I've tried several times to tell this story ...but the computer shuts down just about the time I am ready to publish..So with weary eye I'm watching the signal...
and I'll make it brief.
Wednesday night before flying to Colorado to see Elizabeth's graduation I was too restless to climb into be, besides the suitcase was there and I had already packed the Bi-pap machine. I fell asleep in my recliner.
Suddenly I awoke and was startled the feel a strong wind and rain on my right cheek. I started to get out of the recliner when I realized that the windows were closed and it was not raining outside. I touched my cheek, it was so real..that moist feeling..Then I checked the time on my clock and noted it was about 1 AM on Thursday morning..I then realized what had happened and made note of the time.
"Good-by, Lois, thank you for the kiss."
It was not until I arrived in Denver that I was able to call the family. They confirmed that my patient, their mother, died sometime early Thursday morning. She was a good friend and I look forward to greeting her when it is my turn to cross..
Another angel story for my family, MOM
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
BIG flat tire
I was working inside the barn and hear Dad talking with Joanne. He was a little bamfuzzled as to how the big diesel tractor tire on the right had gone flat. The tires on tractors are often bigger than the driver; at least this driver and I had a secret!
Dad had sent me out to harrow the field across the road from the farm house. The harrow was in three sections, one directly behind the tractor then wings and each side. It was equiped with thick spikes that broke up clods of dirt as it was dragged behind. To be effective the tractor needed to be driven at a moderate speed and slow turns so the wings of the harrow would not leave the ground.
I do not know why I was in a hurry that day but I was rather heavy handed...that seems to have spread down to my right foot today. Anyway, I knew that I could not come home for supper until the job was done and it was a BIG field. The tractor had another neat feature..double wheel brakes. On the left side of the tractor wheel where to pedals. step on both and both wheels break , step on the left and just the left wheel breaks...get the picture..you can do real tight turns amost in circles if you are moving fast enough and I was. I made one of these tight turns and realized my mistake when I saw the left wing of the harrow fly up over my shoulder. I stood on both breaks hard! Turned and realized that one of those spikes was stuck in the left big wheel of Dad's prize tractor.
I studied the problem and recognized that if I pulled foreward I would be driving the spike even further into the tire..So...I slowly backed up the tractor to release pressure on the spike (if you have ever done this you know that one thing you can't do with a harrow is back up!) and then, I pushed with all my might and released the spike from the tire treads and pushed it on over.
It wasn't until much later that I realized what a miracle this had been...A few inches more and that spike would have landed into my back or head. I never told Dad...Love, Mom
Dad had sent me out to harrow the field across the road from the farm house. The harrow was in three sections, one directly behind the tractor then wings and each side. It was equiped with thick spikes that broke up clods of dirt as it was dragged behind. To be effective the tractor needed to be driven at a moderate speed and slow turns so the wings of the harrow would not leave the ground.
I do not know why I was in a hurry that day but I was rather heavy handed...that seems to have spread down to my right foot today. Anyway, I knew that I could not come home for supper until the job was done and it was a BIG field. The tractor had another neat feature..double wheel brakes. On the left side of the tractor wheel where to pedals. step on both and both wheels break , step on the left and just the left wheel breaks...get the picture..you can do real tight turns amost in circles if you are moving fast enough and I was. I made one of these tight turns and realized my mistake when I saw the left wing of the harrow fly up over my shoulder. I stood on both breaks hard! Turned and realized that one of those spikes was stuck in the left big wheel of Dad's prize tractor.
I studied the problem and recognized that if I pulled foreward I would be driving the spike even further into the tire..So...I slowly backed up the tractor to release pressure on the spike (if you have ever done this you know that one thing you can't do with a harrow is back up!) and then, I pushed with all my might and released the spike from the tire treads and pushed it on over.
It wasn't until much later that I realized what a miracle this had been...A few inches more and that spike would have landed into my back or head. I never told Dad...Love, Mom
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Stories of Grandpa Gano
Dad had just bought a deisel Ford tractor that became his pride and joy. There was one problem..no one to help him in the fields when he had to get supplies or milk the cows..He came to me one day and told me to come along with him he was going to teach me how to drive the tractor..That was a pretty big task considering I still did not have my drive's license.
He climbed up onto the seat and had me come up beside him and sit on the fender telling me to hold on tight and watch what he did. He had already plowed the field and disced it once but it need the clods knocked down some more. I watched him closely while hanging on to my bucking perch. He placed the tractor in gear, lowered the hydrolic bar that secured the disc and pulled the gas lever down and around the field when when, when he came to the end of the field he reversed the procedure: lifted the disc, pushed up the gas lever and swung the tractor around to make the next pass. We got to the end of the row where we had started and he stopped and told me to trade places with him . There was about 100feet left on the row and the wire fence was just ahead.
