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!!!!!!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
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!
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!
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
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!!!!
Monday, April 13, 2009
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! :):):):):):)
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!
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!
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!)
Saturday, April 4, 2009
When is it Time?
Saturday - April 4, 2009
A Time for Everything
As it is so well written, there is a time for everything. We don't always know when that time might be for these things to take place. This past week has been a time for one to be born and for one to die. I know there are many families who have gone through in a week's time the joy of hearing a newborn baby cry, and then see the tears flow when a close one has left this world for a far better place.
This happened to our family this past week! Bill and I were still starry eyed and in awe at the precious baby girl that was born last Friday - March 27, then we received news that Mom's biological sister had passed away on Monday. Not only did we receive the news about Aunt Olive (Blankenship), but their nephew, Charles Whitman, who was the son of their oldest brother, also passed away on Monday! This news hit Mom pretty hard. She had a feeling that Aunt Olive was not doing well - she was 90. Their nephew, Charles was 74. Both funerals were going to be held in Logan County, at different sites and different times. Mom realized it would be too much for her to attend both, so we went to Aunt Olive's services. It was a beautiful and heart warming message full of hope and one of remembrance.
Mom does have one "foster" sister, Aunt Ruby, who is in a nursing home in Logan. Aunt Ruby's parents were Mom's aunt and uncle who took her in to raise when she was eight weeks old. Mom's mother died the day after Mom was born. Mom was as close to her "foster" sisters as she was her biological sisters and brothers.
As I sat here at Mom's this evening this passage came to me and caused me to reflect back to what had actually taken place this past week. To be so high with your emotions and then be so sad in a matter of minutes. God knows the time for our births and deaths, and we have to trust Him and know that He will take care of everything.
Another thing happened today that made me reflect back on "when it is time" and that God will let us know when we are to reach our Heavenly home. Dink has had several heart attacks and most recently suffered a massive stroke. He has told the story that during one of his heart attacks he felt himself walking down a tunnel. At the end of that tunnel was our Grandfather Layne who had passed away back in 1970. Pappaw met Dink at the end of the tunnel and told him to go back, that it was not his time!!!!! Dink said it was so real!!
Today he told Rhonda he saw Jesus. Jesus told him he was going to be alright and that it was not his time. If you could have seen Dink when he first fell ill, and see him now, you would see how much progress he has made!! Rhonda questioned Dink as to whether he had seen Pappaw, Dad, and John, He said no, just Jesus, and that Jesus told him he would be okay!! The determination he is displaying is one that he knows he will be okay! He is talking more - not fluent, but enough we know what he is saying. He walks with assistance and the use of a brace on his right leg, and a cane. He is now experiencing a tingling sensation in his right arm, which the therapist says is a good sign. He will be in Health South for one more week, and then home he goes! He is so ready to get home!!! He will continue his therapy as an outpatient at St. Mary's.
February 13, 2009 was not Dink's time to go home - God was in charge! March 27 was the date God chose for Cora Ann's birth. So many things to be happy about, and even with the sad events there is happiness in that we know that our loved ones are now walking down Heaven's street and being greeted by all those who have gone before them!!!!
We will miss Aunt Olive and Charles, and we will cherish our time with Cora Ann making memories that will last forever!
Whether you believe in these dreams or not is dependant upon your own experiences and beliefs. I believe Dink, because I believe God does send messages to us, and sometimes we don't listen. We always ask God to watch over us and possibly ask for certain things to happen or not happen. We know "there is a time for everything!" We aren't always privy to "when!"
Ecclesiastes 3
A Time for Everything
1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
As it is so well written, there is a time for everything. We don't always know when that time might be for these things to take place. This past week has been a time for one to be born and for one to die. I know there are many families who have gone through in a week's time the joy of hearing a newborn baby cry, and then see the tears flow when a close one has left this world for a far better place.
