NANA NOTES

FINDING 'HEART ROCKS'

Until I got sick I walked every day all around the farm.  I read a blog called Farmgirl Fare and she collects "heart rocks".  Obviously her rocks are a lot bigger than mine [I've shown you some of mine from time to time and you can see hers on her blog. In the upper right hand corner of her blog there is a search block; type in "heart rocks"].  The other day I was out taking pictures and saw this rock.  It's been in my backyard for several years and I've never noticed it.  Right under my nose!!  If I had known it was there I would have put it in the center or in a more noticeable place. But, for now--it's special--a very special "heart rock"! 

THE BEST EASTER DAY!

This is what greeted us at church this morning--a beautiful fresh flower cross made by the Jolly Elders of our church--a beautiful sign that Jesus died on the cross for US!

The choir sang two very good specials that we'd been working on for a while.

I got to do the children's sermon--something I've just recently learned that I really like to do. I read the children The Parable of the Lily and they look like they enjoyed it.

The rustic wooden cross inside the church was decorated with beautiful fresh flowers.  The church was alive with beauty this morning.

 

A former member of our church sends flowers every holiday. There's a long story there and he's never forgotten us. We won't ever forget him either.  

 

The flowers were beautiful and so much appreciated by our congregation.

After church it was home to lunch and the Easter Baskets.  Lunch was delicious and we all enjoyed it-lots of family and some friends.  Cagney baked

a beautiful carrot cake in the shape of a bunny. Even though we hated to cut it, Jeanne and I did and it was delicious. Cagney makes the best desserts!

 

Then it was on to the egg hunt.  Even though the kids said they didn't want to do it, after the eggs were hidden they all got really into it.

 It was a totally great Easter Day!

HIGH ROAD SHOWS UP AND SHOWS OUT!

  Anna Grace and Sarah came to Meadville this weekend to do a couple of concerts.  I went to Natchez to hear them and as usual I wasn't disappointed.  I told them I needed new CD's because I know every word on the one they have out. The good news is they are working on one. These girls are so precious to me-such genuinely awesome good girls.

 

Anna Grace

 

Sarah

 

 

 

 

 

Keep your ears open for "High Road" on the radio--it's coming soon to a Christian station near you!!  It's already happening here!

TODAY'S A GREAT DAY!

This is what the face of a woman looks like who has just been told that all of her scans are clear and that her tests are all negative!  She will have to come back every three months for checkups and she is a healthy woman!!  No more treatments--no cancer at this time. Praise God for His goodness and thank everyone of you for your love and prayers.  I have felt the "wings of angels" surrounding me for the last year.  I love you all!

 

 

UPDATE ON GRAHAM

Ed and I took Sam and Ben to see Graham after lunch today.  He was eating Kentucky Fried Chicken his Aunt Carol brought him.  He was going to save the lunch we brought him for later.   While we were there the Physical Therapist came in and got him up.  The boys and I left the room and Papa stayed with him. He used the crutches to get up and walk across the room.  The only part that hurt was turning around.   Tomorrow she's going to work with walking on crutches and climbing stairs. Then--he may get to come home.

He wasn't in a very good mood but who could blame him. I think he's been a real trooper throughout this whole ordeal. One minute he was having a good time riding a horse and the next minute he was in the back of an ambulance headed to a hospital for who knows what!

 

Graham really didn't want me to take a picture of his leg but this is what it looks like.  No cast! Just a great big bandage covering the incision. 

Please keep Graham in your prayers--his recovery will be several months.  He's a real outdoors guy and will be hard to keep "penned"!  Lots of his friends have called or come to the hospital. I just hope he remembers it.

