Tour of The Atlanta Braves- Turner Field June 1999
Braves vs Montreal Expos at Turner Field June 1999
Cloudland Canyon State Park, Georgia
Waters Creek, Georgia
Hommasassa Springs, Florida
Brasstown Bald Mountain, Georgia
My Travels with Mom
Mom and I always visited a Horse that lived near an old Mill in Dilliard, Georgia. I gave him cookies or apples every time we visited, but Mom was not an animal person. One day I filmed her trying to feed him an apple, she was afraid of him and fell near the fence. She was not hurt and we laughed for an hour. The Horse would take running spells in the
fields and Mom told me "he reminds me of you running in the yard just like that, you have his spirit"
Thank you LORD for that memory.
One year in Panama City Beach, Florida, Mom and I took a tour boat out to Shell Island on a Shell hunt. A Dolphin and her baby were along side the boat, I could reach over and feed them fish provided by the Captain of the boat. Mom was afraid to try because of their teeth, which were very dangerous. As I was feeding the baby, the Mother Dolphin blew water out her blowhole and Mom screamed out "Lord that fish has a hole in it's head". Everyone on the boat cracked up laughing.
Thank you LORD for the Memories
Mom loved to shop, on our trips I would take to the Gift Shops, Dollar Stores or Yard Sales along the way. Boy, she would wear me out, I would just have to set down some where and let her look at everything in the store. I remember at one Flea Market Mom had picked up and looked at everything there, and she asked the owner "how is business ?" He replied "I'd be rich if I had a nickel for every time someone picked something up and looked at it" and Mom replied "Yea, and I'd be broke"
Thank you LORD for the Memories
On one trip we went to Ellijay, Georgia which is World Famous for it's Apples. This was during the time Mom's health was failing her. We ate at a small cafe near an orchid and on their menu they had Apple Fingers for desert. At this time Mom would not eat well and Brad had to coach her to eat. Today, she ate all her meal and two orders of the Apple Fingers, which were great. Mom told me, "Don't you tell Brad about this place, he'll want come here and make me eat and I'll lose my chicken legs, "which is what she called her small legs since she had lost a lot of weight" She was heavy in the later years of her life and was happy to have lost some weight.
Thank you LORD for the Memories
One of our favorite places was Waters Creek Recreation Area in North Georgia. We would have picnics on the rocks near a beautiful waterfall and I would swim in the pool at the bottom of the falls.
Mom didn't swim, but sometimes she would put her feet in the stream. Near the falls is a bridge and every time we went there we took a loaf of bread to feed the fish from the bridge. There are some beautiful trout there. Thank you LORD for the beauty in the world and for letting me have the appreciation to enjoy your works.
Thank you LORD for the Memories
On one trip Mom and I went hiking to the bottom of Blue Valley in the North Georgia mountains. On the way to leave we stopped at the huge sign and overlook
which detailed the name and altitude. While there another car came up and people got out to look at the beautiful view. Mom told them "Don't bother to walk all the way to the bottom, there ain't nothing but trees and a stream down there" the people looked funny and didn't say anything they just left.
Thank you LORD for the Memories
May 12, 2002 12:50 PM
First Mother's Day without Mom
The grass is high because of all the rain lately. THe top half of a tree has broken and fallen on the upper end of the Cemetery.
I put down my flowers and enjoyed the peace and quiet for about
2 hours.
Brad bought an Angel Statue for the grave and Sherry has placed a levender halo or maybe I should say wreath, on it's head. It is great and I know Mom loves it.
The Harkin lady's new grave is sinking at the bottom and needs repair.
I some feel at a lost for words to say to my Mom on this first Mother's Day without her. I certainly hope that this gets easier
thru the years, because I can hardly bare the feelings that I have.
For some reason our trip to Zona's house comes to my mind.
Mom loved to visit Zona, she lives in Ortonville, MI. We also visited Niagara Falls while up there. We dined at a cafe in the top of a tower 700 feet high, looking directly into the falls. I wanted to
ride the LADY OF THE MIST boat that goes under the falls but Mom didn't. So we took a bus tour of the city <we were on the Canada side> and we found a nice gift shop and we bought Sweat shirts and shopped around..
I went over to Brad's to check on him. We talked a while and you can tell He misses Mom so. He reminded me that the next day would be 2 months since we lost her.
