My Dad Sept 1, 1911-March 6, 2011 - Elmer Byrd

He is gone now and there is such a void when you walk into my mother's house now. You do not realize how much space we occupy, until someone leaves this earth. It is not the same as when someone goes on a trip, or to the store, it is the eternal gone that makes its mark. I was privileged to witness my Dad's passing on into heaven. He really battled between staying with us and going on. When we told him to go, that we were all going to be okay, he left. I could feel his spirit leave. I know he is no longer in pain, seeing family that have passed before him - he leaves one sister behind and all of the daughters, son-in-laws, grandchildren. I am really going to miss him, but I have great joy knowing I will see him again!

Thanksgiving Thoughts

My favorite holiday is fast approaching. I love this holiday as it is for me, a time of reflection. The changing of the seasons, time with family and friends, reconnection to those who love us, catch-up and feasting together is this season's great gift. This may also be the last Thanksgiving with my step-dad, so I want it to be extra special. My daughter and son-in-law living far away, will be on my mind - they always are, but at this time of year I really miss having them near. My daughter and son-in-law who live near, will be down for the holiday this year together. William will bring his video camera and take some video of Grandpa. That will be very important to us all in the future.

I am extremely grateful for the wonderful family God has surrounded me with. I am thankful I am still employed. I am thankful that I live in the United States of America. She has many things to atone for, but I still love her and am grateful for the opportunites she has provided for me.

I am prayerful for those who do not have the things I do. A warm bed and clothes, family, food or a job. I am prayerful for those who are ill and fighting for their lives. I am prayerful that I will never take for granted all the wonderful things God has provided me with.

I love you my family and my God and my country!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009

It was a quiet New Year's eve at our house. This is the first year in a while that Dex wasn't playing music somewhere. It was nice that we were home together for a change.
With the downturn of the economy I am hopeful that Americans will learn how to be frugal, ingenius, become savers once again and be kinder to one another, since we will all be feeling the pain. I hope we will hold our elected officials accountable to us. They do take the oath to uphold our Constitution when they are sworn in and it seems they quickly forget about it soon after. We must, in our busy lives, take the time to tell them when they break their promises or we see them take a stand against our views. With the internet, we have great power to be heard (except for the time I tried to email Barney Frank as it seems he did not accept out of state emails) and they do get the message when their email servers time out because of the influx. I keep my email list at my desk so I can let them know my views. By the way, don't forget to tell them when they are doing a good job to. We must always incourage good behavior! I am hoping we all gain great insight during these trying times and so I believe 2009 is going to be a very good year for all of us, if we take the time to learn from it.

Winter Wonderland at Our House

It is absolutely beautiful here at our house. The picture was one I took early this morning. What I really love is the quiet, not a sound. Even the birds were not up yet. They are busy now as I write. I put new suet out and our winter birds, Stellar Jays, Oregon Juncos and Woodpeckers are busy eating their breakfast. I have been working from home all week and it has been so enjoyable as my desk looks out on the feeders and the porch, so I can watch the birds feed and watch the cats watch the birds feed, then when the cats get too cold and decide to come in I get to watch Angel chase the cats! I wish I could send some of this snow we have way across the world to my daughter as she loves it. Don't know if our J would like it though, he is a sun person. Uh Oh, our squirrels are putting on a show now....got to go!

kitties & Pointsettias

Our dear neighbor sent us a beautiful pointsettia plant. I had vaguely rememembered that this could be a toxic plant to cats. Our female Delta wants to eat it and will not leave it alone. Buddy has also shown some interest, so off to the web I went to find out what the truth really is. Well, needless to say there were many opinions, some say yes they are toxic and some say no they are not. One wise source said this - Cats will vomit from eating any plant, including some of the plant grasses that are just for them. I knew that was true as I got some kitty grass and sure enough Delta vomited it right after ingesting, Buddy was not the least bit interested. Best bet is to keep the plant or any plants out of kitty's reach. We will be enjoying our plant in our bedroom as it is off limits to the animals, unless we let them snuggle with us!

Drink up from the Santa Cup!