It was now Dad's turn to hang on tight and I continued the discking as I had seen dad do. Then I came to the end of the field. With great expertise I levered the hydrolic up, pushed the lever .....down, just the opposite of what I was too do. This sent the big deisel racing toward the fence and without the drag of the disc I was movin' fast. I stomped with both feet on the breaks, throwing my self almost over the steering wheel! Sure that I had thrown dad off the tractor I was relieved and scared to see him still hanging on for dear life. Then there was the tractor..the brand new headlight was hooked into the wire fencing which was leaning over precariously under the frount tire.
Fearfully I looked at dad, sure he would yell at me to get off and go to the house. There was a long pause, then dad said, "Daughter, do you think you can back this tractor up without pulling of the headlight?" I could only nod in an afirmative, I slowly edged off the fence with the headlight slipping out from under it's clutches. I braked again and put the tractor in neutral preparing to get off and let Dad finished the job.. To my surprise it was Dad that got off and just said over the shoulder, "Finish the job, come in when it is done."
Dad had me working for him on the farm for most of the summer. I could do a mean job of plowing, discing and harrowing (there's another story there) but when dad had me use the cultivator I tore up more corn and weeds...I became quite the farmer's daughter.
He climbed up onto the seat and had me come up beside him and sit on the fender telling me to hold on tight and watch what he did. He had already plowed the field and disced it once but it need the clods knocked down some more. I watched him closely while hanging on to my bucking perch. He placed the tractor in gear, lowered the hydrolic bar that secured the disc and pulled the gas lever down and around the field when when, when he came to the end of the field he reversed the procedure: lifted the disc, pushed up the gas lever and swung the tractor around to make the next pass. We got to the end of the row where we had started and he stopped and told me to trade places with him . There was about 100feet left on the row and the wire fence was just ahead.
It was now Dad's turn to hang on tight and I continued the discking as I had seen dad do. Then I came to the end of the field. With great expertise I levered the hydrolic up, pushed the lever .....down, just the opposite of what I was too do. This sent the big deisel racing toward the fence and without the drag of the disc I was movin' fast. I stomped with both feet on the breaks, throwing my self almost over the steering wheel! Sure that I had thrown dad off the tractor I was relieved and scared to see him still hanging on for dear life. Then there was the tractor..the brand new headlight was hooked into the wire fencing which was leaning over precariously under the frount tire.
Fearfully I looked at dad, sure he would yell at me to get off and go to the house. There was a long pause, then dad said, "Daughter, do you think you can back this tractor up without pulling of the headlight?" I could only nod in an afirmative, I slowly edged off the fence with the headlight slipping out from under it's clutches. I braked again and put the tractor in neutral preparing to get off and let Dad finished the job.. To my surprise it was Dad that got off and just said over the shoulder, "Finish the job, come in when it is done."
Dad had me working for him on the farm for most of the summer. I could do a mean job of plowing, discing and harrowing (there's another story there) but when dad had me use the cultivator I tore up more corn and weeds...I became quite the farmer's daughter.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
From The Master's Garden
The Election
Once upon a time within a corner of the Master's garden there wa a congreagtion of well tended flowers. Their neatly manicured appearance indicated the love and concern of the Master Gardener. A few undesirable, weeds, could be found still among them. There were allowed to stay for fear that their removal would destroy the root of the flower next to it. Maybe the weed, blown by a mischivious breeze, had taken root in the ame inch of sod in which a more delicate flower had sproted. Yet the garden was a delight to behold and as long as the flowers thrived the weeds were allowed to stay.
One day the tranquility of the garden was rippled into disturbance by the shrill cray of a jay alerting the flowers of an important visitor's arrival. A whimsical breeze carried the message along untill all the residents of the garden were aware of the stranger's presence.
"He has been sent by the Master to see how we are doing!" the comlubine said as she pincher her cheeks to make them glow a brighter red.
The know-it-all Jack-in-the-Pulpit announced: "I am sure he will have a special message for me!"
"Oh, how exciting!" sighed a little violet huddled in a corner at the edge of the garden.
"I think I should be sigled out for my good works." said the marigold. " for I have done my job well and have kept those pesky insects out of my part of the garden!"
"humph!" snorted the haughty rose. "Your smell alone will single you out! As for me, He will surely noted my delicate scent and the velvity texture of my scarlet petals."
"It is my opinion," stated the practical zennia, "that we will all get our just reward when we are called before the Master. Surely my endurance should receive recognition. My family has always had sturdy roots and we have been faithful in maintianing the beauty of this garden for years despite the hot days of summer. I cannot think of any thing more that I would be expected to do."
The violet was very impressed. " How important you al are and so lovely, too. You really all deserve much praise." she said.