When Joey came, he and I went to get some peanuts from Hazel, who sells them on the road near Hwy 60. I took him over to Water's Creek and showed him the Fish that Mom and I allways fed when there. We took a large loaf of bread and fed it to them.
Before I left for home I went back to the Cemetery with Sherry and Linda. We saw a very strange plant at the edge of the drive that was yellow, red, and white. It looked almost like a Honeysuckle Flower, neither of us had a clue what it was.
1:50 PM The girls have replaced the flowers that blew off the grave during a storm, they look great and I really appreciate their fixing mine for me. I somehow missed Josh's Ballgame today and I was looking forward to seeing him play. A deer ran out in front of me on Bark Camp Road. Sonya has fixed her Mom's grave and it looks nice. Sure is hot today, but there is a breeze blowing The last tip Mom and I took to Tennessee comes to mind, Aunt Bonnie, Magdaline and Uncle Buster are gone now and Uncle Fred has moved to the city. Mom, Fred and Aunt Bonnie use to sing up a storm while Fred played his guitar, Boy, my Mom could sing and she loved doing it. I wonder will I ever go back to visit now that they' re gone. It will always be in my heart because Mom and I were born there and we loved it so. I am fixing to go by Brad's house now. I spoke to Kathy the night before last and she had tests run because her vital signs were up. She is o.k. and I thank you LORD for I hate the thought of Kathy having to take those treatments again. Thank you LORD for looking after Kat, the Memories of my MOM and all my other Blessings. As I write this note, I think to my self how fitting it is that Mom is buried here in Dahlonega where so many of my Stargel Ancestors are. Surely this must be one of the LORD'S favorite places on EARTH. *****LORD what just happened took my breath away, please forgive me for a minute I thought I was seeing things, but I know it was you.
THANK YOU LORD- for the Memories
2:55 PM -Boy it is hot today and the gnats are terrible here at the Cemetery. Tommorow is Brad's Birthday and while I was at Grayson Days Festival I saw a "Smoking Pot " for cigarettes and I immediately thought of getting it for Brad. Brad already has everything and it is hard to buy for him. I hope he likes it. Thoughts of the night I straight wired Brad's truck and got it stuck down at the lake comes to mind, I was so sure he was going to murder me but he laughed and said he didn't know I could do that. But he did make me pay for the wrecker bill to get it out. For some reason thoughts of Betty Jo comes to mind, I am so glad that she and Mom were back to seeing one another. I hope I never get into that situation with any of my family, I love them all so much, I couldn't stand the thought that they didn't love me.
THANK YOU LORD- for a Loving Family , for the great Memories and for the unbelieveable event that took place here on my last visit.
Today David got remarried, it was a nice wedding, I wish David happiness and love. As Sherry and I were arriveing we saw a Hawk flying over the wedding area and later Linda found a large Butterfly and brought it to show me. Thank you LORD for signs that you and MOM were there watching. Tommorow is Father's Day and I am going to visit Brad when I leave here. I have made him an 8x10 of his Mom and Dad and also an 8x10 of Mom and Brad, I sure hope he likes it, Sherry gave me a Father's Day gift today and I was floored by surprize, I could hardly keep from crying. It was a Butterfly Lamp, and she painted the Rose pedestal on it Lavender. It is beyond words for me to express what it means to me. She also gave me family pictures of all the family and they are great also, and I think Kat, and Linda may have helped, I will have to thank them also when I check to see. Sherry worked for hours painting the lamp, she wanted it to be perfect, what she didn't know was that it was already the perfect gift for me and the LORD must have inspired her to think of it. I will cherish it and the pictures forever and always because of the LOVE and FEELINGS that are present in them.
THANK YOU LORD- for the LOVE
Father's Day 2002
This Father's Day is the best of my life. My children for whom I am so thankful are always so Loving and considerate of me, they all give me great pride and they always let me know they love me. But this year, with all that has happened , the HAWK, the BUTTERFLY, the MIRACLE of MOM awakeing and last but not least THE LAMP- How could it get any better ?
THANK YOU LORD !!
