Help Me!

Understand that is.  The last two posts have been trying to reintroduce myself to blogging without being such a downer and guess what?  No comments!  NADA! Zip! Zilch! Zingo!

Come on, I love that you all love both Princess and I, but throw me a bone now and then!

I just got back from 7 hours of driving from Beaumont to Waco - yes!  I said Seven hours!  Traffic was heavy just getting out of Beaumont, then the idiots zinging and zipping through Highway 105 and Highway 6 - just about pushed me over the edge.  Anywhoo, I'm home, tonight is card night for Princess, so I'll be alone again - nothing to do but watch some boob tube and iron!

The girls just barked cause Princess came in and now we're going to go out and get the mail.  Yes - this is my exciting life!

Jim

IKE

I don't like Ike! This storm is proving to be one great big headache. Instead of travelling to southeast Texas, I got up this morning and called the folks only to hear it has been put off and we're playing it day by day for now.

Go Away Ike! Leave the battered Gulf Coast alone! We need the rain, just not the destructive winds. Go Away!

Can you tell I've been working couped up inside the house all day! Well, hopefully, I'll be on my way tomorrow and knock that task off my to do list.

Jim

Trying

All right.

I am trying to be more positive and less "bluesy" about the blog.  I am trying to find my inner voice that once kept this blog lively and fun.  I beg of you to indulge me to work through the grief in my heart...to hang on...to look past the "glum" posts and the ever present "Mama's Boy" that is lost and wandering.  PLEASE, hang in there with me.

Since coming back from Michigan, I have had the pleasure of being in the plant (that is almost a record, the week before vacation, and the week after), which is coming to an end on Tuesday.  My travel for Tuesday is to head to Beaumont, TX for work.  The area is hot and humid, but as we know, the calendar says "September" so fall must be around the corner.  I like Beaumont, small town feel, with large town luxuries (i.e. chain restaurants).

I dislike the drive, only for one reason, I used to have several small calls and chats with Mom on the drive down to Beaumont.  The first time after her  passing, was misery.  This time it should be better, as I am going to concentrate on calls for work.

The next three to four weeks are going to be murder for travel, Mexico twice, then some local visits, Princess out to San Antone for work, all culminates is some hectic planning on my part.  Princess will celebrate her B-day early on in October.  Getting in shopping and secretly buying presents can be a challenge.  I do hold her to our rule established 21 years ago "If you find a hidden present, it goes back to the store...you don't get to enjoy it".  I'll let you know how it goes.

Crazy Crazy Crazy, my life thus far.

Jim

AWAY

I have been away. Avoiding mainly, the thought of blogging, of telling the world that Life is great just hasn't appealed to me. Sorry for the downer, but it's true, and this is the first time I have felt like signing in to post in a long time.

Princess and I went to Michigan to visit our dear friend Lynn. We saw quite a lot of Michigan, Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix. We spent the night in a quaint inn in Petoskey, did some wonderful sight seeing and shopping, and just relaxed. We all three needed it. Lynn moved from Texas to be closer to her family. Her biological family that is. We are her adopted family. We got to see her new house, play with the kitty's (my allergies stayed in check), and had a wonderful time. The weather was great, her house gorgeous with huge vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, and 2100 hundred square feet of unfinished basement - with good ceiling height I might add.

We came home, had an uneventful trip, even with Gustav ready to hit the Gulf Coast at any minute, but the flight was good. I have finished reading "Twilight" and am waiting to start "New Moon", by my newest favorite author, Stephanie Meyers. Loved the book.

Bert called me today, asking if it was normal to be depressed! HA! I told him yes - then we talked and commiserated about our lives and missing Mom. I know it will get better, I feel it, but it's still hard.

Anyway, if you get the chance, pick up the book, or travel to Michigan in late August - it is beautiful.
Jim

Remembering

So this week with our anniversary, it has caused me much reflection.  Quite a bit of it about my Mom.

Growing up, I was number three, behind a sister and brother in that order.  I think in many ways (if my memory doesn't fail me) that I was a surprise, being a boy I mean.  There aren't many photos of me as an infant and into toddler-dom, as being number three, my parents had tired of the camera thing.  I'm OK with that.  I used that as fuel to claim I was adopted to which I usually got a spanking cause my mouth would rattle on.

