I feel weird coming to Mystical Journeys and not writing about Dad…maybe I'm trying to move on too quickly…
I kept all the Alzheimer's references, just moved them to the bottom of the blog…not ready to let that go in case it can be a help to someone…
Re-designed the blog…feels very strange…not sure if it feels right….
I miss my Dad. This will be the first year we won't be visiting him at the nursing home. We will visit him at the cemetery. Will take him a Poinsettia…
I have no business being up this late…need to get to bed.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Venturing into the Unknown…Facing My Fears...
I am still contemplating what I should do with my blog…
The title of my blog, Mystical Journeys, was a name I conjured up long before my blog came into fruition. I always wanted to have a blog, to explore my creativity and post my work….When I finally figured out how to create one, of course Mystical Journeys had to be the title….
As fate would have it, the day after creating my blog, I awoke early in the morning and found my Dad curled up in a fetal position on his living room floor by the front door. I didn't know if he fell or was ill because he really could not communicate…he was ice cold, gray in color and mumbling about "the enemy striking at dawn"…
I called 411 and then called my brother to follow us to the ER and the rest is history…Dad never returned home. We learned he could not be left alone, which is what our Mother had been telling us for some time…
I think I want to go back to my original dream for this blog…
And it comes at a serendipitous opportunity….I was talking with a childhood girlfriend last week…(we have known one another since the age of 10) and she shared a link of a mutual girlfriend from High School. She and I were in Art classes together. The link was a website where she displays/sells her art.
I checked out the link and then wrote my artist girlfriend telling her how much I enjoyed her work. She wrote back and encouraged me to join…
One of my life long, creative, dreams has been to have a one woman show of my paintings and to write and sell a book. Unfortunately, I allowed my negative voices/ self defeating demons to sabotage much of my progress. My starting and stopping were the most consistent efforts toward my painting. I did take a couple years of lessons after we moved here…but again, I allowed my self criticism to stop me from pursuing my dreams…
One thing I have learned in my life, and often preach to others; is the fact we are so much stronger than we think we are. We also are so much more capable than we think we are. I learned this when I was a single Mom raising my two daughters…
I suppose I challenged and pushed myself more back then because I was alone and totally responsible for the welfare of my children and myself, so I HAD to go beyond my comfort zone. Many a night I sat wrapped in the safety of my thick, cozy "security" blanket, huddled over a hot cup of tea….my "cure all" for almost everything scary.
I even had a few panic attacks…but I forged ahead and did what I had to do…often "faking it until I made it".
Now, I am retired and married. I think it is safe to say I am in a comfortable rut. I certainly have TONS of time on my hands…(with the exception of it being the Christmas holiday season…)
I really want to explore this opportunity... It is a daily painting website, although you don't have to paint every single day….but each submitted/uploaded painting is displayed on the home page so there would be much more exposure than posting my work on a blog….Although several of the artists also have a blog to show their process, explain techniques, give background or whatever….so I was thinking I could use Mystical Journeys for that purpose…
First, I must open a Pay Pal Account. Never did that before, but it doesn't sound too difficult. Then if I want my blog included, I must include it when I register to join the website.
I have always painted large paintings….but in doing larger paintings it is much more of an investment of time and money... and loss, if the paintings do not sell. Most of the paintings done on the website are smaller, like 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, 6x6, 8x8, 12x12 etc….some larger ones 9x12….but it made me see a possibility of hope where I could accomplish the daily painting challenge by spending less time painting smaller art work.
But….could I take my undisciplined self and become disciplined? I used to post to my blog every day…so it is possible…but that was four years ago…
Can you hear the excuses with all the buts????
It sure sounds like I am spending more time than I should convincing myself…What I should do is stop using the "should's" and do like Nike says to do…and JUST DO IT!
I announced on my other blog I was going to lose 20 pounds by the age of 65…and here I am 66 and still packing those 20 pounds….
I think this is exactly why I have not been posting much on either of my blogs. I have to be honest when I post. I can't kid myself. I can't insult those who read my blog. I have to speak from the heart. I have to be vulnerable and speak my truth. I have to be real.
