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This Too Shall Pass January 19, 2006 - Spokane WA
My husband's mother has passed on. She had been recently diagnosed with cancer, inoperable, but was responding well to chemotherapy. The doctors were optimistic that she could have a year or two left, more if the chemo could reduce the cancer sufficiently. My father in law, who has several health problems, had always believed that he would be the first to go, and was starting to grasp the idea that she might leave him first instead of the other way around, and now she is already gone. She had always seemed so robust, so indestructible, in contrast to his chronic and serious illnesses. On that night she was preparing for bed, and he heard her cry out, unintelligible but definitely in crisis. By the time he reached her, she was collapsed on the bed and not breathing. Paramedics were there pronto, and got her breathing again, restarted her heart, but she never regained consciousness. After two and a half days of the best of care, she breathed her last, peacefully, in the presence of her husband and all her sons. Joe and I are very glad that we did the things for her during her life that we did do, especially treating her and all the extended family to Christmas Dinner at the Davenport Hotel just a month before she left us. The shock and grief will be lessened as time goes on, but the memories will remain.
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The Next of the Next Generation November 9, 2005
A double shot. Double trouble. Both barrels. Double your fun? My poor exhausted daughter in law has endured these two bouncing, blustering, boulder-headed boys beating her up from the inside for months on end now, and has not been allowed out of bed for the last 3 month, to try to hold on to them as long as possible. Well, she has done the impossible, and has delivered them FULL TERM, and each of them right around 7 pounds. You should see my two gruffest and grumpiest sons playing daddy in the recovery room while mommy is zonked out on meds. That is a memory a mother/grandmother will cherish and giggle at forever. My Marine and my truck driver diapering, powdering, catching lost booties, worrying about drafts, and feeding, burping and rocking one tiny smidgen of baby each. And my goofy-in-heaven husband getting his picture taken with a blue-wrapped bundle in the crook of each arm, the silliest grin on his face you can imagine. Well, last year at this time I had 5 grandchildren, now I have 9. What a bumper crop! Maybe we can all take a breather in 2006? The boys are not identical twins, but sooooo close that nobody can tell them apart without the bracelets. Look out world, these two are gonna come charging up together. The first-removed brother is Ethan Michael The second-removed is Ian Gabriel Donald
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The Next of the Next Generation July 25, 2005
My son in TN has been blessed with a daughter, and now has "one of each" as the saying goes. (A tidal wave of grandchildren is on the way, as each of my married kids took me aside in the last several months and said, "mom, guess what"). Well, hello to the second female in this hail of males, and none too soon. It is expected that there will be a preponderance of boys born to this family, but 5 out of 7 is getting to be a bit more than just lopsided. This little girl received from Grandma the most beautiful and individualized crocheted baby blanket so far, and what a terrible trial that was to make since I didn't think far enough ahead before I decided on the design. I am extraordinarily proud, tho, that I was able to pull it off, and in time for the arrival, too. This charming granddaughter had the good sense to be born on my daughter's birthday, which is nice, since it looks like my daughter will never have a daughter of her own. This child is named Madison Sarah
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The Next of the Next Generation July 25, 2005
My son in TN has been blessed with a daughter, and now has "one of each" as the saying goes. (A tidal wave of grandchildren is on the way, as each of my married kids took me aside in the last several months and said, "mom, guess what"). Well, hello to the second female in this hail of males, and none too soon. It is expected that there will be a preponderance of boys born to this family, but 5 out of 7 is getting to be a bit more than just lopsided. This little girl received from Grandma the most beautiful and individualized crocheted baby blanket so far, and what a terrible trial that was to make since I didn't think far enough ahead before I decided on the design. I am extraordinarily proud, tho, that I was able to pull it off, and in time for the arrival, too. This charming granddaughter had the good sense to be born on my daughter's birthday, which is nice, since it looks like my daughter will never have a daughter of her own. Her name is Madison Sarah
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The Next of the Next Generation May 27, 2005 - Spokane WA
My daughter has another son... is anybody shocked here? Son number four is every ounce as cute and cuddly, and as loved, as his rowdy brothers, who are so proud of him they are even telling the hospital nurses that they have a baby brother. Grandma was ready with the 6th in a continuing series of baby blankets, hand made. Not that they are needed after all this proliferation, but you can't stop something like that once you start it. Welcome to the family, grandchild number 6 His name is Caleb John
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Another Homecoming September 15, 2004 - Camp Pendleton CA, Spokane WA
My Marine and his family are heading home, discharged a bit early for medical reasons, but happy enough to be coming back where they belong. I haven't yet met my granddaughter, and can't wait, of course. Neither can my sloppy-hearted husband. He has not had to try to withstand the charms of a girl-child, only little boys, which was difficult enough for him.. (ok, its impossible). It will be a transition from California sun and the ocean and all, and there is no job just waiting for my son here, but I have confidence that he will make his way in the world nonetheless. One by one they are returning, and there is joy.
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Suddenly, With No Warning... January 12, 2004 - Reardan WA, Spokane WA
The day after we had purchased a new car, the first "really new" car, for us, we planed to drive out to my parent's place to show it to them. Calling and calling all morning got no answer, and I was finally worried enough to start calling siblings. Nobody knew anything for a while, but then my mom called each of us with the news that my dad had had a heart attack while shoveling snow. Now this is a man who has worked like three men all his life, active, healthy, no hint of any problems but perhaps a bit of slowing down due to being in his 70s. All check ups are clear each year, and he is even immune to bee bites and can shoot straighter than all his sons. (When he has his glasses on.) However, this heart attack started out almost unnoticed, but by evening they were putting him on the table for a QUINTUPLE bypass, and making my mom sign all kinds of releases and other forms, while all of his children stood around stunned that we might lose this man we have taken for granted as invincible, eternal, and unstoppable. None of us, least of all my mom, was ready to face life without him. When all was over, in the wee hours of the next morning, his diagnosis was excellent, and he will be going home within the week. But it was definitely a shocker, a wake up call, to all of us, including my dad, that it is time to be aware of the possibilities, and take thought for the future. Plans were made, wills were drawn up, lawyers were consulted, and deep breaths were taken. Recovery will be swift now, and complete, for the heart ailment. But no doctor and no medicine can cure the passing of the years. Our own health and our own arrangements should not be put off, either, for the crisis can come Suddenly, With No Warning...
