha Marrs Hardin. There are fourteen years between the oldest son, Bill, and John. (There’s approximately seven years between Bill and Twink, and Twink and John.) Several weeks ago we had decided to write an occasional post about the Hardin side of the family. John is a very unique person. He would love to have been raised around the likes of Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, and any other traditional Bluegrass artist especially when they played gospel songs. He loves the Primitive Quartet and a host of others that I can't keep track of, or in some instances didn’t even recognize their names.

Bill and I took John to see The Perry Sisters, The Inspirations, and a few other groups at the Huntington Civic Center years ago. A cousin of Dad's - Curtis Lane - was still alive and could always be seen at most of the song fests in the region. Part of the reason was because he loved gospel music, but another reason was because his son - Harold Lane - was a member of the Speer Family. Curt would go to meet and welcome some of his son's friends to our area. (Good old WV hospitality!) The reason I'm telling you this is because he personally introduced John to members of the Inspirations. Now granted, they weren't Bill Monroe or Ralph Stanley, but they were super stars in John's eyes! They all made over him and then autographed a picture for him which he has framed and hanging in his room!

John use to come and stay with us during the summer when we weren't teaching. Now you might think he came because he wanted to visit with his big brother! Wrong - well maybe not completely wrong. The flea market located at the old bus barn in the West end of Huntington had a vendor that sold tapes, cd's, and videos of all the "old" groups that John loved to hear! To tell you the truth, some of the groups we had not heard of before John started buying the tapes. The owner of this particular place took an interest in John (was quite unusual for a person John's age to be interested in all that "old" kind of music). He always gave John a good deal and sometimes would give John a "free" tape! John thought this was great! This gentleman had to sell out his section for several reasons - one being he was ill and could no longer keep up with the work. This saddened John - where would he go now to get these tapes he loved so much? Since this particular vendor is no longer at the flea market - John doesn't come and stay with us! Thus the reason for his visits (we think) - he wanted us to take him to the various flea markets looking for all those tapes that are no longer being produced! He will crank his player up sky high when at home and listen to it for hours. He and Bill are alike in that way – crank the music up as high as it will go – the only difference is the type of music being played!!!!

Another thing about John is his love for “Tweety Bird” – which stems from his younger days as a child. He has a wide collection of “Tweety” around the house – most of which have been presents from the family. We even found a polo shirt with Tweety on it – now that was a prize. He has a collection of Tweety Birds ranging in size. They have found a place in the front bedroom on the spare bed. He keeps an eye on them when we visit and have to move them from the bed.

John isn’t able to work. He does have a handicap, but does not let that deter him from enjoying his life. As long as he can listen to his kind of music, have Tweety Bird around, go to the store when he wants (prefers going at 7:00 in the morning when the store is virtually empty!), and have his mashed potatoes, corn, and cubed steak, life is good for him.

We have chosen some great shots of John through the years to share with you!

A picture of John with his nephew - David! - at Granny's in Inez, KY (1980)



John with David and Tweety Bird - at Granny's in Inez, KY (1989)



John with his niece - Ashlea - and nephew - David - at home in Williamson, WV (1991)



John at our house on the hill in Wayne, WV - Christmas (1991)



John between his older brothers - Bill and "Twink" - at home in Williamson (1992)



John with his mother, Bertha Marrs, and brothers Bill and Twink - at home in Williamson, WV (1992)



John and Bill - at home in Williamson, WV (2207)

Our Stress Relief - Toby

Friday - October 10,2008

Before you retire you hear all kinds of comments about how all the stress you are under will no longer be a part of your everyday life. That is true to a certain point. What they all leave out is that the stress you may experience at work is gone, but there is always something that seems to cause a person to worry and feel under a different type of stress. As we get older it seems that some of the stress is coming from losing those who are close to you - family and friends. Some of us may be stressing out because it is an election year; the problems on Wall Street; and most of us feel the stress that our loved ones are under. Yes, we are to turn it all over to God. Sometimes it is easier said than done - sometimes what we want to happen or not happen isn't in God's plan for us.

Reading through one of my many sites which has a Bible verse for the day, I came across the following verse:
“Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.”- Proverbs 19:20-21
It is true - God's purpose will prevail!

