At least 90 people showed up for the reunion this year at Oakdale Park in Glen Rose, TX. We (Sonny's family) had 10, Aunt Jerry, 34, Uncle Richard, 13, Uncle Don, 6, Joyce Ann, 27.
It was hot but having it on the weekend brought a bigger crowd. Some weren't able to spend the whole weekend but it was great to see familiar faces that we'd not seen in a while.
It was hard knowing how badly Aunt Betty wanted to be there and was stuck in the hospital again. I think all of us became a little "easier" as we heard stories of how she was slowly becoming more herself.
It was so good to see Tonya, and Sharon and Dennis showed up a little later. I'd missed them at the the last reunion they'd attended. They're planning a September wedding for Sharon. She's to marry Brian Boothe. Congratulations, Sharon.
The Luau surprise birthday party for Lauren and Debra turned out great. Melanie, Tracy, Kelly, and Aunt Joyce along with others planned out food and deco and rented to pool and it was a really good time. Donations were made by individuals to pay the $250. pool fee.
Eric Wooddell rented the pool again for the family on Saturday night. It sure did help everyone to cool off. Thanks for your generosity, Eric.
The auction yielded around $860+. I put plus because a few people rounded up their figures and gave a few dollars more. There's still around $56.00 that hasn't made it into the deposit as yet. The auction seemed extra long this year. Jeff always does such a great job as auctioneer. Chip helped him keep up with bids and carrying items to people. "Little" Don helped out this year with his computer and I was thankful for his help, too. He learned a little about excel formulas, too.
Uncle Richard was there but said he wasn't feeling well. He stayed up with us by taking a few naps in-between all the activities and was in the water the second day. Aunt Jerry worked very hard and didn't show up at the last meal or at the pool but Uncle Dub had himself a swim at the second pool party, too. I regret that my camera ran out of juice and I couldn't take a pic of him in his trunks and cowboy boots.
Diving at the pool was fun to watch. The first night judges (Uncle Don, Uncle Richard, and Jamie) awarded 10 points to the birthday queens and everyone else received ones. That's how it should be. Lauren even dived in and was responsible for me getting wet. I was so grateful. I really started enjoying myself once I was in the pool.
Annie and Lou, the managers of the park joined in and took care of us. Lou over-saw life-guarding and with lots of smiles pulled the little ones out the "Big Splash" over and over. Annie took tons of photos and info about our family. She made us feel really special. The both agreed as they told me and others we were the "best" family reunion they'd seen, yet. Annie plans to start a picture wall at the park and has promised to upload pics to their Face book site and is e-mailing pictures to individuals to gave her e-mail addresses.
It was fun looking at Chase's and Heather's wedding albums. And Pam gave out some great copies of the family portrait her family had done. They told me Andrea just turned 17. It doesn't seem possible.
The babies were all very sweet. Noah, Abbie, Jeremiah, Jaiden, Lilly, Sadie, Eithan...such sweet little guys. The toddlers just seemed to delight in the "black" dirt. It stuck to them like glue when they played in it.
Oscar the Grouch shirt was awarded to "Little" Don Hubbard. (I still can't figure how "little" is attached to his name). lol. I (Karen) was runner up. I'm not too proud of that fact. I'm not sure if it was the chicken I cooked that did me in or fussing about my cabin but I'll try to do better next year. lol.
We missed everyone who didn't attend. Ronnie's (Uncle) family hasn't been in a while and of course everyone in Aunt Betty's family stayed home with her this year. I miss Mom and Dad but I have bitter-sweet memories of the times we were together at Glen Rose.
With 90 people present you'd think there wouldn't be many missing but I can think of tons. Annette and Bill didn't make it. That made me sad. Annette, you missed out! I brought the canister set we warred over back to the auction. I think Joyce Ann has it now.
We figured it up and we know we've been going to Oakdale at least 40 years. Joyce Ann thinks Annette Elliot's first baby, Marc was tiny when they first started and he was born in 1971. I'm convinced I was younger than 18 but know I stayed with Mom and Dad with Connie and Buddy in our little cottages and I really don't remember Chip and Jess being there at that time. I could be mistaken, though. I'm going to check with Annette and see if she recalls anything different.
I started a Face Book Page for the Hubbard Family. I hope everyone who took pictures will upload there or link to the page so everyone can enjoy the photos. My camera quit in the middle of everything. Tonya and Debra were going to take the family group shots but everything got so turned around it didn't seem like there was time for them. I regret that. I love being able to look back and see who all was there and a group shot just gives such a huge legacy to Jess and Nina Hubbard and when Annette and Bill show up, it goes back to William and Ara.
