Her last birthday in 2013, age 90, at Lakeside Inn in Mt. Dora, FL
My mom would have been 102 today.
I miss her so much it’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years since she’s been gone.
She missed meeting 9 more great grandchildren as well as her three grandkids’ spouse’s. I may have gotten those numbers wrong, but the point is…
…so much life has happened since her death.
I was telling Elias today how much “Gigi” would have loved him as well as Vito (10), Brielle (10), Phoebe (8). And the same goes for his daddy, whom my Mom never met. Although she prayed for him for years.
My brother joined her and my Dad 2 and a half years ago, which is hard to believe.
I don’t have much to say that hasn’t been said in previous posts. But this I now know:
Grief is a journey that has no destination until one day when those who love Jesus will be reunited together with Christ forever.
While we await that day Mom, this song is my heart’s cry. Happy Birthday!
I was privileged to home-school our three children for most of their education, which opened the door for me as their teacher to learn too. What I loved the most about teaching was the ability to have interest-led learning; where we studied things my kids were interested in for as long as they wanted to learn about it. One favorite unit study we did was all about the ear and hearing–science, history and inventions, It had a lasting impact on all of us.
Helen Keller’s story as told in The Miracle Worker, showed what it was like to not be able to hear, see or talk from birth. But once this door of communication was unlocked for Helen by her teacher, Anne Sullivan, she began to understand how to learn. From that point on, Helen was voracious to discover everything about her world–A true miracle.
Benefits of Knowing Sign Language
In high school the private school we joined offered ASL. Our two daughters both took it and our oldest became quite proficient, even teaching the high school students’ class after she graduated.
At age 16 Tracy was hired to care for a young girl who was deaf from birth and also unable to eat, walk or talk. It was her Mom’s desire for her to learn how to communicate using sign language. This was such an opportunity for Tracy to understand more about those who are deaf. She grew in her love for and care of Lindsay and enjoyed helping her learn.
Disability in our Family
Fast forward to 2020 when Elias joined our family. We are so grateful he can hear, but he still is working hard to learn how to talk. He can say “hi” and “nay” (Nana) quite well, and we have faith as his story unfolds he will be able to speak. If Helen could learn to talk without hearing, we believe Elias can too.
Why post about this? Yesterday I saw a commercial about a football player who is deaf; you read that right. New technology from AT & T 5G is making it possible for those who are deaf to be able to play football. They say it is leveling the playing field for deaf athletes. What wonderful news. Following is the commercial you can watch. But grab a tissue–it made me cry.
Benefits of Technology
How exciting to see the advances being made for those who are born without one or more of their five senses. Our grandson has all of his senses, but he can’t walk or talk. We believe technology will play a part in his learning to walk. So much is possible for the good of those who are different from the norm. And these stories are powerful to hear.
Today I am much more grateful for things I used to take for granted. The most basic of senses are a gift we’ve been given by God. Let’s use them well and break the sound of silence by speaking to those who are different and letting them know we see them and that they matter.
Helen never heard a word in her life, yet her story has reached millions since she was born.
We’ve been away for 10 days following the changing leaves and they haven’t disappointed.
I heard Jim Gaffigan do a set on Fall Foliage that is hilarious. I may always hear his voice in my head as I take yet another photo or video of falling leaves. But I don’t mind.
God made the seasons because He knows change is good. Think of it, if the leaves never fell there would be no room for new growth.
I wish I could think of changes in my own life as beautiful, but I’m more like Jim Gaffigan’s interpretation of how they’re feeling—I’m dying! I don’t like change because I love summer.
But I would never appreciate a warm summer day if I never had the chill of winter.
Contrasts are what make life beautiful.
But seasons of the heart are unpredictable. They can last only days or for many years. God determines the length of our current season , and since I trust Him I can rest knowing change will come.
Like the leaves all I must do is bend with the wind and let go when it’s time to do so.
A bare tree standing alone isn’t as beautiful as a the bare trees in a forest.
So it is in life. We need connection with good friends, honest friends and faithful friends who will sit with us in our barrenness and whisper to us the hope of Spring; friends who have faced similar seasons aren’t quick to judge or push us forward too soon. They sit, listen and pray.
God is the author of my seasons and each one has a purpose. All I must do is show up each day and embrace the moment.
Chasing leaves this year has shown me it is futile to hang on to what was or what I hoped would be. I must reach in faith for tomorrow as I follow the Lord.
It has been 3 years since I first met you. What a journey you’ve traveled thus far. Through the NICU stay in Tulsa for 116 days, to your Cancer battle in the PICU and the Cancer floors of Advent Health, You have found a way into the hearts of all who know you.
You are still non-verbal, non-mobile and can’t sit on your own. The only food you enjoy comes through your gtube, something your body tolerates very well; You now weigh about 33 lbs. making it difficult for your Mom to lift you for long. I miss our close snuggles on the couch as you would slowly fall asleep in my arms. You have grown so much that you hang off on both sides of my lap and my arm goes to sleep before you do. You much prefer to snuggle with your weighted animals in your own big boy bed. Actually, you still prefer Mom and Dad’s big king-size bed, but they are working to get you to stay in your own bed now.