Any how, I digress.  Christina came along, then Bert, then Russell.  Now Christy and I were about 2 1/2 years apart and we loved being with my Mom.  In fact, I think that Christy and I grew up in every craft and fabric store in Henderson and Las Vegas.  We were always close, still are.  I can talk to her about anything that is going on in my life if I need to.  Back to the story.

So as a second son, I grew up pretty much as a Mama's boy, doing everything in my power to please her, and spending as much time with her as possible.  When I hit about 12 or 13, I started helping my Dad at his part time job as a night custodian for the school district, specifically at our elementary school.  I think the timing was great.  I had a wonderful solid relationship with Mom, and began building the same with Dad.  To this day, I count my parents among my best friends as well as my parents (never losing sight of that, even though we could vehemently disagree with each other on various topics).  

I remember homemade chocolate chip cookies and homemade bread.  "Tuffies", fried bread hot with melted butter.  I remember Christmas crafts and divinity flavored with Hawaiian punch concentrate.  I remember pumpkin rolls and homemade fudge.  I remember her creamed corn (now a staple at many of our holiday meals) and swiss steak with mushrooms, and beef stroganoff over rice.  I remember homemade shirts with zippers instead of buttons (think late 60's and early 70's).  I remember homemade ice cream and Family Home Evenings (which we groaned about participating in).  Sunburns so bad we would be sick and she would take care of us.  Mom kissing Dad and us kids telling them to get a room.  These are just a few that fill my heart right now.

With Mom's passing, I have felt a void.  Something that I didn't think would happen because I had prepared myself for her passing for about the last 12 to 18 months.  Even Princess has noticed.  I go through the motions, working hard, taking care of the house, spending quality time with Princess, but still there is a void, a selfish void, wanting my Mom here with me but without pain and suffering from Cancer.  I know that Heavenly Father's plan calls for us all to be born, to live (however long that may be), and to die.  I have a firm testimony of this.  I guess what I'm trying to say is that I am amazed at how much I miss Mom.  We used to talk two or three times per week, sometimes long, sometimes a quick "hello, I love you".  And I am grateful that we had those talks.

I have taken to writing her letters, describing the week's happenings, any good news, and also any frustrations that I may have been feeling.  It's has helped me tremendously.

I know the void will be with me for the rest of my life.  And I know that time will heal the pain that the void causes within my heart.  The letters are like "band-aids" over the wound, or salve for the wound.  They really are helping.

Also, I am homesick.  I love living here in Central Texas.  Princess and I have good friends, some that are family to us, great neighbors and a wonderful Church family, but, I miss seeing my family, holding them in my arms, and having a good laugh with each one of them.  I jokingly told Princess to play the Lotto and that if we won, we would move back to Vegas or closer to Vegas, so that we could go and spend long weekends with them.  Who knows, stranger things have happened (note, we do not play the lottery - well not that often, only if it is big numbers :-).

Thanks for letting me get that off my chest.  Jim

Twenty-One

This my friends has been a great week.  Monday I was in Beaumont for work, staying until Wednesday.  As it turned out, I got to come home on Tuesday, a whole day early.

Thursday at 10:10 AM, Princess and I celebrated 21 one years of wedded bliss.  We both took the day off.  We slept in, had a nice breakfast, then went and celebrated with a movie.  We saw the Mummy 3.  It was good, not as good as the others, but enjoyable and entertaining.  

After we came home from the movie, we just relaxed, or as our neighbor's daughter says "chillax".   For our anniversary dinner, we went to China in celebration of the Olympics.  Actually, we went to Cathay House for some scrumptious grub.  We came home, watched some TV and retired.  Quite a great way to spend time together.

Friday we went to Austin to purchase a gift for Princess.  She got this, which is in her signature green color.  I got this (which was supposed to be all black, but by the time we got it home and I opened it, I didn't care).  I also got some movies which was great.

Today we have been furniture shopping.  We need a new matress set for our bed (15 years on a set rated for 10 years is really getting your money's worth), and we want new furniture for the living room.  We'll see what our budget holds for us.