So to help alleviate some of the stress we may feel which stems from things we have no control over, Bill and I not only read God's word, but we also turn to an unlikely source! It comes from our "babee"! He is twelve years old; has crooked teeth; is almost completely blind; and suffers from arthritis in almost every joint in his little body! He is our lovable Boston Terrier, Toby. There were many days when we would come home from a very stressful day at school that he would greet us as if we were the most important people on this earth. In a way I guess we were since we were the ones who would feed him and let him in and out a dozen times a day! But do you know what? He loves us unconditionally even if we did get home late, or were gone from him for a few days. The love he showers on us; the trust he displays; and the faith he shows is what we should be doing towards our Heavenly Father!

We use to come in from work; take Toby out back and play "keep-a-way" with a "doggie Frisbee." We could feel the stress leave our bodies - I think we lost it from running after Toby and the laughter from his antics of trying to keep us from getting the Frisbee! Laughter is a good means of relief - sometimes it is hard to find something to laugh about! Toby has been supplying those moments when we most needed them. Since he is losing his sight, he can not see the Frisbee flying through the air. We have not been playing with him because it is so sad to see that look of anticipaton on his face and then he isn't able to see that flying toy in the air! He was always so excited to be able to get that toy away from Mom and Dad.

During a wind storm a few weeks ago, a large ball found its way into our back yard! Toby was afraid of it at first, but now - it's "look out" ball, here comes Toby! It has taken several days of playing with it for Toby to figure out what he wants to do with that huge ball. For the last week we have laughed at his show! We have captured some of his playfulness on camera and would like to share them with you.

We hope you get a chuckle out of these pictures - seeing Toby in action is a lot better! We weren't fast enough to capture some of his best poses!

Bill helps Toby find the ball! Bill's head has been cut off - not intentionally - Toby was the focus! :):):)





Toby would really love to get his teeth into the ball and then run with it!





Okay, if he can't get it in his mouth and run with it, then he'll just push it around the yard!





What happens when the ball gets out of his reach? He barks and barks and barks - until someone pushes it back within his reach!





Sometimes Toby looks as if he is going to try and get on top of the ball!!!





Now this is the face of a "happy babee!" :):):):)

"Bear"

Wednesday - October 8, 2008

Strange title??? Not if you knew who I am writing about today! 29 years ago on October 5 a second son was born to Dink and Rhonda - Bobby Layne. As a baby, Dink called him "Bear" because of the head full of dark curls he had. So many thought he was a girl because of that full head of hair! Dink and Rhonda finally got his hair cut after Bobby would say "I'm not a girl! I''m a boy." He also was a little put out because people thought he looked like me - Aunt Sue. He always said, "Billy looks like Dad; Todd looks like Mike; JD looks like John; and I look like Aunt Sue!" Needless to say, he was not a happy tyke. Had he known David at that age he would have also said "and David looks like Bill!" This would have really upset him that he was the only grandson who supposedly didn't look like his father. He makes up for that now!

Just in - Rhonda reminded me that Dink called Bobby "Bear" because of how hairy he was on his back for a new born!!! I remember that now - guess I was just thinking about that head full of curls!!!!

He and Dink came out yesterday, and they were sitting on the porch -wish I had the camera with me - they looked so much alike! Sorry Dink, you may have a few more grey hairs than Bob! Bob cleaned out the ferns from the front of the house, did some weed eating and mowed, and helped us pack the shed with a little more junk! Some day the shed will be a job all on its own! Bob was a great help! We love you!

Thought I would post some of my favorite pictures with Bob in them!

The family heading out to church! Ohhh so precious!



Bobby with one of his favorite girls!


This has always been one of my favorites!


The three musketeers from WV taking a nap? Think again! For your info in case you can't tell which is which :)- Todd, Billy, and Bobby!


Not sure why the boys look like they are mad - oh, because Aunt Sue wanted a picture of the grandkids together. Front row - Dawn, Meghan, Billy; back row - JD, Bobby, Todd, Lindsay.


Here's another pictures of the grandkids - Bob still doesn't look happy!
Meghan, Dawn, Lindsay, JD, Billy, Todd, and Bobby


Goodness, they look like they are in a line up!! Billy, JD, Bobby, and Todd


Bobby would have rather been next to Papaw! Papaw, Bill, Bobby


Dink with his boys!


