More sad farewells

The beautiful white rosebud Emily game me last night has opened this morning.  I miss her already.

[This entry may be a little boring for most.  It’s mostly for me to remember the routine that Mama and I have.]

Journal Entry:

Mama Trudy got up and went to the bathroom by herself this morning.  I got up about 8:30 and went in to say “good morning” and give her a hug.  She slept well last night. 

Next, I prepared her warm OJ with a little liquid calcium/magnesium, while listening to Chip Ingram online with ear buds.

She requested (a good sign of appetite) a scrambled egg, one biscuit with pancake syrup and a cup of hot almond milk and she wanted it about 9:30.  I did it!

This morning her meds consist of one 25 mg furosemide and one Mucinex.  Plus a few vitamins, minerals and supplements.

As we were expecting Tammy, Emily, Jamey and girlfriend, Allyson, and Jon this morning, Mama Trudy got dressed and combed her hair, all while I was preparing caramel pop corn for my nephew, Jamey.  And washing dishes.  I was surprised and delighted to she her all ready for her company.  Having a walker with wheels on the back legs and an extended oxygen tube, affords her mobility around her bedroom.  She was tired after getting dressed, so she took a nap while waiting for everyone to arrive.

They arrived about 11:00 AM and the apartment was full.  Everyone visiting with Mama Trudy and Emily asking questions about her life and taking notes on her phone, furiously.  Emily, 21, is Mama Trudy’s first great-grandchild.

Allyson was in a “food coma” after their breakfast at Cracker Barrel this morning.

Sammy’s family also came over, minus Sammy, who was working.  With them was Blake’s friend, Aubrey.  They only stayed for about an hour.

All too soon, it was 2:15 PM and time for them to go.  Farewells are not my favorite thing.  Especially, for Tammy and Emily, who are flying back to Washington today, it was particularly emotional.  Sometime after 2:30, they were all in the car and Mama Trudy was standing in her window… and we’re ALL crying and waving as they drive off.  It took Mama Trudy a while to get herself composed again.

It was very quiet in the house after they left.  Don went to Guthrie’s Chicken Shack to pick up our late lunch which we ate after 3:00.  Mama Trudy came to the table to eat, but went back to her bed directly after and took a nap.

Time to relax.  Watch a movie.  Work a Sudoku puzzle or two.

Text from Tammy:  “The car was quiet on the way to take dad back.  Then he and I just bawled saying goodbye.  I waved to him standing in the yard crying and blowing kisses.”  My wonderful, tenderhearted brother.

Later this evening, Jon came over to see how we were doing and visited with Mama for a few minutes.

After Jon left, Mama came into the living room to sit with us and watch a little basketball on TV. About 10:00, she was tired and went to bed, while I played the keyboard that’s in the her room.  Kimberly will soon be picking it up and taking it back home.  I played until my wrists started hurting.

It’s 11:10 PM and Tammy just texted me from their plane change.  She and Emily are Seattle bound now.

Time to post this

A budding pianist

AlexAnn playing the tune her Aunt Tammy taught her.

 

 

 

 

 

Emily, Mama Trudy, and Tammy.

I suppose this style isn’t age appropriate for me, so I’ll just have to be happy admiring it on my precious great-niece.

Old pictures are fun

The journey through old photograph albums has always been a favorite pastime of mine.  Lately, it’s been just as much fun for me, but I will apologize for the quality of the pictures as they are pictures I have taken of pictures and then edited as much as I can with my limited tools.  The best way to edit old pictures is to begin by scanning them… our scanner is not here at Mama Trudy’s.

This first picture is my mama and her older sister, my Aunt Jennie.  Mama Trudy is the cutie in front on the horse.  Happy is the mystery man in this picture. Harvey and Shelby were my maternal grandmother’s brothers.

This cropped version shows how cute my mama was.

My daddy and mama in 1942, a year before my brother was born.  Mama is 24.  Look at that waist!

Jonny, my big brother, and I.

Big brother and me in a west Texas dust storm.

My beautiful mama and me.

Mama has always been a sharp dresser and a perfect seamstress.

The DeRusha Family in 1952.

I love this picture of my mama.

Even at the age of three, I seem to be fascinated with the camera.

My daddy, Sam Herren (Bill) DeRusha, on the right, in his Army uniform in 1942.

After three months in the Army, daddy wound up in the infirmary with stomach problems.  He was awarded a medical discharge.

Stay tuned for more “old” pictures.

