Lord, I didn't realize how long it had been since I had posted. I always loved to blog, but like I said before, nobody ever reads my page. I have very few people who post on my FB page unless I post pictures.
I'm sure I will never catch up on everything that has happened, so I may just take it from here.
First thing I really want to address is the number of suicides recently. There have been 3 suicides in the last couple of months. One young man I have known since he was a little guy. His aunt and uncle are good friends and when I heard what had happened, it made me sick to my stomach. Just this past week, a young man in Meredith's college group at church and he also attended Upstate, committed suicide, while his family was on vacation. Then later on in the week, a woman, 48 years old or somewhere around that age. mother of two, school teacher and wonderful Christian woman who was a great encourager to others, committed suicide!! WHY??
What can possible be so horrific that you would take your own life. Of course, we don't know what terrible things these people were facing, but I don't know of anything that God can't carry us through.
I, myself, have been through two painful divorces, the loss of my parents and Ronnie's parents, and endless physical problems, heart surgery and internal bleeding, just to name two and I can honestly say that I felt the peace of God. Don't get me wrong, I'm not perfect, no where close, but I could never put my family and friends through that terrible loss. Death is a loss that you adjust to and deal with, but losing someone from suicide has to be the ultimate. I'm not candy coating death, it's real, it's painful and life changing, but if you know Jesus as your personal Savior, then death is just a step into eternal peace.
I know I may really make some people mad, if anybody is reading this, but suicide is selfish. You may stop living, but the family and friends that you leave behind, have to deal with the pain and the confusion, wondering if there was something that could have done to change it.
The other matter I want to address is.... DRAMA on FACEBOOK!! For crying out loud, leave the really personal things off and if you do post something, you give people the right to comment. If you don't want to hear what they have to say, DON'T POST. If they say something that angers you, don't show your stupidity and argue back and forth or curse them. Don't air your dirty laundry on FB, I don't want to know about it. Another thing, don't make crap up and lie. Then suddenly act like your account has been hacked. If you need that kind of attention, stand naked on the side of the road with a tin cup, you'll get attention that way. You may even be placed in a mental ward, where you probably need to be anyway.
Okay, bitching session is through for the day. I could have just as easily posted this all on FB, but then I would be causing drama.
Until next time....
I remain,
Opinionated
Monday, June 30, 2014
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Sadness
On Monday of this week, I received a call about my dad's brother, Morris. It seems that he became very ill and called 911. They rushed him to the ER and then transferred him to St. Joseph's Hospital in Savannah, Ga.
I just talked to him a couple of weeks ago and he said he was feeling good and he sounded good. However, I think he had been sick for awhile and never told anybody. Anyway, when he arrived at St. Joseph's they performed a heart cath and then rushed him into surgery to perform triple-by-pass.
He came through the surgery fine, but he never regained consciousness and suffered a stroke.
During the next few days he continued to suffer mini strokes and yesterday, they removed him from the ventilator. He passed away at 1:00 this morning.
Morris Russell Easler was born January 8, 1941 to Oliver and Catherine (Wolfe) Easler. He was the 5th of 7 children.... 6 boys and 1 little girl. Uncle Morris, Uncle Larry and Aunt Carol were closer in age to us so, we spent lots of time with them. Saturday morning breakfast at Grandma's and later, Carol and Morris would turn on the radio and dance.
Morris played the piano and sang. He sang in a men's quartet at church and mama played the piano. Aunt Carol also sang solos and when the Easler clan got together, there was good food, lots of laughter and always music.
I use to write to him when he was in Vietnam and when I graduated from high school, he gave me a savings bond that matured to almost 3x the original value, years later when I finally cashed it in. He was the "runt" of the family, he was handsome, funny, a wonderful cook and a clean freak (OCD).
He had a very distinct voice and when he laughed.... he laughed all over.
I love you Uncle Morris and I am going to miss you. Thank you for the sweet and precious memories of my childhood. I am so blessed to have had you in my life. Before I close, do me a big favor....