IF THERE IS RIGHTEOUSNESS IN THE HEART,THERE WILL BEAUTY IN THE CHARACTER, AND IF THERE IS BEAUTY IN THE CHARACTER, THERE WILL BE HARMONY IN THE HOUSE
*** I have been Blessed to have been raised in Mom's house and
I now am married to a Woman of great Character
June 27, 2002
It sure is hot and windy at the cemetery today. Mom's windcatchers are spinning away. Terri has placed a Stone Sun Face in the center of the plot and it looks nice, I like it. A trip to Panama City Beach comes to mind we were staying at the Holiday Inn Sunspree on the Beach. On the first night , a gigantic thunder storm came up, it was actually scary, lightning flashing across the horizon in bursts, high winds, and waves crashing onto the beach and they washed into the hotel swimming pool. The whole sky was lit up with electricity. Mom nor I had ever seen anything like this before. We were watching from our balcony on the 7th floor. I said to her "that is one of the most beautiful and majestic things I have ever seen". Mom replied "how can you say that is beautiful, its frightning. " The next day was gorgeous and that evening, as we sat watching the Sun set into the ocean right in front of us, Mom was drinking coffee, she looked at me and said " You know I never looked at a storm as beautiful- but you were right- it was beautiful " Before we left that trip I stood beside the Ocean at Sunset and I realized I small I am in the scheme of things. The Majasty, Amazing size, Unique Smell of the Ocean, Cool Brezzes, they all seem to recharge my batteries, cleanse my doubts, worries and weariness.
I look across the great Ocean and I think about my Ancestors who came from across the greatness, and I wonder how many of them were Sailors, or made their lives on the Sea.I wonder could that be why I love the Sea so much
Thank you LORD for that memory and for all the glory in all the Sunsets, Sun Rises and Storms that I enjoyed with Mom
July 5, 2002 3:00 PM on Friday
It is the first Birthday without Mom and it is almost unbearable, like the humid heat today. Mom's Grave looks good as always, Brad and the girls do a good job of keeping it up and I am thankful to them for it. I placed a coffe cup for Mom, she always used a mug but I couldn't find one I liked . The cup has flowers on it I think she will like it. A trip to Cypress Gardens Florida comes to mind, it was just after Xmas and the decorations were still up. Mom loved them there were Red Ponesettas every where. Trees were decorated, wire Deer were made out of them, it was quiet beautiful, as Cypress Gardens is one of the most beautil places in the World already. Glen Campbell was giving a concert there and we got a great seat to watch. Just before the show started Mom had to go to the rest room, she took medicine, the rest rooms were across the other side of the Park and I couldn't let her go alone. We lost our seats and had to stand for the show. Mom must have apoligized to me 100 times before we got home. I tried to make her understand it didn't matter, we enjoyed the show anyway
THANK YOU, LORD for that Memory of the GREAT Woman that was MY MOTHER. It helps to fill the void in my Heart
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM- I Love You
July 16, 2002
Today I came to the Cemetery in my new Truck for the first time. I have had it for a few days now, and I like it. It is very hot today, and is sprinkling rain. The Angel has her wreath on again and it looks great Sherry did some work on it. There is a new Hummingbird suncatcher now, with a beautiful sphere at the top. Linda put it there. There are some Butterflies at the entrance to the Cemetery, a trailer is there and it has Flowers and Blackberries that they are after. The grass is cut and the Grave looks great as always, Brad and the girls do a great job keeping it up. I told Mom that Christy is gone to San Francisco again , and asked her to put in a word to the LORD to watch over her and keep her safe. I wish Mom could have gotten to know her better, she is so sweet and is perfect for Robby . I think Mom would have enjoyed San Francisco and I wish I could have taken her there. As I prepare to leave, I think , Can I bear Xmas this year without MOM ? Then I think what a great Xmasshe will have.
Thank You Lord, for that thought. It really does help.
July 27, 2002 3::00 PM
It sure is hot here at the Cemetery today, although there is a breeze . The Windcatchers are spinning away. As I came by the House Trailer
a small Black and Yellow Butterfly lit on my hood and road to Mom's grave then flew off. Today Billy and I put Stucco on the Stargel Plot at Oak Grove Baptist in Gainesville. It looks great , I really appreciate the job Billy did. I stopped by Kat's house on the way up and left her some Thomas Kinkade Puzzles for her to take to the Elderly Folks at her work. I would give anything to be able to put God's works on canvas like Thomas can, I can just imagine what he must feel when he finishes a Painting. Sherry and Linda took the Flowers off the Harkin Lady 's grave buried near Mom and took them home and washed them. What does that tell you when they would do something like that ? It confirms something I already know. That they have a Heart of Gold that cares, like their Mother had.She would be so proud of them.
