It's been awhile since my last post. As usual. I guess i can make it a resolution for the New Year to keep up with it, but as statistics go, that resolution probably won't be kept. They say that 80% of people w/resolutions don't follow through with them, and they are often broken by the end of January! I didn't make any for this past year. Usually one of them is to stop procrastinating. I think that's a common one.
We had a nice Christmas, as good as can be without Michael. Dan's gift to me was a weekend in San Diego. I loved it, we loved it, had a marvelous time. We hadn't gotten away like that in over 5 years. We kept saying we'd do it but it never happened. We didn't have a plan, no tours (Dan hates tours) but we went to Seaport and Old Towne and a couple of excellent restaurants. It was just relaxing and unstressed. For me, a vacation is when I physically am out of the house. Otherwise, it's just another day of cleaning, cooking and folding laundry. I actually don't mind doing those things though. I enjoy doing housewifey things. I really do. But it doesn't mean i don't get TIRED of it.
But I tell you, married couples really need to take a break from life at least once a year and even for a weekend, just go out together. You'll just rediscover when it's like to be two people and you'll fall in love all over again...or at least, you should! We talked about the kids a lot and how they're growing to be such responsible adults. We talked about light fun things, not earth saving issues or finances or generators.
Talking to Michael on the webcam are precious moments we don't get enough of. He's doing the best he can, misses us and of course, Cassie. They talk a lot and that's important. Poor Neen is going through similar situation with Daniel in Kansas.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
My father
October 6, 2009
He took me in his arms and guided me across the floor, ever so gently yet firmly holding on to me. I was anxious and nervous, never having danced before, but in his arms I felt secure, comfortable and happy. His steps were easy and flowing and for those moments I was proud to be my father’s daughter, for in his arms he made me feel loved and like I could dance as beautifully as he.
I was 15 and celebrating my birthday at a party my father gave to me. He did this for all of us, my sisters and I. Mine was a grand but simple quincianera in our back yard.
My father loved to dance and did it fabulously. He loved a party, having fun and laughing with his family and friends. When he smiled his eyes would almost close and he looked like a happy cat. His green eyes would light up when he saw me, even as he lay in a hospital bed. He had pet names for all of us and despite his ill health, he remembered what they all were. He always responded the same way when I asked how he was. He’d say "no tan bien como usted". Not as good as you are. Every time I called or saw him in person, he’d say that. Now I can say the same to him. My father left this world on September first and now he is in a better place than I.
He lived a redemptive life for the last few years, suffering through much more than we ever knew. Whatever pain he was in we really didn’t know because he rarely said he was in any pain. He sat through hours of chemo and treatments, doctor appointments and hospital stays. Mother patiently went with him everywhere, at his side in sickness and health. She grew more tender and loving as time went on, much more than I had ever seen her. It was a welcome sight.
The last time I saw him was with Joshua and Mom. We arrived at the hospital to find him sleeping and he was unaware of us being there in spite of us calling his name and announcing our presence. We let him rest but when he stirred, we’d jump up and talk to him, hold his hand. Once, he woke up. We were talking to him loudly and Mom asked how he was feeling. He shook his head affirmatively, saying ok, I guess. I told him I was there and that Josh was there too. He raised his eyebrows at that and smiled a little. Josh talked to him and told him he was taking care of his car. My father smiled at that. He loved his car and it was a blessing that Josh was able to buy it from him. We told him we loved him and squeezed his hand. After a few more minutes of talk, my father closed his eyes and went back to sleep. And apparently it was the last lucid moment he had.
He loved Mother so very much. He was worried about her and how she’d be without him. He had always taken care of everything at home and she wouldn’t know what to do. While I was there on one occasion, Soup called me and told me to tell Mom to talk to Dad to assure him she’d be fine. They, her and Nen, thought that perhaps he wasn’t letting go because he was so worried and if he somehow knew Mom was fine, he’d rest better. So Mom did. She held his hand and told him the girls and Nando were taking care of her, and for him not to worry, and that she’d be okay because he had taken precautions to be sure she was comfortable. As he did in life, he is taking care of her still.
I miss my father tremendously. Every now and then it becomes unbearable and I cry. When the Yankees won the Division title last week, I thought of how during this time of year I’d talk baseball with him. When I drive Josh’s car, I can still smell my father. His cologne, his after shave. The other day, Josh was cleaning out his car and found a little black wallet. In it was my father’s driver’s license, AAA card, debit card and other little cards. He asked if he could keep the license. After telling my mom about it, she said he could keep it. Josh had spent some time with his grandfather at the hospital, as well as Neen, Joe and Matt, but Josh was there with Neen one night. He prayed in the room for his grandfather and held his hand.
Shortly after returning from Corpsman school, Michael got to take him to a doctor appointment and I saw the two of them chatting while in the waiting room. I couldn’t hear their conversation but I saw them laughing. Then I saw Michael leaning over, listening to a serious conversation Dad was having with him. It’s a talk Michael will treasure forever. As we were leaving the doctor’s office, Mike and I walked behind my parents who were holding hands. Michael whispered how cute they looked. Then I asked if he was hungry and he said he was and felt like KFC. I told him we’d stop sometime on our way home. As we got into the elevator, my mother told me Dad was hungry. I asked where he’d like to go. He said he wanted chicken from KFC.
Life is full of changes, and the end of life is so hard to accept. I am comforted by the fact that my father had a long life, longer than most doctors expected. We did everything we could for him and there was nothing left to do. We are lonely without him. Like the trees in winter, we are bare and lifeless. But in this cycle of life, they will become green and vibrant in spring. Time gives us hope and a promise of tomorrow.