I know when you entered the gates of Heaven, there was a big Easler reunion and they took you to see Jesus. One day we will all be there with you, but please tell my daddy and mama how much I love them and I appreciate every sacrifice they made to provide for us.
This is not goodbye.... this is I love you....this is thank you.... this is I will see you later.
With all of my love.... Amelia Ann
I just talked to him a couple of weeks ago and he said he was feeling good and he sounded good. However, I think he had been sick for awhile and never told anybody. Anyway, when he arrived at St. Joseph's they performed a heart cath and then rushed him into surgery to perform triple-by-pass.
He came through the surgery fine, but he never regained consciousness and suffered a stroke.
During the next few days he continued to suffer mini strokes and yesterday, they removed him from the ventilator. He passed away at 1:00 this morning.
Morris Russell Easler was born January 8, 1941 to Oliver and Catherine (Wolfe) Easler. He was the 5th of 7 children.... 6 boys and 1 little girl. Uncle Morris, Uncle Larry and Aunt Carol were closer in age to us so, we spent lots of time with them. Saturday morning breakfast at Grandma's and later, Carol and Morris would turn on the radio and dance.
Morris played the piano and sang. He sang in a men's quartet at church and mama played the piano. Aunt Carol also sang solos and when the Easler clan got together, there was good food, lots of laughter and always music.
I use to write to him when he was in Vietnam and when I graduated from high school, he gave me a savings bond that matured to almost 3x the original value, years later when I finally cashed it in. He was the "runt" of the family, he was handsome, funny, a wonderful cook and a clean freak (OCD).
He had a very distinct voice and when he laughed.... he laughed all over.
I love you Uncle Morris and I am going to miss you. Thank you for the sweet and precious memories of my childhood. I am so blessed to have had you in my life. Before I close, do me a big favor....
I know when you entered the gates of Heaven, there was a big Easler reunion and they took you to see Jesus. One day we will all be there with you, but please tell my daddy and mama how much I love them and I appreciate every sacrifice they made to provide for us.
This is not goodbye.... this is I love you....this is thank you.... this is I will see you later.
With all of my love.... Amelia Ann
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
PAIN
The last 3 days have been horrible. So much pain.... I haven't slept, no appetite.... so sick. On days like this I wish I had some potent drugs, just to get relief.
It's cold outside and that makes the pain worse.... OMG.... relief PLEASE!!
It's cold outside and that makes the pain worse.... OMG.... relief PLEASE!!
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Here I Am Again
I have always liked to use different fonts and colors while posting on this page. I really like color and bright and different things.
Since nobody reads it, I guess I could get really crazy, but there is always a chance somebody may be reading this and just doesn't comment. I certainly wouldn't want to shock some people's delicate natures.
This week has been a crappy week, but it did end on a great note.... Phoenix will be 1 year old on the 27th of this month, but we had her party yesterday. It was a Crayola Theme and talking about bright and beautiful colors.... they were every where. All of the babies were there, so we finally got a picture of them together. Don't know what the big deal was before.
One thing that angered me was, Jordan had scheduled the middle school area from 1-4pm. The party actually ended at 3pm, but she needed the last hour to clean up. A woman, who shall remain nameless at this time, had the hall after the party and she came in while they were cleaning up. She was so-oo rude to Leigh, asking who we were and why were we there, just like she was Ms Anderson Mill. Leigh was very nice to her, but Jordan put her in her place and I went over to her and she was all quiet and meek when she realized it was my family. I know I've been that way many many times, but I don't like being on the receiving end. Double standards.... so?
Okay, I'm gone. I'll be back and next time I may get crazy and even name names, if there are witnesses left.
Since nobody reads it, I guess I could get really crazy, but there is always a chance somebody may be reading this and just doesn't comment. I certainly wouldn't want to shock some people's delicate natures.
This week has been a crappy week, but it did end on a great note.... Phoenix will be 1 year old on the 27th of this month, but we had her party yesterday. It was a Crayola Theme and talking about bright and beautiful colors.... they were every where. All of the babies were there, so we finally got a picture of them together. Don't know what the big deal was before.