Little Miss Morning Glory only whimpered as she began to tuck her petals away, "The sun is too warm today, and my work is too taxing for me. I think I've done my share today, let someon else carry on>" and she faded into the shadow of her twinging leaves.
You should be more lke me." chastised the robust Sunflower. "See how tall I stand to do my work? I am proud to be seen by others while I am growing in the Master's garden."
The timid violet only whispered to herself, "How I would love to do more for my Master. I would give up all my blossoms and roots for Him. Maybe, if I look around I may find a way to his His love and wisdom with someone who needs attention. I would do more if He would only ask."
"Nobody ever notices me, but I care my share of the load around here, you can be sure!" sniffled the eary eyed petunia.
The tall beared Iris, uhumped! "Quiet, he is drawing near!"
The stranger drew closer and the bravado of the flowers quieted. They showed respect for they could tell he was a obvious representative of their Master. He began to speak. He told them of the Master's love for each one of the residents of the garden, even the violet that some considered a worthless flower. Some of the flowers even had hinted at times that the violet should not be in the Master's garden because "It is really a weed, you know."
The flowers became quiet as he told them how important each one was to the Master. He walked about the garden admiring how beautiful each flower was. The red cheeks of the colombine, the soft petals of the rose, the robust fragrance of the marigold and the proud sunflower. Then he paused.
Silence..
"What is wrong, " quirred the white lilly of the valley and she tinkled her bells anxiously.
"Is he sick?" whispered the nasturcium.
"I don know. lisped the aster.
"Hush-up!" Snapped the short tempered snap dragon. "Can't you se somethin special is about to happen. Maybe he is communicating with the Master!"
Again the visitor began to spak and he spoke with an unshakable authroity.
"There is one among you that has received the highest gift the master can give....."
The congregation of flowers rippled with anticipation. Heads bobbed and twisted about as they whispered , "Whol will it be ? Will it be Me?"
"Sunflower and Zinia deserve such an award thought the violet., "Or maybe the Lilly, she is always so pious. I see here praying all the time."
The visitor began speaking once more: "There is one present here, today, whose calling and elections hs been made sure. They will receive thisgreatest of blessings because they have desired to do their Master's bidding witout thought of workly recognitior or acclamation."
"There are many others who are here that are working hard to build the Master's kingodm and their good works do not go unnoticed but again I must say to all present, that whe you sound a trumpet to show the world the good that you have done and receive the glory of men, surely that will be your reward. But, when you do your work humbly and in secret surely the master will see what good you have done and he will reward you openly".
Silence hung over the garden.
The little violet waited in breathless anticipation for the announcement, " How grand it would be if I could know so great a person." With all her being she hoped that it would be one of her friends.
The stranger spoke...and it was her name he called!
"Why does he call my naem? Surely it is a mistake. There are others far more important thant I," she prtested, her voice barely a whisper.
"Dear violet," said the visitor, " You are the on the Master whishes to honr this day. You have done well and beloved of the Master for you have been willing to give your life for Him."
after the visitor left their corner of the garden many of the flowers dwelled on the message he had given them. There were some who resolved to live a better life. Some who were rankled because they had not been chosen to receive the honor..maybe they had roots that had been too long against a weed. But in a corner of the gardent he violet marveled at what she had seen and heard, and pondered this special blessing within her hearg, and for all those who have ears, let them hear; for these are the happenings in the Master's garden.
Once upon a time within a corner of the Master's garden there wa a congreagtion of well tended flowers. Their neatly manicured appearance indicated the love and concern of the Master Gardener. A few undesirable, weeds, could be found still among them. There were allowed to stay for fear that their removal would destroy the root of the flower next to it. Maybe the weed, blown by a mischivious breeze, had taken root in the ame inch of sod in which a more delicate flower had sproted. Yet the garden was a delight to behold and as long as the flowers thrived the weeds were allowed to stay.
One day the tranquility of the garden was rippled into disturbance by the shrill cray of a jay alerting the flowers of an important visitor's arrival. A whimsical breeze carried the message along untill all the residents of the garden were aware of the stranger's presence.
"He has been sent by the Master to see how we are doing!" the comlubine said as she pincher her cheeks to make them glow a brighter red.
The know-it-all Jack-in-the-Pulpit announced: "I am sure he will have a special message for me!"
"Oh, how exciting!" sighed a little violet huddled in a corner at the edge of the garden.
"I think I should be sigled out for my good works." said the marigold. " for I have done my job well and have kept those pesky insects out of my part of the garden!"
"humph!" snorted the haughty rose. "Your smell alone will single you out! As for me, He will surely noted my delicate scent and the velvity texture of my scarlet petals."