He took me in his arms and guided me across the floor, ever so gently yet firmly holding on to me. I was anxious and nervous, never having danced before, but in his arms I felt secure, comfortable and happy. His steps were easy and flowing and for those moments I was proud to be my father’s daughter, for in his arms he made me feel loved and like I could dance as beautifully as he.
I was 15 and celebrating my birthday at a party my father gave to me. He did this for all of us, my sisters and I. Mine was a grand but simple quincianera in our back yard.
My father loved to dance and did it fabulously. He loved a party, having fun and laughing with his family and friends. When he smiled his eyes would almost close and he looked like a happy cat. His green eyes would light up when he saw me, even as he lay in a hospital bed. He had pet names for all of us and despite his ill health, he remembered what they all were. He always responded the same way when I asked how he was. He’d say "no tan bien como usted". Not as good as you are. Every time I called or saw him in person, he’d say that. Now I can say the same to him. My father left this world on September first and now he is in a better place than I.
He lived a redemptive life for the last few years, suffering through much more than we ever knew. Whatever pain he was in we really didn’t know because he rarely said he was in any pain. He sat through hours of chemo and treatments, doctor appointments and hospital stays. Mother patiently went with him everywhere, at his side in sickness and health. She grew more tender and loving as time went on, much more than I had ever seen her. It was a welcome sight.
The last time I saw him was with Joshua and Mom. We arrived at the hospital to find him sleeping and he was unaware of us being there in spite of us calling his name and announcing our presence. We let him rest but when he stirred, we’d jump up and talk to him, hold his hand. Once, he woke up. We were talking to him loudly and Mom asked how he was feeling. He shook his head affirmatively, saying ok, I guess. I told him I was there and that Josh was there too. He raised his eyebrows at that and smiled a little. Josh talked to him and told him he was taking care of his car. My father smiled at that. He loved his car and it was a blessing that Josh was able to buy it from him. We told him we loved him and squeezed his hand. After a few more minutes of talk, my father closed his eyes and went back to sleep. And apparently it was the last lucid moment he had.
He loved Mother so very much. He was worried about her and how she’d be without him. He had always taken care of everything at home and she wouldn’t know what to do. While I was there on one occasion, Soup called me and told me to tell Mom to talk to Dad to assure him she’d be fine. They, her and Nen, thought that perhaps he wasn’t letting go because he was so worried and if he somehow knew Mom was fine, he’d rest better. So Mom did. She held his hand and told him the girls and Nando were taking care of her, and for him not to worry, and that she’d be okay because he had taken precautions to be sure she was comfortable. As he did in life, he is taking care of her still.
I miss my father tremendously. Every now and then it becomes unbearable and I cry. When the Yankees won the Division title last week, I thought of how during this time of year I’d talk baseball with him. When I drive Josh’s car, I can still smell my father. His cologne, his after shave. The other day, Josh was cleaning out his car and found a little black wallet. In it was my father’s driver’s license, AAA card, debit card and other little cards. He asked if he could keep the license. After telling my mom about it, she said he could keep it. Josh had spent some time with his grandfather at the hospital, as well as Neen, Joe and Matt, but Josh was there with Neen one night. He prayed in the room for his grandfather and held his hand.
Shortly after returning from Corpsman school, Michael got to take him to a doctor appointment and I saw the two of them chatting while in the waiting room. I couldn’t hear their conversation but I saw them laughing. Then I saw Michael leaning over, listening to a serious conversation Dad was having with him. It’s a talk Michael will treasure forever. As we were leaving the doctor’s office, Mike and I walked behind my parents who were holding hands. Michael whispered how cute they looked. Then I asked if he was hungry and he said he was and felt like KFC. I told him we’d stop sometime on our way home. As we got into the elevator, my mother told me Dad was hungry. I asked where he’d like to go. He said he wanted chicken from KFC.
Life is full of changes, and the end of life is so hard to accept. I am comforted by the fact that my father had a long life, longer than most doctors expected. We did everything we could for him and there was nothing left to do. We are lonely without him. Like the trees in winter, we are bare and lifeless. But in this cycle of life, they will become green and vibrant in spring. Time gives us hope and a promise of tomorrow.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Punny Jokes
Did you hear about the new line of Elvis Presley-themed steakhouses?They will be for people who love meat tender.
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Did you hear about the magic tractor?It was driving down the road and then suddenly turned into a field.
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Q: How can you tell when a bucket gets sick?A: It becomes a little pale.
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A woman went to France on a wine-tasting vacation. Unfortunately, while in the capital city, she drank too much, fell from her hotel window and ended up in a body cast.When she got home, she swore never to get plastered in Paris again
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James Bond once slept right through an earthquake.He was shaken; not stirred.
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At the rum factory loading dock, all of the workers speak in verse.It shows that rhymes fly when you're heaving rum.
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Did you hear about the magic tractor?It was driving down the road and then suddenly turned into a field.
------
Q: How can you tell when a bucket gets sick?A: It becomes a little pale.
------
A woman went to France on a wine-tasting vacation. Unfortunately, while in the capital city, she drank too much, fell from her hotel window and ended up in a body cast.When she got home, she swore never to get plastered in Paris again
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James Bond once slept right through an earthquake.He was shaken; not stirred.
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At the rum factory loading dock, all of the workers speak in verse.It shows that rhymes fly when you're heaving rum.