LIFE IS NEVER DULL ON COTTON BRANCH

Following a nice lunch after church everyone settled in for their afternoon activities.   Ed and Vin were going hunting, Cathleen was watching football, I was blogging, and the Cowarts were roping in the pen.  We got a frantic call saying that I was needed over at the Cowarts--Graham had broken his leg and Jennifer needed help.  I called Ed and told him.  Then another call came in a more frantic manner that she REALLY NEEDED HELP!  I once again called Ed and he got there before I did.  I called the Dr. to see who was on call and see what needed to be done.  He said get an ambulance and head to McComb.  When I got to Jennifer's the EMT's were there and an ambulance was on the way.  They thought the bone was through the skin and would not move him.  We made it to McComb [Shelly in the ambulance with Graham, Chonda driving Jennifer and me following behind]. There's a really long and gruelling story inserted here but I'll spare you that.  Just know that the "Herring" came out of Jennifer and me and the police were sent to get the Dr. on call after an hour and a half of paging him.       

Chonda took the picture of the xray over Shelly's shoulder. I can't tell much about it but I did see the xray and his femur is broken in two and the two pieces were side by side.  He was lying on the bed after they gave him the first pain med. Someone had to be touching him the whole time-Shelly rubbing his head or me holding his hand.  They cut his "almost new" boots off his feet and totally destroyed his jeans.  I promised him a new pair of boots!  :)  The last pic is one of his leg as it was stabilized to the board.  They had straightened it a bit before this picture.  From his knee down was turned inward.

I talked to Jennifer a few minutes ago and she said that he had a good night-he slept for about four hours. He woke up hungry. That's a good sign.

Please keep Graham, Jennifer, Shelly and the other two boys in your hearts and prayers in the days to come.  Learning to deal with crutches and limitations for the months ahead may be stressful.

CHRISTMAS TOUR [better late than never!]

   

Welcome to the front door! I decided to go with traditional red and green this year-my favorite!  The "JOY" mat was in honor of my friend Charlotte.

 

 

   

This cute little snowman greeted you as you came up the walk. Can't leave him out!!

As you turned to the right into the library you saw the portrait of our children over the mantle.  Over the baby grand piano hung this beautiful Christmas tree made from antique costume jewelry by my mother almost 50 years ago. It's displayed on red velvet and something I had always wanted.  I had it framed for her when she moved to Meadville.

  Both dining tables were set alike.  Of course, they didn't stay like this the whole time. :)  The cake dome was something I saw in a magazine. Cute!  Coming into the den you see the "little gold trees" with the stockings.   

Over the mantle in the den hangs the beautiful new portrait of our "grands". We finally got one--everyone has hair because the youngest is five years old. They are all gorgeous.  The mantle is covered in funky Santas and Snowmen with candles and greenery and "Merry Christmas" letters given to me by HGC employees a long time ago. I still love them.

 

"My" tree has always been "my" tree and I say that with a smile! :)  The ornaments have been being collected since Hallmark formed the Ornament Club and I am a charter member.  This year was a first-I let the children decorate the tree.  I usually hang each one and relive the memory of why I bought it as I do.  My enjoyment this year was watching them (and praying that none got broken!).  One day I'm going to stop buying them--I don't have room for a bigger tree and we already put up three!  [two I forgot to take pictures of!!]

 

 

 

 

Next to the mantle in the den is a bookcase where some Santas, my "Moni" angels, the Fontanini manger scene and some village pieces sit.  They stay out all year. I never tire of looking at them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The "Santa Cabinet" is running over!  I started collecting Santas when the children were young.  Some were gifts and one was even especially made just for me [Ed had it done!]. No one will ever love them like I do!

 

And it wouldn't be Christmas without a poinsettia!  There were several around the house to brighten the corners.

The next best thing to Santas is Snowmen and we put them right where they are the center of attention!  Some of them sing and dance.  The grandchildren love them! They especially love the reindeer that plays "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer"! 

The side door looks pretty much like the front door except that it has a lighted grapevine cross on it.  This picture isn't very good but you get the idea.  Out the door, down the driveway to the barn--  

I love driving up at night and seeing the lights on the barn (although this picture is made in the daytime). It reminds me of the manger with all the animals watching over Baby Jesus. 

 

 

  Brother David did a children's sermon one Sunday in Advent and gave out buttons and car stickers that said, "It's OK to say Merry Christmas!"  You know I've never been shy about saying what I believe and I decided we should make a statement.  A couple of friends helped me with this 4' by 8' sign that we lite at night.  Since we live on a major highway I think we got our point across!  I love it!! 