"It is my opinion," stated the practical zennia, "that we will all get our just reward when we are called before the Master. Surely my endurance should receive recognition. My family has always had sturdy roots and we have been faithful in maintianing the beauty of this garden for years despite the hot days of summer. I cannot think of any thing more that I would be expected to do."
The violet was very impressed. " How important you al are and so lovely, too. You really all deserve much praise." she said.
Little Miss Morning Glory only whimpered as she began to tuck her petals away, "The sun is too warm today, and my work is too taxing for me. I think I've done my share today, let someon else carry on>" and she faded into the shadow of her twinging leaves.
You should be more lke me." chastised the robust Sunflower. "See how tall I stand to do my work? I am proud to be seen by others while I am growing in the Master's garden."
The timid violet only whispered to herself, "How I would love to do more for my Master. I would give up all my blossoms and roots for Him. Maybe, if I look around I may find a way to his His love and wisdom with someone who needs attention. I would do more if He would only ask."
"Nobody ever notices me, but I care my share of the load around here, you can be sure!" sniffled the eary eyed petunia.
The tall beared Iris, uhumped! "Quiet, he is drawing near!"
The stranger drew closer and the bravado of the flowers quieted. They showed respect for they could tell he was a obvious representative of their Master. He began to speak. He told them of the Master's love for each one of the residents of the garden, even the violet that some considered a worthless flower. Some of the flowers even had hinted at times that the violet should not be in the Master's garden because "It is really a weed, you know."
The flowers became quiet as he told them how important each one was to the Master. He walked about the garden admiring how beautiful each flower was. The red cheeks of the colombine, the soft petals of the rose, the robust fragrance of the marigold and the proud sunflower. Then he paused.
Silence..
"What is wrong, " quirred the white lilly of the valley and she tinkled her bells anxiously.
"Is he sick?" whispered the nasturcium.
"I don know. lisped the aster.
"Hush-up!" Snapped the short tempered snap dragon. "Can't you se somethin special is about to happen. Maybe he is communicating with the Master!"
Again the visitor began to spak and he spoke with an unshakable authroity.
"There is one among you that has received the highest gift the master can give....."
The congregation of flowers rippled with anticipation. Heads bobbed and twisted about as they whispered , "Whol will it be ? Will it be Me?"
"Sunflower and Zinia deserve such an award thought the violet., "Or maybe the Lilly, she is always so pious. I see here praying all the time."
The visitor began speaking once more: "There is one present here, today, whose calling and elections hs been made sure. They will receive thisgreatest of blessings because they have desired to do their Master's bidding witout thought of workly recognitior or acclamation."
"There are many others who are here that are working hard to build the Master's kingodm and their good works do not go unnoticed but again I must say to all present, that whe you sound a trumpet to show the world the good that you have done and receive the glory of men, surely that will be your reward. But, when you do your work humbly and in secret surely the master will see what good you have done and he will reward you openly".
Silence hung over the garden.
The little violet waited in breathless anticipation for the announcement, " How grand it would be if I could know so great a person." With all her being she hoped that it would be one of her friends.
The stranger spoke...and it was her name he called!
"Why does he call my naem? Surely it is a mistake. There are others far more important thant I," she prtested, her voice barely a whisper.
"Dear violet," said the visitor, " You are the on the Master whishes to honr this day. You have done well and beloved of the Master for you have been willing to give your life for Him."
after the visitor left their corner of the garden many of the flowers dwelled on the message he had given them. There were some who resolved to live a better life. Some who were rankled because they had not been chosen to receive the honor..maybe they had roots that had been too long against a weed. But in a corner of the gardent he violet marveled at what she had seen and heard, and pondered this special blessing within her hearg, and for all those who have ears, let them hear; for these are the happenings in the Master's garden.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Prayer
I have a testimony...I guess I need to share it with you as a part of this blog.
I remember being taught in Primary in Mesa, Arizona about God listening to prayers. I decided I needed to try it out one day because I lost my lunch money. I was skipping along the sidewalk in the early morning on my way to Lincoln Memorial listening to the gingle in my pocket coming from my lunch money mother had given me that morning. Suddenly, I realized that I was not hearing that sweet clinking sound and stopped and checked my pockets..my money was gone! I looked around and did not see it it and started to cry! What would I do for lunch? What would my mother say! So I decided I needed to check out my Primary teacher's wisdom..Said a little prayer and started to retrace my path..There they were! right there where they had bounced out of my pocket! I was convinced that prayer works..