Monday, August 24, 2009
I could've won a million bucks...
Dan has always told me I should try out for Jeopardy! But I would never even pass the test. I am not as book smart as those Jeopardy guys. But I do know unimportant stuff, trivial information, things that don't amount to anything...except maybe a million dollars.
Last night I called Soup to see how Dad was doing and she was watching that game show "Who Wants to Be A Millionaire" or whatever it's called. I've seen bits and pieces of it maybe three times in my life so I don't know too much about it. Anyway, she was saying how this guy could win a million dollars if he answered this one question right. I was intrigued and walked over to the TV so I could watch too. As I'm walking, she's reading me the question: (I"m paraphrasing) When LBJ was President, he had some drink machines installed with 4 levers throughout the White House. They were for coffee, tea, Coke and what other drink?" I immediately said Fresca. Soup was like, really? I told her yea, I remember reading that somewhere years ago and I've always remembered it. And she says, "well, you could've won a million bucks!" The other choices were Yoo-Hoo, A&W root beer, and I forgot the other choice. But anyway, the guy had no clue. He was out to lunch. He asked the audience for help and they steered him to the Yoo Hoo answer. He lost big time. Sure enough, the answer was Fresca. Oh well. Who needs a million dollars?? All those taxes.
But I know a lot of dumb stuff. I wish I had a better memory though. With age comes forgetfulness. My kids would say I had it even when I was younger. So I'll amend that to say with children comes forgetfulness. They can't argue with that...
Last night I called Soup to see how Dad was doing and she was watching that game show "Who Wants to Be A Millionaire" or whatever it's called. I've seen bits and pieces of it maybe three times in my life so I don't know too much about it. Anyway, she was saying how this guy could win a million dollars if he answered this one question right. I was intrigued and walked over to the TV so I could watch too. As I'm walking, she's reading me the question: (I"m paraphrasing) When LBJ was President, he had some drink machines installed with 4 levers throughout the White House. They were for coffee, tea, Coke and what other drink?" I immediately said Fresca. Soup was like, really? I told her yea, I remember reading that somewhere years ago and I've always remembered it. And she says, "well, you could've won a million bucks!" The other choices were Yoo-Hoo, A&W root beer, and I forgot the other choice. But anyway, the guy had no clue. He was out to lunch. He asked the audience for help and they steered him to the Yoo Hoo answer. He lost big time. Sure enough, the answer was Fresca. Oh well. Who needs a million dollars?? All those taxes.
But I know a lot of dumb stuff. I wish I had a better memory though. With age comes forgetfulness. My kids would say I had it even when I was younger. So I'll amend that to say with children comes forgetfulness. They can't argue with that...
Friday, August 21, 2009
amazing...
This morning Lauren calls me and sadness filled the air. Dad had a rough morning and it sounded grim. He was acting oddly, talking about death and they just weren't sure how to proceed. It was a difficult phone call. We hung up fearing the end was near for my father.
Half hour later Soup calls and says he's MUCH better. Apparently he had slept for 12 hours straight and when he woke up, he was disoriented, very weak and rambling. Mom gave him a batido with Ensure and other good things in it, and it helped immensely. He was probably a bit dehydrated too. Well, he was up, talking and much better. Thank God.
A few minutes ago I spoke to him on the phone. He joked with me, had a nice chat and told him we'd be seeing him tomorrow. He sounded happy to hear that. Soup told me he asked to go to the barber earlier. He wanted his hair cut. I think he knows he's having his party tomorrow and wants to look good. Dad always looked sharp. So Manuela came to cut his hair right away.
This iron man just won't give up. He just keeps hanging on to life. It's a beautiful thing. I can't wait to see him tomorrow.
deo gratias.
Half hour later Soup calls and says he's MUCH better. Apparently he had slept for 12 hours straight and when he woke up, he was disoriented, very weak and rambling. Mom gave him a batido with Ensure and other good things in it, and it helped immensely. He was probably a bit dehydrated too. Well, he was up, talking and much better. Thank God.
A few minutes ago I spoke to him on the phone. He joked with me, had a nice chat and told him we'd be seeing him tomorrow. He sounded happy to hear that. Soup told me he asked to go to the barber earlier. He wanted his hair cut. I think he knows he's having his party tomorrow and wants to look good. Dad always looked sharp. So Manuela came to cut his hair right away.
This iron man just won't give up. He just keeps hanging on to life. It's a beautiful thing. I can't wait to see him tomorrow.
deo gratias.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Family Love
Well, it's been a rough go of it but Dad is finally home after a week in the hospital. He's already showing signs of improvement...eating better, sleeping restfully, just being home makes such a difference. We're still having his 83rd bday party on Saturday. He loves parties...especially when they're for him!
The kids were able to spend time w/him at the hospital. My wonderful family, my sisters and brother and Lauren, God bless them, all took turns staying with him 24/7. They made a schedule and without pressuring anyone, asked if they could help out. Everyone did. Faith, hope and charity, and the greatest of these is charity. My family certainly did that. And it's not new. When Josh had to be admitted to the hospital a year ago, my whole family was there at some time or another to visit with him. Nando called him several times to talk and cheer him up. Conchis and Kristy were there the first day, driving up after a long hard day at work. All those visits, calls, thoughts and prayers meant so much to Josh it nearly brought him to tears thinking of the time they spent just for him. It meant the world to Dan and me too. But it was not a surprise for me because that's how my family is...generous, loving, giving.
