MY FAVORITE VETERAN--MY DAD

Veteran's Day has been especially meaningful to me today as I reflected on my gratitude for all the veteran's past and present who have served our country--many serving with the ultimate sacrifice of their lives and others with horrible injuries both physical and psychological. As I was preparing to do this blog, I saw on the internet the heart-rendering account of a WWII veteran who finally, at the age of 84,
broke 60 years of silence on the atrocities that he and others had endured in a Nazi slave camp. It was all that I could do not to cry.
Today, I think especially of my dad who was a WWII veteran in the Army Air Corps--this branch of the service eventually became the Air Force. My dad wouldn't have needed to enlist as he and his father were farming enough acres that he could have received a farm deferment. Yet, he was so compelled to serve and do his part, that he voluntarily enlisted. When he did this, he and my mother were engaged. She was working at the draft board in Abilene and filled out the papers for his entrance into military service. Neither of them had any assurance that he would return--many did not. My sisters and I each have notebooks that chronicle the different segments of his military service. We also have a copy of a note that he wrote during this time that says, "I am happy today because in my pocket I have my New Testament and in my heart I have the love of the sweetest girl on earth."
The photo included is in the Dole building on the KU campus where they honor the WWII veterans. Donneta was so diligent to send this in and then Jason and Marci toured the building and took a picture of their grandfather.
So today I can't appreciate enough or adequately thank the veterans of our country. You are HEROES and my dad will always be MY FAVORITE VETERAN.

The Donut Lady!

A fun thing that I enjoy doing on Saturday mornings is making a "run"--in the car that is-- to Krispy Kreme for donuts. I get a dozen for Tim, Tad, and Tom and a dozen for my mom's assisted living house. This has become somewhat of a tradition and it is a fun way to make so many people happy! Now, when I walk into my mom's house on Saturday mornings, one lady calls out, "The donut lady is here!" They are all so appreciative. Last Saturday morning was especially delightful. One lady who is new at my mom's house said that it had been a long time since she'd had a Krispy Kreme; another told me how she looks forward to Saturday a.m.'s for the donut lady! My mom gets so happy and it is another chance for me to tell her how much I love her. (One Saturday when I had a schedule conflict and didn't get by, the caregiver told me that one of the ladies sat at the breakfast table for the longest time waiting for me to come.) I always say to them, "Happy Saturday"! and then explain that "The Donut Lady" needs to get back in her van and head north as her 3 sons are waiting, too! As I walked out of my mom's assisted living home last Saturday, I thanked the Lord for such a happy event. It has been so sad seeing the effects of Alzheimer's Disease in my mom's life, but my sisters and I have purposed that we will maximize this chapter in our mother's life with happiness and a "museum of memories". I'm thankful that I've had the delight and the privilege of being "The Donut Lady".

A Sunday School Teacher's Influence

The summer after I completed the 5th grade, my family began attending a Bible Church in Salina, Kansas. The number of miles that my parents drove to do this doubled--compared to our previous drives to church-- but they considered it an investment in their daughters. My sisters and I just loved the Sunday School in this new church. We would try to learn our Bible verses, study our lesson, and never miss--so that we could get a "perfect attendance pin". Each Sunday School teacher is remembered and deeply appreciated by us. Today the teacher I had (and then my sister's after me) in the 6th grade is celebrating her 88th birthday--Caryl Tucker! Sunday after Sunday she prepared and taught us. From that small basement classroom she influenced many young girls for the Lord. What she and her family need to celebrate on this special day is the exciting reality that her influence and that of other faithful teachers "keeps on going". Now her 6th grade students have children of their own and indirectly she has influenced them as well. Her influence is not only stateside but has been taken to other countries--Mexico, Turkey, and East Asia. As I think of Caryl, I'm taken by how she has always treasured God's Word. Qualities such as Faithful, Steadfast, Consistent come to my mind. This treasured teacher not only influenced 6th grade girls but she has her own children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who are living examples of her influence as well. So on this special day I simply wanted to say thanks to Caryl and the many other Sunday School teachers who week by week invest in teaching God's Word to students and remind you that your efforts are not in vain. HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARYL!! My sisters and I love YOU!

Sisters and Nieces Fun Friday!

