Surprises!!!!!

Early Monday afternoon I received a phone call from a very dear, sweet friend. The small group she and husband belong to adopted my husband as their 'shut in' for Christmas. When could they bring a few things over? Tuesday morning worked.



Right on time they pulled up to our little home. And both came to our door laden with goodies. More gifts than you could count and a huge fruit basket. And Ruth, remembering Dwight's favorites, a bag of navel oranges and a bag of her wonderful, homemade peanut brittle. WOW!



We could hardly wait to started exploring--there were even some wonderful gifts for me, what extreme thoughtfulness. There is just no way to say how blest we feel, we know that each gift represents prayer for us and Dwight's challenges. Again- wow--we rejoice in God's love and faithfulness.



Thank you Paul & Ruth and your small group.



Then, last evening at work, as I help people complete their Christmas shopping, including one HUGE gift I spied some very special children, a young lady and her little brother who we feel like they are more of our grandkids. They had their chauffeurs drive them to my store with some homemade goodies they had helped make. How special, and they offered help me sample them. Just love kids. Thanks Lillie and Cohen (and Jenn and Dave). Dwight sampled it when I got home, and enjoyed it.



Just love surprises--those surrounded with Love and Thoughtfulness.

I am the adult

Monday evening I spent some time with Esther Faith. True to her nature, she challenged my authority. I asked her who was the adult, after telling me that I was, I informed that therefore I was the boss. I received a little attitude and obedience.



Thursday evening I stayed with the Henn Children while the Henn Parents had a night out. Again Esther Faith decided to test the adult in charge. So....



Me.."Esther Faith, who is the adult?"



Esther Faith.."We had this discussion the other night."

Where Have I Been?

Hmm-m-m...short version. I have been battling fatigue, getting only 4-6 hours of sleep a night, every night can take it's toll on you. And it has...

I see those ads on TV--"Depression--who does it hurt?" and I realize alot of what they say could be me. But I know that I am just tired. I have used up any reserve I may have had, and being as I am a 'glass half empty' person I have a harder time jump starting myself. But know the problem is half the battle, right? Does that mean I am going to get more sleep, I doubt it, my schedule hasn't changed, and for some reason I can't seem to nap when needed in my wonderful, made for me Lazy Boy.

But I am determined to try and beat it and not let it continue to control, and I will try to nap. After this is done, and that is done, and----you know how it is.

Thanks for those who have asked, I will try to get back on track. I have some wonderful pictures of our trees, our first fall owning them. Very interesting. Not totally what we expected, but exciting to watch and enjoy.

I need to tell you

As the hijacker has mentioned, Isaac spent alot of time with us this summer. If my morning schedule would allow, I'd run out to Karin's truck to say hi to Isaiah & Esther Faith. Esther Faith thought it was her time and didn't want it to end, altho' sometimes she would be rather cool in her reception of my loving.

But, every time, without fail, she would do all she could to keep me at the window conversing with her--about any thing. Her attempts were always started with,

"I need to tell you one more question."

Every time, without fail, "I need to tell you one more question." How do you correct someone so cute, saying something so cute?

Good Rules

From "Everyday Cheapskate" by Mary Hunt & Debt-Proof Living
cheapskate@everydaycheapskate.com


Friday, August 28, 2009 19 Secrets to Happiness

1. Live beneath your means.

2. Return all that you borrow.

3. Stop blaming other people.

4. Admit your mistakes.

5. Give all clothes not worn in three years to charity.

6. Do something nice everyday and try not to be caught doing it.

7. Listen more, talk less.

8. Skip 2 meals per week and give the money to the homeless.

9. Be on time.

10. Don`t make excuses.

11. Don`t argue.

12. Be kind to people.

13. Be even kinder to unkind people.

14. Have good manners.

15. Be humble.

16. Understand and accept that life is not always fair.

17. Know when to say something and when not to.

18. Don`t criticize anyone for a week.

19. Learn from the past.

My Who??

