I am excited to be home, my brand new box of Holiday mini pre order items waits for me downstairs as I jot down these thoughts for you this morning. I am glad to be home, the service was wonderful, I know that one reason Heavenly Father created Death was so that families would put aside their lives and come together for at least a few hours. The weather was awesome, the friendship, family hugs, wonderful hugs from grandchidren and chat were just what Kay and I needed. I feel rejuvinated!
I want to share this with you because it means so very much to me. From the moment I came into Kay's life, his first wife's "family" - her 3 brothers, their wives and their children, have treated me with respect, love and welcomed me with open arms. As I was at the viewing Friday night saying my goodbyes to Dad, it came clear as a bell into my mind that I was a witness of unconditional love not only from dad but from his wife Lorraine, his 3 sons and their wives and their families.
Here are a couple of examples- Other than being asked to say the family prayer, Kay or I were not asked to do much for the funeral, no problem because we pitched in where we were needed. Friday night I was handed a 2 page list of "Dad's posterity" and forgive me as I tear up when I type; on this list that was catagorized by birthdate I saw my name. Immediately I rushed to Kay to ask him who did it- because I was terrified that Kay and Carolyns children would think that either their dad or I were involved (long story won't go there) and we had no clue- It was Pat- one of the brothers wives who had added me and as I was in tears of love and appreciation for being "included" in their family, I went to her to verify and she said "yes, I composed that list, Oh Gwen- Dad loved you so much, dont worry about what the others may say or think." and followed it with a loving hug.
I AM truly blessed. NOT ONCE did Kay request that I be inlcluded in any part of the ceremony, photos or anything else. They chose to include me because they know what unconditional love truly is and for that I am eternally grateful! I feel a loving peace that I cannot describe. ;o)
We were also blessed to attend the Dedication ceremony for the Oquirrh Mountain Utah temple on Sunday morning. The Spirit of Christ and the Holy Ghost were so strong it brought tears to my eyes and unsurmountable joy and peace to my heart.
So now that I have slept in a bit from the late nights, travel and emotional stress of the last 5 days, I am off to create with my new goodies! Thank you my online friends for sharing in my life, you are truly wonderful and I appreciate each of you. And thank you to the Schlappi Family for your unconditional love and acceptance!
See you later with some projects!
What a wonderful memory and story I have to share today.
You see, I married Kay in August of 2003, his first wife had passed away in 2001 from cancer. During our engagment, I was introduced to Kay's family and to Carolyn's family- you know the uneasiness of that and how akward one feels- (what will they think, I know I can never measure up, I hope they like me, how will I be treated..... etc...) Just some of the thoughts that went through my mind. Well, let me share with you my experience .
I met Kay's family that June of 03 in Utah at their family reunion. What fun! What a loving welcoming non judgemental extended family he has! His parents, his siblings and their spouses and children welcomed me with open arms. And during this trip I was introduced to his first wife's family (with much trepadation on my part) I was welcomed into their lives with open arms, their family with love, NO judgement, only happiness and warm welcoming hugs and words.
With that said, here is my story: Lloyd, or as Kay calls him Pop, was the first person that I met from the maternal side of this family. His wife Lorraine and he were at their home and Kay stopped in for a visit. I was unsure what to call him so I called him Mr. Schlappi and immediately was told that would not do, that I was to call him "dad". I was surprised and pleased, and he made quite a fuss about it so I said, ok. Kay and I were married and our reception in Boise was wonderful with family and friends and Mr Schlappi (my misake calling him that), I was once again admonished that It was "DAD" while I was being given a wonderful hug and kiss on the cheek. About 2 weeks later he called, I knew it was him because of his disctictive voice when I answered the phone. Here is the conversation quoted from my journal... "hello?, Hello! Do you know who this is? (pause on my part) "HI DAD" I said, "That is correct and dont you EVER forget it ok?, Ok I won't." and then we continued with the rest of our chat and the phone went around the table to the kids. I am truly blessed that he wanted me to call him such an endearing name, and with all the visits and phone calls over the last 6 years, I was always treated respectfully, loved and hugged and cared about and I cannot tell you how blessed I feel because he was so wonderful to me and didn't compare or judge me with his daughter.
This weekend we celebrate his life and altho it is a sad occasion, it is also a joyous one because families come together to remember special people and share time together (and we get to see the kids and grandkids- well most of them anyhow). I just wanted to share my love and gratitude for someone so special, someone who took me into his arms, his heart and his family and to thank Carolyn's brothers and their wives and families for doing the same.