This one I really love - the boys after a day of fishing!! Poor Billy looks like he is losing his jeans! oops! Hard job fishing! :):)


I'm going to end with this picture - there are so many I could have posted! All I'll say about this picture is - "Where's the plane, where's the plane?" (For those old enough - remember Fantasy Island?)
Love you Bobby!

Fall's in the Air!

Friday - October 3, 2008

One fall, many many years ago, Dad surprised me! I was trying to pick out a story or poem that my kids in the sixth grade could recite read and enjoy it. He startled me when all of a sudden he started reciting a poem he had to memorize when he was in school! It was a poem by James Whitcomb Riley - "When the Frost is on the Punkin." He recited the first stanza which I am posting for those who may not know this poem. Dad really amazed me - remembering a poem after all those years!!!!

"When the Frost is on the Punkin"

WHEN the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock,
And you hear the kyouck and gobble of the struttin' turkey-cock,
And the clackin' of the guineys, and the cluckin' of the hens,
And the rooster's hallylooyer as he tiptoes on the fence;
O, it's then the time a feller is a-feelin' at his best,
With the risin' sun to greet him from a night of peaceful rest,
As he leaves the house, bareheaded, and goes out to feed the stock,
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock.

I thought of this poem and Dad as Bill and I put a fall display on the front porch. We are taking care of Halloween and Thanksgiving with the mums, carved pumpkins, and scarecrow! I am going to post some pictures of our display - hope you enjoy them!

This picture shows our scarecrow surrounded by real mums and some artificial ones. Can you pick out the real ones? The big pot is real!!!!!! Our little carved pumkin lights up!



This next picture shows my geese dressed up for Halloween. I will tell you that the flowers in the pot are not real - I can use them again next year! The sign up against the post says "One spoiled Boston Terrier lives here!" How true!



This next picture I like because you can see the reflection of the trees on the glass!



These are views of both displays! Can't see them from the road yet - trees need to be trimmed!





This is our wreath of WELCOME!



Happy Fall!

I'm in God's Hand

Wednesday - October 1, 2008

For the last week or two I have been down in the dumps a little. Those who know me know that I am the one who has always tried to stay upbeat - always because of Mom and Dad. I never wanted them to worry - especially when we knew that Dad's time with us was coming close to where he would be soon going home. But since John's death, I find it really hard to be in that upbeat cheery mood. I try to remember that they are in a far better place than I am! But I still miss them so much! I have been listening to our Steve Green cds and two songs have made me cry, but at the same time been a comfort to me! I would like to share those words with you. I noticed that Jeni had posted another song's lyrics that is a comfort as well - it was played at John's funeral!

The following is called:

"I AM in God's Hands."

Safe in the grace of God
my soul finds rest,
strong from a confidence
that he knows best.
Following where he leads
my heart is blessed.
CHORUS
Evil makes its plans
but my faith still stands,
I am in God’s hands.
Gone are the lonely
fears of former days.
Jesus is always there
to guide my ways.
Gladly I offer him
my thankful praise.
Evil makes its plans
but my faith still stands,
I am in God’s hands.
In his hands,
peace comforts my life.
In his hands,
I see a path
I can walk through
the passage of time.
Angels will greet me
when I leave life’s pains.
Sent there to guard me
at that final change.
Bearing me up
to where my father reigns.

The next song is beautifully sung by Steve Green and let's us all know that our loved ones are in a much better place!

"Safely Home"

Children, precious children
I Know you're shaken,
A loved one taken.
Oh but hear me.
Come, draw near me.
Their pain is passed now.
They rest at last now, safely home.
They are strong and free.
They are safe with me.
This life is nearly shadow.
Today there's sorrow, but joy tomorrow.
Safely home. Safely home.
One day you will join them,
all together, this time forever,
safely home. Safely home.

Steve Green is one of mine and Bill's favorite Christian singers. We actually got to see him in concert many years ago in Charleston. It was by far one of the best concerts we have attended. The words are themselves a comfort, but when he sings the lyrics, you feel the comfort throughout your body. I pray that those who might read this will receive some comfort from these words. Jesus is always there,; our faith still stands; and we are still in God's hands - just as the lyrics say. May God bless all of you and that you have a great day. I am feeling so much better by just writing this post. It helps me when I think I can write or do something that will be helpful to others. I know John's family reads this post and this is for you as well as for my other brothers and their families. I love you all!!!