Thank You LORD -for the Blessing in giving me such Loving Sisters
I think of Mom and :
The soothing sound of a Mountain Brook
The Look and Feel of a Well Read Book
The Taste of Water from a cool deep Spring
The sound of Birds as they sing
The smell of Earth on a rainy Day
The laughter of Children at play
The Fluff of Clouds up high above
The breath of Babies in your Face
The intricate Beauty of handmade Lace
These are just a few of the things that make me think of Mom
Aug. 10, 2002
As I sit at my computer tonight-' Whispers of the Past' come to me and I can see Mom's empty rocking chair on her front porch. I can smell the aroma of the imported international coffee she loved to drink, as if I were there on the porch....... there in the beautiful North Georgia mountains of Dahlonega.... Mom loved to sit on her porch early in the morning.
SUCH SWEET WHISPERS
THANK YOU LORD
Aug 13, 2002
Today Sherry, Jason and myself went to lunch and stopped by the Cemetery on the way to visit Brad.The Grave looked great as always. I sense a storm brewing but not a weather storm. My worse fears are looming near and I hope we can survive the storm. MOM I fear that I may have already failed my promise to keep the Family together, I don't have the wisdom or strength you did to deal with so many different personalities and I fear that this current storm may be just a small part of that to come.
Help us LORD
August 19, 2002
Today an event took place at the Cemetery to try to ward off the approching Storm I mentioned in the last Entry. I fear that it failed, although I don't know the outcome yet. I couldn't seem to get through the barrier that seems to be indestructable. I placed new flowers, today as the old ones had faded in the Sun.
LORD give ME strength to deal with this
August 24, 2002
A special Entry today:THANK YOU LORD for looking after Micky and keeping him safe during his resent confrontation with evil and death. For he is truly one of your soldiers in the battle with the Evil One. I am proud that he is a member of my Family and another of
my many Blessings
Our Spirit will always be as One
Back to Tribute
Aug 29, 2002
It rained on my way up to the Cemetery today but was Sunny and Breezy when I arrived. The Butterflies and Hawk have summoned me here, as I have seen several signs that I could not figure out. The Storm is still simmering and won't die. Scott looked at my website and reminded me that MOM loved the Dallas Cowboys, <how could I have forgotten? > Scott remembered after all these years. Helen has new flowers and they are great. Butterflies are all around and I can hear the Hawk screech in the woods but can't see him. I think there is a message to all of this but I don't know what. Should I try to ward off the Storm again ? I will decide before I leave here today.
Whispers of the Past: Takes me back to a Football Game Robby had at Furman University in S.C. We were late and Robby was looking all over the crowd for us and when he saw Joan, Myself, Joan's Mother and MOM, a big grin came over his face. I later asked why the big grin ? He answered I thought ya'll weren't coming, then with a big smile he said "I knew I could count on you all to come" Robby has one of the biggest smiles of anyone I know and MOM always said it could melt your Heart
NOTE: I still have MOM'S Atlanta Falcon Cap in my Travel box in my Truck. It was 1998 NFC Champs, White and Black. She wore it to keep her hair from blowing or bright sunshine our of her eyes
THANK YOU LORD for the Memories and give me strength thru this ordeal
Aug. 31, 2002
Gary came down to visit and show me his Oldsmobile Cutlass that he is rebuilding. He has done a great job and it looks great. If I had not already bought my truck, I would proably tried to buy it from him. Not only is he a good mechanic but also a body and paint man. We had a good visit as always and we went out to eat lunch. He gave me some good pointers on fixing a problem I have with my yard.
THANK YOU LORD, For giving me such a fine family
Sept 10, 2002
As I enter this entry, still the STORM is simmering an I do not know what to do. LORD this time you gave me a MOUNTAIN, a MOUNTAIN that it seems I can't climb. I think only the WINGS of the HAWK or BUTTERFLY can fly me to the top.
WHISPERS OF THE PAST- Reminds me that Mom was an avid Notre Dame Football fan, as is Gary.
*** LORD ***
On this EVE of September the 11th
please keep a watch over my Family and Country
June 1, 2002
June 4, 2002
June 15, 2002 7:12 PM
September 12, 2002
Earlier this month, MAX-- Kathy's Dog and long <14 year>time friend of our whole family died. She has suffered a lost almost the same as losing a child. My heart aches for her, because I have lost long time pets also.