Many years and prayers later we were living on Clinch Mountain..Robert had been given a key to a neighbor's home so he could care for their yard . I was getting aggitated ( I think I did that all too frequently) because we were ready to leave in our RV and go on vacation but could not leave until that key was found. I went though jean pockets, looked under beds, pulled back sheets and did a lot of useless yelling, mostly at Robert but could not find that key. I finally turned to Robert and in a voice of total disgust told him that the only way we could find that key would have the Lord help us. We knelt down beside Robert's bed and requested help in finding the key so we could be about out business. The "amen" was said, I stood up and started to relook at everywhere I had been before but suddenly , there on that worn out linolium was the key! I know it wasn't there before! but it was there now. Thanks, Lord , I needed to know you cared.
Joanne, Kathy and I were waiting at the Cedar Rapids airport waiting for our sister, Barbara, to fly in for dad's funeral. The day had started out with severe fog and weather had not lifted as the morning progressed. We could hear the overhead speaker announce delay after delay including the flight Barbara was on. The announcement came over that Barbara's flight was circling the airport but weather was too dense to land, if weather did not break in 15 min. the airplane would be diverted to St Louis. We sisters looked at each other and knew that we did not have time to go to St Louis before dad's planned visitation. The only option I could think to do was take our problem to the Lord in prayer..We held hands there in that little corner of the airport and I acted as voice telling God that we needed the weather to clear so that Barbara could join us for dad's funeral. Amens were said and the airport announcer came on overhead and said the flight had landed ...and Barbara was walking down the hallway with bags in tow. No other flights were able to land...Thanks, Lord, We needed to know you cared.
T and I rented an Enterprise van to take some of the Hight Priests and their wives to the temple in Nashville. We went on Friday and came back on Saturday afternoon. All was well until the van started to stall and slow down on I-40 traffic. Something was wrong with the engine. Enterprise was called and said we could wait 4 hours while the got another van to us or we could try to limp back to Sevierville. I guess you know what we did...and while we did not break any speed limits or even make the speed limit we were able to make it home safely.. I did not think it unusual to ask the Lord to help us make it home but some years later Bro Ross, who was driving the van, said he knew that the only way we made it home safely was the prayers that had been said.. Thank you, Lord for listening..
I remember being taught in Primary in Mesa, Arizona about God listening to prayers. I decided I needed to try it out one day because I lost my lunch money. I was skipping along the sidewalk in the early morning on my way to Lincoln Memorial listening to the gingle in my pocket coming from my lunch money mother had given me that morning. Suddenly, I realized that I was not hearing that sweet clinking sound and stopped and checked my pockets..my money was gone! I looked around and did not see it it and started to cry! What would I do for lunch? What would my mother say! So I decided I needed to check out my Primary teacher's wisdom..Said a little prayer and started to retrace my path..There they were! right there where they had bounced out of my pocket! I was convinced that prayer works..
Many years and prayers later we were living on Clinch Mountain..Robert had been given a key to a neighbor's home so he could care for their yard . I was getting aggitated ( I think I did that all too frequently) because we were ready to leave in our RV and go on vacation but could not leave until that key was found. I went though jean pockets, looked under beds, pulled back sheets and did a lot of useless yelling, mostly at Robert but could not find that key. I finally turned to Robert and in a voice of total disgust told him that the only way we could find that key would have the Lord help us. We knelt down beside Robert's bed and requested help in finding the key so we could be about out business. The "amen" was said, I stood up and started to relook at everywhere I had been before but suddenly , there on that worn out linolium was the key! I know it wasn't there before! but it was there now. Thanks, Lord , I needed to know you cared.
Joanne, Kathy and I were waiting at the Cedar Rapids airport waiting for our sister, Barbara, to fly in for dad's funeral. The day had started out with severe fog and weather had not lifted as the morning progressed. We could hear the overhead speaker announce delay after delay including the flight Barbara was on. The announcement came over that Barbara's flight was circling the airport but weather was too dense to land, if weather did not break in 15 min. the airplane would be diverted to St Louis. We sisters looked at each other and knew that we did not have time to go to St Louis before dad's planned visitation. The only option I could think to do was take our problem to the Lord in prayer..We held hands there in that little corner of the airport and I acted as voice telling God that we needed the weather to clear so that Barbara could join us for dad's funeral. Amens were said and the airport announcer came on overhead and said the flight had landed ...and Barbara was walking down the hallway with bags in tow. No other flights were able to land...Thanks, Lord, We needed to know you cared.
T and I rented an Enterprise van to take some of the Hight Priests and their wives to the temple in Nashville. We went on Friday and came back on Saturday afternoon. All was well until the van started to stall and slow down on I-40 traffic. Something was wrong with the engine. Enterprise was called and said we could wait 4 hours while the got another van to us or we could try to limp back to Sevierville. I guess you know what we did...and while we did not break any speed limits or even make the speed limit we were able to make it home safely.. I did not think it unusual to ask the Lord to help us make it home but some years later Bro Ross, who was driving the van, said he knew that the only way we made it home safely was the prayers that had been said.. Thank you, Lord for listening..