My heart is full as I remember everyone and everything. I even get to enjoy living in close quarters with my own immediate family again. Thankfully, we can enjoy each other for a couple of days. I'm looking forward to next year!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Upcoming 2011 Hubbard Reunion
Facebook has played a major part in people staying caught up with one another this year. Cousins we haven't seen in eons are available on line with pictures of family and it's a mini-reunion every day.
I tried to get everyone to share recipes but we Hubbard people don't like to take the time to write it down. I really would like to have the cabbage chop recipe and Kelly's chicken spaghetti. Maybe I'll be able to hogtie someone long enough to get it down on paper at our gathering.
We had family time in West Texas when we buried Dad in February. I (I should say we) were so blessed by our family during that time. Most of the people at the funeral were family and there's just nothing like having people around who loved Dad as much as we did. I miss him and Mom so much.
Aunt Betty is need of everyones prayers. She's still at Regional Hospital in Abilene. Deacon visited our son, Barry the other day who is living out at Cooper's Cove. That's where he found out she was in the hospital. But even then it was all wrong. He thought she was here in Colorado City.
Anyway, I called Aunt Jerry and sure enough she had the real scoop. I called Aunt Betty and she sounds really weak. She indicated she thought she might get to go home in a couple of days and was sure going to be at the reunion. So I was hopeful until I talked with Chip tonight who said PJ said Dr's were saying she might never leave the hospital. Now, what kind of thing is that to say!!!! Everyone, pray for Aunt Betty!
My understanding is she had four stints put in and needed corroded artery surgery they thought it was too dangerous at the time. Later they went back in to perform that surgery. She seemed okay but then started getting really sick. They took her to Regional because her liver numbers were very high. That's about all I know. Her room number is 325 428 2106. That's a direct line.
Aunt Jerry said as far as she knows everyone else is doing okay. She's expecting her whole family this year except Brenda. Brenda is having trouble with her foot and needs everyones prayers about that.
Tonya and Kalea are taking a missions trip to Romania this year and will be returning some time the weekend of the reunion. Chip doesn't know if that will make it possible for him to come. Jess and Tony are going to try to drive down for at least one night. As far as I know Connie, Wes, Deacon, and I are in for the long haul. Jenny promised to show up for a little while and CJ and Darla are thinking about coming. My daughter Cheryl is busy planning her wedding. Sure wish she'd show up with Ammie, her fiance, Brian and his little girl Haley. Some of you met him at the funeral. We're so happy for them and us!
I'm probably wishfully thinking that maybe if we schedule a time for taking pictures everyone will make a point to be there. The best picture we took was in 2007. My precious Daddy was in that picture. There were the largest number of people in it to date and I think almost everyone came for it.
I'm thinking that if we spread the word that we're going to take pictures immediately after lunch and before the auction we could get it done. I don't anyone likes to take them but they sure are a blessing to look back on. Hope everyone will help me out with it this year...please!!!!! Maybe if I make up a flier stating a time???...hmmm....maybe during the luau that Melanie is planning. LOL
I really like the idea of the cookie race that Jeff came up with. Of course there's always a singing going on with the Hubbards. Daddy loved those times. And I believe Uncle Ronnie did, too.
It's going to be great seeing everyone and just hanging out. I can't wait to get there!
I tried to get everyone to share recipes but we Hubbard people don't like to take the time to write it down. I really would like to have the cabbage chop recipe and Kelly's chicken spaghetti. Maybe I'll be able to hogtie someone long enough to get it down on paper at our gathering.
We had family time in West Texas when we buried Dad in February. I (I should say we) were so blessed by our family during that time. Most of the people at the funeral were family and there's just nothing like having people around who loved Dad as much as we did. I miss him and Mom so much.
Aunt Betty is need of everyones prayers. She's still at Regional Hospital in Abilene. Deacon visited our son, Barry the other day who is living out at Cooper's Cove. That's where he found out she was in the hospital. But even then it was all wrong. He thought she was here in Colorado City.
Anyway, I called Aunt Jerry and sure enough she had the real scoop. I called Aunt Betty and she sounds really weak. She indicated she thought she might get to go home in a couple of days and was sure going to be at the reunion. So I was hopeful until I talked with Chip tonight who said PJ said Dr's were saying she might never leave the hospital. Now, what kind of thing is that to say!!!! Everyone, pray for Aunt Betty!
My understanding is she had four stints put in and needed corroded artery surgery they thought it was too dangerous at the time. Later they went back in to perform that surgery. She seemed okay but then started getting really sick. They took her to Regional because her liver numbers were very high. That's about all I know. Her room number is 325 428 2106. That's a direct line.