Well, it's finally done--Christmas Home Tour--late but none the less done. Thanks to my two dear, sweet friends who urged me to do it anyway. I hope you enjoy it.  Happy New Year!!

WE CELEBRATED HANUKKAH

Because Ed's sister's husband is Jewish we consider his religion on holidays just as we do ours.  At Thanksgiving Barry and Hillary said a Jewish blessing for our meal.  Hillary and Becky attended our Christmas Eve Communion Service and when we got home we celebrated Hannukkah with Barry and Hillary.  Barry read prayers from the book he used in Hebrew class as we all lit the candles of the menorrah.

 

Hillary really likes celebrating the eight days of Hanukkah because you get a gift each night and she loves presents!  That night she got the recently re-released "Thriller" DVD and you should see her dance to it.

Thanks, Barry, for sharing with us.  It doesn't get any better than that!

A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS EVE GIFT

I woke up at 5:00 AM on Christmas Eve--because I wanted to get the day started (and the first part finished!). That day was my last radiation treatment and believe me I was ready for it to be over.  Debra and Libby were there when the diagnosis was given to me; they were there for my first chemo treatment and they were there for the last radiation.  They've been there for me through the whole journey.  Everyone has, but especially those two.

Of course we had to make it a photo op. Thanks, sisters, for everything. When we got home this is what we saw as we drove up to the drive way.

Now I know why Jennifer wouldn't let us in her driveway the night before.  She and the boys were working on this sign that was hung on the fence for all to see. What a great surprise.  The family support I received was tremendous.

I look forward to NOT getting up before 6:00 AM tomorrow and the days ahead and the drive to Natchez.  I look forward to good check ups and great reports.  I have a few weeks off and then have to have scans again.  I'll keep you updated but for now I'm looking forward to a Happy and Healthy New Year!!

THE CHRISTMAS COMPETITION

The Jolly Elders at MUMC had their annual Christmas production on Sunday night.  If you weren't there, you missed a delightful [and hilarious] evening.  If you've seen the movie-Deck the Halls-that should give you some idea of what the play was about.  The scenery was well appointed with furniture and Christmas lighting. The stage hands did a great job!!  [Inez Manning and Delores Martin]

This is the full cast [almost]; aren't they wonderful looking?

  This is "Inflate-a-Santa" 2008 version, better known as Katherine Jones. Doc even had to blow her up!!

Bernie, Flora and Marcy (their teenage daughter) are better known to us as Ed Youngblood, Nancy Corley and Beverly Gabbert.  They were the party hosts and were in the lighting "competition".

Harriet, Arthur, Rob and Junior were the neighbors who were competing in the lighting. To us they are Madelene Carter, Doc Gabbert, Betty Wilkinson and Jean Peterson.  You should see Rob and Junior play video games ! :)

Evelyn, Walter and Gerry Matthews were played by Margaret Chatham, Bill Manning and Sarah Halford. They did a great job too.

The "elderly" neighbors were Mr. Carson (Quent Peterson) and Ms. Phillips (Doris Jean Hollinger.  Doc begrudgingly blew the snow from their driveways in a loving way!   :)

 

 

I missed Delores Martin, Betty Youngblood, Esther Spring and Joddie Spring and I'm sorry. Ms Inez Manning was in the group picture.  Joddie Spring is the "proud stage Mom" to this group and does a wonderful job as their faithful leader.  She's like the Energizer Rabbit: always moving, always helping, always giving.  Thanks, Joddie, for a wonderful production.