Angel at the Wheel
It was the end of summer and Mom had her Falcon repaired after my accident. We were all piled into this small car : Mom, Dad, Kathy and some of Joanne's children..Mother decided I needed experience in long distance driving and we were headed West..I am not sure of our destination..I had managed to navigate through Souix City, Iowa in the northwest corner of the state, got through the city and was on its western edge. Sometime earlier it had rained and big eighteen wheelers had left deep ruts on the side of the road not too far from a truckstop. There I looked up and saw the big rig coming at me and I pulled over in my lane as far as I could to let him get by me...Then it happened, the right frount wheel dropped into the deep rut along side of the road. The inexperienced drive that I was I jerked the car back on the pavement..overcompensating and I looked up to see the grill of the semi bearing down on me. My last thought at the time was, "I've killed my family!" braked and closed my eyes. Next thing I new was off on the side of the road almost in the truckstop parking lot shaking like a leaf. This sudden rocking of the car woke Dad and he said, "I think I better drive now." I did not give him any argument.
Many years later I was talking to Kathy about stories of our family and told Kathy that I did not know how we were not killed when the truck was bearing down on us unless there was an angel at the wheel. "Wow," Kathy said, "I just thought you were a great driver to get out of that". She too remembers seeing the truck bearing down on us and suddenly were were stopped and safe..
So, who wants to ride with Grandma!?
Love, Mom
Many years later I was talking to Kathy about stories of our family and told Kathy that I did not know how we were not killed when the truck was bearing down on us unless there was an angel at the wheel. "Wow," Kathy said, "I just thought you were a great driver to get out of that". She too remembers seeing the truck bearing down on us and suddenly were were stopped and safe..
So, who wants to ride with Grandma!?
Love, Mom
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Tales From the Past
Here's another story..I think it rather amazing..
During the summer between by junior and senior year at Van Buren County Highschool I wanted a job off of the farm..I talked my mother in letting me take her little Falcon stationwagonand along with Sharon Hervey (aunt Sharon to some of you) went job hunting in the great city of Fairfield , Iowa.
We both filled out applications and by the end of the day I was very tired. I left Sharon off at Beer's Television store where her brother worked (yeah, it was Hollis) and headed out to the farm. Hiway #1 junctioned into Hiway #2 called the "Y" and this road was in the process of being directed. The signs giving directions were frequently gone and as I made the turn West towards the farm I saw two cars pulled over on the edge of the road. I noted that one was an older couple looking at a road mad and another car who I did not see well.
Back in the early 60's the speed limit was 70 mph..This was always a little interesting to be clipping along that fast and meet an 18 wheeler coming at you on those too narrow roads that had the edges turned up on each side to throw you back into the center...often into the oncoming vehicle. So, there I was , just picking up speed and noting the cars pulled over to the side on my right I moved my car to the left to give them a wide birth and accelerated to get around and pick of my travelin' speed.
Something went wrong at just that point. I turned the steering wheel back to bring the Falcon back onto my side of the road and the car started to respond...then the steering wheel did the most crazy thing it just spun around and around as I tried to get the car under control. I supose I breaked , and lost control...found myself rolling end-over-end and rolling sideways at the same time. When the Mother's car came to rest it was on its wheels heading East on the opposite side of the road. I was lying sideways on the frount bench seat with clods of grassy dirt all around me..Remember, this was a time when seat belts were not part of a car's standard equipment. I can remember my thighs coming up against the steering wheel of the car.
I slowly set up, just in time to see one of the other drivers who had parked on the side of the road come racing over and open then door and ask if I was ok.. He was shaking..and I think he had made a pit stop at one of the taverns in Keosauqua. I was shaken..but was scared to think what mother was going to say about her car!..
It was another time, another age and when this salesman, at least that is who he said he was, offered to drive my to the farmhouse I accepted. Mother immediately called Dr Worrell, our family doctor and persuaded him to look at me in his livingroom...So back into town I went..must have been in the dad's pick-up...Doc looked me over..I was breathing and talking ..so he pronounced me fit and sent me home.
Mother had to put her car into Loeffler's garage for repair was was upset that Mr. Loeffler bid the repairs just a few dollars below what the insurance company would have declared the car "totaled". Mother informed me I could work off the repairs on the farm..I did not need a job in Fairfield.
Dad had several questions..like , was I speeding (no, I was just picking up speed after the turn). Was there a bee in the car that distracted me..(no). Did I fall asleep? (No). There was a sheriff's report but no charges filed. 20 years or so later while working at the Van Buren Co Hospital I had Mr Loeffler as a patient. He remembered me and my mother's Falcon and asked if anyone ever told me what happened. He then related that that model of Falcon was known to rust out at the support that connected the frame to the body of the car. The amazing accident was due to rust...and maybe one of my angels... saved me. I think I have kept them busy.