People are somewhat surprised when they find out my father was never alone in that hospital room. They say what a wonderful family I have to go through such sacrifices. I don't know if that's how my family thinks though. We do it because it's the right thing to do, an act of love, from the heart, not from some rule book that says we must. If we had left the job up to the nurses we know they wouldn't have taken care of him like we could. They have other patients, paperwork, stuff to deal with. We have our father. No one else, and nothing else...just him. And I think the nurses appreciated us being there. It was one less patient they had to hover over, or secondguess what he was trying to say. We were always there to interpret his broken English, his Spanish, or his nonsense.
The kids discovered what it is to care for the elderly, for the sick and for their family. Each one (except Paul) lent a hand at some point and I am so happy for that. They need to see what it is like to grow old, and that is our duty to help those who are in need, regardless of relations or age. Their experience with their grandpa brought them closer to him and their love for him only grew. I didn't force any of them to take care of him. I simply asked, and they wanted to help. It's no surprise. They learned it from my family.
The kids were able to spend time w/him at the hospital. My wonderful family, my sisters and brother and Lauren, God bless them, all took turns staying with him 24/7. They made a schedule and without pressuring anyone, asked if they could help out. Everyone did. Faith, hope and charity, and the greatest of these is charity. My family certainly did that. And it's not new. When Josh had to be admitted to the hospital a year ago, my whole family was there at some time or another to visit with him. Nando called him several times to talk and cheer him up. Conchis and Kristy were there the first day, driving up after a long hard day at work. All those visits, calls, thoughts and prayers meant so much to Josh it nearly brought him to tears thinking of the time they spent just for him. It meant the world to Dan and me too. But it was not a surprise for me because that's how my family is...generous, loving, giving.
People are somewhat surprised when they find out my father was never alone in that hospital room. They say what a wonderful family I have to go through such sacrifices. I don't know if that's how my family thinks though. We do it because it's the right thing to do, an act of love, from the heart, not from some rule book that says we must. If we had left the job up to the nurses we know they wouldn't have taken care of him like we could. They have other patients, paperwork, stuff to deal with. We have our father. No one else, and nothing else...just him. And I think the nurses appreciated us being there. It was one less patient they had to hover over, or secondguess what he was trying to say. We were always there to interpret his broken English, his Spanish, or his nonsense.
The kids discovered what it is to care for the elderly, for the sick and for their family. Each one (except Paul) lent a hand at some point and I am so happy for that. They need to see what it is like to grow old, and that is our duty to help those who are in need, regardless of relations or age. Their experience with their grandpa brought them closer to him and their love for him only grew. I didn't force any of them to take care of him. I simply asked, and they wanted to help. It's no surprise. They learned it from my family.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
August 2009
August 4, 2009
In the quiet of the day I find myself alone with Paul, a circumstance that we will soon call ordinary instead of unusual. With growing children it implies lifestyle changes. They individually have lives of their own, keeping themselves busy with work or friends, and significant others. This is why Paul and I are left to keep one another company, with Dixie the kitty and Jake, the most wonderful dog ever. I am not complaining...just observing, looking at how the cycle of life comes around. We teach our kids how to be responsible, to take care of themselves, anxiously awaiting how they’ll grow up, and then they up and do it. How dare they? Dan and I started off together, and more and more now we are just him and I, together, with the children gone.
Dan mentioned just yesterday how it gave him a sense of pride, a sense of accomplishment I suppose, when he saw Michael, Cassandra, Christina and Daniel all sitting together in a pew at Mass on Sunday. Paul and I were at the end and I too, noticed that when I glanced down for a second and noted how handsome they all looked. It fills us with a peace knowing they have chosen so well for their mates and how God has truly blessed all of us.
Like a thousand red balloons, life is beautiful and fleeting. Our kids grew into young men and a lovely lady in a matter of minutes. It’s odd how the mind works because at times when I just think of Michael, I see him in my mind as four years old in a green and blue striped shirt, playing with a ball in our back yard. There’s a scene in one of my favorite movies, "Frequency," where Jim Caviezal’s mind is going fast forward and all these shots of life flash in his eyes and it stops with him dropping his beer glass, shattering it all over the floor. That’s how it seems to me, just a flash ago they were all barefoot and in Joe’s case, bare chested, breaking a glass door with a wrist rocket, or sleeping four on a bed sharing one room.
About two weeks ago Christina had to write an essay on her toddler years for her Child Development class, a task that led her to looking at her baby book. Even then she was different, phrasing things in a quirky way or looking at life in an offbeat manner. One episode I wrote about was when I was teaching her catechism, and I went on and on about some miracle and spoke eloquent about the revelation and it was quite profound. I was thrilled she was so attentive. When I stopped, she looks at me with those big blue eyes and blurts out, "Sometimes when I think too much I get dizzy."
Christina and Daniel are out for the day, enjoying the little time they have till he leaves for Kansas on Sunday. They are very sweet together, he doing anything to please her and I just see him parting the sea if she needed it done. They’re going to Magic Mountain tomorrow, a place she’s never been, so that’ll be great fun for her. His love for her has made her into a more confident person, not that she needed to feel loved but the love of a man is truly special, one that cannot be furnished by a mom or dad. I would say the same for Michael, so it is interesting that they both are experiencing love in all its glory. I never doubt the innocence of it all too. Naive I am not. I know things happen. But not with my kids. I won’t say it just won’t happen but it won’t. Their fear of God and keeping His commandments will stop them from crossing that line.