Dwight and I are quite fortunate to have our grandchildren join us for dinner at least once a week. Tonight Jackson and Aurora were enjoying a simple meal and child centered conversation...'how many days till school starts?', etc.

Aurora, after declaring that she loved me, second to Papa, looked at me with those beautiful eyes of hers and asked, "How come you don't have children?"

I answered simply, "We do."

Aurora, "Then why don't I see them when I come?"

Hm-m-m. "You know who my daughter is.."

Aurora, "Yes, my mother. You are her mother."

Did she really think I had more children- her size and was hiding them?

------------------------------
Later in the meal I discovered a small amount of blood on my arm and what looked like a bug bite. Under her watchful, concerned eyes I cleaned off the blood. I then asked her to kiss it and make it better. "NO"

"But you love me, kiss it and make it better."

After a very slight pause, "I like you."

A highjacking is in progress!

As Susie has already told you, I've been enjoying a summer filled with relearning how nine year olds think. Isaac and I have had some incredible conversations about some pretty profound things. One of them, a week or so ago, was about heaven. Among many other things, I told him I hoped God had a little cabinet shop at the end of Amen Lane just for me, and a big stack of perfect Oak to make furniture for the rest of the mansions. Since we were working together in my shop at the time I figured the conversation was over.

But just yesterday, on another of our days in the shop in the middle of his "young apprentice" program, he said "Papa?"

"Yes Isaac."

"Do you think it would be ok if I asked God, when I get to heaven, if I can work with you in your workshop?"


OK, my friends, talk about messing with an old guy's heart strings...

Overheard at the Shirey's

Earlier this week Isaac was dropped off the spent the day with Papa. I was still getting ready for work and Papa was in the bedroom with the door closed, so Isaac needed to speak loudly to be heard. I knew he was on the floor loving and/or brushing the 'family dog', Deanna. She is usually the first stop for Isaac when he comes.

Isaac: "Papa,I know how we tell that Deanna is a girl dog."

Papa, after a very slight pause, "Really, how is that Isaac?"

Isaac, with complete confidence in his knowledge: "She has a girl face."

do you know what time it is?

Having grown up in the country in the old days before security lights in every driveway and the felt need to lock the doors every night, I enjoy(ed) having windows open for fresh air. Now I worry about which windows are open, and open the top instead of the bottom, oh, yeah the doors are locked, and sometimes dead bolted. If I take trash out at night the dog always goes out with me.

Night, realizing that our chance for more rain left several hours ago and that it is cool outside and hot inside I opened several windows. And I understand why the neighbors run their AC all summer. Immediately loud music from who knows where assaults our ears.(this at 11:45 PM) Sirens race down one of the main roads near us. Some where a motorcycle rushes to another party or bar. A train can be heard. That's OK, we need the trains. But loud music? Don't they know some -- a lot-- of people are trying to sleep.

I miss the country.

We like our little house, and this a nice neighborhood of older houses, most owned by those living in them. Our street looks like it could be in any little community. Like Leetonia, Columbiana, Falconer....

Day after

Mom had her surgery yesterday. My sisters took her to Cleveland Monday so they could be at the Cleveland Clinic bright and early Tuesday for another round of tests before surgery. I was able to drive up Tuesday after work to join them. (Thanks to Karin and Kristen for stepping up and helping their Dad while I was gone)

Mom had to be at CC by 10:00 AM. Not sure why, other than they like full waiting rooms. We sat in the first one till 11 and the second one till almost noon. We were sent out for ten minutes while they got her into bed--really it was 30, during which our brothers arrived. We all joined Mom in her little prep room and waited till 1:30 for the transport gentleman arrived. (A sweet giant of a man, who introduced himself to each of us with a strong handshake.)

We were sent off, expecting a two hour wait. By 4:30 we were all silently getting worried. Soon Wayne was pacing and muttering. Finally, about 6:00 Becky went to the desk for an explanation. We were told that she had just been put into the first recovery room and they were trying to wake her. When the Dr finally called, he seemed to think that he had told us it was a four hour surgery.(Which didn't start till 2:30PM!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Today she was in some pain and slept alot, but seems fine. They had her out of bed a couple of times. We really don't know more.... The girls left a list of questions for the Dr to answer for them when he makes his rounds (before they can get there in the AM)

The girls are taking time off from work and are staying in Cleveland. The boys and I drove home Wednesday night.