 

QUICK UPDATE FOR EXTENDED FAMILY

I haven't posted an update lately on the "health" situation so I guess I should.  I'm not good at calling or writing and most of my cousins are electronic!  I have had 15 radiation treatments with 13 left to go. The way I counted it--IF the doctor is open on Christmas Eve [and I pray he is] that will be my last day! What a gift that would be!  Other than the first reaction to the marking pen [permanent cross on my left side!-not bad to be marked with a cross!] and a little nausea every now and then I am doing well.  Radiation is not a "friendship bonding" place. I get there at 7:45 AM, change into a gown, get zapped, and am usually out by 8:10 AM at the latest. At least with chemotherapy, I made friendships and had conversations.  But I'm not complaining.  I have used the drive back and forth to Natchez to memorize the Christmas contata for church [I've been out of choir since February] and have some quiet time with God.  These are trying times and this is a learning experience, right? I'm looking forward to a wonderful Christmas with the children and grandchildren.  And---2009---we're praying for a wonderful year!

MISTLETOE AND E WOMEN-My Last Hurrah [at least for 6 weeks!]

November 7 was "Mistletoe Day". Libby didn't get to go so Pat and I went and hurriedly walked the isles.  She ran across so many people that she knew that we didn't get much shopping done but we sure had fun! [And I was the one who grew up in Jackson and lived there most of my life.] Libby would be proud of us because we only bought candy!!  I did manage to pick up one Christmas gift and a couple of stocking stuffers.  I really would have loved to go back today but the Friday night session of the EWomen Conference was so good and we knew that today would be even better.  We were right!! 

We met up with Carolyn, Sharon and Dana [back row] and a few more from our wonderful community.  It's great to sing and laugh and cry with friends.

  Pat was sweet enough to take my picture with Chonda Pierce.  This woman can make you laugh and cry at the same time.  Thanks, Pat.

The Children of Hope are always a delight. They are children from Africa.  You have a chance to sponsor children whose parents have given them up or cannot raise them usually due to HIV. Their dancing and singing always bring a smile to your face.

 I especially liked Avalon this year. Their music wasn't as loud and was more to my liking.  They did new versions of old, contemporary hymns. I loved the version of "I'll Fly Away".

Karen Kingsbury did a wonderful job. I don't think I have read any of her books but she has a book out that I definitely plan to buy. [They ran out before I could get one today.] I think Barbie will change from Dr. Suess to this one for the Seniors on Graduation Sunday!

 

Angela Thomas is just about my favorite.  This girl gets right to your heart with laughs and tears.  She said we're all "little Jesus girls"!  I love that.

 

I got to walk down the hall with Thelma Wells. We were coming from the "product room" to the sanctuary and I happen to see her.  I spoke to her and we started talking.  When we started down the steps, she took my hand.  A couple of years ago she had cancer and was very sick.  She's doing fine now.  Her story is incredible.  And-we learned today that she has a beautiful singing voice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I did not know Mark Schultz. His plane was late so he was the last on the program. He did about 20 minutes worth of music and flew out again.  His music is very good. Pat and I decided that he should find Anna Grace in Nashville and they should work together.  Stranger things have happened!  The next E Women's Conference in Jackson will be in 2010--but we know the way to Baton Rouge or Birmingham for 2009!  Don't we Libby?

REMISSION!!

That was the word I heard today!  Sounds good to me. No more chemotherapy but for "insurance" I will have six weeks of radiation.  The faslodex shot will be a permanent fixture in my life.  The Dr. said that in the next two years there are some greatly advanced treatments coming out and if they could help me in any way he would consider them for me--anything to keep the cancer from returning.  I figure I've given almost fourteen years to fighting this disease [for myself this year--for others for the last thirteen years with Relay for Life]. I can give another six weeks.  After that I will continue the fight for Donna.  Right now we're just singing praises to God for the work He has done!

A SONG I LOVE

I found a CD that I really enjoy--Jim Brinkman Valentine. The song copied below is on that CD.  When I was going through chemotherapy and felt so bad I would listen to this song and think about how God was watching over me and protecting me-always there for me.  I realize that He always has been there for me and always has been protecting me but this song really touched me.  Last night when I was driving home from town the moon was really bright and beautiful.  This song came on and I heard it in a totally different way.  I thought about my family--children and grandchildren and Ed.  And really if you think about it--you want these things for everyone you know.   I tried to find a link so you can hear it but you know I'm "technically challenged". Find one if you can and listen to it.  You'll love it as much as I do.

