Justin to the rescue!

Today at Bible study, besides taking part in a very interesting class, I had the 'job' of taking photos of several people at the request of Judy A. She is putting together a pictorial project for the church or something so had me grabbing folks and photographing them. 

Justin and I were on a mission after class, so did not join the group for lunch. Justin's co-worker and friend, Raymond, who is Jesse's brother, experienced a house fire this past weekend. His girlfriend and he 'rent' her grandma's home on Fleming Island. The fire began in the garage, due to a faulty outlet. They were awakened by the sound of aerosol paint cans bursting open from heat. Saved by the paint cans!

Justin and I were going shopping to get Raymond a few things to hold him over, since his clothes and shoes were destroyed in the fire. Most of his stuff was in the garage where the washer and dryer were, and where they left their shoes. I was going to pick up some toiletries and such, trying to imagine what they could use. Temporarily they are staying with her mother but still need the grooming items, etc. 

At Happy Hour the night before, I mentioned to Janet and Arnie about Raymond having experienced this fire. They have known him since he was a child which is why I said something. Janet said, "I wish I could help..." and gave Justin some money to use for shopping. Then, this a.m. I got a call at Bible study from another neighbor offering some money as well, having talked with the other two people after we left Happy Hour. He deposited money via pay pal into Justin's account and away we go!

After The Dollar Store stop, we had lunch at Carrabba's which was nearby. With my first bite I dripped juice from my panini on my nice red sweater. Shoot!  It was not horrible but bad enough to embarrass me. We were going to Goodwill next which was okay for having a spot on the sweater. There I got Raymond 5 polo shirts, a pair of slacks, and a belt, for about $30. Not bad!  Justin dropped me at home and went on to Wal-Mart for some more items. Thanks to the generosity of our friends, he was able to get three pairs of shoes for Raymond, underwear, T-shirts, and socks. 

                                       

When I was at home, I got busy trying to access the church photos on my camera card with no success. The computer sent me error messages saying it did not recognize my card or something. Since Justin was at Wal-Mart, I asked him to pick up a new card reader for me which took some doing because my card is sort of old. At last he found one and brought it home for me. It didn't work either but he figured out what was wrong with my other reader so I got the pictures taken care of. Justin did nothing but rescue people today!

"Hello in There"

            My father-in-law, Arno, in 2008

When an old man died in the geriatric ward of a nursing home in an Australian country town, it was believed that he had nothing left of any value.

.

Later, when the nurses were going through his meager possessions, They found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital.

One nurse took her copy to Melbourne. The old man's sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas editions of magazines around the country and appearing in magazines for Mental Health. A slide presentation has also been made based on his simple, but eloquent, poem.

And this old man, with nothing left to give to the world, is now the author of this 'anonymous' poem winging across the Internet.

CRANKY OLD MAN

What do you see nurses? . . .. . .What do you see?

What are you thinking .. . when you're looking at me?

A cranky old man, . . . . . .not very wise,

Uncertain of habit .. . . . . . . .. with faraway eyes?

Who dribbles his food .. . ... . . and makes no reply.

When you say in a loud voice . .'I do wish you'd try!'

Who seems not to notice . . .the things that you do.

And forever is losing . . . . . .. . . A sock or shoe?

Who, resisting or not . . . ... lets you do as you will,

With bathing and feeding . . . .The long day to fill?

Is that what you're thinking?. .Is that what you see?

Then open your eyes, nurse .you're not looking at me.

I'll tell you who I am . . . . .. As I sit here so still,

As I do at your bidding, .. . . . as I eat at your will.

I'm a small child of Ten . .with a father and mother,

Brothers and sisters .. . . .. . who love one another

A young boy of Sixteen . . . .. with wings on his feet

Dreaming that soon now . . .. . . a lover he'll meet.

A groom soon at Twenty . . . ..my heart gives a leap.

Remembering, the vows .. .. .that I promised to keep.

At Twenty-Five, now . . . . .I have young of my own.

Who need me to guide . . . And a secure happy home.

A man of Thirty . .. . . . . My young now grown fast,

Bound to each other . . .. With ties that should last.

At Forty, my young sons .. .have grown and are gone,

But my woman is beside me . . to see I don't mourn.

At Fifty, once more, .. ...Babies play 'round my knee,

Again, we know children . . . . My loved one and me.

Dark days are upon me . . . . My wife is now dead.

I look at the future ... . . . . I shudder with dread.

For my young are all rearing .. . . young of their own.

And I think of the years . . . And the love that I've 

known.

I'm now an old man . . . . . . .. and nature is cruel.

It's jest to make old age . . . . . . . look like a fool.