Aunt Jerry said as far as she knows everyone else is doing okay. She's expecting her whole family this year except Brenda. Brenda is having trouble with her foot and needs everyones prayers about that.
Tonya and Kalea are taking a missions trip to Romania this year and will be returning some time the weekend of the reunion. Chip doesn't know if that will make it possible for him to come. Jess and Tony are going to try to drive down for at least one night. As far as I know Connie, Wes, Deacon, and I are in for the long haul. Jenny promised to show up for a little while and CJ and Darla are thinking about coming. My daughter Cheryl is busy planning her wedding. Sure wish she'd show up with Ammie, her fiance, Brian and his little girl Haley. Some of you met him at the funeral. We're so happy for them and us!
I'm probably wishfully thinking that maybe if we schedule a time for taking pictures everyone will make a point to be there. The best picture we took was in 2007. My precious Daddy was in that picture. There were the largest number of people in it to date and I think almost everyone came for it.
I'm thinking that if we spread the word that we're going to take pictures immediately after lunch and before the auction we could get it done. I don't anyone likes to take them but they sure are a blessing to look back on. Hope everyone will help me out with it this year...please!!!!! Maybe if I make up a flier stating a time???...hmmm....maybe during the luau that Melanie is planning. LOL
I really like the idea of the cookie race that Jeff came up with. Of course there's always a singing going on with the Hubbards. Daddy loved those times. And I believe Uncle Ronnie did, too.
It's going to be great seeing everyone and just hanging out. I can't wait to get there!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
2010 Oakdale Reunion Highlights
Great to see 70 people make it to the reunion this year. Many weren't there and we missed seeing you all. It was long overdue for me. I hadn't been since 2007. Wouldn't it be crazy if everyone showed up one year? I'm not sure they have housing enough for us all but it would be grand, I think! Dad didn't make it this year. I saw him the other day and told him everyone asked about him. He said, "Yeah, I should've gone." I had a feeling he'd say that.
I can't say there was anything new going on (except poor Dillon was sent to the hospital in Ft. Worth) but just the same old fun stuff. Playing Phase 10 with Aunts and Uncles was a treat for me. Sunday night started off with musical instruments and singers showing up. It's always great to listen and hear them harmonizing.
Steve and Jamie started Monday out with a grand breakfast of sausage and egg burritos that fed all who ventured into the circle. Everyone just hung out and visited, played, games, went to the pool, and the river. Some went shopping and some cooked and we all ate! Everyone shows up when it's time to eat!
Some went to the lake and went tubing. That's too brutal a sport for me. I just hung out in the AC. I didn't even see the river this year so I didn't get any pics. Maybe someone else took some of the pool and river and will upload them and send me a link??????? hint, hint! I'm putting on a link to this year's pics but I'm keeping the previous group shot. I wasn't too fond of this year's pic.
Tues. a huge bunch of the family went to Dinasaur World. It's a new place featuring life-sized, moving dinasaurs and different relics and of course...souviniers. My grand children would love it.
The auction went well and it ended with a total of $872.00. However, $42.00 didn't make it into my hands. $5. was an addition error. $37.00 just didn't get paid. All-in-all it was a good auction. Aunt Betty brought this really cool coal-iron that I got for $45. I love it. Deacon said, "What are you going to do with it?" Sheeeesssh!
Kelly got Hubbard Reunion Account opened in Loraine. Deacon made the deposit this morning. It helped to have the debit card the year. As soon as I get the documentation of the deposit in my hands (Deacon's doing it for me. :))I'll write out and post the details of deposit and expenses for this year. We were going to deposit the money the day we drove back but we missed the bank being open by 10 minutes.
Sonny's family was represented by Deacon and Karen, Connie and Wes, Chip and Kalea. Connie's daughter, Jenny showed up for a couple of hours on Thurs. night with her two little ones, Avery and Sadie. Jenny also brought Nick along to meet family. Jenny and family just recently moved to Cleburn. Jenny is starting her new children's counseling center. (10)
Aunt Jerry and Uncle Dub had Jan, Jeff, Erick, Jamie, Jonna, Hunter, Heaven, (Walter...guest), Lillie and Lamanda's boys. Ronnie also brought his daughter, Cassie. (15)
Uncle Richard brought Don, Luke, and Kylie. (4)
Aunt Betty had a good number there but they were having so many health problems, it wore them out. Dillon was air-lifted to Fort Worth Hospital with a staff infection in his leg. Aunt Betty had Charlotte, Cricket, (Cricket's friend) Dillon, Tyler, Dusty, Stormie, Jaden (Charlie Brown's son) and Heather, Dixie, and Mikie came along, also. (13)
Uncle Don and Aunt Joyce's boys, Steve and Tim came. Tim brought a friend...Debbie and her son Matthew. Tim's son Tyler was with him, also. (6)
Aunt Joyce and Garland had the biggest crew there. Lauren, Ernest, Rachel, and Hannah. Kelly had Lauren and new baby boy, Leslie, Lacy, and Carson. Tracy and Tom were there with Jenny, Gino, Tracy's son, and Jessie. Heather and her fiance, Chase came and Chase's parents, Charles and Carla also attended. (22)
Next year's reunion is scheduled during July so we could get it scheduled back on a weekend. July 22, 23rd, and 24. Family room is rented for Fri. and Sat. I think! Will have to confirm that.