LORD give her strength and courage
Sherry has replaced a wreath of Lavender Roses on Mom's grave that needed repair, and they are beautiful. I placed my 911 Lapel Memorial Pin on Mom's Flag. I really appreciate the job that Brad does keeping up the Grave. The Roses on Helen's grave had blown over and I put them upright. There is a nice breeze blowing and it is not so humid today. As I write there is a solid Black Butterfly flying around the cab of the truck. There are hundreds of small birds flying in and out of the trees, I guest they are so active because a change in the seasons is near.
WHISPERS OF THE PAST- reminds me that the leaves will change colors soon and that Mom is no longer going to be with me when I take a trip to look at at HISSEASONAL PAINTINGS on the landscape. It will be hard alone. JOY IN LOOKING AND COMPREHENDING NATURE'S BEAUTY IS ONE OF GOD'S GREATEST GIFTS TO ME
WEEDS ARE FLOWERS TOO- ONCE YOU GET TO KNOW THEM
WHISPERS OF THE PAST- reminds me of a trip to Whiteside Mountain, N.C. We hiked to the top of the Mountain and what a magnifcent view of the vally below and 2 lakes could be seen. I noticed Vultures nesting on a ledge and got my binoculars for a better look. I told Mom just look how magnicent they were and they had 2 young hatchlings in the nest. I showed Mom and she said " they are ugly, why would you look at them, much less admire them , why are they so gross looking ? " I did not know why, but we discussed GOD'S purpose for them to scavage the land to rid it of dead animals that die and carry diseases, etc. GOD in his wisdom must have had a reason
THANK YOU LORDfor these Heart lifting Memories
WHISPERS OF THE PAST- reminds me as I work on my computer tonight of the time Mom and I went to see an Elvis Impersonator Show. We had a meal, a band played and there was dancing before the Show. Mom said afterwards " I remember when Elvis first came out and he was the rage of the time and she was 26 years old in 1956 when Elvis took the World by storm. She was just a little older than the teenagers that really liked him and she liked some of his songs but not all of them" She didn't really like the later Elvis part of the Show and we never saw the Show again, although I did like it I will never see it again because I couldn't enjoy it by myself
Sept 20, 2002
As I set at my computer tonight, I look out through my fogged over window pane, because it is raining and storming tonight, I reflect on the events of the past year and my HEART is heavy. My Country has suffer great loss and devestation , and I, also in my personal life have been down to the lowest level of despair that I have ever been. Just as there seemed to be a break and things were looking up, I received what could be very bad news. that another of my family may be faceing the most unforgiving, formidable disease of all. LORD, my family is tough and able to withstand a lot, give me the strength to battle and over come this heavy Heart, so that I can be there, if I am needed.
Sept. 18, 2002
September 23, 2002
Today it is cloudy and cool, there has been lots of rain but the grave looks good. I am sure that Brad has been by to check on it. The driveway is getting ruff and is washing due to the rain.
WHISPERS FROM THE PAST- For some reason Leland Bagwell and his independent Church comes to mind. Mom loved going there and hearing him preach and the Bible studies they held at different person's homes. Mom lost touch with them shortly before she passed and sometime had passed since she attended his service. I remember her telling me that Leland did not believe in the Devil and I remember asking "How can he believe in God and not the Devil? " She could not explain and said I would have to hear him for my self. But, I never did.
LORD- thanks for that Memory and I do believe
I went by to see Brad this evening also, I visited for a while, Joey was awake and visited with me also. I didn't stay long Linda and her family arrived before I left. I also stopped by Sherry's for a visit and she gave me a wonderful birthstone Butterfly necklace and some jewelry for my Grand kids in memory of Mom.
September 28, 2002
THANK YOU LORD- For sending the WINGS of the Butterflies and the Hawks - to lift me to the top of the Mountain. My HEART is no longer HEAVY with despair because things are better and I can now face the next trial our family is faceing. You heard my prayer for help and you acted, I STAND IN AWE OF YOU
September 30, 2002
Today Joan and I found a sick or wounded Dove in our back yard. We couldn't tell what was wrong but he couldn't fly. We took him in and called for help but he died he following morning, LORD I know there was nothing I could do for it, but I hope I made it more comfortable and warm until it was time to come home to YOU.