In the quiet of the day I find myself alone with Paul, a circumstance that we will soon call ordinary instead of unusual. With growing children it implies lifestyle changes. They individually have lives of their own, keeping themselves busy with work or friends, and significant others. This is why Paul and I are left to keep one another company, with Dixie the kitty and Jake, the most wonderful dog ever. I am not complaining...just observing, looking at how the cycle of life comes around. We teach our kids how to be responsible, to take care of themselves, anxiously awaiting how they’ll grow up, and then they up and do it. How dare they? Dan and I started off together, and more and more now we are just him and I, together, with the children gone.
Dan mentioned just yesterday how it gave him a sense of pride, a sense of accomplishment I suppose, when he saw Michael, Cassandra, Christina and Daniel all sitting together in a pew at Mass on Sunday. Paul and I were at the end and I too, noticed that when I glanced down for a second and noted how handsome they all looked. It fills us with a peace knowing they have chosen so well for their mates and how God has truly blessed all of us.
Like a thousand red balloons, life is beautiful and fleeting. Our kids grew into young men and a lovely lady in a matter of minutes. It’s odd how the mind works because at times when I just think of Michael, I see him in my mind as four years old in a green and blue striped shirt, playing with a ball in our back yard. There’s a scene in one of my favorite movies, "Frequency," where Jim Caviezal’s mind is going fast forward and all these shots of life flash in his eyes and it stops with him dropping his beer glass, shattering it all over the floor. That’s how it seems to me, just a flash ago they were all barefoot and in Joe’s case, bare chested, breaking a glass door with a wrist rocket, or sleeping four on a bed sharing one room.
About two weeks ago Christina had to write an essay on her toddler years for her Child Development class, a task that led her to looking at her baby book. Even then she was different, phrasing things in a quirky way or looking at life in an offbeat manner. One episode I wrote about was when I was teaching her catechism, and I went on and on about some miracle and spoke eloquent about the revelation and it was quite profound. I was thrilled she was so attentive. When I stopped, she looks at me with those big blue eyes and blurts out, "Sometimes when I think too much I get dizzy."
Christina and Daniel are out for the day, enjoying the little time they have till he leaves for Kansas on Sunday. They are very sweet together, he doing anything to please her and I just see him parting the sea if she needed it done. They’re going to Magic Mountain tomorrow, a place she’s never been, so that’ll be great fun for her. His love for her has made her into a more confident person, not that she needed to feel loved but the love of a man is truly special, one that cannot be furnished by a mom or dad. I would say the same for Michael, so it is interesting that they both are experiencing love in all its glory. I never doubt the innocence of it all too. Naive I am not. I know things happen. But not with my kids. I won’t say it just won’t happen but it won’t. Their fear of God and keeping His commandments will stop them from crossing that line.
June 2009
June 16, 2009
I will refrain from saying "A lot has happened since I last wrote." That gets pretty redundant and it’s clear that when the months pass w/o writing, things happen! A big ol’ DUH to that. Now that summer is here, I can spend a bit more time doing things I enjoy...like writing. And reading. Mom gives me so many books that I cannot keep up. I have a stack about 10 high w/novels I may not ever get around to reading.
Let’s start w/Michael as usual. I always go from oldest on down so there’s no favoritism here...
He did very well at Corps school and was overjoyed when given orders to come to Camp Pendleton and then Okinawa for 2 years. It’s what he chose and being w/the Marines is something he wanted the whole time. He loves being a corpsman, helping people, and he discovered he has a real interest in medicine. Whether he’ll pursue a career in it remains to be seen but it’s not totally out of the question. He still has eyes for SEALs but something (or should I say someone) has come into the mix that may complicate the situation. He has fallen in love with Cassandra Herrera, which is a nice surprise since they’ve known each other for quite some time yet never really noticed her till recently. She is nuts about him and I think they’re a wonderful match. So we’ll see how that all fits in to his military plans. For now, he is very happy and pleased w/being in San Diego till October when FMTB school ends. He comes home every weekend and speeds on down on Sunday evenings. I pray he doesn’t get a ticket in these next few months! They attended the annual Corpsman Ball last Friday and had a ....ball?? Couldn’t resist that one. They had a marvelous time. It was oh so elegant with plenty of brass and saluting and even a few dances. He was happy to have a girl, at last, to take to such a classy event.
Christina is finally not studying! For the last month or so, we barely saw her. She was always holed up in her room, writing, reading and staying up till the wee hours, studying and cramming for school. With school over till summer session begins, she’s enjoying the down time and not having to work makes her feel very liberated. She will do some online classes this summer so she can transfer next Spring.
She has found true love with Daniel. He is absolutely crazy in love with her (he’s got good sense) and cant’ wait to come home from Infantry school next month. He’ll be stationed in Kansas so at least that’s not too far.
I will refrain from saying "A lot has happened since I last wrote." That gets pretty redundant and it’s clear that when the months pass w/o writing, things happen! A big ol’ DUH to that. Now that summer is here, I can spend a bit more time doing things I enjoy...like writing. And reading. Mom gives me so many books that I cannot keep up. I have a stack about 10 high w/novels I may not ever get around to reading.
Let’s start w/Michael as usual. I always go from oldest on down so there’s no favoritism here...