The reason is -- I am disappointed in myself. For the past four years I was my Father's Advocate and chronicled his Alzheimer's on my blog. I had a purpose… Since my Dad's passing, I no longer feel I have an important purpose. I am living 250 miles from my family, locked in a reverse mortgage, an uncooperative housing market, a challenging economy….with the added obstacle of my husband not wanting to move back to California….
When I was single, I had to depend on myself. I had to work and the buck stopped upon arrival with me. Ironically, I felt stronger. I got up early, got the girls to school, worked all day, grocery shopped at night, ran errands on the weekends or my lunch hour; cleaned and kept my house clean, cooked, and even did my own yard work. I was so disciplined and organized. I had to…I had no choice.
That is one downside to retirement…if you don't keep a schedule…you turn into Scarlet O'Hara and "think about it tomorrow" and then tomorrow, keeps turning into tomorrow. I NEED SOME DISCIPLINE desperately!
Who knows….if I challenged myself….did the work….immersed myself in creativity….became productive…kept at it….made up my mind, giving up, was not an option….and stayed at it, learning, improving, growing, until I made some comfortable money... Maybe enough money to help with the trips to California….and who knows….wouldn't it be great if I could make enough to get a little place in CA so I could have the option to stay longer….and still have our home in Nevada…Oh that sounds so gooooooood…..
I have a huge collection of ideas and art tutorials on my Pinterest boards…so some where in the back of my subconscious, I have been preparing myself for this…
I have an art box where I store ideas or pictures which inspire me and I have written notes on those pictures with ideas….
The only way out of unhappiness or stagnancy is the inertia of ACTION. I have to push away from my fears, tell my negative voices to SHUT THE HELL UP, and tell myself I CAN DO THIS. Then, after I achieve my goal… I get to be proud of myself and reap the rewards of my efforts!
Nothing ventured….nothing gained….
The title of my blog, Mystical Journeys, was a name I conjured up long before my blog came into fruition. I always wanted to have a blog, to explore my creativity and post my work….When I finally figured out how to create one, of course Mystical Journeys had to be the title….
As fate would have it, the day after creating my blog, I awoke early in the morning and found my Dad curled up in a fetal position on his living room floor by the front door. I didn't know if he fell or was ill because he really could not communicate…he was ice cold, gray in color and mumbling about "the enemy striking at dawn"…
I called 411 and then called my brother to follow us to the ER and the rest is history…Dad never returned home. We learned he could not be left alone, which is what our Mother had been telling us for some time…
I think I want to go back to my original dream for this blog…
And it comes at a serendipitous opportunity….I was talking with a childhood girlfriend last week…(we have known one another since the age of 10) and she shared a link of a mutual girlfriend from High School. She and I were in Art classes together. The link was a website where she displays/sells her art.
I checked out the link and then wrote my artist girlfriend telling her how much I enjoyed her work. She wrote back and encouraged me to join…
One of my life long, creative, dreams has been to have a one woman show of my paintings and to write and sell a book. Unfortunately, I allowed my negative voices/ self defeating demons to sabotage much of my progress. My starting and stopping were the most consistent efforts toward my painting. I did take a couple years of lessons after we moved here…but again, I allowed my self criticism to stop me from pursuing my dreams…
One thing I have learned in my life, and often preach to others; is the fact we are so much stronger than we think we are. We also are so much more capable than we think we are. I learned this when I was a single Mom raising my two daughters…
I suppose I challenged and pushed myself more back then because I was alone and totally responsible for the welfare of my children and myself, so I HAD to go beyond my comfort zone. Many a night I sat wrapped in the safety of my thick, cozy "security" blanket, huddled over a hot cup of tea….my "cure all" for almost everything scary.
I even had a few panic attacks…but I forged ahead and did what I had to do…often "faking it until I made it".
