June comes to the Mountains

Hi All,
This was a beautiful summer weekend in West Virginia. The weather gods gave us a good cleansing rain early in the weekend, so things looked so fresh and smelled so wonderful. Our drive home Sunday was a little difficult with the intermittent rain, and the high costs of gas, but it was OK. I think we compensated for the gas prices by fixing our dinner at home that night instead of eating out. A quick trip to the grocery store, and we're home getting ready for the work week by 9pm. Ed is in Sacramento this morning, flew out of National at 7:00AM. I'm back in my office (aka happy cave).

Stan had a visit from his sister, Norma. I was glad to see her, I hadn't see Norma in a long time. She looks great!

We were able to hear about a graduation party for one of Ed's nieces, Sarah Rosie, down at Casey's restaurant. Ed & I didn't go, we were busy at the Ranch with Mom this weekend, but it was sure fun to hear about. Sarah Rosie will attend WVU this fall. (Named, of course for Eddie's Aunt Sarah and Rosie.) The older sister of Sarah Rosie is Thomasina (named after Eddie's mother). She's already through college and in the National Guard.

I think Mom's caregivers are working out OK. Mom is at least well cared for, in spite of her condition. She is doing OK I think. Her poor left arm cannot cooperate, but Mom continues to be a cooperative patient, trying to facilitate moving and turning all she can. She is a great role model for us all. I would say she has a pretty indomitable spirit! That is one strong lady. I often wonder if I could bear up so graciously under her circumstances. She is reflecting very human frailties, but great strength of spirit.
Here is my latest snapshot of Mom, shown here with Joy in background. This was Sunday morning after we rudely awakened her:

Spring 2008

The Straights of Mannington, WV circa 1940s


My family has been going through a difficult time lately, so I thought I would begin a blog to share with my other family members some of the thoughts I have about this family and some of the older photos I run across. I hope this is fun for everyone, to share and see these posts.

We have just placed Mom in a long term care facility. She suffered a major stroke on February 14, 2008. The stroke has left Mom with severe disabilities, including the loss of use of her left arm. Probably more important, is the partial loss of the ability to swallow. From what I've learned, it takes 17 muscles to accomplish a swallow-- something we take for granted -- but Mom will have difficulty with even that simple feat now. She can no longer walk, or even stand. Born in 1922, Mom was 85 on her last birthday.
As we struggle to find the right way to care for Mom, I'll try to help us remember things we've all been too busy to remember lately. We've had such a hard time, I think we've forgotten how much fun we had for so many years. We've lost Dad, but we do still have Mom, even if her life is pretty messed up (and ours by extension.) She is one of the strongest women I know, as has always inspired all of us. I've heard that the loss of our parents (grandparents too) makes us acknowledge our own mortality. Perhaps that is a good thing. I think I'll try to think of is as a good thing anyway. A life examined? Perhaps nothing quite so grand. Just some imperfect reflections is probably all I can manage.
But, it has been much fun over the years, and yes...that is a Bonnie Bells' cake she has......