For several years my sisters and I have been wanting to schedule a fun outting that would work for everyone's schedule! Recently we were able to enjoy this. Donneta, Laurel, and I met in Abilene--our home town early one morning. We were so happy that niece, Anna, and a little later in the morning, niece, Marci, could join us. (We missed niece, Shawnee, but Arkansas is a little far to travel for a day.) We began in a store called the Cypress Bridge that had beautiful fall decorations! We must have spent a couple of hours there before venturing on to other special stores. It was so special to walk down the streets of my hometown and try to "remember" what stores had been there in "years gone by". I pointed out to everyone the steps that used to lead to a basement barber shop where our dad would get his hair cut. The window was still there that Donneta and I would knock on to wave to him as he was in the barber's chair! We went to the drug store and Laurel treated us to the soda fountain that was really unchanged from years gone by. Donneta treated us to lunch at a wonderful deli called, "The Dish" and the sandwiches were delicious! Walking up and down these streets brought back so many treasured memories. We wished that our mom could join us for these events but she is always with us in our hearts. After more shopping, laughing, and getting tired legs and feet the day came to a close. Before leaving Abilene, we stopped at Sonic and then went to the cemetery and put fall flowers on our dad's grave. Enroute back to Wichita I drove by the farmhouse where I grew up and where in the depths of my heart will always resonate as "home". We saw a sign in Abilene that said, "Home is where your story begins." I am so thankful for this beginning.

Encouraged by Others!

Over the last couple of years, I have been inspired by the Neir--extended family as they have engaged in competition--jogging, biking, and swimming. I have also had a wonderful example in the discipline my husband has demonstrated over the last couple of years as he has lost a lot of weight and is so methodical in going the the YMCA to exercise. I also thought of my mother (now in a wheelchair) who when she was my present age could run a mile in 10 minutes and outrun me--even though she was almost twice my age.

SO--with these examples, a sign at the YMCA posted late last July caught my attention. The sign said that the Y would help prepare members for Wichita's Half-Marathon coming up in late September. I thought about it for about a week and then decided to give it a try. The 7 weeks of training with Stephanie and Matt (Y employess) went very fast. They were so kind to me and encouraged me as did Tim. No one made fun of my slow ways!

Two weeks ago I completed the half marathon! Stephanie, the wonderful trainer from the Y, stayed about 6 to 10 feet ahead of me the whole way so that I would keep going. She was wonderful as she could have gone so much faster, but instead focused on helping me. When we were just about finished, one of the men on bikes said, "Your family is waiting for you at the finish line and they are proud of you!" What a wonderful site to see Tim and the 3 boys as I crossed the finish line! I was so happy and then I started to cry. The photo is one that Tim took of Stephanie and me.

I want to keep working on getting better (faster) as I have a long way to go to be able to do what my mom could do when she was my age. Yesterday, I ran in a 5K and had fun with that. Tim got a special watch for me that helped me "keep pushing" myself and I finished 26 sec. sooner than my goal--though my times are still very slow. Tim surprised me by cheering for me along the way. That helped as when I would see him I would speed up so he wouldn't realize how "normally slow" I am.

Anyway, this has been a lot of fun. I am thankful for friends and family who have been both an example and an encouragement to me.

Our High School Senior

Our oldest son, Tim, began his senior year at Trinity Academy a couple of weeks ago. His brother, Tad, mentioned that it didn't seem very long ago that we dropped Tim off for his first day as a high school freshman and now he is in his last year. His dad and I wish that time would slow down as it's hard for us to think about Tim not being around as much. He is busy this year being the Student Council president, involved in National Honor Society, a couple of vocal groups, and a small group co-leader. He is thinking of college options and right now seems to be favoring WSU. Last week I got to go with him to a WSU scholarship information meeting, and now he needs to get started with the paper work. During the last few months he's been working out with weights and seems so big and strong. A neighbor man asked him to help carry a large piece of furniture down the street that he had purchased at a garage sale! I wish that I could have seen this. (Tim told me he would never again complain about furniture that I ask him to move here in the house.) He still drives his l982 VW bus which doesn't have heat or AC, but Tim did get the windows fixed so that now they will roll up! Tim's been a good example for his younger brothers and we are so appreciative. Tim and I do have a difference of opinion on how a room should be kept! I know though that next year if his room doesn't have an occupant that I will miss the days of its present appearance!

This photo of Tim was taken at Lake Hiayaha in Rocky Mountain National Park. We love you, Tim!

Brotherly Competition

An event that the boys enjoy on our vacation is going to Fun City in the evenings to ride the Go-Karts! The look of determination on their faces and desire to outdo the other is fun to see. Last year they had the added competition of Neis and Felbush cousins to contend with. They always wish that the "slow drivers" would stay out of their way. Another reason for me to watch from the fence.