LORD- Thanks for letting me appreciate your great creations, and may I always do so
October 05, 2002
LORD, Kathy called this week , with the news of her coming operation. I had hoped her battle was over, but thanks to you I am ready to be there and help if I can. Please let me be of comfort to her in this time of great need. Give the Doctor the wisdom and sturdy hand to deal with this most formidable disease.
October 12, 2002
LORD, I can't begin to thank you enough for the Butterfly and Hawk, for they really came in handy with this last event in my life and just in time. I know that you and Mom will look after Matthew David and that he is safe. Thank you for looking after Lisa and I hope you will give her the peace and comfort that I can't. I ask that you give us good news about Sherry and are there for Kathy when the time comes for her surgery later this month.
***Special Note: ***
After I received a special letter from Sherry, I can now say that with her courage and strength, she has saved our family from this last test of our love and faith in each other. I am so proud and thankful of her that I can't think of the words to express what I feel. I know what it took for her to do what she did and what she has sacrificed. Our family owes her more than some will ever know. I thought that I failed in my promise to MOM, but I like to think that in some way, I helped Sherry in her decision and that with her help, WE can keep mypromise.
THE GREATEST GOOD YOU CAN DO FOR ANOTHER,
IS NOT JUST SHARE YOUR RICHES,
BUT TO REVEIL TO HIM HIS OWN
October 12, 2002
THERE IS A LIGHT BREEZE AT THE CEMETERY TODAY BUT IT IS STILL HOT. THE GRAVE LOOKS GREAT AS ALWAYS THANKS TO BRAD. I PLACED A NEW POEM TODAY, AND I ASKED MOM TO HUG DAVID MATTHEW FOR MY FAMILY, AND TO TELL HIM THAT I WISH I COULD HAVE GOTTEN TO KNOW HIM AND THAT I LOVE HIM. SHERRY IS WAITING FOR RESULTS FROM HER TEST AND KATHY IS PREPARING FOR HER SURGERY LATER THIS MONTH. JOEY AND ROBBY HAD BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK AND GARY HAS ONE ON THE 17TH IT IS SUCH A JOY TO WATCH THEM AS THEY HAVE GROWN INTO MEN AND AS I THINK OF ALL THOSE YEARS THE THOUGHT JUST OCCURRED TO ME THAT I HAVE CHANGED DIAPERS AND CLEANED NOSES FOR EACH OF THEM. WHAT GREAT MEMORIES !!!!
WHISPERS FROM THE PAST-
IT IS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL DAY AND FALL COLORS ARE COMING OUT AND A TRIP TO THE SMOKIES AND GATLINBURG COMES TO MIND. IN THE PAST MOM WOULD NEVER GO TO THE TOP OF THE SPACE NEEDLE ON THE SQUARE<400 FEET HIGH>, BUT THIS TIME FOR SOME REASON SHE DID. THE VIEW WAS BREATH TAKING AND SHE SAID TO ME "JUST LOOK AT WHAT I HAVE BEEN MISSING ALL THESE YEARS, IT MAKES ME WONDER WHAT ELSE I'VE MISSED BECAUSE I WAS AFRAID TO TAKE A CHANCE". AFTER THAT TRIP SHE WAS MORE ADVENTUROUS AND DID A LOT OF THINGS SHE NEVER DID BEFORE. SUCH AS RIDE THE RIVERBOAT AT CHATTANOOGA OR SHELL BOAT OUT TO SHELL ISLAND IN PANAMA CITY
THANK YOU LORD FOR ALL THE MEMORIES THAT I WOULD NOT HAVE HAD, IF SHE DID NOT LIKED TO TRAVEL WITH ME- YOU HAVE ALLOWED ME TO HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH MOM THAT A LOT OF ADULTS DO NOT WITH A PARENT WHEN THEY ARE GROWN
SPECIAL ENTRY OCTOBER 13, 2002
LORD-BILLY IS SICK AND I KNOW THAT YOU ARE ALREADY THERE, PLEASE WATCH OVER HIM AND KEEP HIM SAFE AND GUIDE THE DOCTORS TO THE PROBLEM AND
SPEED THEIR HEALING OF HIM. SEND HIM THE HAWKAND THE BUTTERFLY TO SHERRY TO PROTECT HER AND DELIVER US GOOD NEWS
October 20, 2002
THANK YOU LORD for sending the HAWK to Billy, AND THE BUTTERFLY TO SHERRY IT HAS INDEED BROUGHT GOODNEWS - but little did I know that they were holding me up, and that I would have to ask for THE BUTTERFLY back, to bring me back from the brink NOW THAT I AM BETTER PLEASE SEND THE BUTTERFLY TO HELP THE HAWK - PLEASE SEND GOOD NEWS
SOON.