Never Alone                                    

                                                                  
May the angels protect you
Trouble neglect you
And heaven accept you when its time to go home
May you always have plenty
Your glass never empty
And know in your belly
You're never alone

May your tears come from laughing
You find friends worth having
With every year passing
They mean more than gold
May you win but stay humble
Smile more than grumble
And know when you stumble
You're never alone

Chorus:
Never alone
Never alone
You'll be in every beat of your heart
When you face the unknown
Wherever you fly
This isn't goodbye
My love will follow you stay with you
Baby you¹re never alone

Well I have to be honest
As much as I wanted
I'm not gonna promise the cold winds won't blow
So when hard times have found you
And your fears surround you
Wrap my love around you
You're never alone

Chorus

May the angels protect you
Trouble neglect you
And heaven accept you when its time to go home
And when hard times have found you
And your fear surrounds you
Wrap my love around you
You're never alone

Chorus

My love will follow you stay with you
Baby you're never alone

EXCITING SATURDAY MORNING & WONDERFUL SUNDAY NIGHT

I've always said that "football was NOT my life" but this soccer thing could get to be!  I attended my very first soccer games on Saturday morning.  I didn't really plan to; it just sort of worked it's way into my morning.  Sam and Ben both had games and I had never been to one.  Some of the other grandchildren play and now I've just got to see them play!  I know that Sam scored in his game [they won] and I know that Ben's team  won.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  After breakfast I rested while Ed worked the bees and bottled honey.  Sunday came fast--I don't remember going to sleep!  Church, lunch, rest and then to a concert by Allin, Sarah and Anna Grace at the Bude Baptist Church.  Too good for words--you just had to be there!!

LAST DAY OF CHEMO

Today is my last day of chemo.  Several of the usual "Chemo Crowd" were here.  I wish I had my camera to take pictures.  These are people I will miss.  We have become friends over the past several months.  We have watched people come and go and we have celebrated with them.  Today is just like an ordinary day.  No big deal around here--life as usual.  Several of the people that have left have wished me well and said they would miss me.  Maybe they will and maybe they won't.  What's important to me is that I have made these friends and I will truly miss them.  They have walked through my life for a reason and I treasure these friendships.  The common denominator is cancer.  We are all fighting the demon and if they are in my fight, they will win!

AMBULANCE PRAYERS

I have for years always whispered a prayer whenever I saw an ambulance when I am on the highway. I ask God to please take care of whomever is in the ambulance and be with their family. If there is an accident I ask God to please let them not be hurt badly.  My daughter picked up this habit without me knowing about it. [She told me not long ago.]  Today when I was coming home from my chemo treatment, Ed called to check on me.  We were talking and he said, "looks like a convention up here. There are blue lights, an ambulance and a wrecker." Without even hesitating I said, "Dear Lord, please don't let it be any of my children."  I asked him where he was and he told me. I knew Jennifer would be traveling home from school and it was about the time she would be going.  Ed got closer and said he saw Jennifer.  He said, "Nana, it's Jennifer. She had a wreck."  I heard him ask her how she was and how the boys were.  She was crying but said everyone was fine. I told him I was hanging up and for him to call me right back.  He picked up the boys and took them home with him.  I dropped Libby off and Donna and I headed home. [The accident was about three miles from the house.]  When I got there, the wrecker had her car loaded up and the patrolman was still there.  She was not pleased to see me since she knew I was coming from treatment and thought I would be not feeling well. [She didn't realize I was hyped on steroids and could have carried the car to town myself!!]  No one in the accident was hurt.  The other person involved had been in an accident yesterday and was already wearing a neck brace.  She was carried to the hospital, checked out, and walked out of the hospital on her own.  I carried Ben to the hospital to meet Jennifer. He was complaining of a sore neck; his head hit the passenger window. He was xrayed and everything looked fine.   The doctor said he would be very sore but should keep it iced and keep moving.  Jennifer had "air bag" burns on her face, shoulder, arms and belly. Her knees were very sore [the doctor thinks they might have hit the dashboard.]  Her belly is hurting but he felt nothing unusual and thinks it's probably seat belt trauma and nerves. She too is going to be very sore in the coming days.  Their "prescription" was Advil and keep moving to fight off the soreness.