Thank you daughter for putting our favorite Santa on my blog site. That little cup is filled with so many good memories for me as I know it is for you and your baby sis too! It reminds me of the mysteriousness of Christmas. The joy and excitement a child and parent share during the holidays.
Even though this time of year can be rather hectic, for all the wrong reason I might add, I am filled with a great peace as my faith in GOD is renewed. I sometimes wonder why HE loves us so much as man can be so terribly wicked and self centered and self indulgent; but there is that spark in us all, that wants to do the right thing and has hopes and dreams for a better tomorrow. That spark is what HE gave us, for us to do the right thing, care for others, go the extra mile, and see the BIG PICTURE. We all have several goals in common as human beings. We all want to be loved, hugged, see our children grow up happy, and leave our mark,(hopefully a good one) on this planet. I think that is what HE had in mind when he put us here. To take care of one another. That will be my New Year's resolution this year as I think it is attainable one.
On Christmas eve, I will be thinking of my family fondly, perhaps daydream a bit about when my girls were little and feel that excitement that we shared, once again.

A Time For Reflection

Saturday, my sister and I attended the graveside service for our friend Vicki's husband Tom, who went on his journey on Feb 29th. Vicki said he passed on Leap Year as a parting gift to them. So they can have a memorial only every four years. Typical of Tommy's Irish humor. I did not know him well as Vicki's life and mine went in different directions, but we saw each other on special occasions. I most recently saw Vicki and Tom at our friend Steve's daughter Sam's wedding, he was unwell at that time. He became progressively ill in the following months and he knew his time was at hand. He was a wonderful husband, father and steward of the Lord. His oldest son Tommy preceded him in death and they are now finally together again in a very holy place...rest in peace Tom.

Another Landmark

Today was a lovely day as I celebrated my 57th birthday with family and friends. Received birthday wishes from my wonderful daughters, bling from my sister, nephew and parents. Had a wonderful breakfast with my childhood friend and her husband was give a beautiful photograph/print of Molokai and a toilet paper butler that matches the hardware in our bath, from my husband. He actually got me a 440 motor to put in my 65 Dodge Coronet, so I will forgive him for the "Butler." I have learned a few things these last 57 years, somethings I have carried with me forever, but other things I have picked up on this interesting journey. I am glad that I am in relatively good health (but too fat). I have the most wonderful family that I Cherise, your family is the most important thing on this earth! I still love GOD with all my heart and soul. I love my country and I am proud to be a patriot. I now feel free to speak my mind about what I think is important. I also know when to keep my mouth shut, and believe me that is hard to do sometimes. I have given up trying to "fix" things that I cannot. I try to look at all people straight in the eye as it is harder for them to not tell you the truth when you do. I hug alot more and say thank you every chance I get. It has been a wonderful birthday!

Sympathy Card Writing and real love

Well, I got cards to write to my niece and two nephews along with Craig's girlfriend. Veronica told me the Rini was engaged to Craig and to be married soon, when he was struck with cancer. She nursed and encouraged him for two years and the impression Ronnie gave me was she virtually willed him to live. It is hard to write when you do not know the person you are writing to, but I will just try and thank her for all the love she gave Craig. When someone walks by your side in the way she did with Craig, well, that is what real love is, isn't it? I am thankful that both of my girls have those kinds of loves in their lives and I in mine too!

Faces locked in Time

A few days ago, my daughters informed me of the death of their cousin. He was a bit older than my daughter Mishka and I think in his early 40's - with much more life ahead of him. Although I did not keep in contact with him or his brothers, I do occasionally email their older sister Ronnie. These kids are related through my children's father, children from his older brother who is also gone from this earth now. I cannot get over the fact that he is still a 10 year old boy in my mind, as that is around the last time I saw him. Isn't it funny how time plays tricks on us. I recently saw some dear friends at a wedding that I haven't seen in a long time. I could tell by the look on their faces at how much older I looked and they also to me, but then of course, in a few moments of conversation and catching up on the children and grandchildren, it was like nothing had ever changed. I guess I will just keep this young, sweaty, smiling boy, in my mind, just as he was the last time I saw him. I know when I see him again in the future, it will be just as if nothing has ever changed again.

Sayonara Miska and J

It was so great to spend time with Mishka and J. We gathered the families together for a nice long visit at Gma's and all of us had a great time. Mishka and J were able to sell the Carolina house right away and they have been working on the Washington house and now have it on the market. I know it will sell right away also. It is really a cute house and the price is right. I have to pretend in my mind that they are just on vacation, even though is is going to be awhile before they are back to stay in the U.S. But I feel good about Oki - it is a wonderful place and I hope GOD Willing to visit them there again - I have dreams of snorkeling with the beautiful fish and I want to do it again while I am able to do so. I hope the rest of the family will take them up on their hospitality and see this beautiful island and meet the gracious Okinawan people.
So my Children, have a wonderful vacation and don't forget the postcards...