THANK YOU LORD- FOR THE VERY GOOD NEWS ABOUT BILLY, NOW KATHY NEEDS THE HAWK AND BUTTERFLY PLEASE SEND THEM SOON TO PROTECT HER
*** SPECIAL ENTRY- OCTOBER 22, 2002 ***
LORD- THANK YOU FOR SENDING THE HAWK AND BUTTERFLY TO KATHY AND SEEING HER SAFELY THROUGH HER SURGERY
I REALLY NEED THEM BACK UNTIL BILLY'S SURGERY TO HELP KEEP ME GOING THROUGH ALL OF THIS LORD- I WOULD ASK THAT YOU SEND THEM TO AUNT JULIA MAE BUT I THINK THAT YOU ARE READY TO CALL HER TO YOU. IT SURE WAS HARD TO SEE HER IN HER CONDITION YESTERDAY WHEN I VISITED HER. I REMEMBER HER AS ALWAYS TALKING A LOT, LOVING, CAREING AND COOKING CAKES FOR EVERYONE
OCTOBER 26, 2002
WHISPERS FROM THE PAST-
MY NIECE, NOLA TOLD ME OF A INCIDENT WHERE SHE WAS IN A CHECK OUT LINE AND AN ELDERLY LADY DROPPED SOMETHING, SHE PICKED IT UP FOR HER AND THE LADY SAID
"THANK YOU, I'LL DANCE AT YOUR WEDDING HONEY" THAT
WAS A FAVORITE SAYING OF MOM'S AND IT MADE NOLA CRY
LORD- I THANK YOU FOR NOLA'S MEMORIES AS WELL AS MINE
OCTOBER 30, 2002
LORD- BILLY NEEDS THE BUTTERFLY AND HAWK AGAIN, TOMORROW MORNING IS THE GAMMA KNIFE SURGERY. PLEASE SEE HIM SAFELY THRU THIS AND BRING US GOOD NEWS, AND THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT WORK AT THE FUNERAL HOME, AUNT JULIA LOOKED GOOD. I WILL MISS HER
Noverber 1, 2002
Today it is cold and windy at the cemetery, but the grave looks good as always, thanks to Brad. The trees are turning color and are beautiful. Billy had his treatment yesterday and to my great surprize Billy called me when he got home, LORD thank you for the seemingly small things that mean so much to me. Kathy went to get her staples removed and is doing great, she spent the rest of the day shopping, WOW.
THANK YOU LORD- For all the good news, it has been a while since we had good news
WHISPERS FROM THE PAST
As I set here enjoying the serenity and leaves falling from the wind, a trip to Duke's Power and Energy Museum in S.C. It is near Caesar's Head State Park on the Cherokee Foothills Parkway in S.C., comes to mind. we enjoyed touring the Plant and especially the Nuclear Area. I was greatly surprised at how Electricity was made and supplied to the users. And the view from Caesar's Bluff was spectacular to say the least.
THANK YOU LORD For that great Memory and the many to follow
Today I also stopped by Kathy's and she and I went out to eat. Then we had a long visit, talked about our problems and played on the Computer some. I am so amazed by her ability to bounce back from adversity and to be strong for us all at the same time.
THANK YOU LORD For having her in my life
November 10, 2002
As I set here working on stuff for a trip in December to Maryland, memories of an exclamation Mom used a lot comes to mind. She used to say Ahh Bull often when she didn't agree or believe something being said or done. I don't remember anyone else using that expression
Whispers from the Past
November 16, 2002
It is cold and raining this morning as I write this entry. As I looked out my window on the cold and damp early morning rain, I remember that when I lived in Florida that Kathy came to spend a few days with me. We all went to the beach and some parks, but the thing I remeber most was a trick I played on her, that I just recently told her about. Kat had a crush on a co-worker Roger who was married and she was 12 or 13 years old. Well she was driving us all crazy, with silly crush type stuff. So, one night I went out the back of the house and knocked on the front door and at the same time I fired my gun into the air. My wife went to the door and screamed "it's Roger's wife and she has a gun" Well before she could turn around, Kat was already hid in the bedroom. From that night on, nothing else was said about Roger
THANK YOU LORD for that great Memory and all the others that
warm my Heart on cold rainy days - even the tears in my eyes are warm
November 19, 2002
Today has been a dreary day but by the time I got to the Cemetery it has cleared off and is a beautiful, fall day in the Georgia Mountains. There is a little color left in the leaves. Mom's halo, wreath is missing and also today I see her Flag is gone . My old friend the HAWK is flying
over my head as I look for the flag, I didn't find it and I am worried what happened to it. Boy, I sure wish I had brought my camera today, the HAWK is very active today. LORD- all is well at the time, Billy, Sherry and Kat are doing just fine and I really appreciate the good times you have sent. It has been hard these last few weeks and I want to thank you again for the HAWK and BUTTERFLY for they inspire me and make me happy to be alive.
