Christmas Past - 2010

Monday – December 27, 2010

Another Christmas has come and gone. Ours did not go as we had planned, but the circumstances that caused the changes happened to be part of what life throws at us sometimes. We may think we have everything under control and all will go as planned. The dreaded “GI” virus hit the Laynes/Hardins leaving those of us who had it so sick and weak. Even with the virus symptoms, I had many things I had to do to prepare for our trip up North and to help Mom with her Christmas. So, I tried to push the queasiness and icky feeling to the back and pretend I was not going to catch the virus. We also were dealing with Mom and her blood pressure. I took her to Now Care on a Tuesday; called the doctor on Thursday; and Mike took her to the ER on Saturday (with a wait lasting from 8:30 PM to 5:00 AM)! Then I took her to the doctor on Tuesday before Christmas, with the doctor trying to tweak her BP from going as high as 257/78 as it was when she was in the ER.

After the visit to the doctor’s office, we had Mom on her new meds, which we pray will help her BP. I stayed with her and then Mike was with her that night. Then it hit . . . not only did it hit Mom, but me as well . . . . the dreaded virus had made its presence known!! After coming home, I had worked in the kitchen until after 10:00 PM making goodies for Mom’s and for us to take to Bedford. My legs felt weak; my stomach was not feeling the best; and I felt nervous – all which I thought was from worry about Mom. However, around 1:00 AM, I found out what was wrong with me!!!! Let’s just say that the bathroom became my room of choice! Unbeknownst to me, Mom was hit with the virus around midnight. When speaking with her the next morning she sounded so weak. I know I was weak in the knees, and I could only imagine how she felt. This on top of her battle with her BP, she was not feeling the best in the world. She was weak, not hungry, and her color was not the best. She is now feeling better, but her BP still needs to be tweaked!

Bill and I were to leave for David’s the next day. Bill had already packed clothes and all the other “stuff” we were going to take. All we had to do was put them in the car. We didn’t want to miss out on our trip, but at the same time, we did not want to take this “virus” in on Cora and Jeni (who has been so sick due to her pregnancy)! So we decided it would be best to stay home. It really saddened us not to be up there for Christmas. I’m sure there are some who would think we should have gone regardless of the virus or the concern we all had over Mom. We had to make a hard decision that we felt was best for all.

So, for the first time in 22 years of marriage, Bill and I spent Christmas alone at home! Mom and I both were feeling better Christmas Eve, so after she and Dink both asked us to come down for a little while, we got in the car and headed to Mom’s. Food was everywhere. I had taken her some of the “finger” foods earlier in the day, and then Rhonda and Debbie added a variety of other goodies . . . all of which I’m sure was delicious – I just wasn’t food ready! Mom perked up and was feeling better. She had her three surviving children, their spouses, and some of her grandchildren with her. We all made a promise to Dad before he passed away – we all will take care of Mom and make sure she is well taken care of and happy. Christmas Eve she was happy! I was so glad we were there because she and Dink both were so happy. It made our hearts full of joy to see both of them laughing.

Bill and I stayed for a little while and then we headed back home before the snow was to hit . . . yes more snow was on its way. This was one of the main reasons we were not planning on going to Mom’s on Christmas. Mike and Debbie were spending the night and would make it a great day for Mom. We woke up with an additional three to four inches of snow on top of what we already had! This was the first time that I can remember we were by ourselves – David always was with us on Christmas Day when he was still living in Huntington. If for some reason he wasn’t with us, then we would go to Bill’s side of the family or to Mom and Dad’s. It was different, but it was nice.

Mom opening up a warm fleece outfit we took her early Christmas Eve . . .

. . . I love my mother and cherish the time I have with her . . .

. . . Dink surrounded by Billy, Jamie, Debbie, and Bill enjoying all the goodies . . .
. . . Dink is just like Dad, he loves to have the family near him . . . we weren't planning on going back to Mom's, but he sent a plea for us to come . . . it made him so happy . . . .

. . . another Christmas where Mom had her children surrounding her . . . we cherish each and every time this happens . . . even though John and Dad are absent from the picture, they were there in spirit!

Another Christmas is now a memory. A memory that will live with us all for years to come. Sadly, we never know who we will be missing the next time we gather together for the holidays. As we get older, this seems to bear on our minds a little more than they did when we were in our 20's and 30's. Love your family near and far every day of the year.