There will be more to follow....Love, Mom
During the summer between by junior and senior year at Van Buren County Highschool I wanted a job off of the farm..I talked my mother in letting me take her little Falcon stationwagonand along with Sharon Hervey (aunt Sharon to some of you) went job hunting in the great city of Fairfield , Iowa.
We both filled out applications and by the end of the day I was very tired. I left Sharon off at Beer's Television store where her brother worked (yeah, it was Hollis) and headed out to the farm. Hiway #1 junctioned into Hiway #2 called the "Y" and this road was in the process of being directed. The signs giving directions were frequently gone and as I made the turn West towards the farm I saw two cars pulled over on the edge of the road. I noted that one was an older couple looking at a road mad and another car who I did not see well.
Back in the early 60's the speed limit was 70 mph..This was always a little interesting to be clipping along that fast and meet an 18 wheeler coming at you on those too narrow roads that had the edges turned up on each side to throw you back into the center...often into the oncoming vehicle. So, there I was , just picking up speed and noting the cars pulled over to the side on my right I moved my car to the left to give them a wide birth and accelerated to get around and pick of my travelin' speed.
Something went wrong at just that point. I turned the steering wheel back to bring the Falcon back onto my side of the road and the car started to respond...then the steering wheel did the most crazy thing it just spun around and around as I tried to get the car under control. I supose I breaked , and lost control...found myself rolling end-over-end and rolling sideways at the same time. When the Mother's car came to rest it was on its wheels heading East on the opposite side of the road. I was lying sideways on the frount bench seat with clods of grassy dirt all around me..Remember, this was a time when seat belts were not part of a car's standard equipment. I can remember my thighs coming up against the steering wheel of the car.
I slowly set up, just in time to see one of the other drivers who had parked on the side of the road come racing over and open then door and ask if I was ok.. He was shaking..and I think he had made a pit stop at one of the taverns in Keosauqua. I was shaken..but was scared to think what mother was going to say about her car!..
It was another time, another age and when this salesman, at least that is who he said he was, offered to drive my to the farmhouse I accepted. Mother immediately called Dr Worrell, our family doctor and persuaded him to look at me in his livingroom...So back into town I went..must have been in the dad's pick-up...Doc looked me over..I was breathing and talking ..so he pronounced me fit and sent me home.
Mother had to put her car into Loeffler's garage for repair was was upset that Mr. Loeffler bid the repairs just a few dollars below what the insurance company would have declared the car "totaled". Mother informed me I could work off the repairs on the farm..I did not need a job in Fairfield.
Dad had several questions..like , was I speeding (no, I was just picking up speed after the turn). Was there a bee in the car that distracted me..(no). Did I fall asleep? (No). There was a sheriff's report but no charges filed. 20 years or so later while working at the Van Buren Co Hospital I had Mr Loeffler as a patient. He remembered me and my mother's Falcon and asked if anyone ever told me what happened. He then related that that model of Falcon was known to rust out at the support that connected the frame to the body of the car. The amazing accident was due to rust...and maybe one of my angels... saved me. I think I have kept them busy.
There will be more to follow....Love, Mom
Sunday, June 15, 2008
penny on the floor
I have a family that are part native American...They have been experiencing some interesting events..like the water facet in the bathroom turning on and no one in the bathroom..things like that..Then one daughter told me that they are finding pennys on the floor...So I had to ask of the significance...When you find a penny on the floor it means someone from the other side is leaving a message that they are there...what a neat thought...I wonder what it means when I find quarters? Love , Mom
Saturday, June 14, 2008
singing angels
I was visiting a patient that has alzheimer's disease..There are moments that his family live for when he has very short periods of lucidity. I found him in his room, in bed, he did not acknowledge my being there but was singing random musical tones. I tried to match it by singing a hymn with him. He was looking heavenward and said "There are angels here, some of them are fallen angels." His wife thought he was talking about my singing but he continued to ramble on about the angels singing with him..then he stopped, looked directly at me and said, "You have angels around you." I replied that , yes, I know that...Then he slipped back into rambling about angels in the room and fallen angels and returned to staring at the ceiling...This was significant to me, and touched me greatly...Just the weekend before Kris had been to my home and gave me a Priesthood blessing and in it mentioned that because I no longer had my family about me that there would be angels around me. I continue to mingle with the angels.
Friday, June 13, 2008
electronically challenged
HEY! I finally made it on my blog page!..Thanks to Beth for setting it up..now I just have to let all you children know... Beth wrote detailed instructions..but it took me a while to figure out out to make it work..then there is the internet kicking me off all to quickly..