The body, it crumbles .. .. . grace and vigour, depart.

There is now a stone . . . where I once had a heart.

But inside this old carcass . A young man still dwells,

And now and again . . . . . my battered heart swells

I remember the joys . . . . .. . I remember the pain.

And I'm loving and living . . . . . . . life over again.

I think of the years, all too few . . .. gone too fast.

And accept the stark fact . . . that nothing can last.

So open your eyes, people .. . . . .. . . open and see.

Not a cranky old man .

Look closer . . . . see .. .. . .. .... . ME!!

"Hello in There"

The Trouble With Words

Many years ago I wrote a blog posting about The Importance of Vowels, based upon something my blogging friend, Jami, spoke of  when teaching male convicts how to read and write. I have been recently thinking about conversations she and I had about words. Now it is my turn--only I wish to remove words, or, at least, lessen their usage. 

Much of my time is spent listening to podcasters, radio shows, and talking with people. If I am not listening, I am writing. Lately I have found myself simply bristling at the repeated usage of certain words people use, some who should really know better. One word which annoys me in its usage is "right?".  Some people use this word at the end of every declarative sentence, as though the listener should answer, but pressing on without awaiting the response. The same is true with "you know?" used a hundred times in a conversation. These are space savers in conversations or fillers used to grasp the attention or approval of the listener. If you are sure about something, just say it rather than waiting for agreement! I've heard this from podcasters, professional radio personalities, business people, even men of the cloth. Makes my hair stand up! 

There are other words which are used with some regularity, most often in church settings. The terminology which is all the rage includes "intentional" or "missional" which make me shake my head. When is something at church not intentional or not missional? Why does have it be almost a doctrine/practice? It feels almost manipulative to use expressions like these to direct the audiences' or congregations' emotions or actions a certain way. I am trying to be diplomatic here, not accusational (ha ha).

Last night one of the shows I watch, a panel program, had a guest host. He is a funny guy, a stand-up comedian, BUT repeatedly uses the expression "stick with me" when it seems the jokes go over the audience heads. He also says his name in a scolding manner, "Jimmy", when he says something outrageous, which bugs the snot out of me. These expressions are props as well. Stop it! 

Before I wrote this, I gave much thought to my own language. Was there an expression or word group I use as a prop or a space keeper? I cannot think of anything and surely hope I do not. Certainly my friend who uses "you know?" every few words has no idea they are doing it. Using close-captioning on the TV screen or monitors allows for visual evidence of the repetitive use of those expressions. The auto-captioning catches even pauses which are preferable to "right?". 

My new teeth are in!

This morning I had my appointment to set my permanent bridge in place, this process begun last September/early October. At that appointment Peggy removed what was left of my tooth, complete with gold post and put the temporary bridge in place. It held up nicely for me through the holidays though I did have a bit of a problem with getting food caught in it, causing irritation. The bone healed up at last from where the oral surgery was last March and now, my new smooth bridge is in place!

I was concerned about the procedure, since I had come down with a head cold and scratchy throat Monday afternoon, but once in the chair, the symptoms subsided. I suppose lying back with my head down so far prevented the nasty drainage. I told Peggy I feared sneezing and blowing my new teeth across the room against the window! She got just the right shade of grey for my teeth (she scolded me for saying that, stating my color is A1!! Like steak sauce?). 

Together we worked and worked to make sure the bite was perfect, but like she said, I can't be sure until I tried eating something. I have gotten used to the resin temporaries so the 'real' ones will take a bit of working in. So far, so good, though one area might still be a bit high. Unless you have been fitted for a crown or a bridge, you might not understand what I am talking about. The last thing I want is to break them off when chewing but she assures me that will not happen. My $1,003,000.85 smile is back!!

To avoid staining the artificial surfaces which many of my teeth have, Peggy suggested drinking my soda through a straw. Or 'rinse in between' with water. What does 'in between' mean? I do drink water during the day so perhaps that's what she meant (I wasn't interested in pursuing this discussion). I told Justin what she said and he had the same look on his face that I am sure I had at that idea. That would be the last straw!!!

Some time later he came tapping at my door, concerned. Justin asked me if I started to drink soda through a straw, will I become a Realtor??? What??? That was one thing he noticed when working with his father, in close association with site agents and other Realtors, female ones. They drink their soda through a straw, so as not to mess up their lipstick. I assured him I would not but I would continue to pray to the Lord about the real estate market!

Pondering some things

The other day I wrote about the funeral Justin and I attended for our friend who passed away suddenly while on vacation. Living life and doing what he enjoyed, he died while swimming between a boat and the shore. No one is sure exactly what happened, if it was the current pulling him under, or if he had a heart attack, or what. His family members who spoke at the service mentioned how no matter what happened, Big O died doing what he loved. 