I can't say there was anything new going on (except poor Dillon was sent to the hospital in Ft. Worth) but just the same old fun stuff. Playing Phase 10 with Aunts and Uncles was a treat for me. Sunday night started off with musical instruments and singers showing up. It's always great to listen and hear them harmonizing.
Steve and Jamie started Monday out with a grand breakfast of sausage and egg burritos that fed all who ventured into the circle. Everyone just hung out and visited, played, games, went to the pool, and the river. Some went shopping and some cooked and we all ate! Everyone shows up when it's time to eat!
Some went to the lake and went tubing. That's too brutal a sport for me. I just hung out in the AC. I didn't even see the river this year so I didn't get any pics. Maybe someone else took some of the pool and river and will upload them and send me a link??????? hint, hint! I'm putting on a link to this year's pics but I'm keeping the previous group shot. I wasn't too fond of this year's pic.
Tues. a huge bunch of the family went to Dinasaur World. It's a new place featuring life-sized, moving dinasaurs and different relics and of course...souviniers. My grand children would love it.
The auction went well and it ended with a total of $872.00. However, $42.00 didn't make it into my hands. $5. was an addition error. $37.00 just didn't get paid. All-in-all it was a good auction. Aunt Betty brought this really cool coal-iron that I got for $45. I love it. Deacon said, "What are you going to do with it?" Sheeeesssh!
Kelly got Hubbard Reunion Account opened in Loraine. Deacon made the deposit this morning. It helped to have the debit card the year. As soon as I get the documentation of the deposit in my hands (Deacon's doing it for me. :))I'll write out and post the details of deposit and expenses for this year. We were going to deposit the money the day we drove back but we missed the bank being open by 10 minutes.
Sonny's family was represented by Deacon and Karen, Connie and Wes, Chip and Kalea. Connie's daughter, Jenny showed up for a couple of hours on Thurs. night with her two little ones, Avery and Sadie. Jenny also brought Nick along to meet family. Jenny and family just recently moved to Cleburn. Jenny is starting her new children's counseling center. (10)
Aunt Jerry and Uncle Dub had Jan, Jeff, Erick, Jamie, Jonna, Hunter, Heaven, (Walter...guest), Lillie and Lamanda's boys. Ronnie also brought his daughter, Cassie. (15)
Uncle Richard brought Don, Luke, and Kylie. (4)
Aunt Betty had a good number there but they were having so many health problems, it wore them out. Dillon was air-lifted to Fort Worth Hospital with a staff infection in his leg. Aunt Betty had Charlotte, Cricket, (Cricket's friend) Dillon, Tyler, Dusty, Stormie, Jaden (Charlie Brown's son) and Heather, Dixie, and Mikie came along, also. (13)
Uncle Don and Aunt Joyce's boys, Steve and Tim came. Tim brought a friend...Debbie and her son Matthew. Tim's son Tyler was with him, also. (6)
Aunt Joyce and Garland had the biggest crew there. Lauren, Ernest, Rachel, and Hannah. Kelly had Lauren and new baby boy, Leslie, Lacy, and Carson. Tracy and Tom were there with Jenny, Gino, Tracy's son, and Jessie. Heather and her fiance, Chase came and Chase's parents, Charles and Carla also attended. (22)
Next year's reunion is scheduled during July so we could get it scheduled back on a weekend. July 22, 23rd, and 24. Family room is rented for Fri. and Sat. I think! Will have to confirm that.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Ernest Wants to Know!?
Who at the reunion does this video remind you of? I can think of 2 or 3 of
the characters who remind me of people there. You may have to copy and past the link in your url search area.
the characters who remind me of people there. You may have to copy and past the link in your url search area.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Upcoming 2010 Hubbard Reunion
Wow! Hindsight makes life seem like it flies by.