Twenty one reasons I love Princess

1) Because of who she is

2) Christ like love

3) Talents

4) Smile

5) Beauty

6) Charm

7) Style

8) Love of God

9) Humility

10) Cooking (anyone who has dined around our table knows this to be true)

11) Crafts

12) Shopping

13) Love - she exudes it

14) Worker

15) Mother - she dotes on everyone

16) Reminds me of my Mother (in a good way)

17) Great Laugh

18) Sense of Humor

19) Patient

20) I'm the luckiest Man in the World

21) She picked me - I definitely married up!

Love you Princess - Happy 21 - Jim

Friendly Skies 2

I'm home now.  Got here yesterday, leave tomorrow!  Ahhhh!  The life of an executive - NOT!  

So, Princess picked me up from the airport around 7:00 PM yesterday, we went to HEB, then to Taco Bueno (delicious dinner - she slaved all day to make), then home to do laundry, get caught up - you know the drill.

OK, I arrived at Newark, with my three bags in hand, the one I gate checked (thank goodness, the underclothes and toiletries travelled with me), my backpack - never ever check this, and my trusty Duffel.  While selecting my seat, the computer prompted me asking if I would like to give up my seat for a later flight home for $300.  Of course, I said no.  Then I realized that the flights would be super booked, and saw this when I chose my seat.  After my previous experience checking a bag, you would think I would not trust them for any of my baggage, but I threw caution to the wind, checked BOTH my bags (with a promise from the agent that they would both arrive) and proceeded to security.

At security, the barely English speaking man, looked at my ID, looked at my boarding pass and announced "You are elite, that line over there".  I looked over my shoulder to see a long line, and looked back to see a short line.  I said "That's OK, I'll just go here", to which he promptly said "No".   I told him I didn't mind, and he told me no again.  So being top tier elite with my airline translated into "go stand in long line", to which I did.

Long story short, I was upgraded to first class, had a lovely cold plate with cheese, fruit, cold cuts, and crackers.   Arriving in Waco, greeted by Princess with a huge hug and kisses (I know, a little too much info), we proceeded to the great big baggage carousel.  I told her I was hosed if my bags didn't come, not enough clean underclothes for the coming week (I KNOW, TMI).  Any hoo, my bags, yes both of them, were second and third off the carousel!!  Yeah!  My faith in air travel is restored!

Again dear readers, when you have lost luggage, don't get mad, don't scream, rant, rave, yell, etc., ask for CASH for new clothes!!!  It'll make you and everybody else feel better.

Jim

Friendly Skies

For the most part, many of you know that I travel for work. I travel by car and by airplane, never by boat. As such, I am very familiar with the "311" of the travel industry, and much to other peoples chagrin (can you beat that), I try to share this knowledge with others to be helpful.

Sunday I travelled to Little Rock, AR, not returning until this coming Saturday (I know, poor Princess), so I packed my roll-a-board bag and found I needed more space. I got out my trusty little duffle bag and packed it out too. Arriving at the airport early, I checked in, got my boarding pass, and after discussing that as a platinum elite member, I could carry three bags on board, I made the most hideous mistake...I CHECKED MY TRUSTY DUFFLE BAG! Now why are you shouting Jim? Because, the airline lost it.

Arriving in Little Rock, I traversed the airport to the baggage carousel, where I found no duffle bag waiting for me. I went back to the ticket counter, filled out the form to file for a lost bag, and left the airport. Before leaving, I was told to call this 1-800 number in an hour to see if the bag would be on the next flight. So I drove around Little Rock looking for something to eat and to pass the time away. NADA! ZIP! All I could find were fast food places - BLECH!!! I settled on a convenience store, bought some nuts, water and a root beer. Then I called the number - no luck, bag still gone. Then the airline realized that I am an elite member, transferred me to the "elite" desk where I was attended too. Oh yes Mr. XXXXX, you will have your bag tonight. It will be delivered to the tiny remote town two hours away. HAH! I Say, HAH! Again!

I ended up buying a pair of pants, shirt, and socks at the local Wally's world to get me by (I was not showing up in my shorts and polo shirt I travelled in. Worked the day away (la la la la ), only to return to Little Rock, encounter a not so friendly person on the 1-800 number, who then told me to go out and shop some more - spend up to $250! Yep, I did, with Wally's world and KOHL's, I got in about $200 that the airline will reimburse to me.