Pa Rum Pum Pum Pum

Thursday - December 10, 2010

In fifteen days we will be gathering together with family and friends to celebrate Christmas. What does that mean to you? As a child it meant many things: decorating a live pine tree; Mom making her Orange Cake from scratch; and most importantly, it meant reading and hearing the story of a little baby boy born in a a crude stable, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and placed in a manger. As I got older, I started to understand who that baby boy was, and how He was the one God sent to die for all our sins.

The impact this story had on me as a child has stayed with me as I have reached the "senior" years! There was also a movie that was shown to us at school every year by our elementary teachers. It was called "The Little Match Girl." It is a short story about a little girl who is on the cold streets trying to sell match sticks to earn money for the necessities of life . I could tell you more about the story, but I don't want to cry at the moment! If you could find the time to read it, it is a story that will touch your heart, and make you much more thankful for all you have. Hans Christian Andersen wrote the story back in 1846.

Another "story/song" that tugs at my heart is "The Little Drummer Boy." Originally known as the "Carol of the Drums," it was written in 1941 by the pianist, Katherine K. Davis. It too tells the story of a young child who had very little as his own. He wanted to give a present to this special baby boy, but had nothing to give! Then it came to him. "I can play my Drum for Him!" Oh what a thought gift that was!

I think I can relate to these two characters on paper a little because of how little they had. We had enough when growing up - not as much as some, but we had the best of all . . . the love of caring parents who taught us it was much better to give than to receive. They gave uncoditionally to us . . . doing without so that we would have what we needed. They taught us the scarifice God gave . . . His Son. Slowly, as I grew older, I saw all the different ways my parents gave to others even with money being very sparse. Dad would physically help others in need with his knowledge of carpentry, home repairs, and working on the electronics of the day - TV and radio. Mom was always making up a cake, pie, or crocheting something as a way of saying you are loved by the Layne family. It was not a matter of how much or how many presents given/received; it was and always will be the thought behind the gift.

When choosing a gift for anyone, I think about who that person is. Then I try to find a gift that suits them. I love being able to find the perfect gift and seeing the surprise and appreciation from that person. Sadly, there have been many times when the gift(s) were not what the recipient wanted, liked, or appreciated. I love giving to others!! It saddens me that I can't please those I love all of the time. This year's gift giving is going to be sparse. However, I hope the recepients know what we give is in the same giving spirit as "The Little Drummer Boy!"

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!!!

Little Drummer Boy: Lyrics

Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum
A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.

Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum
That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum,
On my drum?

Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum.

That smile said it all . . . ."Thank you, and I love you!"

A Day of Thanksgiving - 2010

Tuesday - November 30, 2010

Another week of preparation, being with family, and giving thanks for the many blessings which came our way has come and gone. Thanksgiving 2010 was a beautiful day. Even though we weren't able to see the entire family, we know that they all were gathered with loved ones giving thanks to God for all He has done for us.

Where do I begin with the list of things I am so thankful for? There are so many, but I will name just a few.

• To begin with, I am so thankful for being able to share another Thanksgiving with my mother. She is really good shape for a 90 year old.
• I am so thankful for the continued improvement Dink is making with his recovery from the stroke he suffered in February 2009, and the care and love he receives from Rhonda, Billy, Bobby, and Jamie. He is such a blessing to us all, and we love him and the family very very much!
• Mike, oh what can I say about my little brother?? That he he is a typical little brother who loves to pester his sister is an understatement. That's what all three of my brothers loved to do! Mike doesn't know how much I really appreciate him . . . he has stayed with Mom on the nights I am scheduled to for the last three weeks due to Bill having to have surgery. We love our mother, and we will do what we need to help her! . . .and I love Mike!
• I am thankful that John's family are now closer together and will be able to see one another more often. John was so much like Dad - they loved family get-togethers! I really miss talking with John, but I know he is watching over all of us and is right there next to Dad.
• I was so pleased that we were able to share this day not only with Mom, but with Mike, Debbie, Meghan, and Grant!! We missed Todd and Cassie, but they were with Cassie's family in Logan County!
• Bill and I are both so thankful that David and Jeni have found a place they can call home and are closer to us than they were last year! David is now back in the pulpit doing the Lord's work. We are also excited that Cora Ann is going to be a big sister. What joy that brings to our hearts!
• We are thankful that Twink, Angie, Ashlea, and John are doing okay. We know Ashlea will soon be a graduate of UK, and we are so happy and proud of her!
• Last but not least, I am so thankful that Bill's surgery was a success and that no cancerous cells were found in the goiter that was removed from his neck and chest. He is on the road to recovery and is doing well.