Thanks for the prayers.

Mom

My dear little mother has be dealing with ( and basically ignoring) some health issues as she cared for Dad as his Alzheimer's took much of his normal living away. She finally had tests and more tests and cat scans and MRI's.....

.....and there is a growth in one of her kidneys with numerous challenges. She recently spent 3 days in the hospital as a complication of the growth. She visited Cleveland Clinic last week and will be having the kidney removed June 17th. After another day of tests on the 16th at the clinic.

I know she is hoping for a speedy recovery, which of course, we all will be praying for. She has alot of things she wants to do this summer.

My siblings have been taking very good care of her, she thinks they are fussing alittle much.

The Thompson Gang

Was sharing with a new found sister in the Lord, and of course family was part of the conversion, so to continue in our sharing I am adding this picture for her to see. Especially since we both love the Lord, both are half Swedish and both love coffee, sewing, laughing and much more. Don't just love it when God gives you such fun gifts wrapped in a blessing?

Tree planting

Aurora beside Grand Mimi's new 'little' car...

Esther Faith doing her share to make sure Mimi's tree gets a good start to growing. I think some mud and water probably helps little girls grow also!!!!

You add the caption for this one.....

Papa was quite impressed with the hard work Isaiah did to help get the trees into the ground.

He had quite a task, we didn't realize how many roots were still present from the neighbors tree that was removed a couple of years ago. But he stuck to it, what a great young man.

the hurrier I go..

The first few years of our marriage we lived in Pennsylvania Dutch country. They have a lot of interesting sayings--one is "The hurrier I go the behinder I get." Must say I am truly living that now. My life, NASCAR version is that my to do list is lapping my living. Or, to make it worse, my ratings on my ''to do list' to my 'done list' is as bad as some of the worst NFL teams.

Sorry--I'll before I lose all readers that still try to find me.

Just an update: I am still working for Viking, waiting for sales to improve. Spring has sprung and my lawn is getting mowed, often, by our awesome neighbor. Our trees are growing fantastic leaves and making both us and the birds happy. I must confess, I find myself just standing at the kitchen window looking at them with thankfulness for finding them, for finding great 'tree planters' and for the health they are showing. And of course, for the birds sitting in them and singing.

The third weekend in April I went to New York for my Mom's 80th birthday party. Jackson and Aurora went with me. We made great time, drive time was 4.5 hours. With a short lunch, potty break - we were there in under 5 hours. May I say, I don't recommend sharing a double bed with a 3 and 5 year old. One doesn't like to be crowded and one doesn't want covers, altho' the other two of us do....

One Week, One Day

The jury is still out. We are still in transistion, having very little stock. People still think we are closed. Fulltime is 37 1/2 hours instead of 40. The drive is longer (I drove 1.8 miles before, now 15 miles one way. Quess filling up on gas once a month is a thing of the past. Hopefully inventory increases this week. Needles, thread, feet, hoops and machines. It will be great to send people home with a machine instead of a work order.

Stopped into 'my JoAnns' Saturday morning to see my friends that only work on Saturday. Got alot of hugs and Steve, one of the Managers, told me to be careful or he would have me cutting fabric. :)

Employeed

After waiting most of the day, I finally received my phone call about 2:00 this afternoon. I was told pay rate, commission scale and that benefits would be avaiable, if I choose to accept employment as a salesperson at the Dublin location. Fulltime, with two other fulltime employees at this location. I said yes, I was somewhat disappointed, as I had hoped to be offered the position at one of the locations. But I had prayed about it, and I know that there is a reason that, altho' I have been with the former company longer than all expect 3 others that I wasn't choosen. God is in control, and His wisdom doesn't always match our supposed logic. The girl who is to be the manager at the Dublin store is a great girl, a Christian, and we are good friends. I believe we can be a great team.

