March, 12, 2011 A Day to Remember

So....both kids got engaged today! Son and girlfriend went for a hike with their puppy up to Knights Ferry - a beautiful place not far from home. Daughter and boyfriend were up in the hills, also with their puppy - and in a beautiful place! We couldn't be happier! It is fabulous to see your kids so happy in life! Who would have thought this would happen on the same day! The planning begins.... :)

Uncle

Late last night, husband's uncle passed away just a few weeks after learning he had cancer. The cancer had spread so far there was little time left for him to enjoy life. But, enjoy life he did. As a young boy he had polio which resulted in him walking with crutches the remainder of his life. Being the man that he was, even as a young boy, he didn't let this stop him in life. He always said, "There's nothing wrong with my mind!" The determination he had for living he brought to everyone around him. In his early 50's he had his first and only biological child. He was a wonderful father to a stepdaughter, stepson and their families as well. You would have thought that he was their biological father for the love he poured out for them and their families. Uncle raised cows and brought his son up to love them as well. Each year at Fair there was Uncle and his son out working the cows in the ring. As grandchildren were born they too fostered this love. Uncle was a very successful businessman who went far beyond the walls of his offices. He touched the lives of many, many people. Uncle was the most humble man you could ever meet, but also had extremely high expectations of those around him. This is a man who will live on forever. I know he is in a better place now and looking down on all of us and saying, "You can do whatever you set your mind to doing." Love you Uncle.

Dominoes

Yesterday, the sisters and I got together with Daddy and Ruby at middle sisters home. We ate - of course - and played dominoes. When Daddy was mixing the dominoes up I looked closely at his hands. I started thinking about how much living those almost 91 year old hands have gone through.

These are the hands that held Mommy's hands for so many years.
These are the hands that held his five children and their families so near and dear to his heart.
These are the hands that fought in World War II.
These are the hands that delivered countless pieces of mail.
These are the hands that played ball.
These are the hands that drove many, many miles traveling across country.
These are the hands that stole watermelons off the back of a truck.
These are the hands that held Mommy and Ruby as they square and round danced.

These hands have seen a lot of living.

Kids

I love our kids...

The Joy of Pets

So...we have a new grandpuppy! Son and Girlfriend rescued Buster from the pound yesterday. He is a lucky boy to be loved by them. Daughter and Boyfriend have Millie to love. When the kids were growing up we had a dog except for about a total of 3 years. We rescued our first dog, BJ, from going to the pound. We were lucky to have him when the kids were little so they could experience the unconditional love of a dog. We soon brought home Kristie. We traveled up the hill to bring her home. We still talk about how she rode at my feet all the way down the hill. She brought us so much love, plus puppies. We kept Blake, one of her puppies, so she wouldn't be alone when we were gone. When Kristie died, Blake went into a deep depression. He had never been without his mommy. He soon moved into the house and was loved even more. When he died it was so painful we couldn't even think about getting another puppy. Four years ago Dakota was given to Husband by the kids on Christmas Day. What joy she has brought us now that we are empty nesters. When the kids were at home they hung with her and she loved every minute. When they come home now she gets so excited. Well...now they have puppies of their own, but Dakota is still near and dear to their hearts. They bring their puppies to our home to play with Dakota. I love to come home to her because she is so excited. She loves us unconditionally, no matter what. When we have had a yucky day, all we have to do is come home and she brightens our day. How silly that a puppy can make you feel so good inside. Aren't we the lucky ones!