A Year Later

So I was in church this morning getting ready for my Sunday School class when Muffin comes in and says "Pam's(our pastors wife)looking for you." Since I had just seen Pam I didn't really think anything of it and just said "OK". About 5 minutes later Pam sticks her head in the room and says "Hey D, I just wanted to make sure I gave you a hug and make sure you are doing ok today." It actually took me a second to realize that she was talking about the fact that today is the one year anniversary of my Mom's passing away. My friends Sam and Joy also mentioned that it was the one year anniversary and I've told several folks that while I certainly miss her I think I grieved a lot for her while she was sick and in the home and since I know Momma is so much better now than she was I can't be sad for her, and I absolutely do not wish her back here.

My wife has an awesome list of some of things about Momma that we all miss on her blog and I really do encourage you to read it. I promise you'll smile and you my even tear up a bit at reading it but it's worth the read.

For those of you that didn't know her or never meet her, I'm going to tell you 2 stories that I think capture her personality.

When Shasta and I first started dating she lived about an hour away from us and didn't have her own car. So I would pick her up on Sundays and we'd go to church, have lunch, spend time with family or friends and then I would take her home. Well on the third Sunday that we did this, Shasta and I were in the kitchen cleaning up lunch dishes and Mom starts giggling in her recliner. Shasta and I both asked what was so funny and Mom, in this giggly, giddy little school girl voice says "I see red headed grand daughters." At the time it freaked both Shasta and I out a bit, but Mom probably knew before I did that Shasta was the one for me. I am so incredibly thankful that my wife and mother had Naomi-Ruth relationship.

One of things that I am thankful is that Mom actively started attending church with me at the Chapel in the last 3-4 years of her life. If you've never been to the Chapel it is a, well, unique church. Shasta has said it's like having church in your living room. It is very relaxed and things like back and forth banter with the pastor are not uncommon and happen quite frequently. One Sunday morning during prayer request time Mom requested prayer for my Aunt Libby who had a quadruple by pass earlier in the week. I shared the story of how we had visited with her and Libby had said she was in so much pain, she didn't know why God didn't take her home. I told the Chapel what I had told Libby in the hospital which was that God wasn't ready for anymore of those smart mouth Knott (mom's maiden name) sisters just yet. Without missing a beat Mom blurts out, to the whole church, "I'm sorry I ever adopted that boy." The whole church was in stitches for several minutes.

Mom I miss you and I love you, say hello to Poppa, Jesus, Dad and Guilo when you get a minute and I'll see you soon :D

My home-in-law

We made it to Oklahoma and the drive took us just about 24 hours. It wasn't really a bad drive, any further night have been an issue but with Shasta and I switching off driving, good music, XM and several 5 hour energy shots we made good time and hit almost no traffic. Many thanks to all of you who prayed before, during and after our travel.

We got to see my nephew Johnathon play 2 basketball games and for being a third grader he seems to be developing quite a nice jump shot. We also took John and his brother Justin out for the birthdays. After some shopping Braums was next for good burgers. If you're not from Oklahoma Braums is a family owned chain of restaurants/stores that has some of the best burgers, hot dogs and ice cream you'll find. All their beef and dairy products still come from the family farms and in order to maintain freshness they don't open any franchises outside of a 300 mile radius from the main farm in Tuttle, OK. If you're ever out this way and see a Braums sign, I would highly recommend stopping.

Yesterday afternoon we visited with Shasta's Grandma Baker and her Great-Grandma Leecy. Leecy will be 98 in July and while her body is starting to show signs of age her mind is still sharp and she loves to visit and talk. We walked into the house and both of them were sleeping in their chairs but once awoken they were anxious to hug on our necks and talk about just about everything you can imagine. At one point Shasta pointed out that there was 5 generations sitting in the room, which was very cool to think about. Here I was sitting with Great-Grandma Leecy, Grandma Baker, Grandma Bakers Daughter Flo, Flo's daughters Shasta and Angela, and Angela's sons Johnathon and Justin. They really are a great family and from the beginning have made me feel like I fit right in. As you can see we've had a pretty packed trip so far and it's just getting started.

Song Lyric Sunday Week 5 - Sponsored by Black Dog Coffee

Ok, so Dana got last weeks, which makes him the contest winner and this weeks lyric is just for fun. Congrats Dana!

Girl
I can't understand it why you want to hurt me
After all the things I've done for you.
I buy you champagne and roses and diamonds on your finger -
Diamonds on your finger -
Still you hang out all night
what am I to do?

RULES:
1. Song choices will be made by me
2. Contest will start on Sunday, February 1 (today) and run for 5 weeks (just cause there's less chance of a tie that way)
3. Lyrics will be posted sometime between 4 pm - Midnight (ET) each Sunday
4. The first person to post Song Title and Artist will be that weeks winner. Unless I specify otherwise any artist who recorded the song is acceptable, but I have to be able to verify it. Just because your friends garage band plays it live or recorded it on their demo in 1983 doesn't mean I'll accept it.
5. No googling (or otherwise searching the internet) for the answers. You folks will have to be on your honor for this one, but I trust ya.
6. I will turn on comment moderation and if I suspect you have googled the lyrics I may disallow your answer.
7. In the case of disputed lyrics, the blogmaster (ME) will be make the final decision.
8. The winner will receive a prize package from Black Dog Coffee that will include some coffee, a custom mug and a cafe au lait candle.
9. I do import my posts onto my facebook page. For your answer to count it most be posted as a comment on THIS BLOG and not on my facebook. If you post it as a comment on my facebook and somebody sneaks your answer all I can say is too bad.

Song Lyric Sunday Week 4 - Sponsored by Black Dog Coffee

Pete got last weeks. So Dana has 2 and Pete has 1 with 2 weeks left

Poor old Johnny Ray
Sounded sad upon the radio, he moved a million hearts in mono.

RULES:
1. Song choices will be made by me
2. Contest will start on Sunday, February 1 (today) and run for 5 weeks (just cause there's less chance of a tie that way)
3. Lyrics will be posted sometime between 4 pm - Midnight (ET) each Sunday
4. The first person to post Song Title and Artist will be that weeks winner. Unless I specify otherwise any artist who recorded the song is acceptable, but I have to be able to verify it. Just because your friends garage band plays it live or recorded it on their demo in 1983 doesn't mean I'll accept it.
5. No googling (or otherwise searching the internet) for the answers. You folks will have to be on your honor for this one, but I trust ya.
6. I will turn on comment moderation and if I suspect you have googled the lyrics I may disallow your answer.
7. In the case of disputed lyrics, the blogmaster (ME) will be make the final decision.
8. The winner will receive a prize package from Black Dog Coffee that will include some coffee, a custom mug and a cafe au lait candle.
9. I do import my posts onto my facebook page. For your answer to count it most be posted as a comment on THIS BLOG and not on my facebook. If you post it as a comment on my facebook and somebody sneaks your answer all I can say is too bad.