It's time for the reunion at Glen Rose. As usual I get excited thinking about seeing everyone again. And memories of past good times spent with family at Oakdale flow from so many years gone by that they jumble up together. I'm out of touch. And part of me is wondering if we'll feel more repurcussions of frustrations with us for Dad being in the nursing home. Believe me, I hurt inside ever day knowing I can't change anything.
At this point I toy with the idea that he might come the reunion, then reality sets in that we can't even get him out of bed for five minutes. He loves his bed and yells that he wants to go back to bed if you get him up. He has a really hard time moving around now and I suspect his muscles just won't hold him up anymore because he refuses to get up.
Thanks to everyone who prays for him and goes to see him. It's hard to see him like that I know. But even if he only opens his eyes for a moment he remembers you were there. He recognizes and usually acknowledges everyone quickly. However, one day he did ask me how I was related to him so he has his moments. :(. It seems he's adopted one of the nurses as his wife. He introduced me to her one day. She didn't seemed too charmed by his actions.
Chip and his boys would have to help us take care of him...if he even would consider coming. God is good. Maybe, just maybe. We may have to be content with memories.
Face Book seems to keep us a little more in-the-know about one another. Most people just send junk stuff cuz we run outta stuff to say. lol...(laugh out loud) (that's for those of us who aren't up on the shortcuts) :)
Oakdale Park has been taken over by the City of Glen Rose and their web site indicates that renovations, clean up and remodeling have taken place on some of the cabins. For those of us who've perservered through roaches and yuck, that sound good, eh? Good times with family just outweigh all the "small stuff". The pool just call our name doesn't it?
May was a hard month. Mom's birthday and Mother's day were very tearing. It's hard to believe she's been gone a year in July. I still haven't had the heart to go up and go through pictures and I've got to do that soon. The expense of the house just sitting there with no renters or selling it is becoming pretty heavy. But that's my fault because I procrastinate.
Ernest gathered some info and I'm going to post it in this note. I appreiate that He took the time to research and pull it together. It was good info for me so I'm thinking it will be good for everyone else also.
It's been a couple of years since I've been to the reunion. I did not receive the proceeds of last years auction from Kelly and I'm not sure why. If everyone wants her to take care of the reunion funds I'm okay with it. I have the spreadsheet indicating $ in and out of account linked on the page so anyone can look at what is there. But again, I have no idea of what came in or what went out of the funds last year so we'll have to get that info from her.
Wes has been taking chemo and is due for a scan soon to verify where he's at with all that. Connie had back surgery but is healing. They have the loft rented...at least for the first night so maybe we'll have a place to lay our head. Chip and family are planning to come and Deacon and I and I've heard nothing from Connie and Wes...nor Jessica as to their intentions.
I know Joyce Ann and Garland are in Loraine now. It's a good thing we have a reunion cuz even tho family is all around us, life yields lots of activities and keeps us running in different circles so it will be a treat to see everyone.
Blessings to all from Karen :)
Ernest's Info:
After much calling so plans could be arranged, and through varying answers
which might change.
It sounds from what I have been able to gather that most are going to start
arriving at the reunion on Sunday 13, 2010 and leave Wednesday 16, 2010.
This means staying 3 nights of Sunday-Monday, Monday-Tuesday,
Tuesday-Wednesday.
If someone only can afford to stay for one night, probably arriving on
Monday and leaving Tuesday would be the best time to catch most activity.
That best night might be the Monday-Tuesday night.
***This information changed while I gathered it, but it still seems to be
these dates are the most solid for the bulk of attendees.
Ernest Murphy
It's time for the reunion at Glen Rose. As usual I get excited thinking about seeing everyone again. And memories of past good times spent with family at Oakdale flow from so many years gone by that they jumble up together. I'm out of touch. And part of me is wondering if we'll feel more repurcussions of frustrations with us for Dad being in the nursing home. Believe me, I hurt inside ever day knowing I can't change anything.
At this point I toy with the idea that he might come the reunion, then reality sets in that we can't even get him out of bed for five minutes. He loves his bed and yells that he wants to go back to bed if you get him up. He has a really hard time moving around now and I suspect his muscles just won't hold him up anymore because he refuses to get up.
Thanks to everyone who prays for him and goes to see him. It's hard to see him like that I know. But even if he only opens his eyes for a moment he remembers you were there. He recognizes and usually acknowledges everyone quickly. However, one day he did ask me how I was related to him so he has his moments. :(. It seems he's adopted one of the nurses as his wife. He introduced me to her one day. She didn't seemed too charmed by his actions.
Chip and his boys would have to help us take care of him...if he even would consider coming. God is good. Maybe, just maybe. We may have to be content with memories.