Now, I am retired and married. I think it is safe to say I am in a comfortable rut. I certainly have TONS of time on my hands…(with the exception of it being the Christmas holiday season…)
I really want to explore this opportunity... It is a daily painting website, although you don't have to paint every single day….but each submitted/uploaded painting is displayed on the home page so there would be much more exposure than posting my work on a blog….Although several of the artists also have a blog to show their process, explain techniques, give background or whatever….so I was thinking I could use Mystical Journeys for that purpose…
First, I must open a Pay Pal Account. Never did that before, but it doesn't sound too difficult. Then if I want my blog included, I must include it when I register to join the website.
I have always painted large paintings….but in doing larger paintings it is much more of an investment of time and money... and loss, if the paintings do not sell. Most of the paintings done on the website are smaller, like 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, 6x6, 8x8, 12x12 etc….some larger ones 9x12….but it made me see a possibility of hope where I could accomplish the daily painting challenge by spending less time painting smaller art work.
But….could I take my undisciplined self and become disciplined? I used to post to my blog every day…so it is possible…but that was four years ago…
Can you hear the excuses with all the buts????
It sure sounds like I am spending more time than I should convincing myself…What I should do is stop using the "should's" and do like Nike says to do…and JUST DO IT!
I announced on my other blog I was going to lose 20 pounds by the age of 65…and here I am 66 and still packing those 20 pounds….
I think this is exactly why I have not been posting much on either of my blogs. I have to be honest when I post. I can't kid myself. I can't insult those who read my blog. I have to speak from the heart. I have to be vulnerable and speak my truth. I have to be real.
The reason is -- I am disappointed in myself. For the past four years I was my Father's Advocate and chronicled his Alzheimer's on my blog. I had a purpose… Since my Dad's passing, I no longer feel I have an important purpose. I am living 250 miles from my family, locked in a reverse mortgage, an uncooperative housing market, a challenging economy….with the added obstacle of my husband not wanting to move back to California….
When I was single, I had to depend on myself. I had to work and the buck stopped upon arrival with me. Ironically, I felt stronger. I got up early, got the girls to school, worked all day, grocery shopped at night, ran errands on the weekends or my lunch hour; cleaned and kept my house clean, cooked, and even did my own yard work. I was so disciplined and organized. I had to…I had no choice.
That is one downside to retirement…if you don't keep a schedule…you turn into Scarlet O'Hara and "think about it tomorrow" and then tomorrow, keeps turning into tomorrow. I NEED SOME DISCIPLINE desperately!
Who knows….if I challenged myself….did the work….immersed myself in creativity….became productive…kept at it….made up my mind, giving up, was not an option….and stayed at it, learning, improving, growing, until I made some comfortable money... Maybe enough money to help with the trips to California….and who knows….wouldn't it be great if I could make enough to get a little place in CA so I could have the option to stay longer….and still have our home in Nevada…Oh that sounds so gooooooood…..
I have a huge collection of ideas and art tutorials on my Pinterest boards…so some where in the back of my subconscious, I have been preparing myself for this…
I have an art box where I store ideas or pictures which inspire me and I have written notes on those pictures with ideas….
The only way out of unhappiness or stagnancy is the inertia of ACTION. I have to push away from my fears, tell my negative voices to SHUT THE HELL UP, and tell myself I CAN DO THIS. Then, after I achieve my goal… I get to be proud of myself and reap the rewards of my efforts!
Nothing ventured….nothing gained….
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Alzheimer's Awareness Week During the World Series....Wear the Bow Tie!
Alzheimer’s Association bow tie to be featured during World Series
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Monday, October 28, 2013
Getting Ready for the Alzheimer's Walk in Dad's Honor...
This coming Thursday I leave for California. Our family is walking in the Alzheimer's Walk in Huntington Beach, CA on Saturday November 3, 2013.
My preparation? Walking my dog once or twice a day...There is a 2 mile and a 4 mile walk, but I can do 4 miles easy. (I hope). We'll all be walking and talking, pushing the nephews and grand sons in strollers and the time will fly by.
Mom is not sure if she can find her fold up camping chair so she can sit on the side of the road and cheer us on...depends on the weather. I know she wants to be with us, but there is no way she could walk it. If we can get our hands on a wheel chair, we could push her...