One thing that angered me was, Jordan had scheduled the middle school area from 1-4pm. The party actually ended at 3pm, but she needed the last hour to clean up. A woman, who shall remain nameless at this time, had the hall after the party and she came in while they were cleaning up. She was so-oo rude to Leigh, asking who we were and why were we there, just like she was Ms Anderson Mill. Leigh was very nice to her, but Jordan put her in her place and I went over to her and she was all quiet and meek when she realized it was my family. I know I've been that way many many times, but I don't like being on the receiving end. Double standards.... so?
Okay, I'm gone. I'll be back and next time I may get crazy and even name names, if there are witnesses left.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
My Day....
This will be a very short post. It was a busy, but pleasant day. I rode to Bessemer City, NC with Ronnie. I go on one day service calls because
I don't get as tired. We had a great day, laughing and talking and picking at one another.
Sis pulled in just after we got back home. We sat around the table while she filled us in on her day. She was so excited about her biology grade, the highest in the class!! Go Meredith.
After supper, Meredith finished her homework for tomorrow and Ronnie
began packing for the rest of the week. I was making plans for our next LBJ
meeting, sending out e-mails and answering phone calls.
While I was on FB, I just happened to see a prayer request for Bruce Cash on his FB page. His FB pages were closed out so I went to his wife, Kitty's, page.
I found out that Bruce passed away on the 13th of January. I was heart broken,
Bruce and I went to SHS together and sang in the chorus together. He was so talented and such a wonderful, Christian man. I wrote a sympathy note to his wife and then I had to make a couple of phone calls about his passing.
After Ronnie finished packing, we were all sitting around, watching television. He happened to get an e-mail from a co-worker, letting him know that another
co-worker had passed away Sunday morning. Rich was a salesman for the Southeast (Charlotte) and Ronnie enjoyed working with him and they became good friends. Ronnie said that Rich was a Christian man and it was a joy to
be able to relax and carry on a decent conversation with someone who understood where he was coming from. Please remember these two families in your prayers.
Well, book club tomorrow and I'm looking forward to it.
Until next time....
I don't get as tired. We had a great day, laughing and talking and picking at one another.
Sis pulled in just after we got back home. We sat around the table while she filled us in on her day. She was so excited about her biology grade, the highest in the class!! Go Meredith.
After supper, Meredith finished her homework for tomorrow and Ronnie
began packing for the rest of the week. I was making plans for our next LBJ
meeting, sending out e-mails and answering phone calls.
While I was on FB, I just happened to see a prayer request for Bruce Cash on his FB page. His FB pages were closed out so I went to his wife, Kitty's, page.
I found out that Bruce passed away on the 13th of January. I was heart broken,
Bruce and I went to SHS together and sang in the chorus together. He was so talented and such a wonderful, Christian man. I wrote a sympathy note to his wife and then I had to make a couple of phone calls about his passing.
After Ronnie finished packing, we were all sitting around, watching television. He happened to get an e-mail from a co-worker, letting him know that another
co-worker had passed away Sunday morning. Rich was a salesman for the Southeast (Charlotte) and Ronnie enjoyed working with him and they became good friends. Ronnie said that Rich was a Christian man and it was a joy to
be able to relax and carry on a decent conversation with someone who understood where he was coming from. Please remember these two families in your prayers.
Well, book club tomorrow and I'm looking forward to it.
Until next time....
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Ramblings II
I am so happy that my cousin, Rebecca read and commented on my blog page. That makes me feel like somebody actually cares. So, I guess I'll try and catch you up.