Face Book seems to keep us a little more in-the-know about one another. Most people just send junk stuff cuz we run outta stuff to say. lol...(laugh out loud) (that's for those of us who aren't up on the shortcuts) :)
Oakdale Park has been taken over by the City of Glen Rose and their web site indicates that renovations, clean up and remodeling have taken place on some of the cabins. For those of us who've perservered through roaches and yuck, that sound good, eh? Good times with family just outweigh all the "small stuff". The pool just call our name doesn't it?
May was a hard month. Mom's birthday and Mother's day were very tearing. It's hard to believe she's been gone a year in July. I still haven't had the heart to go up and go through pictures and I've got to do that soon. The expense of the house just sitting there with no renters or selling it is becoming pretty heavy. But that's my fault because I procrastinate.
Ernest gathered some info and I'm going to post it in this note. I appreiate that He took the time to research and pull it together. It was good info for me so I'm thinking it will be good for everyone else also.
It's been a couple of years since I've been to the reunion. I did not receive the proceeds of last years auction from Kelly and I'm not sure why. If everyone wants her to take care of the reunion funds I'm okay with it. I have the spreadsheet indicating $ in and out of account linked on the page so anyone can look at what is there. But again, I have no idea of what came in or what went out of the funds last year so we'll have to get that info from her.
Wes has been taking chemo and is due for a scan soon to verify where he's at with all that. Connie had back surgery but is healing. They have the loft rented...at least for the first night so maybe we'll have a place to lay our head. Chip and family are planning to come and Deacon and I and I've heard nothing from Connie and Wes...nor Jessica as to their intentions.
I know Joyce Ann and Garland are in Loraine now. It's a good thing we have a reunion cuz even tho family is all around us, life yields lots of activities and keeps us running in different circles so it will be a treat to see everyone.
Blessings to all from Karen :)
Ernest's Info:
After much calling so plans could be arranged, and through varying answers
which might change.
It sounds from what I have been able to gather that most are going to start
arriving at the reunion on Sunday 13, 2010 and leave Wednesday 16, 2010.
This means staying 3 nights of Sunday-Monday, Monday-Tuesday,
Tuesday-Wednesday.
If someone only can afford to stay for one night, probably arriving on
Monday and leaving Tuesday would be the best time to catch most activity.
That best night might be the Monday-Tuesday night.
***This information changed while I gathered it, but it still seems to be
these dates are the most solid for the bulk of attendees.
Ernest Murphy
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Thanks to Everyone
It's hard letting someone you love go no matter how much better off you know they are.
I'm thankful Mom was able to spend the last week of her life with Dad. Jess told me the day before she went to the hospital they were both sitting up in bed eating breakfast, told each other hi and that they loved each other.
Dad is fairing well and did amazingly well the week of all the funeral prep. He seems better than he's been in some time. His blood sugar continues to spike and some of you may not be aware that he's been diagnosed with diabetes. The medical people are giving him appetite pills which is beyond us because we never saw him refuse a meal. But they said he was losing weight...which he's put back on and we can't seems to satiate his hunger now. Ha.
He and we were glad to see many of you and since most of us didn't get to attend the reunion it was a long time since we'd been together.
Kelly, Tracy, Lindsey, and Leslie did a beautiful job singing "On the Wings of a Dove" and Cody's girl-friend, sang "Angel" beautifully. Dad's pick was "Speckled Bird" and we all enjoyed that. Chip and Tonya found "Go Rest High Upon that Mountain". All-in-all we had lots of comments that the service was very good. We were a little frustrated that they didn't turn the lights down during the slide show but it was such a small thing.
I'm thankful Mom was able to spend the last week of her life with Dad. Jess told me the day before she went to the hospital they were both sitting up in bed eating breakfast, told each other hi and that they loved each other.
Dad is fairing well and did amazingly well the week of all the funeral prep. He seems better than he's been in some time. His blood sugar continues to spike and some of you may not be aware that he's been diagnosed with diabetes. The medical people are giving him appetite pills which is beyond us because we never saw him refuse a meal. But they said he was losing weight...which he's put back on and we can't seems to satiate his hunger now. Ha.
He and we were glad to see many of you and since most of us didn't get to attend the reunion it was a long time since we'd been together.
Kelly, Tracy, Lindsey, and Leslie did a beautiful job singing "On the Wings of a Dove" and Cody's girl-friend, sang "Angel" beautifully. Dad's pick was "Speckled Bird" and we all enjoyed that. Chip and Tonya found "Go Rest High Upon that Mountain". All-in-all we had lots of comments that the service was very good. We were a little frustrated that they didn't turn the lights down during the slide show but it was such a small thing.