He did very well at Corps school and was overjoyed when given orders to come to Camp Pendleton and then Okinawa for 2 years. It’s what he chose and being w/the Marines is something he wanted the whole time. He loves being a corpsman, helping people, and he discovered he has a real interest in medicine. Whether he’ll pursue a career in it remains to be seen but it’s not totally out of the question. He still has eyes for SEALs but something (or should I say someone) has come into the mix that may complicate the situation. He has fallen in love with Cassandra Herrera, which is a nice surprise since they’ve known each other for quite some time yet never really noticed her till recently. She is nuts about him and I think they’re a wonderful match. So we’ll see how that all fits in to his military plans. For now, he is very happy and pleased w/being in San Diego till October when FMTB school ends. He comes home every weekend and speeds on down on Sunday evenings. I pray he doesn’t get a ticket in these next few months! They attended the annual Corpsman Ball last Friday and had a ....ball?? Couldn’t resist that one. They had a marvelous time. It was oh so elegant with plenty of brass and saluting and even a few dances. He was happy to have a girl, at last, to take to such a classy event.
Christina is finally not studying! For the last month or so, we barely saw her. She was always holed up in her room, writing, reading and staying up till the wee hours, studying and cramming for school. With school over till summer session begins, she’s enjoying the down time and not having to work makes her feel very liberated. She will do some online classes this summer so she can transfer next Spring.
She has found true love with Daniel. He is absolutely crazy in love with her (he’s got good sense) and cant’ wait to come home from Infantry school next month. He’ll be stationed in Kansas so at least that’s not too far.
December 2008
December 14, 2008
a lot has gone on since I last wrote. At the end of August Josh became seriously ill. I documented all that in my notebook so I won’t go into details about that except to thank God for Josh’s recovery and it seems to have subsided. That was a very scary time for us all.
And then there’s Michael. All of that episode with the Navy and enlisting is also ‘discussed’ in my notebook but now we’re living without him. He’s in boot camp in Illinois. His letters are few but full of emotions; sadness, loneliness, frustration and hope. He is praying and hoping he passes all his tests to get into Bud/s and be on his way. If it’s God’s will, it will happen. We have to remember that. Only if it is His will can it happen. Sometimes the sadness within in me is so overwhelming it’s hard to not break down and cry, and I do. He is in my mind literally ALL THE TIME. It’s hard for all of us. Michael has always been such a leader, such a motivator, and I hope the Navy sees in him what we see in him; a true man with great heroic qualities that he is ready to do anything for. He was chosen to be the division’s RPO Religious. If they saw Catholicism in him, then they’re pretty observant. It’s hellishly cold there and he’s sick. Dan and I cannot wait for January 23...he graduates then and no blizzards nor sleet nor ice can keep us from that blessed day.
There are parents in our situation, and even worse w/kids in Iraq and elsewhere, all over the country. Thousands of parents aching for their sons/daughters and longing to be with them especially at this time of year. What we are going through is nothing new, nothing that a military family has not experienced before, but it’s new for us. And it is with every ounce of God’s help that I, for one, and am in need of to carry out each day. There are times when I am really good, really strong. And then there’s today, where I’m home sick from church and listening to "I’ll Be Home for Christmas" and realizing that it will most certainly be in my dreams. This is one of Michael’s favorite times of year. He even listens to some Christmas music throughout the year just to get him in the mood. For all you are doing, my dear sweet son, we are ever so proud and ever so humbled by your sacrifices. Love is a very understated emotion at this time. We pray we all can be together again very soon.
a lot has gone on since I last wrote. At the end of August Josh became seriously ill. I documented all that in my notebook so I won’t go into details about that except to thank God for Josh’s recovery and it seems to have subsided. That was a very scary time for us all.
And then there’s Michael. All of that episode with the Navy and enlisting is also ‘discussed’ in my notebook but now we’re living without him. He’s in boot camp in Illinois. His letters are few but full of emotions; sadness, loneliness, frustration and hope. He is praying and hoping he passes all his tests to get into Bud/s and be on his way. If it’s God’s will, it will happen. We have to remember that. Only if it is His will can it happen. Sometimes the sadness within in me is so overwhelming it’s hard to not break down and cry, and I do. He is in my mind literally ALL THE TIME. It’s hard for all of us. Michael has always been such a leader, such a motivator, and I hope the Navy sees in him what we see in him; a true man with great heroic qualities that he is ready to do anything for. He was chosen to be the division’s RPO Religious. If they saw Catholicism in him, then they’re pretty observant. It’s hellishly cold there and he’s sick. Dan and I cannot wait for January 23...he graduates then and no blizzards nor sleet nor ice can keep us from that blessed day.
There are parents in our situation, and even worse w/kids in Iraq and elsewhere, all over the country. Thousands of parents aching for their sons/daughters and longing to be with them especially at this time of year. What we are going through is nothing new, nothing that a military family has not experienced before, but it’s new for us. And it is with every ounce of God’s help that I, for one, and am in need of to carry out each day. There are times when I am really good, really strong. And then there’s today, where I’m home sick from church and listening to "I’ll Be Home for Christmas" and realizing that it will most certainly be in my dreams. This is one of Michael’s favorite times of year. He even listens to some Christmas music throughout the year just to get him in the mood. For all you are doing, my dear sweet son, we are ever so proud and ever so humbled by your sacrifices. Love is a very understated emotion at this time. We pray we all can be together again very soon.