We are deeply grateful that things were not worse. As my friend Donna said, "this could have been God's way of stopping something more serious."

When I got home we were sitting at the bar eating.  Ed told me who all was at the scene when he picked up the boys.  Angels--Linda, Janice, Tiffany and the girls, friends.  I even got a phone call before I could get there from a friend.

Thought for the day:  Ambulance prayers-a small, seemingly insignificant thing to do for someone you don't even know.  Or a prayer that might be very important in the life of someone you love very much.  Maybe everyone should adopt the practice of "Ambulance Prayers".

THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

One of my devotional books has this today:

Seek  Me with your whole being. I desire to be found by you, and I orchestrate the events of your life with that purpose in mind.  When things go well and you are blessed, you can feel Me smiling on you.  When you encounter rough patches along your life journey, trust that My Light is still shining upon you.  My reasons for allowing these adversities may be shrouded in mystery, but My continual Presence with you is an absolute promise.  See Me in good times; seek Me in hard times.  You will find Me watching over you all the time.   Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

I couldn't help but think of things that have happened in my life the past couple of weeks [and several months] and what is going on outside as I type this.  Never once did I doubt that God would see me through my illness--although He tested me often--and He gave me the answers we prayed for.  As we've watched the news and weather the last few days and the evidence of the storm is passing by my window, I know the Lord is with us.  He has given us wisdom to prepare and strength to endure.

We pray for everyone in the path of the storm. The Lord is watching over you.

IN CASE YOU DIDN'T SEE THE "TWITTER"---

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise Him all creatures here below"---that's what I've been doing all afternoon!  As soon as I could get to my cell phone after my doctor's appointment I tried to send out word that my scans were all clear and that the word was GOOD!   Your prayers have worked for me and I am so grateful.  Dr. Jack says that to look at the PET  scan would do me no good because to see where the cancer was, I would have to look at the old scans--there wasn't anything on the new one to see! I saw his smile through the tears in my eyes. I will have to finish the last five chemo treatments and (Ed asked the dreaded question) still do the six weeks of radiation to "mop up" the trash but I am willing and able to handle that.  God has given me--not a second chance--but a third one.  Lord, please don't let me mess this one up!!

I asked Dr. Jack if I could still come and visit when my treatments were over!  I told him I would miss my "buddies" there in the office.  He said definitely I could but that he would persue an agressive follow up and I would be coming anyway.   Someone has to keep them on their toes.  And who would make their cakes? 

Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment.   Mt. 9:22

 

TINY LITTLE UPDATE

This has been a full week for me.  We came home from the beach on Monday; Tuesday was blood work; Wednesday was doctor's appointment [everything is going well; doctor was pleased; starting a new drug]; Thursday a four hour treatment; and Friday, the new drug; another four hour treatment.  Needless to say that today I have rested, read, played in the pool, taken a nap in the swing and rested some more. There was no walking for me today.  My treatment is going well and is working.  Fatigue and a little peripheral neuropathy in my feet and hands are my only side effects so far.  Nothing I can't handle with God's grace.  I am blessed.

The people I meet at treatment have such amazing stories.  You might say that I'm the "instigator" in the group.  It might be the medication but I just refuse to let everyone sit there and not talk or act like there's no one else in the room.  Three people had reactions to the meds on Friday.  Their treatments had to be stopped.  One lady had been in a coma nine years ago for three months and 17 days with doctors wanting her family to unplug her.  Her story was incredible and now she's fighting cancer like a tiger.  We laugh together, cry together and others are thankful to have someone to listen.  Some people come alone; others have family to bring them.  I'm thankful to have wonderful friends who volunteer to take me.  This is not a journey I wanted to take, but I will make it to the end.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance...Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.    James 1:2-3;12