Pastor Mat Matlock had known Mom since she was 12 and spoke of his first memories of her were her riding her bicycle everywhere. He told the story of how she was only nine days old and had contacted whooping cough. Grannie had heard that breathing into people's mouths had sometimes helped them and since Mom had turned black and then white she tried it and saved her life. God had a destiny planned for her life and none of us would be here had her destiny not been fulfilled. She raised us up to know Jesus and loved us well. Jeremy Strain spoke beautiful words also, and we believe no one left the funeral without realizing life was brief and that we all need Jesus.
For all the prayers, phone calls, the cards, the visits, those who attended, the flowers and plants, thank you. Each fell like rain bestowing grace with them from family and friends and loved ones. We hope you'll have time to visit Mom's memorial. http://www2.mem.com/ContentDisplay.aspx?ID=10449830
For all the prayers, phone calls, the cards, the visits, those who attended, the flowers and plants, thank you. Each fell like rain bestowing grace with them from family and friends and loved ones. We hope you'll have time to visit Mom's memorial. http://www2.mem.com/ContentDisplay.aspx?ID=10449830
A poem I wrote a couple of days after Mom passed is shared below:
Dear Mama
Karen Magill
7/30/09
I look to the tree tops
I look to the sky
And I wonder, Dear Mama
How Far did you fly?
How long, Dear Mother
How long will it be?
How long will be till your face I will see?
From the day that I remember
You’ve always been near.
You held me and you loved me
And you made me feel dear.
You cared and watched over
Me When I was small
You made me feel special
As I lived through life’s all.
As I grew up you taught me
That for a short while we’d part
And you told me about Jesus
Right from the start
Love Him and trust Him
We’ll all be together someday
Just hold on to Him, dear
He’ll show you the way
For the first time I’m facing
My life without you.
Dear Mama, Sweet Mama
It will be hard to do.
I can almost hear you whisper
In your comforting way
It will be Okay, dear. It will be okay.
I look to the tree tops
I look to the sky
And I wonder, Dear Mama
How Far did you fly?
How long, Dear Mother
How long will it be?
I’ll hold on to His promise that your face I will see.
Karen Magill
7/30/09
I look to the tree tops
I look to the sky
And I wonder, Dear Mama
How Far did you fly?
How long, Dear Mother
How long will it be?
How long will be till your face I will see?
From the day that I remember
You’ve always been near.
You held me and you loved me
And you made me feel dear.
You cared and watched over
Me When I was small
You made me feel special
As I lived through life’s all.
As I grew up you taught me
That for a short while we’d part
And you told me about Jesus
Right from the start
Love Him and trust Him
We’ll all be together someday
Just hold on to Him, dear
He’ll show you the way
For the first time I’m facing
My life without you.
Dear Mama, Sweet Mama
It will be hard to do.
I can almost hear you whisper
In your comforting way
It will be Okay, dear. It will be okay.
I look to the tree tops
I look to the sky
And I wonder, Dear Mama
How Far did you fly?
How long, Dear Mother
How long will it be?
I’ll hold on to His promise that your face I will see.
We love you all and are so grateful for the loving family God has placed us in.
Karen
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Update on Dad
Dad is comfortable. He's not in danger and that's saying a lot as he fell several times before we followed the directions of the dr.s and admitted him to the home so he'd have 24 hr. care. He had given himself a couple of black eyes and lots of bruises from those falls and and we were all struggling about what to do. He called Chip and Jessica in the middle of the night many times and our concern grew immensely the night he wandered off, fell and a lady called 911. He did not know where he was. At that point he was admitted to the hospital and was throwing things at the nurses and very angry and very confused. He went to Abilene for a couple of weeks where they worked on his meds and recommended a nursing home.
He does ask when he's going home but not as often. It's very hard and an adjustment for all of us. He sleeps 99% of the day away. The nurses have problems getting him to get up. When Chip and I go to visit we try to get him up and take him for a ride, to visit Mom, or even just to sit in the shade at the Lodge.
He's pleasant but tires very easily and is very feeble. He barely is able to walk to the bathroom and back and getting him in the wheel chair is a shakey experience and into and out of the car is hard on him. When we do get him up and out he is ready to go back to bed almost as quickly as you arrive at your destination.