The Legacy That is Mama Trudy

MT = Mama Trudy + Mexican Train

Mama Trudy played Mexican Train for a little while tonight.

She beat me again!!!

Tammy made it to Nashville!  We will see her tomorrow.

Kris update: Visions and Answered Prayers

Dearest Loved Ones and Friends!

There is just so much to tell you this time, I hope you will bear with me. We are excited and so is Kris and her family. In the last update (dated Jan. 11, 2012), you may remember we were waiting for the VA to set up Botox injections for Kris. This is to help Kris’s neck and the fact that it is becoming more and more difficult for her to work and raise her head up. So let me start there.

On Friday, Jan. 20th, Russell went with Kris to the new Audie Murphy Poly Trauma Center (that new addition to the huge VA hospital in San Antonio) for those Botox injections. This afternoon, one of the therapists who works with Kris every day at Country Care Manor sent the attached video. Please understand, Kris has a tremendous sense of humor and I can tell she was really going along with this little “show!” I do hope you can view it. It’s awesome!

Having said that, it gets better. On Monday, January 30th, Kris will finally be admitted to the Audie Murphy PTC for at least a month (we’re hoping longer!) of stringent therapy work on her communication as well as all of her motor skills through speech, occupational and physical therapies. Russell said he has given her a “pep” talk and we certainly have done that, too, over the phone many times. It will mean hard work and be intense. I think she is truly “up” for this and her depression has lessened tremendously. It is something for her to really see happening now, and I believe that’s the real “shot-in-the-arm” she has needed. It is just so difficult, however, knowing I cannot be there when she is admitted, but... I can’t. So Russell has assured me that he and Joshua will get her all packed up and moved efficiently. Okay, guys... I’m counting on you!!!

As I said, this has already given her something to really look forward to and see happening. It’s been a long time since she has seen progress on her behalf. Which brings up another subject: renovations to their home. Many have asked me about that so I’ve gone directly to the source of that information: Russell. He told me last week the architect seems to be dragging his feet and his builder hasn’t returned phone calls. Okay! If they don’t want the money, I’m sure someone does! Any of our prayer warriors in the San Antonio area know any good builders? Kris wants to come home, and she will need 24-hour care. Certain provisions must be made for her to live at home, and care will be necessary. It’s just that simple and... well, anyone up for the job and/or open to join her care program may want to give Russell a call. (How’s that for advertising?!!)

As I said, we’re excited but we are well aware none of the upcoming therapy and work to “come back” will be easy for Kris. But it’s another start, and it’s pulled her back up from despair. That’s an answer to a prayer in and of itself. Speaking of answers to prayers, let me share briefly this little story. George and I presented a gospel concert Sunday evening in Zephyrhills, Florida. After the concert, many people came to us to share their thoughts. One lady was so moved and took my hand. She kept talking on and on about “writing stuff down” and sharing with older people, and she complimented our ministry and, then, she looked at me and said... “I see your daughter! I see your daughter, Kris, right now and she is standing straight up.”

Of course, I was in tears by that time and we have shared the story with different ones, including our oldest daughter on the phone just yesterday. When we finished explaining about what had happened, she was moved, too. And then she said, “I can’t believe this, but I had a dream about Kris last night.” She said, “I was there with her and asked her if she wanted to take a bath.” Diana then said, “Kris made a face, as if to let me know she doesn’t want to, and then Kris said, ‘I don’t want to take a bath,’ and then she stood up.” Now this has nothing to do with Kris not wanting to bathe, believe me! But it has everything to do with “dreams” and Kris standing up and speaking.

George then told Diana something he had told me some time ago. It was after a gospel concert up in Kerrville, Texas back in August 2011. We were leaving the pastor and his wife who had invited us, when George recounted the “dream” he had the night before. He said he spoke to Kris as she sat in her wheelchair, and she suddenly spoke back to him, and then she stood up and walked toward him. The pastor’s wife was in tears, and she said, “...Your young men shall have visions; your old men shall dream dreams.” Joel 2:28 It was and is pretty powerful stuff!

Truly, we believe God is sending us “visions” and “dreams” to give us hope. He will hear our prayers and all of yours, and Kris will walk and talk one day soon. She is trying very hard even now to speak. So, as always, we praise an ever faithful God, and we thank you for your prayers, your love and your concerns.

Blessings and love in the Lord,

Carol and George

P.S.

Since you are all such great prayer warriors and have shared our deep concerns for Kris for all these many months, we humbly make a special request. After a conversation with our son, John, on Sunday afternoon, and an email from his wife today, we decided to ask you to add one more name to your prayer lists: our 44-year old son, John Kline.