My grand son turned 9 years old yesterday. He was THRILLED he passed the height test so he could ride the bumper cards at the fun place he chose to go for his celebration. I am looking forward to seeing him, along with the 11 year old and the newest grand son who is coming up on 7 months. He's a turbo-crawler and is pulling himself up into a standing position at the couch and then holding on with one hand, attemping to take a step. He so wants to walk and run like his big brothers...
My youngest daughter is pregnant again and we were all surprised to learn she is having a GIRL! My first grand daughter. Her 3 year old son Jacob is getting more excited about being a big brother to a baby sister. My daughter is due in April, 2014. This pink bundle will make my fifth grand child!!
I've been lying low and taking it easy this month and it feels good. Since the weather has cooled off I have been re-focusing on de-cluttering. I really want to clean out our garage so I can have the option to park my car in there if I want to.
We celebrated our 4 year Adoption Day for our rescue dog Izzy. I gave her a bath, took her for some walks, got her some chew treats, a new toothbrush, a jacket and a bag of Greenies. She's a happy girl.
We also celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary by going to a movie (Captain Philips) and to see Big Elvis. For years Big Elvis has been at Bill's Gamblin' Hall but due to their renovations, moved to Harrah's and does three shows a day, four days a week. The FREE shows are 2:00 pm, 3:30 pm and 5:00 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. His show at the Piano Bar inside Harrah's is dark on Wednesday and the weekends.
He really sounds like Elvis, but does the entire show sitting in his throne and occasionally stands up to do a short shimmy or Elvis move.... He really sounds like Elvis and puts on a great show. We had a really good time. If you come to Vegas, you should check it out. He has won first place in yearly Elvis Impersonation Contests.
We also went to the MOB MUSEUM in downtown Vegas. It is housed in the old Federal Building where the Mafia trials were held. It is three stories of memorabilia and interactive displays and videos. We spent over three hours in there. We went to celebrate my husband's birthday. We both really enjoyed it. We get a Local discount and got in for $10 each. Once you pay the entry fee, you get a band on your wrist and can park there all day as long as the museum is open and go in and out in case you get hungry and want to go downtown and get some lunch. Another Vegas attraction worth a visit...
I will post pictures of the walk upon my return.
My preparation? Walking my dog once or twice a day...There is a 2 mile and a 4 mile walk, but I can do 4 miles easy. (I hope). We'll all be walking and talking, pushing the nephews and grand sons in strollers and the time will fly by.
Mom is not sure if she can find her fold up camping chair so she can sit on the side of the road and cheer us on...depends on the weather. I know she wants to be with us, but there is no way she could walk it. If we can get our hands on a wheel chair, we could push her...
My grand son turned 9 years old yesterday. He was THRILLED he passed the height test so he could ride the bumper cards at the fun place he chose to go for his celebration. I am looking forward to seeing him, along with the 11 year old and the newest grand son who is coming up on 7 months. He's a turbo-crawler and is pulling himself up into a standing position at the couch and then holding on with one hand, attemping to take a step. He so wants to walk and run like his big brothers...
My youngest daughter is pregnant again and we were all surprised to learn she is having a GIRL! My first grand daughter. Her 3 year old son Jacob is getting more excited about being a big brother to a baby sister. My daughter is due in April, 2014. This pink bundle will make my fifth grand child!!
I've been lying low and taking it easy this month and it feels good. Since the weather has cooled off I have been re-focusing on de-cluttering. I really want to clean out our garage so I can have the option to park my car in there if I want to.
We celebrated our 4 year Adoption Day for our rescue dog Izzy. I gave her a bath, took her for some walks, got her some chew treats, a new toothbrush, a jacket and a bag of Greenies. She's a happy girl.
We also celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary by going to a movie (Captain Philips) and to see Big Elvis. For years Big Elvis has been at Bill's Gamblin' Hall but due to their renovations, moved to Harrah's and does three shows a day, four days a week. The FREE shows are 2:00 pm, 3:30 pm and 5:00 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. His show at the Piano Bar inside Harrah's is dark on Wednesday and the weekends.