WHISPERS FROM THE PAST- A thought comes to mind , when Joanie and I were dating, sometimes I had to baby sit Gary and he would go to Joanie's house with me. He was shy and would hide his face behind his arm and peep over it at Joanie. Joanie and I often think of the great memories I have of all the kids growing up. When I think about it , they were almost like my own children and I cherish all the times LORD, THANK YOU
December 6, 2002
Tonight as I write this entry, I wonder LORD did I remember to thank you for the Gamma Knife and for Guiding the Doctors hands to skillfully heal Billy's , Kathy and Sherry's problems ? I am sorry if I did as you know I was not myself at the time.
WHISPERS FROM THE PAST- Thoughts of the time Billy, Gary, David and I were in the woods with my dog Corky, she got a nest of hornets stirred up and they chased us through the woods, Billy fell down and I grabbed him by the belt and ran with him to safety. We all got stung but Billy was stung 26 times and they were in his pockets, shirt, pants and hair THANK YOU LORD for those were the times of my life.
LORD I ask that you renew my strength, my courage, my Joy of LIFE
because my first Christmas without MOM is drawing near and I fear that I won't be able to handle it well.
December 14, 2002
AS I WRITE THIS ENTRY ON THIS COLD, WINDY MORNING. I PONDER THE EVENTS OF 2002 I HAVE COME TO GRIPS WITH MOST OF THEM EXCEPT FOR LISA'S ORDEAL. I FEAR THAT I HAVE BEEN SO CONSUMED BY MY OWN PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE NOT GIVEN HERS ENOUGH CONSIDERATION. SHE IS HAVING A HARD TIME AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY OR DO. I DON'T EVEN FIND THE WORDS TO TALK ABOUT IT.
LORD- PLEASE SEND THE BUTTERFLY TO SOME HOW TOUCH LISA'S HEART AND LIGHTEN THE GRIEF SO SHE CAN FIND SOME JOY IN THIS GREATEST TIME OF THE YEAR
****** A SPECIAL ENTRY ******
YESTERDAY I RECEIVED A GIFT FROM LINDA THAT WAS LATE ARRIVEING AND LINDA WAS AFRAID THAT I WOULD BE DISSAPPIONTED BECAUSE OF THE ANTICIPATION OF WAITING SO LONG TO RECEIVE IT. BELIEVE ME THAT WAS FAR FROM THE TRUTH, I WAS STUNNED FOR I DID NOT KNOW THE STORY BEHIND IT OR THAT IT EVEN EXISTED. I WILL ALWAYS CHERISH IT BECAUSE IT IS SOMETHING SPECIAL TO LINDA AND THAT SHE CARED ENOUGH TO SHARE IT WITH ME. LORD AS THE WARM TEARS LIGHT UP MY HEART ON THIS COLD MORNING, I HUMBLY THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THE BLESSINGS IN MY LIFE
WHISPERS FROM THE PAST-
A TRIP TO CALLOWAY GARDENS COMES TO MIND. MOM AND I HAD PLANNED A TRIP TO CALLOWAY AND WHEN I ARRIVED AT HER HOUSE, MINDY AND NOLA WERE THERE. I ENVITED THEM TO COME WITH US. WE HAD A NICE TRIP. BUT THE IRONY IS THAT EITHER NOLA OR MINDY, I CAN'T REMEMBER WHICH, WAS FASCINATED BY BUTTERFLIES AND WAS VERY EXCITED TO SEE THE BUTTERFLY ATRIUM
THANK YOU LORD- FOR ALL THE GREAT MEMBERS OF MY FAMILY