This morning, while checking in for my flight to the east coast, gues what awaited me??? MY TRUSTY DUFFLE BAG! It found it's way to me. So I packed all my dirty clothes into it, put the new stuff in my roll-a-board, checked the duffle bag to NJ, and when I arrived here in NJ, there it was on the carousel - my duffle - so now I have clothes galore, some old, some new. I have learned one important thing from this trip. Don't get mad and yell when they lose your bag, ask for money to buy new clothes - it worked for me.

Mama Mia

Princess got off early this afternoon and we went to see the obligatory Chick Flick! Well, not really twisting my arm, I love musicals, and both of us love ABBA. So we ate a Whataburger and headed over to the Hollywood 16.

We got there a little late, but found two seats together at the top of the theater. This movie was great. Not a lot of substance (no moral stories, etc), pure fluff (feel good, toe tappin dance in the aisle), but we loved every minute of it. We both hummed and tapped along with the music, laughed and there was a group of mature women in front of us that would squeal with delight. It was a great afternoon.

If you get the chance, go see it. It will make you smile.

Jim

Normal?

Avoiding, that’s what I’ve been doing. Avoid blogging; avoid feeling, kind of like walking around in a daze.

I was in Chattanooga, TN this week, visiting our plant, meeting up with a gentleman that reports to me, making my presence known in the plant/office. The change did me good; it got me out of my funk. I got to see a little rain and that always perks my spirits up…guess its cause I was raised in the desert and rain came in huge waves, like August monsoon and February/March.

So, to mix things up a bit, I thought I would include some photos.

This is Sadie, begging for food from our table. Thanks to my lovely Princess and her Dad who taught Sadie that food from the table is mmmmhh good!

This is Sasha, looking for her Mama (Princess) and wondering why she was left alone!

This is my niece Mallory Kate! We took this while in Vegas and I bribed her with marshmallows to come sit with me and watch baby Einstein’s. She is full of energy and sometimes she is a little cuddly and she’ll give you hugs and smooches.

This is my family, taken after the Mom’s funeral. Back row (l to r) Bert (#5), Rich (oldest), Russell (youngest). Front row Christina (Buffy, also #4), Dad, Me (Skip – these were our nicknames for each other in high school #3) (not pictured Audrey #1 - deceased).

Taken 2 July 2008
Standing (l to r) Me, RL (Berts #2), Aunt Aurella (Mom's only surviving sister), BJ (Bert's #1), Bert, Russell, Justin (Christina's #1), Kelley (Bert's #3), Nichole (Rich's #1), Richard III (Rich's #2), Kyle (Christina's #2), Tanner (Christina's #3), Shane (Christina's hubby), Rich
Sitting (l to r) Princess (mine), Christina, Dad, Dawn (Rich's), Alisa holding Mallory (Bert's and Bert's #4).

Just a side note, Alisa was the only smart woman there, she had taken off her heels to feel more comfortable. Also, notice, my tie coordinates with Princesses dress!

I'm doing better each day - I still struggle with the "funk" now and then, but I took yesterday and today off to catch up on some things and just relax. As far as becoming normal - heck, it hasn't happened yet, so don't hold your breath!

Jim

Blue

That's how I am feeling. I was in a funk on Friday night in the airport in Houston. Blue, I still am. I was feeling sorry for myself (that's how it always is right?), for the loss of my best friend. So I decided to cheer myself up. I called Princess.

Princess was less than talkative. She was busy doing things around the house, her answers to my questions were short or one worded. No luck there.

So I called my sister Christy. She was busy, preoccupied working on a template, her answers too were short or one worded. Two strikes.

I then called Bert. He always likes to talk, but alas, it was not to be. He was on the other line and asked me if it would be OK if he called me back. I said sure. Well when he called back I was on the plane from Houston to Waco. Three strikes.

I didn't call Rich, he's usually riding his horse or roping or something cowboyish, and Russell works a lot of swing shifts so I didn't call him either. Instead, I sat in the airport with tears escaping down my face wallowing in self pity. It was, I was, pathetic.