There was a slide presentation playing prior to the service on a large screen in front of the sanctuary, showing pictures of Big O and his family from young to the last posed one at The Club on New Year's Eve. Included also were shots of him in his various civic organizations including Rotary and Chamber of Commerce groups.

This was one of the first times Justin has attended a funeral reception held some place other than a church, which is why he wondered about the open bar scenario, etc. My mom wrote to me, referencing a recent obit in her local paper, where the woman was having a 'celebration of her life' at a center next to the funeral home, used by those who don't have church services, or for use after the service. It didn't mention open bar, nor do I know the practice of the proprietors of this center. 

I told Mom I fully expect a celebration after my service where my favorite foods will be served and people can tell their stories, instead of passing the microphone around during the worship service. I won't know what folks will say because I'll be at the heavenly banquet. They might not be able to talk anymore after singing all the hymns I've chosen for my service!

Mom has trouble getting her newspaper and the obits online more often than not so I will look them up for her and e-mail the ones I think she might know. Sometimes I will read them to her over the phone if it works out. Mom marvels at just how much stuff people did in their lives before they died---participating in clubs, playing cards, civic duties, working jobs while farming, traveling, doing mission work, and so on. 

                                 

She has a friend with whom she grew up who is now under Hospice care, having been diagnosed with cancer and given a short time to live. This woman is absolutely amazing (known her all my life!) being active in associations, teaching 4-H, running a green house business, working in various capacities at church (FG), active in the past with the volunteer fire dept., and other social clubs. She was a whirlwind, and at age 92, is soon to go home. 

A few years ago a couple from our church celebrated a landmark wedding anniversary. Andy was in a VA nursing home in the next county where the party was being held. We got to tour the facility, see his room, and the other veterans being served in this lovely, lodge-like atmosphere. 

What I took away from my visit was the cool 'window' bulletin board mounted on the walls outside each room. In his mock 'window' was a history of Andy, showing him as a child, a young man in the service, working for the railroad, his wedding picture, a written biography telling who Andy was, and is. While the dementia may have taken away his memories and his usual personality, this window-view of his life showed the staff and visitors who he used to be, and from where he came. And, to whom he mattered! 

I think this was most helpful to the people who took care of him, to know he wasn't always old, wasn't always forgetful, wasn't always in a wheelchair. This idea would have been most helpful to the staff where I used to work, though most of the dining room and kitchen staff rarely got to the floors where the residents lived. I did, however, several times a day and think it would have been nice to know and to be reminded that these folks have not always been old and perhaps 'difficult'. We, the staff, only got them at the end of their lives, probably not seeing everyone at their best. Their families knew them at their best, however, and I bet would have liked us to know their family member that way, too. Often we would know someone, being it is a small town and all that, but still, to hear about people's history and where they've been and what they've done would have been so good to know, at least for someone like me.

A "Super" Day

In the old days, we had to wait to see the commercials planned to air during the Super Bowl game, but several have been made available to get a sneak peek online and perhaps other sources ahead of the game. This is good for someone like me whose eyes will not be rivited to the game, at least I don't think so anyway. One of my favorite Super Bowl ads was from a couple years ago featuring a little boy dressed as Darth Vader. He was walking around, giving commands to things at his home, and thanks to remote start with his dad at the controls, thinks he uses his "Vader powers" to start the car in the driveway. So cute!

Justin has been able to help people all over the place (well, maybe that's an exaggeration) with their computers and other electronics. Ever since our neighbor, Hugh, asked Justin to help him figure out the Apple TV and other components, he's been getting calls. Or I have, actually. Hugh was so pleased with the help Justin gave him that he wrote a very nice letter and sent it out to his contact list, touting my boy. This has prompted Justin to take on-line classes toward getting his certification, this in addition to regular tech podcasts and blog reading in which he is immersed. He is quite excited about all this, as am I.

He was going to help someone on Saturday morning and asked me if he could use my car for this errand. Jokingly he said he could just drop me off at Grumpy's, but I said I'd be fine at home. Well, yesterday after he'd left, Terri T. sent me a message asking if I wanted to go to Grumpy's. I explained that Justin had my wheels so she came to pick me up. We had a lovely breakfast together, seeing our former member, Kathy, there with her daughter and grandson, Griffin. Kelly and her family is moving to TX so Kathy is prepared to make regular trips that direction in order to see her little grandson. She will surely miss them, I know that, since they spend much time together.

This photo was taken from Grumpy's Facebook page, which they taunt me with daily...