He really sounds like Elvis, but does the entire show sitting in his throne and occasionally stands up to do a short shimmy or Elvis move.... He really sounds like Elvis and puts on a great show. We had a really good time. If you come to Vegas, you should check it out. He has won first place in yearly Elvis Impersonation Contests.
We also went to the MOB MUSEUM in downtown Vegas. It is housed in the old Federal Building where the Mafia trials were held. It is three stories of memorabilia and interactive displays and videos. We spent over three hours in there. We went to celebrate my husband's birthday. We both really enjoyed it. We get a Local discount and got in for $10 each. Once you pay the entry fee, you get a band on your wrist and can park there all day as long as the museum is open and go in and out in case you get hungry and want to go downtown and get some lunch. Another Vegas attraction worth a visit...
I will post pictures of the walk upon my return.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Visiting Dad at Riverside National Cemetery...
Today my youngest brother E______ went by Riverside National Cemetery and visited Dad's niche.
The plaque was on and it turned out beautiful.
I had called yesterday to see if it had been placed. Unfortunately their computers were down so I could not confirm it... One of the men told me he had been out to the area where Dad was interred and told me he was pretty sure it had been placed.
My brother took pictures and sent them to all of us via email. I will post them to share with you. You can see what a peaceful resting place it is...
The plaque was on and it turned out beautiful.
I had called yesterday to see if it had been placed. Unfortunately their computers were down so I could not confirm it... One of the men told me he had been out to the area where Dad was interred and told me he was pretty sure it had been placed.
My brother took pictures and sent them to all of us via email. I will post them to share with you. You can see what a peaceful resting place it is...
Dad's wall
Dad's area with bench to sit
Leaving Dad's columbarium
It was a beautiful day...all was peaceful and quiet...My brother spent some time reflecting and visiting. He felt like Dad was smiling down upon him.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Mom Brought Donuts....
Mom went back to the nursing home today...she brought a huge box of donuts and personally took them around, visiting everyone who cared for Dad...
The superintendent of the facility was there and thanked Mom again for her written thank you note for the beautiful flowers they sent for Dad's funeral. She gave him a picture of the flowers so he could post it. She also shared pictures from Dad's funeral with everyone.
Everyone was so grateful for the pictures and commented how beautiful it was. Mom visited with Doctor-Doctor, Pickles, the Skin Angel, the Head of Nursing, and all of them wanted to know how we are were doing. Doctor-Doctor mentioned my brother E_____ had come in to extend his thanks for the excellent care Dad received there. She and the others were quite touched he made the effort to come in.
Mom asked the Superintendent for some business cards. Several people in her Support Group had requested cards as well as Mom's physician. He was very impressed we felt so positive and wished to pass along referrals to others. We all agreed how happy we are with the care provided to Dad with such genuine compassion and love.
I know it was not easy for Mom to return to the nursing home, especially by herself, but I am so proud of her and I know how welcomed she must have felt by everyone. We really feel they are all an extension of our family. We have shared such an intimate experience together...
I still miss Dad. I know I always will. Some days I feel raw and very emotional and other days I can think positive, happy thoughts of Dad, eternally youthful, pain free and full of love and joy. I like to think of him running along a beach with his favorite dog, Brutus, running along side of him...as fast as his stubby legs can carry him.
I know it made an easier transition for Mom, in that Dad had been at the nursing home these last four years instead of being at home with Mom. The day I left her house to return to CA, after picking up Dad's remains...she got a phone call from a good friend. The previous week Mom and her girlfriend and her husband shared lunch at a church function. Her girlfriend called to tell Mom he had died. I know Mom will be a comfort to her, but despite my Mother's strength and faith, it has to be very difficult going to so many funerals...
The day of Dad's funeral, as we were leaving, I got a call on my cell from my dear girlfriend I used to co-write poetry with, had suddenly died. She and I had been on the phone long hours the week before as she did not have a computer and I was helping her by giving her phone numbers of places to check out in San Francisco as her daughter's husband had just gotten a job there. We were laughing and sharing and I told her I wanted to come visit her before they all moved...