Everyone says that the death of a parent is hard, I thought I was prepared. Mom had been so sick and in so much pain that I knew that her passing would be a blessing for her, and for my Dad who had worried so much for her these past five years. I'm not prepared. I made it through the funeral, put on my smile, stopped crying when Dad said to stop, and put on the brave face. I'm still doing that. But it's painful, my Mom is my best friend. We had so much in common, movies, TV, music, books, sense of humor. My brothers and sisters all said I was Mom's favorite. They were wrong, she IS MY FAVORITE! That is the difference.

Oh, I know that I'm whining, full of self pity, and down right wanting, no needing to, requiring that I get through these feelings in my schedule and put my life back on track. Well I can't. I just figured that out this morning at Church. I have to heal. It's gonna be a long road for this Mama's boy.

Tribute

Mom's service was beautiful.  Probably the longest funeral service I've sat through in my whole life, but it was a beautiful tribute to a loving Mother, Sister, Wife, Aunt, and Grandmother.

Dad had all of us kids line up by age in the Relief Society room to greet and thank all the people that came to pay their respects.  Aunt Aurella was next to Mom, fitting for sisters to be next to each other.  Think of it as a receiving line (like for a wedding), so that we could personally thank everyone.  We were warned not to cry, he said "No tears in this line, no matter what.  Your Mom is at peace, we are happy for her and I want you kids to emulate that and to show that Joy on your face".  It was hard, and we would tell people that came through crying, "no tears, she is in peace, be happy for her".

My Uncle Gary gave the family prayer, then we said our goodbyes to Mom.  Rich and Dawn and their son Richie, Christy and her son Kyle, Bert and Alisa, Russell, and Princess and I, all left to sing a prelude as Mom was brought into the Chapel.  We sang "I Know that My Redeemer Lives", one of Mom's favorite Hymns.  Aunt Aurella gave the invocation.  My younger cousin Eric Price, Bishop of his Ward, conducted the service.  

Christina gave the Eulogy, and did a superb job.  Then Russell spoke.  My how my littlest brother has grown and matured into a fine man.  The grand kids then sang "Families can be Together Forever" with dry eyes, and with smiles.  They did a good job.  Bert spoke next.  He reminds me of Dad.  The way he speaks, his hand motions, even his facial movements, all scream Dad.  I spoke next, a few tears, told everyone in the Congregation that I was no longer "Jimmy", but had graduated to Jim and they should respect that.  Us kids again sang, this time "How Great Thou Art".  Then Dad's Bishop from Hurricane spoke, then Eric concluded.  Rich said the closing prayer, the Congregation sang "God Be With You 'Till We Meet Again".  All in all about an hour forty minutes long.

We had a great visit with family at the luncheon, then we helped the Relief Society clean up the Cultural Hall, and headed to Christina's to change, then it was home for a nap.

My days are good, peppered with some tear time, when I let the emotions get a hold of me, and then I remember Mom's last conversation with me "Stop Crying.  Don't cry for me".  Well Mom, I'm crying for me, cause I am selfish and I miss you.

Dad is doing good, we spoke for about 30 minutes today.  I am grateful he took the time to develop in me a friendship when I was an awkward 14 year old going through the awful emotional stress of teenage strife.

For you dear readers, I thank you.  For your friendship, for your love, and for your prayers.  Both Princess and I are blessed to have you in our lives.

Jim

Blame Canada

Yep, it even sounds like Southpark in my head when I say it.

So Princess and I arrived home on Sunday around 9:30 PM, unloaded the car and then crashed into our own bed for the first time in two weeks.

Monday I worked from the plant and Monday night, the Keller's brought over a scrumptious dinner even after I had threatened Andrea and Brandon both (It was extremely good and we appreciate the thought behind it).

Tuesday, I flew to Canada, Northbay to be exact, about a one hour flight north of Toronto.  In Toronto, I met "R" from my group, and we drove two hours farther north to a small town, called New Liskeard.  The next morning, we crossed over into Quebec and drove to the vendor's site for the audit.   Afterwards, we drove back to Northbay, stayed the night, and flew into Toronto where we were picked up by the same vendor's salesperson to audit another site about an hour and a half away.

Friday I flew home, did some yard work - not much, mainly pulling weeds, etc, and then Princess and I had a quiet night, eating poached eggs, bacon and toast.  It was deeeelish!  Today we've been doing chores, ran a couple errands and are about to have homemade tacos for dinner, and then I'm going to prep my Sunday School Lesson for tomorrow.