The drive to Dublin is much longer than my 2 mile drive to Lincoln Village, I will have to drive within 3 traffic lights of LV to catch 270 north. I will have the joy of rush hour, at times, including stop and go traffic. I will be getting a new Franklin County map and try a couple back roads, if there are any.

My first day with VSM is tomorrow, 11-7. See some of you there. I will still the majority of my JoAnn shopping at LV.

The Saga Continues

It seems most people in the Lincoln Village market believed the email:

"Due to changes in the structure of Husqvarna Viking,the Stitching Post will no longer be a Husqvarna Viking dealer in the Dayton & Columbus markets.

Effective today March 7, 2009, ALL of the Stitching Posts inside the Joann stores are CLOSED. "

Business almost totally dried up, two days we had zero sales. When customers came into JoAnn's and saw us there they were extremely surprised and full of questions. It got to the place I sounded like a tape recording.

Yesterday and today interviews were held. We will be informed tomorrow (Friday, if we are hired and where we will be working). Today, (Thursday) we boxed up our location and all is gone except the large fixture that couldn't be removed yet. It feels surreal; the ownership change, the closing of our location, the uncertainty of the future employment.

Many, many customers have expressed their disappointment, but more so, many have been so kind in their comments of appreciation of my service to them. As I took names and addresses for the new data base, many insisted that I personally let them know where I was going to be working. Many gave hugs and one even called me in tears and told me she was already praying for my husband and I in this transition. The JoAnn's employees have been unbelievable, what a wonderful 'family' of friends I have there; so many expressed sadness in seeing us leave and gave hugs, phone numbers and email addresses. I was made to promise, repeatedly, that I would let them know where I was going. I was encouraged to fill out a job application with them so they could 'keep me.' I didn't realize how deep our relationship had become. I am truly blessed.

What next?!?

Rumors have circled for months about The Stitching Post. Friday evening, close to time to go home I got a phone call that The Stitching Post and Husqvarna Viking (Sewing Machines) were no longer partners.(A fifty year partnership). Saturday morning VSM would be our (my) new employer. The cash register wouldn't work. Many of the supplies couldn't be sold......And on and.......including an email sent from the president of The Stitching Post that said all stores inside JoAnn's were closed. This caused a lot of concern for our customers.

Included in the stack of papers of instructions on our new procedures, was a job application. We needed to get it filled out and to headquarters by Tuesday. After 30 days, we can interview for continued employment.

Oh, did I mention, one of the papers said that our location and one in Dayton would be closed within two weeks?

Today all the thread,(including the thread needed to demo machines) needles and all other stitching post merchandise was removed--boy does it look empty.

continued...

We finally made it to New York--- slip sliding in the motel parking lot, which had wonderful mounds of snow, piled high--very high from the non stop snow of Western New York. If time wasn't so tight and proper clothing had been brought along, it would have been a great experience for the grandchildren, alright, the grandsons, to climb and play on that snow.

In our connecting motel rooms that the wonderful son-in-law and reserved for us, Jackson decided it was time to focus attention on him again. I am sure Tim was seriously considering getting rid of that connecting door. Four adults was 3 too many trying to get a melt down five year old to calm down. I decided to remove one adult and get on to the point of the trip---

I put my coat back on and made the 4 mile drive to my sister Becky's home where the family had gathered to rest and recover in the time between the two calling hours. Every seat was taken, but I did manage to find the kitchen the lunch fixings that a great friend of my Dad's had provided, and some of my brother-in-laws coffee.

Most of the males of the family were gathered around the computer checking out a gun show, I opted to find my new grand niece and add to the job of spoiling her. She didn't complain one bit. She is quite a miracle--having open heart surgery when only days old.

The family return to the Falconer Funeral Home, where quite a large group of extended family and even more friends gathered to say good-bye to my Dad. Emotions don't allow me to share more right now--it was heart warming to see so many people come out on a very cold, very snowing night to spend time with our family.