Unfortunately, I did not get the opportunity to visit. Her daughter said they are having her cremated and will keep her remains with them during the moving process and after they are settled, plan on having a Memorial service in Lake Tahoe, which is where she lived so many years and raised her daughter. My husband and I would love to drive up for it...
Our neighbor across the street from us, discovered he had a tumor in his brain and his lung three months ago. He just died Friday, September 13, 2013. We attended his funeral September 16th.
My daughter's Mother in Law has terminal cancer and has been very ill. Another neighbor down our street just found out she has inoperable cancer on her rib cage and clavicle. She is stage four and very sick...
I realize at our age, unfortunately, we hear about and experience more serious illness and death, especially living in a Senior Community.... It is never easy to accept, but it is a part of life's process coming to a full circle. We are so thankful to learn our youngest daughter, who just got married July 20th of this year, is pregnant. She is due in April. My brother B____'s daughter in Ohio is also pregnant and due this December. It is God's gift to our family... and we are grateful.
The superintendent of the facility was there and thanked Mom again for her written thank you note for the beautiful flowers they sent for Dad's funeral. She gave him a picture of the flowers so he could post it. She also shared pictures from Dad's funeral with everyone.
Everyone was so grateful for the pictures and commented how beautiful it was. Mom visited with Doctor-Doctor, Pickles, the Skin Angel, the Head of Nursing, and all of them wanted to know how we are were doing. Doctor-Doctor mentioned my brother E_____ had come in to extend his thanks for the excellent care Dad received there. She and the others were quite touched he made the effort to come in.
Mom asked the Superintendent for some business cards. Several people in her Support Group had requested cards as well as Mom's physician. He was very impressed we felt so positive and wished to pass along referrals to others. We all agreed how happy we are with the care provided to Dad with such genuine compassion and love.
I know it was not easy for Mom to return to the nursing home, especially by herself, but I am so proud of her and I know how welcomed she must have felt by everyone. We really feel they are all an extension of our family. We have shared such an intimate experience together...
I still miss Dad. I know I always will. Some days I feel raw and very emotional and other days I can think positive, happy thoughts of Dad, eternally youthful, pain free and full of love and joy. I like to think of him running along a beach with his favorite dog, Brutus, running along side of him...as fast as his stubby legs can carry him.
I know it made an easier transition for Mom, in that Dad had been at the nursing home these last four years instead of being at home with Mom. The day I left her house to return to CA, after picking up Dad's remains...she got a phone call from a good friend. The previous week Mom and her girlfriend and her husband shared lunch at a church function. Her girlfriend called to tell Mom he had died. I know Mom will be a comfort to her, but despite my Mother's strength and faith, it has to be very difficult going to so many funerals...
The day of Dad's funeral, as we were leaving, I got a call on my cell from my dear girlfriend I used to co-write poetry with, had suddenly died. She and I had been on the phone long hours the week before as she did not have a computer and I was helping her by giving her phone numbers of places to check out in San Francisco as her daughter's husband had just gotten a job there. We were laughing and sharing and I told her I wanted to come visit her before they all moved...
Unfortunately, I did not get the opportunity to visit. Her daughter said they are having her cremated and will keep her remains with them during the moving process and after they are settled, plan on having a Memorial service in Lake Tahoe, which is where she lived so many years and raised her daughter. My husband and I would love to drive up for it...
Our neighbor across the street from us, discovered he had a tumor in his brain and his lung three months ago. He just died Friday, September 13, 2013. We attended his funeral September 16th.
My daughter's Mother in Law has terminal cancer and has been very ill. Another neighbor down our street just found out she has inoperable cancer on her rib cage and clavicle. She is stage four and very sick...
I realize at our age, unfortunately, we hear about and experience more serious illness and death, especially living in a Senior Community.... It is never easy to accept, but it is a part of life's process coming to a full circle. We are so thankful to learn our youngest daughter, who just got married July 20th of this year, is pregnant. She is due in April. My brother B____'s daughter in Ohio is also pregnant and due this December. It is God's gift to our family... and we are grateful.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
September 6, 2013....A Day We Will Remember Forever.