As I said, the wedding was beautiful and the storm did hold off until they left. They stayed in Charlotte on their honeymoon night because they were catching a plane for a resort in Mexico. Justin had taken a cruise to Mexico with some racing buddies and he had a great time, except his room mate was a drunk. Anyway, I guess they assumed a resort would be just as good or better than a cruise. The only thing, the food is purchased locally and you do have to be careful with the water and the fresh fruits and veggies. Their room wasn't quite ready when they got to the resort, so they decided to eat lunch and then hopefully the room would be ready and they could go for a swim. Unfortunately, Jordan ate a salad and some watermelon and while she was swimming, she told Justin she wasn't feel well. By the time they got back into the room, Jordan became violently ill. Justin called the resort doctor and he came up to the room, charged $200.00 and told them he thought it was food poisoning and she needed to be taken to the ER. The ambulance came and started an IV, charged them $450.00 and took her to the hospital. When they arrived, the doctor refused to help her until they paid $2000.00. Justin told them that he had insurance and he wasn't paying them any cash. They took out the IV, put them in a taxi and sent them back to the resort, also the taxi charge was $45. Justin was hysterical and he called Leigh to see if she could help them get home. She did work it out for them to change their flight home with no charge, but the travel agency could not get anything back from the resort. They flew home on Monday evening after 1 full day at the resort. Jordan went to the doctor the next day and he diagnosed her with e-coli. Bless her sweet heart, she was so sick for about a week. I contacted the US Embassy in Mexico and told them what had happened and that I felt that the resort should pay them back all of their money, but it never happened. I really felt so badly for them and was happy when they were able to take a trip to Gatlinburg one week-end for a honeymoon trip.
Things settled in to a routine, but Mama was becoming more depressed and less mobile. She was also becoming so mean, much more than she had been. I realize she was sick, she was frustrated and she missed daddy. She also kept telling me she knew she was a burden and that we would be better off without her here. That always broke my heart and I was trying so hard to make her comfortable and to make sure she realized that she was a part of our family and that we thought that we had done the best thing for her. In the beginning it was rough but I really thought things were getting better, boy was I wrong. She was in and out of the hospital several times and each time she came back home, she was weaker and more depressed. Home Health was so helpful, but they told me that Mama wasn't making progress and they were going to turn her over to Hospice. Of course everybody freaks out when they hear Hospice, but the care is more accessible (24/7) and the care was more intense and involved. They were so patient and kind. As time went on, Mama had totally given up and was beginning to get physically weaker. We finally had to put her in a hospital bed and she developed a serious UTI. Mary Ann (Hospice Nurse) put in a catheter and her urine was nothing but thick and bloody and had a horrible odor. Her bag had to be emptied 2x daily and we started pushing the water. They also put her on a very mild dosage of morphine at night, to help her relax and breathe better. In a couple of weeks her urine was clear, it looked like gold and she felt so much better.
Justin and Jordan went to the Outer Banks for their 1st anniversary. On Friday, May 13th, Hospice came in and checked mom over and gave her a good bath. Later that evening Cookie and Mark came over for a visit. We had a wonderful time with mama, talking and laughing and remembering good times. After Cookie and Mark left. I gave mom her night time meds and her water and went into another part of the house. She started talking and then called me back into her part. She asked me who the man was sitting on the corner of the couch? I turned the light on and there was nobody there. I had sat in her wheelchair beside her bed the night before and she asked me to sit on the couch where she said the man was sitting. After a few minutes, I got up, told her I loved her and that I would see her in the morning.
On Saturday morning, May 14th at 10:30am, Meredith and I went back to wake mama for breakfast, luckily I was in front. When I called mama, she didn't answer, I went to the side of the bed and called her again.... she was gone. The man on the couch was her angel and he came sometime around 10am and took her home. She had prayed so many times in the weeks before, for the Lord to take her home, because she was tired. The Lord heard her prayer and brought her to her Heavenly home. She finally saw her Jesus face-to-face and bowed before Him to worship and honor Him. She was cured, her legs were healed and she could walk. She finally saw my daddy, the wonderful man that she had loved for almost 52 years and he smiled that sweet smile and took her by the hand. She saw her parents, her brothers, one of them that she had never met before. Mama was finally home.
I was in shock. Ronnie called Cindy and together she and Mark went to tell Cookie. I called Jordan, the Hospice nurse and then I began to call other family members, friends and church friends. I sat in the wheelchair by her bed and looked at how peaceful she was. Our relationship wasn't always the best, but in the last couple of months things between us had changed, they were better. We loved each other, but we didn't always like each other. Eventually, we realized that we were okay. She was gone.... my breakfast buddy, my Food Network partner was gone. I missed her already. The house seemed empty and quiet. I was happy for her because she was cured, she was with Jesus and with my daddy, but my life would never be the same.