Next week, I'm off to Georgia and Tennessee for team meetings.

Finale

Last night we had the viewing for Mom. She looked so beautiful. Her daughter and daughters-in-law, along with Mom's only surviving sibling, dressed and prepared her for the funeral. I was there too. I was there to fulfill a promise made to Mom 14 years earlier when my older sister had passed away. It was a blessing that I was there. After we finished dressing Mom, my sister, Christina, Princess, and Aunt Aurella set to task to apply her makeup. They did a great job, she looked so good - and I believe it was because they used her very own makeup and not the mortuaries product. Then Aunt Aurella did Mom's hair, just like Mom did in life. The flowers were beautiful and filled the room, it was amazing.

The three and a half hour viewing was great, so many faces I hadn't seen in a long time. Many remarked how beautiful and peaceful Mom looked, and I heartily agreed.

Today will mark the longest funeral in the history of mankind. Mom had mapped out her funeral, three musical numbers (us kids are doing two, the grandkids are doing one), four speakers (Christina, Russell, Bert, and me), two Bishop's from Hurricane are speaking, and then the final remarks by my cousin, the Bishop conducting. I'm taking snacks and a Big Gulp. I'm gonna need'em! And I'm bringing my stock in Kleenex with me. I'm a Big BOOB with capitol letters - and I'm a Mommas boy, so this is gonna be hard.

Thank you again for all your comments, your phone calls, your e-mails. I am thankful for my membership, testimony and faith. I know that Mom is in a better place. I know that Heavenly Father lives and loves us. I am thankful for His son, Jesus Christ, whose atoning sacrifice makes it possible for us to return to live in their presence. I am most grateful for Princess, a loving wife and best friend. Again, thanks for all your support and for your prayers. Keep them coming, I gonna need them today.

Jim

Peace

That is the great feeling I have in my heart.

At 3:20 AM this morning, Mom was released from her earthly cares. No more pain. No more sorrow. No more cancer. She is at peace. She is rejoicing with her Momma and Daddy, with Audrey, and with her sisters, Janice and Juanita. How grateful I am for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the plan of salvation, and the knowledge that this life is not just a speck of dust spinning and floating in space. That we have a purpose, and that we have something to look forward to.

Princess and I had a good visit with Dad, his sister Mary and her husband Ralph last night. Mom was peacefully breathing throughout our visit, but I had noticed a slight change in her, something wasn't the same. I remarked to Princess on our way out, that Mom had changed, and it would not be long before she left us. How grateful I am to have kissed her face, to have stroked her hair, and whispered "I Love You" before we left. The veil was thin, I know that is why she had changed, she was ready to go and they were waiting for us to leave.

My siblings and I gathered with my Father at her bedside this morning. We held her hands, and wet her face with our tears. There was great peace and serenity in her room. How thankful I am to a Loving Heavenly Father for such a Mother as I have had.

My Dad is doing well. We are keeping a close eye on him. He thinks we worry to much. This transition will be difficult, they were married for 47 years.

Thank you all so much for all the prayers that you have offered on our family's behalf. Thank you so much for your calls, e-mails, and comments.

Jim

VEGAS BABY!

Yeah, that's where we are.

We arrived into the valley about 7:30 local time on Sunday, clear, bright, beautiful. You could see the whole valley as we came in from Boulder City. We went straight to Princesses parents, dropped off the girls, and headed over to Hospice (it was93 degrees).

When we arrived, Dad and Bert left Princess and I alone for a while. We spoke to Mom, held her hand, kissed her forehead and cheeks, telling her of our love for her, and that when the veil parted and she could see her Momma, Daddy, Sisters, and her baby girl Audrey, she was to leave. I told her how proud I was of her as a Mother, her examples, her strength, her Christlike love to me, to our family, and to others she came into contact with. We wept. Princess moved to her side, and whispered in her ear. I couldn't hear (too old I guess), but she wet Mom's cheek with her tears.

We spent all day at the Hospice on Monday. Monday evening we went to Rich's house and visited a while, seeing their son Richie. Tuesday, we went to the mortuary. This was hard. Mom had planned her funeral program, but neither of them had planned for the process. As a family we selected the casket, the burial plots, and filled out pertinent information. Princess stayed with Mom during this whole time.