Karin, Tim and their three came in shortly. (Kristen opted to not come, as Aurora developed a slight case (as my Dad would say) backdoor trots.) Esther Faith promptly circled the room and the hall, tempting her limits and her brothers patience. My Uncle Jimmy (Dad's sole surviving sibling) proudly told all interested what miracle Esther Faith was. Karin got a wonderful picture of Esther Faith hugging my Mom. Check it out on her blog.

After calling hours (and a couple more bordies) we tried to wind down and settle down for the night. Again, I as sure Tim had second thoughts on a joining rooms.

Morning found bright sunshine on the diamond studded snow. An absolutely beautiful sight. The sidewalks, that were so well cleaned the night before had soft, gentle drifts in them, snow dusted the pines at the edge of the parking lot, and all the plowed up snow was candy coated with fresh whiteness.

We feed the children at the in house breakfast, it wasn't bad, but I am not sure all the children would agree with me. Tim and Karin found themselves running on empty as they closed the breakfast before they finished exercising. But we did find a Tim Horton's and took care of every ones needs.

to be continued...

Philippians 2:13

It is God who works in you to will and
to act according to His good purpose.

Because God orders our steps,
we can always be assured that
there is enough time in each day
to do His will.


Please note: the story will continue...
I'm just not ready yet--
emotions-- and time to process them.

Susie

Uneventful trip...

NOT!!!!

We left, a caravan of two, pretty much on time. Everyone ready for the trip, in spite of the cause of the trip.

Not far from home I heard a noise I wasn't familiar with and mentioned it to Kristen. But, being the one who always 'hears new noises', and has been mostly ignored through the years, I continued on. Conversation continued on. The noise continued on.

And on, till it was a noise you hoped was someone else. But it wasn't... It was me, with a very flat tire in the far left fast lane, following the trooper in front of me. Quickly I weaved through Columbus morning traffic, over to the brim of the road. Only miles from home with a smoking flat. I dare say some smoke was exiting my ears. Kristen quickly called the trooper to return.

As Tim crawled under my van to remove a wet, dirty donut, spare tire, I prayed that it wasn't flat and that Tim would be safe. We thought he had called for a police car with lights to warn other drivers. He hadn't, but God had. In the form of a Columbus snow plow, who sat behind us protecting the wonderful son-in-law.

Tim knew of a tire shop just up the road, where another hour of time was added to our road trip. Inside the shop I let the manager know just how important it was to get our family moving. Also, I didn't want the tires that were on sale, or that gave him the best sale of the day. I wanted the tires he would put on his sister's van. Tires that he would want his kids, grandkids, Mother etc riding on in the snow belt of Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York. This, while Tim stood there with that look on his face that said, "Don't mess with Mama, cuz when she is done with you, you will deal with me." One hour later, and $ 313.00 on a credit card I drove next door to Frisch's and rescued the waitresses from my grandchildren.

We traveled fairly well, until Jackson decided enough is enough, it is time to focus on him. This trip wasn't his idea, he wants out of it, funerals are boring, and life would be more fun if he was with his Daddy. Hm-m-m-m.... A phone call with Papa and a stop for lunch helped.

By now we definitely are driving in snow belt country. And Aurora (road trips are not in her top ten list of things to do) got a back ache. A bad back ache. A crying back ache. Another stop to try using the bathroom, everyone please....

Back to driving, after a moment or two of fun and concern. The rear tires decided to go ahead of us and we did a donut, stopping near the deep, hard snow plowed to the edge of the entrance ramp. No problem. I just backed up and turned around. My only concern was that two tractor trailers were on the ramp behind us. But all was well, I thought. Kristen decided that Jackson needed to know about the brodies that her parents did for the entertainment of herself and her siblings. And Jackson decided he need to let Papa know. But he didn't tell Papa all of it, only that it was fun...



TO BE CONTINUED.......

Off to New York

Calling hours are Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9. The Funeral is Wednesday at 1.