Latest stories..: Thursday I left home at 6:30am and got home from work at 10:45pm...Long day but Friday is my scheduled day to be off...I was on my way home Thursday...reported in to the office that it was 6pm and on my way home. and in a rural mountain area almost in Kentucky. My supervisor advised me that one of my patients had just died...and oncall nurse was in Knoxville 65 miles away....and since I was closer ( only 35 miles away) would I like to go make the terminial visit?...Hey, they were my family...I had just been there a few hours earlier and new it would not be long...but you can never outguess God.. He had been my patient for only a few days and felt that I still needed to build raport with wife and family...Family was doing very well...strong Baptist faith..Sister-in-law told me that her sister was living in Kansas when she learned of her husband's diagnosis.."I prayed to the Lord that he would send them back to Tennessee so she would not be alone when he died.. The Lord is good, He sent them back here just in time." Before I left their home for the last time his wife hugged me, "I don't know how you can do this." she whispered in my ear...I whispered back.."I get to mingle with the angels."
Two weeks ago I was scheduled to see a patient here in Sevier county..It was the end of the day..and the week...His primary nurse had reported that death was immenent so I was not suprised to see him with labored breathing, he responded slightly to me when I arrived and I was in the process of checking his pain pump readings and taking vital signs when I realized that he was transitioning to the other side. His wife was beside me...and when I confirmed what she was seeing she asked me to gather the family around his bed...He passed peacefully and family said the roseary and Lord's prayer. There is always somethings special about the love that eminates in a room at this time...Just before the funeral staff arrived I asked the family if I could sing to them a little hymn, they agreed and I sang, "God Be With You til We Meet Again." When I finished a brother that arrived from out of state told this story: I have worked with hospice teams in the past and most recently with an uncle who just past a few months ago. His daughter was felt the loss of her father and was continuing to grieve..One night she had a dream where her father came to her and said , "Do not cry for me I am with my mother and father and baby sister. There are flowers and bright sunlight all around and I am waiting for my turn to go meet Jesus." The daughter asked her mother that next day if daddy had a baby sister , Her mother affirmed but said I didn't think you knew about her. Needless to say this story brought great peace to her..."Goin' Home" seemed appropriate..so I sang it...As I said before, I get to mingle with angels....I'm going to bed now...It is late and I'm making too many spelling errors..Love, Mom
Latest stories..: Thursday I left home at 6:30am and got home from work at 10:45pm...Long day but Friday is my scheduled day to be off...I was on my way home Thursday...reported in to the office that it was 6pm and on my way home. and in a rural mountain area almost in Kentucky. My supervisor advised me that one of my patients had just died...and oncall nurse was in Knoxville 65 miles away....and since I was closer ( only 35 miles away) would I like to go make the terminial visit?...Hey, they were my family...I had just been there a few hours earlier and new it would not be long...but you can never outguess God.. He had been my patient for only a few days and felt that I still needed to build raport with wife and family...Family was doing very well...strong Baptist faith..Sister-in-law told me that her sister was living in Kansas when she learned of her husband's diagnosis.."I prayed to the Lord that he would send them back to Tennessee so she would not be alone when he died.. The Lord is good, He sent them back here just in time." Before I left their home for the last time his wife hugged me, "I don't know how you can do this." she whispered in my ear...I whispered back.."I get to mingle with the angels."
Two weeks ago I was scheduled to see a patient here in Sevier county..It was the end of the day..and the week...His primary nurse had reported that death was immenent so I was not suprised to see him with labored breathing, he responded slightly to me when I arrived and I was in the process of checking his pain pump readings and taking vital signs when I realized that he was transitioning to the other side. His wife was beside me...and when I confirmed what she was seeing she asked me to gather the family around his bed...He passed peacefully and family said the roseary and Lord's prayer. There is always somethings special about the love that eminates in a room at this time...Just before the funeral staff arrived I asked the family if I could sing to them a little hymn, they agreed and I sang, "God Be With You til We Meet Again." When I finished a brother that arrived from out of state told this story: I have worked with hospice teams in the past and most recently with an uncle who just past a few months ago. His daughter was felt the loss of her father and was continuing to grieve..One night she had a dream where her father came to her and said , "Do not cry for me I am with my mother and father and baby sister. There are flowers and bright sunlight all around and I am waiting for my turn to go meet Jesus." The daughter asked her mother that next day if daddy had a baby sister , Her mother affirmed but said I didn't think you knew about her. Needless to say this story brought great peace to her..."Goin' Home" seemed appropriate..so I sang it...As I said before, I get to mingle with angels....I'm going to bed now...It is late and I'm making too many spelling errors..Love, Mom
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