Dad circa 1943
The day was muggy and hot with a few rain drops here and there, which quickly dried up after they fell. We met everyone at Staging Area One where we lined up to caravan to the covered area for the funeral. Our official, Nathan, lead us in the procession to a beautiful grassy area up on a bluff, surrounded by large, thick pine trees.
Two Marines took at the beginning of the walk way and saluted as Mom and I carried the urn and Dad's flag. I had brought a small picture of Dad and it was placed beside his urn on a platform for the service. The nursing home where Dad lived had sent the beautiful floral arrangement in the pictures.
Nathan explained the ceremony would begin with the Marines unfolding and unfurling the flag over Dad's urn, at which time the seven Marines would each fire three rounds each making a 21 Gun Salute, followed by the playing of Taps, by another Marine. He said it was proper for those who had not been in the Military to put our hands over our hearts and those who had been in the Military would salute. We had ten Marines on deck in their Dress Blues.
He told us after Taps was played, a Marine would present the re-folded flag to Mom along with the spent casings from the 21 gun salute. We all thought it was so ironic that Mom and Dad have 12 Grand Children, 5 Great Grand Children and 4 sons, which totals 21. Each of them will get one of the casings.
The pictures below are the Marines starting to unfold the flag...
Despite knowing the gun salute would begin, I became startled when the firing started and stopped taking pictures....the pictures below were taken by my sister.
The 21 Gun Salute with the lone Marine on the hill who played Taps.
When Taps started, I could hear my Mom softly crying. I saw my brother out of the corner of my eye go to Mom's side to comfort her. I was already crying and struggling to keep my composure... I dared not look at any of my family because I could hear them crying too. I knew I was going to speak after they presented everything to Mom and I was determined to do that for Dad and my family...
While Taps was being played....
Re-folding of Dad's flag...
Presentation of the flag and gun casings to Mom....
I had planned to speak for two minutes... I had it written down on three note cards. My voice began to quiver at the end of the first card and as I started in on the second, my sister Holly rushed up to my side and stood with me so I could finish...
Afterward, my brother's all hugged me and told me they would not be able to say anything after my words, because they all felt I covered everything. Everyone was pleased with what I had said.
Nathan took a few minutes and told us how the Marines saved his life during battle so he was so honored to be present during Dad's funeral. We all were very touched by the things he spoke of and the respect he paid to our Dad. We all agreed how honored we all feel having Dad's final resting place in such a hallowed location.
My daughters and grand sons had written letters so those went with Nathan, who took possession of Dad's urn and his picture. He would place all of it in the niche in the Columbarium later on that day and we would be able to visit Dad's final resting place after 4pm. He told us he would personally see the flowers were watered the next few days.
We all stood around hugging and noticed what a nice cool breeze had come up and was gently refreshing all of us....we all knew it was a gift from Dad.
I shared the location of Dad's niche with everyone and asked if anyone wanted to see it. Everyone decided they would wait until the final plaque is placed in 6-8 weeks and then we will go visit. We agreed whomever is the first to visit would take a picture for everyone.
My son in law took video of the service on my brother's phone, so hopefully, we can figure out how to get it on a CD for everyone. My brother S_____ is working on it.
I will be taking a break from blogging for a bit...I planned on converting what I have shared about Dad into a book and am looking into how to accomplish it. If anyone has any suggestions, or has done so with their blog, I would greatly appreciate any information you could pass along to me. I plan on doing the book for our family.
I want to give some thought as to how to continue my blog because we were so desperate for information when Dad was diagnosed and we remember what a nightmare it was. If I can help just one family with my blog, I will be blessed.
I have acquired a lot of valuable information and don't want to just file it all away in a box somewhere. In my Father's honor, I would like to play it forward and share the information we have learned along the way...
God Bless each and every one of you who have ever been touched by this disease, be it from a family member or friend. I send my eternal love and gratitude to all of you who have hugged me and comforted me with your words of support over the past four and a half years during our journey with my Father.
Most of you I have never met, but your warmth, concern, sincerity and caring words always came through and scooped me up as if you were, making me feel so very comforted. On behalf of myself and my family, I want to say thank you all so very much from the bottom of my heart....
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