This happened to our family this past week! Bill and I were still starry eyed and in awe at the precious baby girl that was born last Friday - March 27, then we received news that Mom's biological sister had passed away on Monday. Not only did we receive the news about Aunt Olive (Blankenship), but their nephew, Charles Whitman, who was the son of their oldest brother, also passed away on Monday! This news hit Mom pretty hard. She had a feeling that Aunt Olive was not doing well - she was 90. Their nephew, Charles was 74. Both funerals were going to be held in Logan County, at different sites and different times. Mom realized it would be too much for her to attend both, so we went to Aunt Olive's services. It was a beautiful and heart warming message full of hope and one of remembrance.
Mom does have one "foster" sister, Aunt Ruby, who is in a nursing home in Logan. Aunt Ruby's parents were Mom's aunt and uncle who took her in to raise when she was eight weeks old. Mom's mother died the day after Mom was born. Mom was as close to her "foster" sisters as she was her biological sisters and brothers.
As I sat here at Mom's this evening this passage came to me and caused me to reflect back to what had actually taken place this past week. To be so high with your emotions and then be so sad in a matter of minutes. God knows the time for our births and deaths, and we have to trust Him and know that He will take care of everything.
Another thing happened today that made me reflect back on "when it is time" and that God will let us know when we are to reach our Heavenly home. Dink has had several heart attacks and most recently suffered a massive stroke. He has told the story that during one of his heart attacks he felt himself walking down a tunnel. At the end of that tunnel was our Grandfather Layne who had passed away back in 1970. Pappaw met Dink at the end of the tunnel and told him to go back, that it was not his time!!!!! Dink said it was so real!!
Today he told Rhonda he saw Jesus. Jesus told him he was going to be alright and that it was not his time. If you could have seen Dink when he first fell ill, and see him now, you would see how much progress he has made!! Rhonda questioned Dink as to whether he had seen Pappaw, Dad, and John, He said no, just Jesus, and that Jesus told him he would be okay!! The determination he is displaying is one that he knows he will be okay! He is talking more - not fluent, but enough we know what he is saying. He walks with assistance and the use of a brace on his right leg, and a cane. He is now experiencing a tingling sensation in his right arm, which the therapist says is a good sign. He will be in Health South for one more week, and then home he goes! He is so ready to get home!!! He will continue his therapy as an outpatient at St. Mary's.
February 13, 2009 was not Dink's time to go home - God was in charge! March 27 was the date God chose for Cora Ann's birth. So many things to be happy about, and even with the sad events there is happiness in that we know that our loved ones are now walking down Heaven's street and being greeted by all those who have gone before them!!!!
We will miss Aunt Olive and Charles, and we will cherish our time with Cora Ann making memories that will last forever!
Whether you believe in these dreams or not is dependant upon your own experiences and beliefs. I believe Dink, because I believe God does send messages to us, and sometimes we don't listen. We always ask God to watch over us and possibly ask for certain things to happen or not happen. We know "there is a time for everything!" We aren't always privy to "when!"
Friday, April 3, 2009
One Week Ago
Friday - April 3, 2009
Cora Ann a week ago!
Cora Ann a week ago!Can you believe that this precious baby girl is a week old? She has captured the hearts of us all!!
I know her mother and father have fallen in love with her - actually that started over nine months ago! :):) The joy they must feel for this sweet baby girl I'm sure is overwhelming!
I just wanted to let all who read this blog that Cora is doing well; mother and father are doing fine and adjusting to being parents (and loving it); and that as a grandfather - Bill's head is still in the clouds, and he is floating around on air!!!! I too love this child so much and am so happy that I will be a part of her life as a "Mamaw!"
All grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends have fallen head over heels in love with this angel. The hope you feel when a new life begins is overwhelmimg. We know that Cora Ann will be loved by many, and that she will know the meaning of a large loving family! We love you Cora Ann!
How much do we love? - "Two bushels and a peck and a hug around the neck!"
Molly loves you too!!!!
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