July 2008
July 29, 2008
Joey is nuts about karate and will get his black belt (along w/Josh) at the end of the year. I’m so proud of them. I’m so proud of all my kids. They have developed into such wonderful conscientious, hard working young people. They’re tackling the real world with determination and Michael especially has defended his faith, his political views, his morals and has come away with a reputation for being ethical, honest and a man not to be messed with. Joey is the other fighter of the family, being the most athletic and weight pumping guy in the house. His role models being Rambo and Rocky, he is big and buff yet shy and soft spoken. He reminds me so much of Andrew (Gonzalez) and they could be twins. He says what he means, laughs when he finds something funny and not just because everyone else is, and is true to himself. I think that’s what makes him unique. He doesn’t try to be something he’s not. He likes his time to himself and doesn’t demand a lot. He is a messy guy though and admittedly needs to work on his sloppiness. The Marines will fix that.
Matthew has grown up so much in the last year especially. He has matured a lot, gotten taller and more responsible. Still, he is the quirkiest son I’ve got! He’s almost Monkish. I’m referring to the character of the TV show ‘Monk’, not a religious monk! He’s gaining confidence in himself, which is great. It is so ironic that the patron saint of tax collectors, bankers, and money managers is St Matthew because Matt has a way with numbers and stats. He remembers all sorts of baseball stats and can do some pretty good math skills mentally. He’s meticulous with things and goes around shutting doors, cupboards, and drawers, closing caps to lotions and soaps, even when I’m in the middle of using them. Drives me nuts but that’s Matt. He corrects us when we say the wrong word or aren’t clear on pronouns. Drives everyone batty w/that. He doesn’t go by the old saying I came up with, "Don’t listen to what I say, understand what I mean." He goes by exactly what we say. So if we say it wrong, he’ll either correct us or go by that. He’s just a quirky guy!
Matt is wonderful with Paul. He plays with him a lot and teaches him many little things, cares for him and watches over him. Paul looks up to him and often rewards Matt by making sounds or doing things with him that he won’t with me. Matt is quite patient with him. He’s a wonderful big brother to him. I think he sometimes gets tired of being the ‘little brother’ so he takes particular pride in being Paul’s big brother.
Joey is nuts about karate and will get his black belt (along w/Josh) at the end of the year. I’m so proud of them. I’m so proud of all my kids. They have developed into such wonderful conscientious, hard working young people. They’re tackling the real world with determination and Michael especially has defended his faith, his political views, his morals and has come away with a reputation for being ethical, honest and a man not to be messed with. Joey is the other fighter of the family, being the most athletic and weight pumping guy in the house. His role models being Rambo and Rocky, he is big and buff yet shy and soft spoken. He reminds me so much of Andrew (Gonzalez) and they could be twins. He says what he means, laughs when he finds something funny and not just because everyone else is, and is true to himself. I think that’s what makes him unique. He doesn’t try to be something he’s not. He likes his time to himself and doesn’t demand a lot. He is a messy guy though and admittedly needs to work on his sloppiness. The Marines will fix that.
Matthew has grown up so much in the last year especially. He has matured a lot, gotten taller and more responsible. Still, he is the quirkiest son I’ve got! He’s almost Monkish. I’m referring to the character of the TV show ‘Monk’, not a religious monk! He’s gaining confidence in himself, which is great. It is so ironic that the patron saint of tax collectors, bankers, and money managers is St Matthew because Matt has a way with numbers and stats. He remembers all sorts of baseball stats and can do some pretty good math skills mentally. He’s meticulous with things and goes around shutting doors, cupboards, and drawers, closing caps to lotions and soaps, even when I’m in the middle of using them. Drives me nuts but that’s Matt. He corrects us when we say the wrong word or aren’t clear on pronouns. Drives everyone batty w/that. He doesn’t go by the old saying I came up with, "Don’t listen to what I say, understand what I mean." He goes by exactly what we say. So if we say it wrong, he’ll either correct us or go by that. He’s just a quirky guy!
Matt is wonderful with Paul. He plays with him a lot and teaches him many little things, cares for him and watches over him. Paul looks up to him and often rewards Matt by making sounds or doing things with him that he won’t with me. Matt is quite patient with him. He’s a wonderful big brother to him. I think he sometimes gets tired of being the ‘little brother’ so he takes particular pride in being Paul’s big brother.
July 2008
July 18, 2008
So much has happened in the last 4 months...I don’t know if I can recap all that’s happened but a brief summary of the family events will have to suffice.
I have been good about creating a little journal and I write from work, and in that I have the play by play for Michael’s Navy enlistment days. We are excited about that and happy that we have 5 months left till he leaves. The whole thing fills me w/the odd mixture of pride and sadness, for obvious reasons. He works hard at Big 5 and is given more hours than a part timer should have but his bank account is happier for it.
She’s loving her new car and experiencing what it is to budget. Without a car payment, her funds were her own except for a small phone bill and of course, school. But now she’s clamping down and can’t wait to start work again to get those paychecks.
And then there’s Josh. Josh is high as a kite awaiting school to start, his first college semester. He’s taking an oceanography class w/Neen and volleyball. They will have a blast going in together. He’s hoping to get a job soon but meanwhile, working for Brigham keeps him busy and his wallet full. He just loves being outdoors hammering nails and working hard. His graduation party was a smash with all the Kelly families, the Aguirres, our Hemet friends and some neighbors. We are blessed to know such fabulous people.
Just celebrating his 17th birthday is Joe. He’s grown into a fine young man. I mean, he’s handsome and tall and got good muscle, and he’s so sweet and honest and hysterically funny.
So much has happened in the last 4 months...I don’t know if I can recap all that’s happened but a brief summary of the family events will have to suffice.