He hasn't smoked in years but the nurse told asked me yesterday if he did smoke. Somehow, somewhere he'd gotten a cigarette. I told her wasn't a big deal if he wanted a cigarette as long as someone was watching that he didn't burn himself or bring harm to someone. I was just glad to hear he'd gotten up and was outside with people. They have recently diagnosed him with diabetis and are currently treating him for that. He has blood in his stool and the dr. said it was up to us whether to have a colonoscopy to search for the reason. He's bled from his rectum for years and we believe it to be hemroids. There's a lot of risk in perforating a bowl or that his body wouldn't be strong enough to go through the procedure. If the procedure would show any cancer or problems we don't believe Dad would be strong enough to take chemo or radiation. They put him on iron which caused him to have diahrea and while it was keeping his blood count higher he was hospitalized because they were concerned of dehydration. The is was during the reunion. I had thought I'd take him for a day but the nurse practitioner said she didn't recommend him being taken out of town. They did take him off the iron. Three hours would be an eternity for dad driving in a car.
I read to him and he likes for his family to be there but usually sleeps through your visit if you stay long. He won't watch TV...even Westerns. He has no interest in anything but does eat well. Yesterday he said Buddy came to visit him and I said...you mean Chip? He said yes but a few minutes later he said Bud had just left. He's talked about going to see his Mama and I take it to be my mom and quiz him and he'll say yes but then will talk about seeing Mama and how she brought him into the world.
He's very sweet and it doesn't hurt anything but it brings us to the reality that's his memory is failing him.
We know everyone doesn't want him to be there and believe me, we don't want him there either but our denial had to stop...He can't take care of himself and we can't be there to take care of him 24 hrs. a day either. I feel pain for him when I'm not there, when I am there and when I knew he was home alone. It's one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life. I'm thankful God made a place for him at Valley Fair Lodge. The nurses and staff are kind and considerate and they are very clean and the only time I've smelled anything was when it was a current issue...not from uncleanlieness.
I wish that Mom would go up there. She's so determined not to but at least she'd be able to see Dad more. That's a whole nother issue. She's in poor physical health and sleeps all the time, too. Both of them just want everyone to leave them alone so they can sleep. We know it's not good for them but what do you do? They're still have vey strong wills.
I try to stay on top of things.
God bless you,
Karen
He does ask when he's going home but not as often. It's very hard and an adjustment for all of us. He sleeps 99% of the day away. The nurses have problems getting him to get up. When Chip and I go to visit we try to get him up and take him for a ride, to visit Mom, or even just to sit in the shade at the Lodge.
He's pleasant but tires very easily and is very feeble. He barely is able to walk to the bathroom and back and getting him in the wheel chair is a shakey experience and into and out of the car is hard on him. When we do get him up and out he is ready to go back to bed almost as quickly as you arrive at your destination.
He hasn't smoked in years but the nurse told asked me yesterday if he did smoke. Somehow, somewhere he'd gotten a cigarette. I told her wasn't a big deal if he wanted a cigarette as long as someone was watching that he didn't burn himself or bring harm to someone. I was just glad to hear he'd gotten up and was outside with people. They have recently diagnosed him with diabetis and are currently treating him for that. He has blood in his stool and the dr. said it was up to us whether to have a colonoscopy to search for the reason. He's bled from his rectum for years and we believe it to be hemroids. There's a lot of risk in perforating a bowl or that his body wouldn't be strong enough to go through the procedure. If the procedure would show any cancer or problems we don't believe Dad would be strong enough to take chemo or radiation. They put him on iron which caused him to have diahrea and while it was keeping his blood count higher he was hospitalized because they were concerned of dehydration. The is was during the reunion. I had thought I'd take him for a day but the nurse practitioner said she didn't recommend him being taken out of town. They did take him off the iron. Three hours would be an eternity for dad driving in a car.
I read to him and he likes for his family to be there but usually sleeps through your visit if you stay long. He won't watch TV...even Westerns. He has no interest in anything but does eat well. Yesterday he said Buddy came to visit him and I said...you mean Chip? He said yes but a few minutes later he said Bud had just left. He's talked about going to see his Mama and I take it to be my mom and quiz him and he'll say yes but then will talk about seeing Mama and how she brought him into the world.
He's very sweet and it doesn't hurt anything but it brings us to the reality that's his memory is failing him.
We know everyone doesn't want him to be there and believe me, we don't want him there either but our denial had to stop...He can't take care of himself and we can't be there to take care of him 24 hrs. a day either. I feel pain for him when I'm not there, when I am there and when I knew he was home alone. It's one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life. I'm thankful God made a place for him at Valley Fair Lodge. The nurses and staff are kind and considerate and they are very clean and the only time I've smelled anything was when it was a current issue...not from uncleanlieness.
I wish that Mom would go up there. She's so determined not to but at least she'd be able to see Dad more. That's a whole nother issue. She's in poor physical health and sleeps all the time, too. Both of them just want everyone to leave them alone so they can sleep. We know it's not good for them but what do you do? They're still have vey strong wills.
I try to stay on top of things.
God bless you,
Karen
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