Some of you may recall he had a melanoma removed from the right side of his head two years ago, and he has had ongoing problems since then and has had to endure various procedures and surgeries. We’ve just learned he will undergo yet another surgery to remove a very painful “bundle” of nerve endings (called a neuroma) at the back of his neck. In addition, there appears to be some sort of lump next to the “bundling” and that should be removed at the same time. A biopsy will predict what will be done and what the outcome should be.

Once this surgery is complete, it is our prayer (as well as that of his wife and family) that John will be pain free for the first time in nearly two years. Your prayers for him, for the pending surgery, and for his complete recovery this time will be sincerely and deeply appreciated.

As always, blessings and thank you so much!

Carol and George

Praise!

Posted on Facebook at 11:30 AM today:

I want to tell you about prayer... it's a powerful thing. God has instructed us to come to Him in prayer for a reason. It brings glory and honor to Him and it's most beneficial to His children. Having said that, I am thrilled to report this morning that Don is feeling better and Mama Trudy is gaining strength! She's requesting certain foods and eating very well. Her appetite is back!!! She walked with her walker this morning and not with my help. Last night was the third night in a row that she did not have a coughing spell!

God is so faithful and I just know He is smiling and saying, "FaceBook may have been created to make money for the creator of it, but I'm using it to bring my family together in unity and love for each other!" God is greater!! Thanks everyone and don't quit praying for each other.

There's also a little baby boy, Noah, who needs our prayers and the healing power of God.

The sun is shining here today, literally! That makes my hubby, who is presently in the kitchen (YAY!!) very happy. :-)

The old conservatism is the new Green

All things come back around.

History is repeated.

Usually for different reasons.

Frugaldom is a new word I’ve created.  It’s the world that Mama Trudy grew up in.  She is a product of The Depression Era. 

For example, she rarely throws away a plastic container, which is not a bad idea when you consider being Greener.  Of course, she doesn’t heat anything in the microwave in them.  But she does freeze leftovers in them.  I’m not at all opposed to reusing these plastic containers a few times.

This is where she stores the plastic lids.

And the subject of this picture motivated this blog post.  When Mama stores something in one of the recycled plastic containers, she takes a piece of masking tape and places it on the lid writing the name of the contents on the tape.  When she removes a container from the freezer or frig, she removes the tape label and attaches it to the side of the container where the lids are stored, to be used again.  She is the queen of recycling. 

Lest you think she forgot she already had a strawberries label, she stored two containers of strawberries at the same time.

C of M.R. Soup = cream of mushroom soup.

I just found this treasure stash…. I’ve been making new labels!!!

And throwing old ones in the trash!!! (Gasp!!)

I grew up in the next generation to the kingdom of frugality.  I remember washing plastic bread sacks and using them.  Mother “washes” aluminum foil and re-uses it.  She uses zip lock plastic bags until they spring a leak.  Rubber bands, twist ties… you never know when you might need them for something.

And no one saves the trees like Mama Trudy… do you want to talk about toilet paper?  No.  I didn’t think so, but I could.

What do you remember your parents or grandparents conserving?

A blast from the past

I love looking at old pictures.  These are of yours truly.

January 1953, taken near our home in west Texas.  I loved our neighbors dog.  Looks like he liked me, too.  I was a tall 3 1/2 year old.

I have absolutely no recollection of why I wore this jackrabbit suit.  I do know that Mama made it and it was for something at school. There’s a lot of starch in those rabbit ears!  I think I was about eight years old here.  Strange what you remember… I remember Mama telling me to hold my hands up like a rabbit when she took this picture.

Moving on to my junior year of high school when I was sweetheart of our local riding club.  Mama made this western outfit of gold and cream lame’ and the blouse was cream colored lace.  It was beautiful.  My horse, a registered Quarter Horse, named Little Jo Jake.  He and I competed in Western Pleasure classes.  He was so easy to ride.

The Resume of Jesus Christ

Address: Ephesians 1:20

Phone: Romans 10:13

Website: The Bible .

Keywords: Christ, Lord, Savior and Jesus

_______________________________

Objective

My name is Jesus -The Christ. Many call me Lord! I've sent you my resume because I'm seeking the top management position in your heart. Please consider my accomplishments as set forth in my resume.