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The Next of the Next Generation February 22, 2003 - Ft Campbell KY
We have an heir to the family surname. One of my sons now has a son, and though my daughter has sons, they will not continue the name she was born to. However, my third child, second son, has been blessed this day with a beautiful healthy son of his own. We celebrate him no less than the others, but no more, for they are all treasures, each and every child. His name is Dylan John
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Milestone June 16, 2002 - Spokane WA
The last of my children is graduated from high school. He has all we can give him, and plans to go to college, but not this first year. All of his brothers went into the military service, but he does not fit that mold, and will be content to find his destiny here at home. Since I miss my kids when they are gone, I can't feel too badly about him breaking the chain. All of my precious, darling babies are now great, hulking adults. It is a good day, with great pride and nagging wistfulness in full measure. I miss them all as they were, when their needs were simple, their problems small, and I could be the one they turned to. Now those days are gone; complications in their lives will be gathering as they struggle through the same joys and despairs that we all have. My life has been simplified too, since I no longer have any direct responsibilities except to myself, my husband, and my God. It is a strange feeling, not to be responsible for anyone anymore, even though this stage in life has been creeping up for a long while, my duties gradually dwindling to nothing over time. I believe I will take everyone's advice, and ENJOY the time I have with my husband, and ENJOY my grandchildren as they grow. May God guide all my children and grant them as much happiness as I have right now.
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The Next of the Next Generation May 23, 2002 - Spokane WA
Another grandson, my daughter's 3rd child. As all of hers are, beautiful, perfect, and already cuddly. I now have four grandchildren, only one of them is a girl, so the family tradition of more boys than girls seems to be continuing. My parents have 27 grandchildren, only 10 of whom are girls. This little boy is just as loved and welcomed as all of the other grandchildren have been. His name is Ryan Elliot
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A Wedding Is Announced September 20, 2001
AFTER THE SEPT 11, 2001 ATTACKS... Which was shortly after my own wedding... my 2nd son and his betrothed had to make some hard choices. They were already planning a wedding for the summer of next year, a nice big church affair with all the trimmings. BUT my son is in the Army, stationed at Ft Campbell, and because of the job he does, is CERTAIN to be deployed to combat overseas as soon as someone decides when and where we are going to go "over there". He will be among the first to be deployed, and because of the type of combat he will be in , there is a good chance he will come back crippled or not at all. Like many thousands and millions of couples faced with the same bleak future, in the face of all the wars since time began, they decided to get married NOW. So with a couple of calls to relatives, they went before a justice of the peace and tied the knot. Nobody was surprised, but all were disappointed at missing the most joyful day of their young lives, and frightened at the fast-changing world and the parts our children will have to play in it. And their children. May God bless, strengthen, and preserve all who find themselves risking their lives and their futures for the well-being of this great country of ours, and may this conflict have a righteous and world-calming result. My God also bless those families, like ours, who sit and wait, and the leaders who have the responsibility for making judgments and crafting strategies for the safety of my son, his comrades in arms, the country itself, and the world.
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Taking 2nd Chances September 5, 2001 - Spokane WA
Wednesday, Wedding Day. St. Anthony's Catholic Church, a tiny, intimate, and beautifully appointed church, with gorgeously intense colors, intricate gold and charmingly old fashioned statues. My dress echoes the colors of the church itself. A lovely, moderate, and brightly glowing evening. All of the planning, most of the necessaries were done by me, made by hand. I made my own dress, the veil, the church decorations, the bouquets and lapel pins. I chose the readings in the Mass, the names of the listed saints, the songs sung, and the menu of the reception. I decorated for the reception too. I had help blowing up balloons, the cake was purchased, and my daughter brought the simple refreshments. We had about 50 guests, and brought the whole thing off, including the purchase of the 3 rings, for about $700. We are a renaissance couple, no? Do-it- yourself is a great way to save money, and derive deep meaning from all aspects of the event. I am very proud of us. My husband and I stayed late after all had gone home, and finished the rest of the clean-up ourselves, as the guests either had to work early, drive a long way, or had tired kids to put to bed. Not the most romantic scene, you would think, but we were alone together. A very late wedding homecoming, about 1 in the morning, and we both had to work the next day, but we normally keep late hours as we both work 2nd shift. A very satisfying event, now that almost all of my family agreed to attend; all of his family and his childhood friends were there. We were so high with love, with the event, we were both nearly giggling like kids throughout the ceremony. My mother shed tears, as expected, but astonishingly, so did my daughter. Everyone was pleased, pleasant, and enjoyed the evening. I am married... something I scarecely dared to hope in the secret places of my heart in the years of my deepest heartache 2 decades ago... something my heart barely whispered in prayer as my recovery, and then this relationship, advanced... something I nearly gave up on as the years and the obstacles mounted. I am amazed, humbled and elated. I am able to love someone, devote my life to him, and he has loved and devoted his life to me. We are one, and I am whole. I praise God for his great and mysterious works, for this man he has made, and this chance that he gives to both of us.
Helenna's LifePath entries
Helenna
Female,
located in
Spokane, WA
Eons member since Jan 10, 2007
