Karen, Susan, and Nonie ~~ sisters forever

Having Mom on my mind on this 8th anniversary of her death naturally brings loving thoughts and precious memories of my two sisters. Having enjoyed living in the same town for 50 years as we married and raised our families, Richard and I moved away in December 2001 and then Nonie moved away in early 2002. Karen remains in our home town and is our "home base" so to speak. What a blessing it is to be the middle girl and to have an older sister and a younger sister. All three of us are so very different in our temperaments and personalities, but the bond of sisterhood has withstood some pretty big challenges over the years and our love has endured. Truly Karen and Nonie grow more precious to me with each passing year. With Karen 6-1/2 years my senior and Nonie just 15 months my junior, we all realize that life is passing by pretty quickly. Karen and Nonie, I want you both to know how much I love you and miss you. You girls are so dear to me, your families are dear to me, and I thank God for the love that binds our hearts together forever. ~~Sister Susan

My favorite pic of my mom in her later years

Down below, I posted that it was 8 years ago today that my precious mother took off for heaven. Here is my favorite pic of mom in her later years. It was made probably some 12-15 months before her death.

Mom was so proud of her three girls, her seven grandchildren, and her two great-grandchildren (Ashley and Zach.) I love this pic of mom made with Granny Nonie, Mommy Dee, and Baby Zach. How I wish Mom could have lived to have seen her other great grands: Jarrett, Isabella, Joshua, Tayler, Jaden, Kayleigh, and Jackson! Of course, with Dad's homegoing way back in 1986, he missed out on all of the great-grands. It is my prayer that all of our family members come to know Christ (if they haven't already made that decision) so that we can have a wonderful FAMILY REUNION in Heaven for all of eternity!

I'm Back........

WHEW!!! Blogger thought I was spamming and closed my blog for nearly 24 hours. I was glad to get home from being gone all day to find this email from them and to know I am back in business and that my name is cleared. :) ~~Susan


Hello,

Your blog has been reviewed, verified, and cleared for regular use so that it will no longer appear as potential spam. If you sign out of Blogger and sign back in again, you should be able to post as normal. Thanks for your patience, and we apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.

Sincerely,
The Blogger Team

Eight Years Ago Today ~~ Shocking and So Sad

For my sisters and me, July 13, 1999 was a terribly shocking and sad day. We each received a call from the nursing home where Mom resided letting us know that she had passed away early that morning. I received my call at just minutes after 8:00 a.m. I remember exactly where I was standing and exactly what I was doing when the phone rang. It's amazing how a phone call can forever change your life. Mom had been placed in the nursing home less than a week earlier after weeks of hospitalization with her congestive heart failure. We didn't expect her to leave us that soon, but GOD WAS GRACIOUS to take her on home to Heaven. She survived 13 years following Dad's death in June 1986. I know I speak for Karen and Nonie, too, when I say how much I miss my parents. Though the raw pain of the deep grief no longer resides in my heart, there are so many times when I wish I could talk to Mom about this or that or ask my Dad something about the Bible or living the Christian life. Our joy is in knowing that they are safely arrived at home in Heaven and that we will see them again. Dad & Mom~~~ thank you for loving me, raising me, and for showing me by example how to live the abundant life. Enjoy the wonders of being with Jesus, and I'll see you soon. ~~Love, Susan

My parents and me on my wedding day ~~ September 29, 1973

Update on Amy's Eye...

Amy called this morning. She chatted about their fun vacation still in progress, and I had to ask about her eye. She said it is much worse this morning. As soon as she completed the oral steroid a couple of days ago, it immediately took a downward turn. She has gotten another round of steroid pills to take and then will see the doctor here in Pensacola on Monday. The group where she goes is referring her to a retina specialist in the group so perhaps he will know something or try something that her ophthalmologist hasn't thought of. She is hurting but sounded good and said they are having a great time. They were leaving Gatlinburg when she called and are headed to Cherokee, NC to visit the Indians per Joshua's request. They are LOVING their travel trailer and have only eaten one meal out which was at the Dixie Stampede on Tuesday night. She was proud of that as the home-cooked meals figure into their food budget and they aren't "eating" up their vacation funds. Ha! At any rate, I would appreciate your continued prayers for Amy. Please pray that the different doctor might know something different to do. Amy's faith is strong, her spirits are good, and she is trusting God ~~ whatever His will is. As she said, it could be worse. At least this isn't life-threatening; just sight-threatening. God is good ~~ all the time!! ~~Amy's Mom

JV stopped by for lunch and visit...

Jarrett had been on vacation with his family and stopped by
on his way back home yesterday. Richard and I met him for lunch and so much enjoyed seeing Jarrett and catching up. It is always a
joy to see friends from "home," and Jarrett's visit was a blessing
yesterday. If you are going to be in the area, we'd love to see
you, too!!

Is it Friday Yet???????????????????

Is it Friday yet?????

Our niece and her husband (Leslie and Rob)

We enjoyed a lovely time at our family reunion in June. It was held at Bill's and Darlene's lovely home and was such a nice day. (Bill and Darlene are posted on down the line if you want to look for them!) This is their daughter Leslie and her husband Rob. Rob and Leslie celebrated their 2nd anniversary in May and are getting eager to move into a lovely home they are building. Rob and Leslie are a great couple. Thanks for letting me post you guys, Leslie. Love ya!

Our Great Niece From Russia!

With three of our grandchildren adopted from Ukraine, it was very exciting for us when Tim and Yvonne (Richard's niece and her husband) adopted their daughter, Emily, from Russia. I believe Emily was right at 4 years old when she was adopted, and now she is about to enter the 2nd grade. She is an avid softball player (her daddy is her coach!) and this is her picture from the season which just ended. Emily is very outgoing and is just the cutest little girl. I know she has enriched her grandparents John & Hazel, Larry and Genell, and Elaine immensely. We love her and wish we were able to see her more often so thank Yvonne for sending pics along to keep us in touch. We love you, Emily!!