Kay, Dad and Kasey
Me, Dad and Kasey
These photos and many more were taken last June of 2008. I will treasure each kind word, expression of joy for our happiness in our marriage and each question he asked about me, my family, my life and how I was getting along in the new family. He of all people understood losing a spouse and remarrying and the blessings it brings. It was surely wonderful to have him in my corner (as he put it).
Thanks for letting me share, somehow sharing wonderful memories helps to take away part of the pain and help us grieve and as we share our apprecation and love for special people we love.
Yup this is my mom and step dads stuff- it took 15 church people 4+ hours to load this truck top to bottom, front to back and only 4 people from church have volunteered to come help unload it. Can you hear the STRESS?
I hope we can do it by noon so that Kay and then men coming can get to the church open house on time today.
My dad was Raymond Ellis Davison US Army AirCorp 1942 and in 1944 Army Staff Sargeant who Served in the Philippine Islands at Pelilou- and I would give anything I have to hear his old worn out war stories again! He has been gone 14 years when he died from diabetes. One of his stories I remember most is when he was in a fox hole in the Phillipines fighting the Japanese and he had fallen asleep at night. When he woke, his buddies heads had been cut off by a bayonette by the Japanese. He had night mares all his life.
And, when I was very young and dad was asleep on the couch, we would take a yard stick to poke him and wake him up because if you got close, he would put you in a head lock and choke you as a reaction to his war training and fighting. I am truly Blessed to be the daughter of Staff Sargent Raymond Ellis Davison US Army!
Thank you dad, your buddies and all our service men and women for your sacrifices for my safety and the safety of my family and friends. Without you, we would not have our freedom!
I dont know if this exact story is "true" but I do know many women/families who fit this story and I want to say THANK you to anyone and everyone service related/connected
Memorial Day
I just wanted to get the day over with and go down to Smokey's. Sneaking a look at my watch, I saw the time, 1655. Five minutes to go before the cemetery gates are closed for the day. Full dress was hot in the August sun. Oklahoma summertime was as bad as ever--the heat and humidity at the same level--both too high.
I saw the car pull into the drive, '69 or '70 model Cadillac Deville, looked factory-new. It pulled into the parking lot at a snail's pace. An old woman got out so slow I thought she was paralyzed; she had a cane and a sheaf of flowers--about four or five bunches as best I could tell.
I couldn't help myself. The thought came unwanted, and left a slightly bitter taste: 'She's going to spend an hour, and for this old soldier, my hip hurts like hell and I'm ready to get out of here right now!' But for this day, my duty was to assist anyone coming in.
Kevin would lock the 'In' gate and if I could hurry the old biddy along, we might make it to Smokey's in time.
I broke post attention. My hip made gritty noises when I took the first step and the pain went up a notch. I must have made a real military sight: middle-aged man with a small pot gut and half a limp, in marine full-dress uniform, which had lost its razor crease about thirty minutes after I began the watch at the cemetery.
I stopped in front of her, halfway up the walk. She looked up at me with an old woman's squint.
'Ma'am,may I assist you in any way?'
She took long enough to answer.
'Yes, son. Can you carry these flowers? I seem to be moving a tad slow these days.'
'My pleasure, ma'am.' Well, it wasn't too much of a lie.
She looked again. 'Marine, where were you stationed?'
' Vietnam, ma'am. Ground-pounder. '69 to '71.'
She looked at me closer. 'Wounded in action, I see. Well done, Marine. I'll be as quick as I can.'
I lied a little bigger: 'No hurry, ma'am.'
She smiled and winked at me. 'Son, I'm 85-years-old and I can tell a lie from a long way off. Let's get this done. Might be the last time I can do this. My name's Joanne Wieserman, and I've a few Marines I'd like to see one more time.'
'Yes, ma 'am. At your service.'
She headed for the World War I section, stopping at a stone. She picked one of the flowers out of my arm and laid it on top of the stone. She murmured something I couldn't quite make out. The name on the marble was Donald S. Davidson, USMC: France 1918.
She turned away and made a straight line for the World War II section, stopping at one stone. I saw a tear slowly tracking its way down her cheek. She put a bunch on a stone; the name was Stephen X.Davidson, USMC, 1943.
She went up the row a ways and laid another bunch on a stone, Stanley J. Wieserman, USMC, 1944.
She paused for a second. 'Two more, son, and we'll be done'
I almost didn't say anything, but, 'Yes, ma'am. Take your time.'
She looked confused. 'Where's the Vietnam section, son? I seem to have lost my way.'
I pointed with my chin. 'That way, ma'am.'
'Oh!' she chuckled quietly. 'Son, me and old age ain't too friendly.'