Earlene and daddy's deaths were not unexpected, but the grief and pain were there. Mama's death was inevitable, but I thought we had a little more time and we would have, but she had given up. Her death was still a shock, a deep pain in my heart and I knew it would be some time before I could get through the pain and grief.
Sometimes it still hurts and of course I miss her and my daddy. However, my Heavenly Father carried me through. He gave me peace and comfort during the sad times. He gave me strength during the times I had to take care of everything that needed to be taken care of. I praise my Lord everyday for His faithfulness. I thank Him for holding my hand and guiding me through the lonely days. I love you daddy and mama, I miss you both and I will see you again one day.
As I said, the wedding was beautiful and the storm did hold off until they left. They stayed in Charlotte on their honeymoon night because they were catching a plane for a resort in Mexico. Justin had taken a cruise to Mexico with some racing buddies and he had a great time, except his room mate was a drunk. Anyway, I guess they assumed a resort would be just as good or better than a cruise. The only thing, the food is purchased locally and you do have to be careful with the water and the fresh fruits and veggies. Their room wasn't quite ready when they got to the resort, so they decided to eat lunch and then hopefully the room would be ready and they could go for a swim. Unfortunately, Jordan ate a salad and some watermelon and while she was swimming, she told Justin she wasn't feel well. By the time they got back into the room, Jordan became violently ill. Justin called the resort doctor and he came up to the room, charged $200.00 and told them he thought it was food poisoning and she needed to be taken to the ER. The ambulance came and started an IV, charged them $450.00 and took her to the hospital. When they arrived, the doctor refused to help her until they paid $2000.00. Justin told them that he had insurance and he wasn't paying them any cash. They took out the IV, put them in a taxi and sent them back to the resort, also the taxi charge was $45. Justin was hysterical and he called Leigh to see if she could help them get home. She did work it out for them to change their flight home with no charge, but the travel agency could not get anything back from the resort. They flew home on Monday evening after 1 full day at the resort. Jordan went to the doctor the next day and he diagnosed her with e-coli. Bless her sweet heart, she was so sick for about a week. I contacted the US Embassy in Mexico and told them what had happened and that I felt that the resort should pay them back all of their money, but it never happened. I really felt so badly for them and was happy when they were able to take a trip to Gatlinburg one week-end for a honeymoon trip.
Things settled in to a routine, but Mama was becoming more depressed and less mobile. She was also becoming so mean, much more than she had been. I realize she was sick, she was frustrated and she missed daddy. She also kept telling me she knew she was a burden and that we would be better off without her here. That always broke my heart and I was trying so hard to make her comfortable and to make sure she realized that she was a part of our family and that we thought that we had done the best thing for her. In the beginning it was rough but I really thought things were getting better, boy was I wrong. She was in and out of the hospital several times and each time she came back home, she was weaker and more depressed. Home Health was so helpful, but they told me that Mama wasn't making progress and they were going to turn her over to Hospice. Of course everybody freaks out when they hear Hospice, but the care is more accessible (24/7) and the care was more intense and involved. They were so patient and kind. As time went on, Mama had totally given up and was beginning to get physically weaker. We finally had to put her in a hospital bed and she developed a serious UTI. Mary Ann (Hospice Nurse) put in a catheter and her urine was nothing but thick and bloody and had a horrible odor. Her bag had to be emptied 2x daily and we started pushing the water. They also put her on a very mild dosage of morphine at night, to help her relax and breathe better. In a couple of weeks her urine was clear, it looked like gold and she felt so much better.
