Mom had a good afternoon

My Mom's brother Edward came to visit her on Saturday. That was a great break in her routine. It was so nice for her, and I'm thankful I was able to be there to be a part of it. That is the best part of living close enough to my family that I can see and participate in these things, and go to family funerals too. For so many years, I didn't have that privilege, and I really missed that part of my life.
Anyway, Edward is about 89 and still driving. I think he is probably as good a driver as I am though (perhaps better 8-). He plans to go to Florida to spend some time this fall. Good for him! I am sure he will enjoy this fall, he is a cool guy. Mom and Edward had a good visit and remembered a lot of things, she looked really happy while he was there. Edward shared a little with us about how he has been learning to cook, enough to sustain himself. Life was different for his generation of men. He is really obviously missing his wife a whole lot.
Pat and I enjoyed talking with Harriett too. We all enjoyed a nice lunch together and then they were off to Columbus.

Those Halloween costumes...

Tracy Walls Strother at Maple Lake in Sept. 1977

I think that is the nurse hat Mom had made for Patsy and I. I remember a navy blue cape though, and I'm not remembering the arm band.

Barbara and Amanda Nicholson on Halloween, 1979.
I made the clown costume.

Christmas with Santa

Christmas has been a really wonderful time. It is especially fun to know the little kids in our lives are having a good time. It is alway fun when Santa shows up!

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......