She headed down the walk I'd pointed at. She stopped at a couple of stones before she found the ones she wanted. She placed a bunch on Larry Wieserman, USMC, 1968, and the last on Darrel Wieserman, USMC, 1970. She stood there and murmured a few words I still couldn't make out.
'OK, son, I'm finished. Get me back to my car and you can go home.'
Yes, ma'am. If I may ask, were those your kinfolk?'
She paused. 'Yes, Donald Davidson was my father, Stephen was my uncle, Stanley was my husband, Larry and Darrel were our sons. All killed in action, all marines.'
She stopped. Whether she had finished, or couldn't finish, I don't know. She made her way to her car, slowly and painfully.
I waited for a polite distance to come between us and then double-timed it over to Kevin, waiting by the car.
'Get to the 'Out' gate quick. I have something I've got to do.'
Kevin started to say something, but saw the look I gave him. He broke the rules to get us there down the service road. We beat her. She hadn't made it around the rotunda yet.
'Kevin, stand at attention next to the gatepost. Follow my lead.' I humped it across the drive to the other post.
When the Cadillac came puttering around from the hedges and began the short straight traverse to the gate, I called in my best gunny's voice: 'TehenHut! Present Haaaarms!'
I have to hand it to Kevin; he never blinked an eye--full dress attention and a salute that would make his DI proud.
She drove through that gate with two old worn-out soldiers giving her a send-off she deserved, for service rendered to her country, and for knowing duty, honor and sacrifice.
I am not sure, but I think I saw a salute returned from that Cadillac.
Instead of 'The End,' just think of 'Taps.'
As a final thought on my part, let me share a favorite prayer: 'Lord, keep our servicemen and women safe, whether they serve at home or overseas. Hold them in your loving hands and protect them as they protect us.'
Let's all keep those currently serving and those who have gone before in our thoughts. They are the reason for the many freedoms we enjoy.
'In God We Trust.'
Sorry about your monitor; it made mine blurry too!
If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under!
You are required to pass this on NOW!!!
My nephew Chuck (affectionaly known as Rusty) just passed his officer training! He is 8 years younger than I am and we have always been very close. I love him dearly and I am so very proud and I wanted to share a photo of his graduation with all of you!! He is the TALL cute reddish blonde 2nd from the left- sorry gals he is married!
If you are in the Picyune/Carriere Mississippi area, be careful you are not speeding!!
CONGRATS NEPHEW! I LOVE YOU!!!
My baby, my darling daughter Katie is 17 today. Oh my goodness!
I am going to spend the day baking and decorating her cake, creating a few scrapbook pages for her and remembering. She was 9 lb 14 oz at birth, and never slept all night till she was 4....... you know all those sweet memories!
Katie, sitting out in the sun when we had our January snow- soaking in the rays and wondering what the big hub bub here in Missouri is when they get snow! Where we come from this is called snow flurries and they panic here, roflol.
Its also hard for me to know that next year she will be a senior and graduating from high school!
It is with a VERY heavy heart that I share with you that my mother has been diagnosed with Alzheimers. 6 years ago at a doctor appointment in Hood River, the doctor told her and I that she was in the beginning stages of dementia. I think the stroke she had only helped it all along. She just found out the report today after extensive tests the last week. I had a hunch and now we know.
I just needed to share- Katie and I will be going there for spring break, I will be making as many trips as often as I can before she is no longer able to know who I am-
I am truly grateful and so is mom that my son Ray, grandson Jack, Son Morgan & DIL Sarah were able to be there for Christmas-
Our lives will never be the same again. I can't begin to express my sorrow for my mom and what she is about to go through. She is my hero and has been my best friend all my life.
l-r Katie, Brianna(my great niece), My sister Pat, my niece Michelle then me and mom at the bottom- Taken Christmas Day 2009
Gwen
IT started about 2:40 yesterday (Monday) and its STILL raging outside- although it looks like snow in these photos, its not it's ice ice ice- schools are closed, and Hubby was told not to come in to work- so we are headed to the studio to make 50 western wedding invitations, 10 valentine swaps and cut the last card for the cards galore class this Thursday (if we are able!) I didn't post yesterday I was baking bread, washing laundry etc getting ready for the storm.
This is the table on my deck- I see that the person who was told to bring in the umbrella didnt do it! The ice is just over 1/4 inch thick on these chairs
Now for photos out the front door! Looks like snow- but its all ICE ICE ICE and it is STILL coming down!
Ok I am off to the studio while I have help with the wedding invites have a wonderful warm safe day!
And the topic of the day is here:
Please take a few minutes to read it.