We would have loved to have been with everyone, but we know that is not always possible. I just hope and pray that those who were not here with us know how much you mean to us and how much you are loved!!! We are thankful that you are part if our family.

For our Thanksgiving feast we had more than enough! The menu included:

• Turkey, dressing, and gravy
• Ham and candid sweet potaoes
• Mashed potatoes
• Potato salad
• Shuck beans (leather britches - dehydrated green beans)
• Green beans
• Sweet corn
• Deviled Eggs
• Cranberry sauce
• Cranberry Salad
• Pumpkin pie and Cool Whip
• Cherry Cheese cake
• Pumpkin roll
• Raspberry tea
• regular tea
• Coffee
• Soft Drinks of assorted kinds

We had an abundance of food, and are eating the last of the leftovers! We sent enough home with Mom that the rest of the family was able to continue the feast!!! Thanksgiving 2010 was a great day, a day that we all will remember . . . . especially Meghan and Grant!! Hmmmm . . . .something about the car breaking down on their return to Huntington for ye another meal with other family memebers!

I hope that all had as great a day with family as we did!!!!

The table ready for all to take their place!

The turkey and ham . . . let the feast begin . . .

The empty chair . . . the chair that Dad built and always sat in after eating a meal with us!!!
This made Mom 90 Thanksgiving gatherings . . . she has claimed her spot at the table for this years!! We love you Mom!!!!

Thanksgiving

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.

--Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

Catching Up - Surgery is Not Fun

Tuesday - November 16, 2010

Bill had surgery a week ago to remove the left side of his thyroid and a very large goiter. He had been experiencing some difficulty with getting a deep breath, thus the ongoing battery of test which included breathing test, Xray, and CT Scan. It was through these test the goiter was discovered. The doctor told us it had protruded down into Bill's chest, which was causing him difficulty with his breathing. The doctor was amazed that Bill didn't have problems swallowing. Apparently the goiter had pushed his esophagus, windpipe, etc, over to the right side of his neck.

The goiter was actually resting on Bill's aorta and there was no option as to what the treatment was to be . . . it was to be surgically removed. We were told the surgery would take at least four hours and they were right on the time. One of the reasons the surgeon said he would be taking so long to do the surgery was because he needed to make sure he did no damage to the vocal chords. Evidently they use a nerve meter when doing this surgery to help them monitor the nerves and to make sure they don't damage them. However when the surgeon came out to talk with me, he told me the connectors to the nerve meter did not function properly. Thus we had to wait to make sure there was no damage. Thankfully, Bill is able to talk although his voice is weak, comes and goes, and is a little raspy - all which was expected.

We had to report to the hospital by 9:00. Whew . . . our drive to town was nerve wracking in that we got behind slow traffic, stopped by a train crew working on the railroad crossing, and then utility workers causing traffic to be using only one lane. We made it to the hospital in time. Within fifteen minutes of arriving at the hospital they called Bill back to the room to prepare him for his surgery. By 10:00 they took him to the holding room where is was to wait before they took him into surgery.

My cousin Patty came to sit with me. We have been through many surgeries together. I was with her when she had surgery, and she was with me when I had surgery. Patty may only be a cousin, but she feels like a sister. I was grateful to have there to help me pass the long hours of waiting. The hardest part is sitting there not knowing how our loved one is doing!!! I appreciate Pat and love her very much!

They took Bill into surgery around 10:40. They have someone who calls the family of those in surgery to let them know how things are going. I received a call at 1:30 and was told all was going well and that the doctor expected it to be another couple of hours. They had already removed part of the goiter - the part in his neck - and now preparing to remove the part which had gone down into his chest. We were told by the surgeon there might be a need for him to open Bill's chest up to remove that section of the goiter. If that was the case then there would be a chest surgeon on call if needed! Thankfully the chest surgeon was not needed!

At 2:30 the volunteer came over to me and asked me to go to the conference room, and that the surgeon would be out to talk with me shortly. Patty and I went to the room and within five minutes the surgeon arrived. It was all good news, and Bill was doing well!!! Oh I thanked God for those words. He was to spend the night in the hospital just as precaution that there would be no bleeding or other problems. We were both glad they were going to keep him - just to be safe.