And of course they are calling for snow during our drive time. I really would like to be at both calling hours, but I am afraid the weather won't let that happen.


Also, Dwight will be alone for two days. I will pray alot and worry almost as much. Oh, yes, I know the clique, "Why worry when you can pray?" I am a women, after all, it is in our make up. A couple neighbors know I am going and will be keeping an eye on him.

Ecclesiates 3:2

a time to be born and a time to die....

and Dad's time has come
this evening he slowly stopped breathing
and left us

without him

and now it is time for us to weep
to hold each other and share our loss

Update on Dad

Dad is less responsive to everyone and everything. He is still aware of when they turn in bed, but not much more. He doesn't ask for Mom as he did. The last few times he called her Mommy, and when he held her hand he almost hurt her holding on so tight.

In the last 24 hours they have had 18" of snow, with 7" more due tomorrow. Mom spent last night with Dad and went home for awhile today, after the roads were safe. My brother Wayne cleaned out part of her drive for her. My brother David has been in Wisconsin working and has been driving home with the newest snowstorm stuck to his bumper. Both my sisters are there everyday, and some of the grandchildren that live near drop in often, so Dad isn't alone.

That's all I have for now.

No Tube

Mom struggled with the decision of a feeding tube for Dad. He is totally unable to swallow. Mom didn't want him to suffer from hunger pains. The nurses gave her and my sisters info pro and con, and Mom talked with the Doctor and my brothers. The Dr said patients like my Dad feel no pain from hunger and we have no guarantee that he will live even one day longer with a feeding tube; especially with the kidneys shutting down. And Dad doesn't like things stuck in him and pulls them out.

When Mom went home last night she spent a long time in prayer about it and asked for a sign. This morning, Dad was able to carry on a understandable discussion. At one point he told my sister, Becky, to look in the corner and asked if she saw them. Who? There was no one visible. Dad, said, again, look, there is my Mother and Sister.

The hospital staff are doing all they can to keep comfortable. It just a matter of time.

Dad

Mom says Dad slept most of the day. She was able to get him to eat a little lunch, but he choked on supper after a couple bites, so that ending eating for the day. He just doesn't know he needs to eat. He is swelling as his kidneys shut down.

I know I can't make it home to say goodbye, he wouldn't know I was there. But I am praying that there is someway I can make it home for the funeral. If I can drive without crying. It is amazing how many thoughts, memories etc flash through the mind as you realize you are about to lose something you have always had in your life.

Dad was more on the quiet side, but had a great smile that you loved to see. Without saying a word he made you feel important. I regret that he didn't teach us all he knew about nature, which was allot. Teaching just wasn't his thing. There are five of us kids and I don't remember him ever spanking a one of us. No even raising his voice, we just obeyed. No questions. Can't explain it, definitely a gift.

We all will cry for our loss. We all will have special things that we will miss and remember. Excuse me, I need tissues.

DAD UPDATE

Dad was very, very unhappy at the nursing home. As with Alzheimer's patients, they don't understand what is happening. Dad said he didn't want to be there with all those 'old' people, he also thought everyone was just going to leave him there. Not to worry, it seems, one of the things he has lost is the brains ability to know he is hungry and thirsty. Friday morning his blood pressure was 62/40. At 7:00 AM he was whisked off to the hospital.

Now on an IV, we are just waiting. He won't be coming home. He has pneumonia in both lungs, he kidneys are shutting down, and his bone marrow isn't producing enough platelets. The Doctor and nurses are doing all they can to make him comfortable. And we are doing all we can, as the family to accept this. Not easy for any of us.

The Doctor told Mom she was doing a great job keeping home life normal and comfortable for Dad. But the virus in the lungs was just more than Dad's body could handle.

Thank you for listening and praying.

Susie

Memories

One year our family memorized the last half of Romans 12. We used The New International Version. We can still quote it. Here is my challenge to you this New Year, from The Message:

Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.

Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.

Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.

Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everyone. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging", says God, "I'll take care of it."

Our scriptures tell us that if you see you enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thristy, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best out of evil by doing good.