I have been good about creating a little journal and I write from work, and in that I have the play by play for Michael’s Navy enlistment days. We are excited about that and happy that we have 5 months left till he leaves. The whole thing fills me w/the odd mixture of pride and sadness, for obvious reasons. He works hard at Big 5 and is given more hours than a part timer should have but his bank account is happier for it.
She’s loving her new car and experiencing what it is to budget. Without a car payment, her funds were her own except for a small phone bill and of course, school. But now she’s clamping down and can’t wait to start work again to get those paychecks.
And then there’s Josh. Josh is high as a kite awaiting school to start, his first college semester. He’s taking an oceanography class w/Neen and volleyball. They will have a blast going in together. He’s hoping to get a job soon but meanwhile, working for Brigham keeps him busy and his wallet full. He just loves being outdoors hammering nails and working hard. His graduation party was a smash with all the Kelly families, the Aguirres, our Hemet friends and some neighbors. We are blessed to know such fabulous people.
Just celebrating his 17th birthday is Joe. He’s grown into a fine young man. I mean, he’s handsome and tall and got good muscle, and he’s so sweet and honest and hysterically funny.
April 2008
4/3/08
I give the boys brain teasers and word puzzles occasionally and the answers they come up with are pretty creative. Here’s one example:
One day, two mothers and two daughters went shopping for shoes. Their shopping
spree was successful–each bought a pair of shoes, all together, they had three pairs.
How is this possible?
Joe reads the problem and yells out, "I got it! The dog ate a pair of shoes when they got home!"
His other guess was that they got mugged on the way home and the guy took off with a pair of shoes.
Josh thought two of the ladies had one leg...but that still didn’t work out. Matt’s guesses were more reasonable. Josh came up with the right answer (one of the mothers was a grandmother, who was shopping with her daughter and granddaughter)
I give the boys brain teasers and word puzzles occasionally and the answers they come up with are pretty creative. Here’s one example:
One day, two mothers and two daughters went shopping for shoes. Their shopping
spree was successful–each bought a pair of shoes, all together, they had three pairs.
How is this possible?
Joe reads the problem and yells out, "I got it! The dog ate a pair of shoes when they got home!"
His other guess was that they got mugged on the way home and the guy took off with a pair of shoes.
Josh thought two of the ladies had one leg...but that still didn’t work out. Matt’s guesses were more reasonable. Josh came up with the right answer (one of the mothers was a grandmother, who was shopping with her daughter and granddaughter)
December 2007
December 1, 2007
I know I’ve been behind in my entries, not faithful to this at all. But I just wanted to make it known, and make very clear...I have the very best children in the whole world. They are loving, responsible (somewhat!), clear minded and intelligent people who I can converse with, make jokes with, laugh with often and heartily, and I cherish every moment we have together. They are my life line when things are sad, they are my shoulder when things are bad. They are my soul and mind every minute. I did nothing to deserve them, but here they are and my love for them knows no bounds.
I know I’ve been behind in my entries, not faithful to this at all. But I just wanted to make it known, and make very clear...I have the very best children in the whole world. They are loving, responsible (somewhat!), clear minded and intelligent people who I can converse with, make jokes with, laugh with often and heartily, and I cherish every moment we have together. They are my life line when things are sad, they are my shoulder when things are bad. They are my soul and mind every minute. I did nothing to deserve them, but here they are and my love for them knows no bounds.
October 2007
October 20, 2007
Michael has women dialed in to a T. He was saying how women aren’t that hard to figure out. First, they really just want a man who is strong, brave, honest and can handle anything. But they must also be soft, gentle, understanding, patient and loving, pretty much in the next minute. That’s why super heroes are so popular w/women. Superheroes are actually two men in one. And that’s what women want– two polar opposites in one man. This way he meets all her needs-- when she wants someone to fight for her, stand up and defend himself or others, he should do that. But when the day’s done, he should bring her flowers, help with the dishes, listen to her gripes, and massage her feet.
And that is exactly what he plans to do for his wife. He has no question how he is going behave in his marriage. He was talking to a friend at work and the guy mentioned that his wife was the envy of every nurse in the delivery room. When his wife was giving birth, the nurses all noticed her beautiful feet. They were soft and just perfect. She smiled and said her husband massaged her feet every night during her pregnancy because they would hurt and swell. He would buy special oils just for her feet.
Michael said he’s keeping everything people tell him not to or to do so he can have THE perfect marriage. I have no doubt he will have that. He’s been praying for his future wife since he was about 12.
Michael has women dialed in to a T. He was saying how women aren’t that hard to figure out. First, they really just want a man who is strong, brave, honest and can handle anything. But they must also be soft, gentle, understanding, patient and loving, pretty much in the next minute. That’s why super heroes are so popular w/women. Superheroes are actually two men in one. And that’s what women want– two polar opposites in one man. This way he meets all her needs-- when she wants someone to fight for her, stand up and defend himself or others, he should do that. But when the day’s done, he should bring her flowers, help with the dishes, listen to her gripes, and massage her feet.
And that is exactly what he plans to do for his wife. He has no question how he is going behave in his marriage. He was talking to a friend at work and the guy mentioned that his wife was the envy of every nurse in the delivery room. When his wife was giving birth, the nurses all noticed her beautiful feet. They were soft and just perfect. She smiled and said her husband massaged her feet every night during her pregnancy because they would hurt and swell. He would buy special oils just for her feet.
Michael said he’s keeping everything people tell him not to or to do so he can have THE perfect marriage. I have no doubt he will have that. He’s been praying for his future wife since he was about 12.
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