He was taken to his room around 4:00 - it was a private room which gave me the opportunity to stay with him. (I was planning on staying even if I had to stay in the lobby down the hall - did that many times with Mom and Dad!) We were told that all surgical patients are now given a private room to help keep down infections. They even had a recliner type chair in there and extra pillows and blankets for me!!! Bill was given such great care by all he came in contact with that day and night!!!

They brought Bill a tray, but he was in no way ready for a meal! He did take sips of water, but that was about it. He was extremely sore and had pain. He was given pain medication every four hours if needed!!!! He was hooked up to an IV and had leg wraps around his legs that kept pumping up with air - I assume to help his circulation and to keep blood clots from forming! With help he was able to stand when he needed to use the restroom. His IV was in his hand and came out on one of his needs to stand. This liked to scared me to death. I looked at the floor and blood was flowing rather heavily. I thought his incision had broken loose, but it was just where the needle came out of his hand. Whew . . . I needed nerve medication at that moment! Nurses came in and all was well!

We both slept pretty well for being in the hospital. The noise from his IV sounded like a printer, and the machine for the wraps around his legs pumped up every five minutes!!! Before we knew it, the new shift was on duty and Bill's vitals were being taken. At 7:00 the doctor came in to say all the blood work looked good; his incision looked good, and therefore he would release Bill to go home!!!!

We left the hospital at 10:00 and headed home!!!! Bill was weak, but as the days have gone by, he has gotten stronger, soreness is leaving, and pain is not quite as bad. He is beginning to eat a little better, taking walks around the yard, and sleeping with his CPAP machine.

We are so thankful for his recovery thus far. We are also thankful for all the prayers, thoughts, and words of encouragement from our family and friends. We love you all!

This little girl helped give Bill the courage to do what he needed to do to get better. He (we) love her so much. By the end of June we will have another little one to love as much as we do Cora Ann!

We came up with an idea to help Bill communicate with me without straining his voice. One was for me to ask him questions and he would respond with holding up one finger which would mean yeas; two fingers would mean no! I also bought this small erase board for him to write down what he wanted to say! Needless to say he came up with a LIST for me! :):) He was just kidding!!!

Bill has been a great patient so far. It was so cute . . . he thanked every one who did anything for him in the hospital! To the one who stuck his finger to check his sugar; the lady who came in to take a vial of blood; to those who brought him his medication, food, and water; and even to the one who made the incision; Bill said "Thank You!" The nurses said they wanted to stay in his room because he was such a good patient - not complaining and willing to do all he needed to do to get well. So far here at home, he is doing the same thing.

So, to Bill, I say "THANK YOU!" for being a great patient :):)

PS - We went to the doctor yesterday for Bill's post-op appointment. We got great news! The goiter.thyroid was benign!! Praise God for such sweet words. Had there been any cancerous cells, Bill was to have surgery again two weeks after the first!!!! Now, we are focusing on his recovery and not the possibility of another surgery!!! We are so blessed and thankful for all the prayers. God was with us all the way, and HE is helping with the recovery!!!

Catching Up - A Visit to Bedford, Ohio

Monday - November 15. 2010

We were fortunate enough to be able to go and visit David, Jeni, Cora Ann, and Molly the first week of November. We love being able to get to see our granddaughter and knowing her even more. She knows who we are, and we are so glad since we don't get to see her as often as we would like. It takes her a few minutes to "warm" up to us, and then the fun times begin. She has grown so much and is learning so fast new things that it is hard to keep up with her!!! She is a pure joy to be around!

While we were there, David and Bill went to Akron to see Bob Dylan in concert! We ladies stayed home where it was so peaceful and quiet! The men had a great time, and it was nice for father and son to be able to do something together!!!

I always try to capture as many pictures of Cora when we are with her. This trip was no exception. She is such a doll . . . hope you enjoy the following picture!

Cora Ann loved the little container that held the claw clips for her hair. She took out the clips and then placed them back in the box . . . apparently it was better than any toy we could have gotten her! :)

Granddad reading "The Five Turkeys" to Cora Ann. I love this picture of them . . . both are so involved with the story! :)

I love this baby girl more than words could ever express! I love her hair . . .she looks so cute!!!!!

Cora brought out her wooden rocking chair that she is now big enough to enjoy!!

Good-byes are so hard, but we know this was for only a little while!