Besides my meal, I ordered three dinner rolls (mini-loaves of bread!) and three biscuits to take home with me. These will make wonderful sandwiches for us. Justin already had one with summer sausage on it. While the mini-rolls we make with pizza dough are delicious, these home-baked breads are that much better.

Last night, rather, late afternoon, I went to church for the Branches Band concert. It was okay but I sure don't like the listeners applauding after singing the hymns. Several times the congregation (attendees, I should say) were invited to join in singing, which was nice. The theme was Epiphany so the hymns and songs were from that section of the hymnal, for the most part. The meal afterward was out of this world, with Judy stepping in for Sue and getting things ready. Judy had frozen the leftover taco meat from Mexican night which was just delicious reheated for the meal. I ate mine on the plate with shredded cheese over the top. So tasty! We had a couple of guests, two from Keystone Heights, plus two granddaughters of Jean N., and a couple more kids who came with friends. Judy's remark to me was, "Sue must have schmoozed alot of people..." as she placed phone calls to our members to encourage them to come. It worked for them as it worked for me! 

The empty spot on the table was for the crock pot of taco meat which was coming out later.

After worship this a.m. and our lunch at Chili's, Justin is going to Jesse's for Super Bowl fun. They are starting early with their tailgate party and games set up in the yard. Justin is taking sweet/sour meat balls as his donation to the food. I'm not sure if they are also grilling but it sounds like it's going to be a good time. Guesses are the game will be a close one. Since I have no dog in the fight, I am not that interested, but Justin, if he has to choose, likes the 'work ethic' of Peyton Manning. He heard a story about how even when in the ice bath keeps his helmet on to listen to the plays, etc., always working. My brother-in-law, in the sports collectible business, has been busy since the end of the play-offs and has the production people standing at the ready to go to "press" when the game is over tonight. Usually I check with him to see which team are the better customers but I haven't done so yet today. I cheer for the ones who buy the most WinCraft products! Go, David!

I seem to be forgetting something

Recently I wrote about meetings upon meetings, and yet missed one. On Wednesday I had a luncheon meeting at Pengree's with my friend and investment counselor, Diane. As I headed out, I met Hugh and Connie downstairs. Hugh scolded me for not having my wool coat on, as I carried a heavy cardigan over my arm, plus sported a turtleneck and substantial sweater. I felt like he was my daddy, making me go upstairs to get my coat. I didn't do it, but appreciated his cautions to me. It was biting that day, but I was running a bit late.

The meeting was at Pengrees, not more than a few blocks from my house, which was my plan since the weather was so crumby. Diane was between other meetings herself so this was convenient for her as well. She ran a bit late but that was fine, there was lots going on in the restaurant to entertain me. At the next table to mine was a group of ladies, one of whom was my neighbor. She asked me to join them, but I explained I had someone coming to meet with me. 

Diane and I had a fine visit together, as we always do, talking about everything under the sun (oh, we wish for some sun!) and eventually got around to business. I brought half my lunch home to share with Justin, who was home from work that day due to the weather. He didn't mind one little bit eating my leftovers! 

I didn't mention much about the event at The Club on Saturday night. I had to ditch the Mexican dinner being held at church to join my friend/dentist, Peggy, at her sponsored table at a fund raiser. Peggy does volunteer work at a free clinic in Green Cove, for which is fundraiser was intended. The place was packed, and everyone wore their finest. I wore my peacock poncho which I wore to another fund raising event a year ago. Never ceases to get compliments, though it seems to be falling apart. Perhaps I can fix it so no more threads some off (I leave a trail sometimes). A man I know, Rob, a state Senator for our area, gave me a big hug. He told me he found out afterward why I was at the Senior Presentation for St. Johns, seated right behind them. Hence, the big hug. He was most complimentary, and entirely sincere in his kind words.

There was silent auction, handled by making bids on our cell phones so no one had to stand by the sheets and keep upping the bids. Very smart! The wait staff was so attentive, the food absolutely divine, especially the sliced roast beef on silver dollar rolls. The company was also great, plus much money was earned to support this privately-funded clinic. It serves my friend, Amber, which is one other reason why I went.

From left: Terri, Judy, Michael, Justin, and Sue

Friday afternoon I was on the phone much of the time, making Prayer Chain calls. Sue, the sweet lady making the arrangements for the meal after the concert, suffered a heart attack on Thursday night. She was taken by ambulance to the hospital and they had to use the paddles on her to get her restarted en route. She has since had three stents put in and is in ICU. Poor Sue has had so many ailments over the years, but keeps bouncing back. I hope this is true again for her after this. Please keep Sue in your thoughts and prayers for recovery from her heart attack and procedures. Thanks!