_______________________________

Qualifications

I founded the earth and established the heavens, (See Proverbs 3:19)

I formed man from the dust of the ground, (See Genesis 2:7)

I breathed into man the breath of life, (See Genesis 2:7)

I redeemed man from the curse of the law, (See Galatians 3:13)

The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant comes upon your life through me, (See Galatians 3:14)

_______________________________

Occupational Background

I've only had one employer, (See Luke 2:49 ).

I've never been tardy, absent, disobedient, slothful or disrespectful.

My employer has nothing but rave reviews for me, (See Matthew 3:15 -17)

_______________________________

Skills Work Experiences

Some of my skills and work experiences include: empowering the poor to be poor no more, healing the brokenhearted, setting the captives free, healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind and setting at liberty them that are bruised, (See Luke 4:18).

I am a Wonderful Counselor, (See Isaiah 9:6). People who listen to me shall dwell safely and shall not fear evil, (See Proverbs 1:33 ).

Most importantly, I have the authority, ability and power to cleanse you of your sins, (See I John 1:7-9)

______________________________________

Educational Background

I encompass the entire breadth and length of knowledge, wisdom and understanding, (See Proverbs 2:6).

In me are hid all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, (See Colossians 2:3).

My Word is so powerful; it has been described as being a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path, (See Psalms 119:105).

I can even tell you all of the secrets of your heart, (See Psalms 44:21).

_____________________________

Major Accomplishments

I was an active participant in the greatest Summit Meeting of all times, (See Genesis 1:26 ).

I laid down my life so that you may live, (See II Corinthians 5:15 ).

I defeated the arch enemy of God and mankind and made a show of them openly, (See Colossians 2:15 ).

I've miraculously fed the poor, healed the sick and raised the dead!

There are many more major accomplishments, too many to mention here. You can read them on my website, which is located at: www dot - the BIBLE. You don't need an Internet connection or computer to access my website.

_______________________________

References

Believers and followers worldwide will testify to my divine healing, salvation, deliverance, miracles, restoration and supernatural guidance.

_______________________________

In Summation

Now that you've read my resume, I'm confident that I'm the only candidate uniquely qualified to fill this vital position in your heart. In summation, I will properly direct your paths, (See Proverbs 3:5-6), and lead you into everlasting life, (See John 6:47 ). When can I start? Time is of the essence, (See Hebrews 3:15 ).

Send this resume to everyone you know,
you never know who may have an opening!
Thanks for your help.

...and at His discretion He gives power and strength.

FINALLY!!

Don is here in Georgia with me and my Mama Trudy. He arrived about 4:15 this afternoon and oh how wonderful it is to see him and have him here with us.  And he brought the laptop!! Yay!! So, now I can try and catch up on posting.  I know I will omit some things, but will post the pictures I have taken.

So, check back to blog post dated December 12, 2011 and read forward to follow.

It’s wonderful to be back online on a full screen!

Prayer request:  Don has a miserable cold so prayers for him to get over the cold are greatly appreciated.  Pray also that Mama Trudy and I will be protected from getting a cold.  Thanks.

Cousins, grands, great-grands, second and third cousins…

Nephew, Jamey and his girlfriend, Allyson, arrived about noon from Nashville.

Today is a beautiful day and the great-grands loved playing outside.

Diesel is all boy.  This trick awarded him about four splinters in his hand.

Once in awhile, Camden had to come in and get a game fix.

Sitting around visiting.

I’ve got a feeling that it’s a good thing he’s so cute.

The kids came running in, “Nonnie, Nonnie, come see the dog!” (There are no leash laws in this town, so we get fur-visitors occasionally.) They named him AJ and he loved all the attention the kids gave him.  Yes, he has baby blue, almost white eyes.

AJ didn’t understand facing the camera.

They all wanted their picture taken with AJ.  That’s some cute kids!!

Back inside, cousins Leslie and Jamey, my brother’s youngest.

If these are children of cousins, are they second or third cousins?  I always understood that I was second cousin to my cousin’s kids and my kids were third cousins to my cousin’s kids. It’s all so confusing!!Blaine, Caleb, Emma, Lydia, Camden (in Lydia’s lap), AlexAnn, Sophie.Silly picture time.

Got a great picture of Sophie’s big brother, Caleb.  Other brother, Blake, had other plans tonight.

Upside down time again for Camden.

Lydia took pictures with my camera while I took pictures with my phone.

Cousins, having fun.  We sure missed Tammy and Tommy.

Timmy, Leslie, Jamey, LaNae, Sammy.

There were pictures taken with Mama Trudy and all of us, but it must not have been with my camera.

What a fun day and evening.