Justin and Jordan went to the Outer Banks for their 1st anniversary. On Friday, May 13th, Hospice came in and checked mom over and gave her a good bath. Later that evening Cookie and Mark came over for a visit. We had a wonderful time with mama, talking and laughing and remembering good times. After Cookie and Mark left. I gave mom her night time meds and her water and went into another part of the house. She started talking and then called me back into her part. She asked me who the man was sitting on the corner of the couch? I turned the light on and there was nobody there. I had sat in her wheelchair beside her bed the night before and she asked me to sit on the couch where she said the man was sitting. After a few minutes, I got up, told her I loved her and that I would see her in the morning.
On Saturday morning, May 14th at 10:30am, Meredith and I went back to wake mama for breakfast, luckily I was in front. When I called mama, she didn't answer, I went to the side of the bed and called her again.... she was gone. The man on the couch was her angel and he came sometime around 10am and took her home. She had prayed so many times in the weeks before, for the Lord to take her home, because she was tired. The Lord heard her prayer and brought her to her Heavenly home. She finally saw her Jesus face-to-face and bowed before Him to worship and honor Him. She was cured, her legs were healed and she could walk. She finally saw my daddy, the wonderful man that she had loved for almost 52 years and he smiled that sweet smile and took her by the hand. She saw her parents, her brothers, one of them that she had never met before. Mama was finally home.
I was in shock. Ronnie called Cindy and together she and Mark went to tell Cookie. I called Jordan, the Hospice nurse and then I began to call other family members, friends and church friends. I sat in the wheelchair by her bed and looked at how peaceful she was. Our relationship wasn't always the best, but in the last couple of months things between us had changed, they were better. We loved each other, but we didn't always like each other. Eventually, we realized that we were okay. She was gone.... my breakfast buddy, my Food Network partner was gone. I missed her already. The house seemed empty and quiet. I was happy for her because she was cured, she was with Jesus and with my daddy, but my life would never be the same.
Earlene and daddy's deaths were not unexpected, but the grief and pain were there. Mama's death was inevitable, but I thought we had a little more time and we would have, but she had given up. Her death was still a shock, a deep pain in my heart and I knew it would be some time before I could get through the pain and grief.
Sometimes it still hurts and of course I miss her and my daddy. However, my Heavenly Father carried me through. He gave me peace and comfort during the sad times. He gave me strength during the times I had to take care of everything that needed to be taken care of. I praise my Lord everyday for His faithfulness. I thank Him for holding my hand and guiding me through the lonely days. I love you daddy and mama, I miss you both and I will see you again one day.
Just thinking
I was going to take up where I left off on my post yesterday, and I still may finish catching up.
The reason I quit posting before is because nobody every commented. Maybe 2 or 3 people would every once in a while. I always try to make a comment or at least like their comments, just so they would feel like somebody was reading their post and cared. I know that many people don't realize that my blog page is back up and I will post on my FB page again, just to remind them. I frankly do not think people really care and sometimes it feels like a waste of time.
Same thing on my FB page. The only reason I'm still on FB is, because I love posting pictures of Phoenix and my family. I am so proud of them and they are my greatest treasure. I'm genuinely interested in my friends posts and I love to see pictures of their children or grandchildren.
I'll give it a few more days on here and if nobody is interested, I may shut it down.
Shutting FB is harder, because through FB I have been to reconnect with friends from years ago and it's good to catch up with them.
Okay, next time I will try to finish catching up and I'll be watching to see who comments.
Until then....
The reason I quit posting before is because nobody every commented. Maybe 2 or 3 people would every once in a while. I always try to make a comment or at least like their comments, just so they would feel like somebody was reading their post and cared. I know that many people don't realize that my blog page is back up and I will post on my FB page again, just to remind them. I frankly do not think people really care and sometimes it feels like a waste of time.
Same thing on my FB page. The only reason I'm still on FB is, because I love posting pictures of Phoenix and my family. I am so proud of them and they are my greatest treasure. I'm genuinely interested in my friends posts and I love to see pictures of their children or grandchildren.
I'll give it a few more days on here and if nobody is interested, I may shut it down.
Shutting FB is harder, because through FB I have been to reconnect with friends from years ago and it's good to catch up with them.
Okay, next time I will try to finish catching up and I'll be watching to see who comments.
Until then....
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