I came back while Dad ran some errands - sent Princess out on her own for a while to escape the Hospice room. I stayed with Mom, held her hand and sang Hymns and favorite Primary songs to her. I believe she liked it. It was a good day.

Today is Wednesday - we are at the in-law's, Mom is still holding on. Yesterday the Doctor said that some people can go for a week or longer without food and water. They are keeping her pain level down by monitoring her vitals and her facial expressions (really her forehead). Bert has been a trouper, staying every night with Dad. I think tonight, I will spell him, it's his 15th wedding anniversary.

Thanks dear friends for your wonderful thoughts and prayers. Both Princess and I greatly appreciate them and your friendship.
Jim

Transition

Odd title I know, but many of you Mormon readers will understand. All medical attention to prolong my Mother's life has ceased. Mom has been moved to a Hospice facility. From my mortal perspective, this is a transition from this life to the next.

Mom and her Doctors made the decision to end any and all therapy that would fight the infection and cancer in he body. This was done late Thursday night. Since then, I have had one small conversation with Mom, relaying my love for her, and thanking her for being my Mom, for teaching me right from wrong, for teaching me about the restored Gospel, and for encouraging me to go on a mission to proclaim the Gospel.

Today, she could hardly speak at all. Christy and Bert have relayed that Mom's oxygen content is falling, and that her time here in this physical shell is ending. Dad is doing good - "a rock" as Christy put it. I am so thankful for the knowledge that I have of the plan of salvation and that Mom will have peace and no more pain.

Here is a picture of Mom and Dad just before they were married, it gives me warmth just to know that I have these memories to give me "roses in December".

I love you Mom - Jimmy

Update

Mom made it through the night, and all day yesterday. Her GP said that she is not giving up on Mom. Her surgeon has said (through tears) that there is nothing more she can do for Mom and that it is in the Lord's hands (Yep, a Doctor who has faith, not just in medicine). I'm still waiting for an update from her Oncologist.

Mom is in a lot of pain, on a morphine pump, and IVs to keep her hydrated. The GP said this was "just" a very bad intestinal blockage (about the umpteenth one she has had since they determined her small intestine was full of tumors and surgery is not an option) and caused the septicemia and fever along with other things.

I appreciate all of you who have kept Mom and Us in your prayers. Thank you so much. I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for all of us, and sometimes the "endure to the end" part is difficult to swallow. Mom is a strong woman, a fighter, and full of faith. Whatever the outcome, I know that her health, her life, are in the Lord's hands.

Again thanks - and I'll update when I know more.
Jim

Prayers

I just got off the telephone with my sister. Mom was admitted to the hospital today, she has taken a turn for the worst. With her cancer, she has been taking heavy doses of chemotherapy, and her CA125 numbers are still rising. This afternoon, Mom became ill, vomiting and very lethargic, so much so that Dad could not get her off the bed, and had to call the paramedics.

She has a fever of 103, and the Doctor's just told Dad and Christy that she is very septic. Please keep Mom and our family in your prayers.

More updates as I get them.

Jim

Ever had one of those...

So, I haven't abandoned my blog - our blog. We've both been so busy since Stake Conference that neither of us has had time to update the site.

Jim's Reader's Digest version: Mexico trips twice, Pennsylvania and Georgia once, and this past week, WACO - Yes dear friends not since June 2007 have I spent one entire week at home working from the office. Felt great - and I'm taking tomorrow off to spend quality time with Princess.

Princesses Reader's Digest Version: Bored, more Bored, - oh and movies, I get to watch all of the Netflix movies when Jim's not home, send them back and get more! Work has been busy, Church has been busy, and I can't believe that Summer is here already. It's too hot.

Now, some photos:

Front of house - Flowers and plants gearing up for blooms.

Princess arriving home after all the yard work is done!

Graham's Birthday cake - She's gotten so good!

Sydnee's Monkey Cake

And lastly - We painted the Living Room - Beige - no really, Nomadic Desert

Finally there is contrast between the walls, the trim, and the ceiling!

I'm Lovin IT!

Be Safe - Jim