Your favorite movies are Sing 2, Toy Story 2 (Buzz Lightyear is the best!) and Encanto. Your favorite Children’s programs are Miss Rachel, Blues Clues and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. You love listening to your Mom or Papa Tom play drums on any solid surface. When you laugh your whole body follows along lifting both legs up to your belly. Your laughter is contagious.
You are a coffee lover. Every morning you stare at Mom’s coffee hoping she’ll give you a taste or two or three on a spoon. I tried giving you some Cold Brew Coffee Ice Cream and I thought you would never stop smiling. You didn’t know something so good existed.
This week you will begin pre-school two days a week. Mom is a little nervous about leaving you for several hours, but she is ready for some time to herself. It has been a long time since she’s done much of anything without you right by her side, and she has loved every minute. Yet she is tired. We all need rest and this will be her time to do so.
Elias, your birthday yesterday was so much fun. You loved all the attention, the balloons, the karaoke singing, the candles, the opening of presents and most of all–life itself. You embrace every moment as if it is a gift, as we embrace you as our gift and inspiration. Keep pushing forward one small accomplishment at a time. We believe you will do great things.
Our final day on this amazing road trip of a lifetime.
We arrived on Sunday to our beautiful townhouse in Estes Park. The view from the balcony was just a snippet of what we were to see the next day.
We had secured our timed entry pass at 9 a.m. and surprisingly we were nearly on time.
We took the Trailhead Loop which nearly encircles the whole park. We climbed to 12,200 feet, which is above the tree line. The weather was cold and extremely windy. The views? Amazing!
The trail ended at Grand Lake, Colorado, where we had a picnic in the town park. Afterward, we had to turn around and drive back the way we came. All in all it was about a 5 hour drive. Beautiful coming or going.
The aspen trees were in peak color providing such breathtaking beauty. Every turn we saw more of God’s glorious creation!
The pictures speak for themselves…
Golden AspenSisters ❤️Climbing to 12,000’Peak – elevation on Tom’s phone Descent to the valleyBeautiful Stellar JayGrand Lake, COLast night God provided this stunning rainbow
Thank you, God for allowing us to have this time away as a family. We laughed, we ate, we teased each other (S.U.B.) 😂 We took lots of pictures and ate lots of good food and ice cream. We visited 4 states—Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota and Nebraska in 7 days. We drove 1300 miles and took hundreds of photos! Nebraska was a bonus state for us, where we drove to Chadron one day for lunch, just so we could say we’d been there. And the Mexican Restaurant was one of our favorite meals—well worth the hour drive South.
On Day 4 we drove to Custer, South Dakota, for lunch on our way to the Crazy Horse Memorial. We enjoyed out lunch so much at Custer Wolf Cafe. The service and food were delicious, and the cooler weather made everything better about this day.
When we were driving North to the Memorial we had no expectations. Other than my sister had heard that the entire Mt. Rushmore monument would fit in Crazy Horse’s monument with room to spare. Impressive. But what’s more impressive is that this project that began in the 1940’s has been built without any government assistance. I like that the Lakota Nation wanted to do this themselves and with the willing donations of others.
There is no known picture or impression of Crazy Horse, so the sculptor interviewed those native Americans who knew him. They described his appearance which led him to create his likeness on the statue.
At this point they’ve only finished his stoic face and his outstretched arm over the mane of his horse. This is the miniature created so you can see what the finished sculpture will look like…
This is the poem written by Korczak Zholkowski…
His FaceHis Hand
While there we sat in on the demonstration of a Native American playing the songs of many different tribes. Imagine my delight when he began talking of the Creek Indians and their requirement to follow the Trail of Tears to Indian Territory, now known as Oklahoma.
The book I wrote about my Grandmother, Through The Eyes of Grace, is steeped in this rich history. My grandfather and Great-Grandfather were both listed in the Dawes Rolls. This allowed them to receive the full benefit of 160 acres of land each, granted to all known members of the Five Civilized Tribes—Cherokee, Creek, Seminole, Choctaw and Chickasaw Indians.
When he spoke of this horrific part of our history, he mentioned how many of the tribes had become Christian. As a result the song that united them on this trail was Amazing Grace. This just so happened to be my Grandmother’s favorite song. Such a touchstone that nearly made me cry as he played it on the Creek Nation’s native instrument. Listen in…
Crazy Horse died at the young age of 35, lying on the bare floor in Ft. Robinson.
This Memorial is due to be finished by 2035. I may never see it, but this visit inspired me to be grateful for the stories that shaped my ancestral history.
Do you know the stories that have inspired your history? I encourage you to seek and discover your hidden stories. They matter more than you know.
Anyone who knows my sister knows she loves all animals. That’s why I had to devote a post to the animals she adored on this trip.
Look at that smile 😊
I’ve mentioned the prairie dogs already, but I didn’t share the benefit they provide to the prairie. If they lived in our yards we would call them pests. But here the way they burrow in the ground turning up the roots of the rich grasses, helps the larger wildlife eat the rich nutrients with ease.
Prairie Dog Towns
I love that.
We also saw for the first time antelopes in the wild. This one was among the bison and the prairie dogs minding her own business. Of course my sister and I started singing, “Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam, where the deer and the antelope play.” 😂
These were all taken in Custer State Park, the largest state park in the country. It covers 71,000 acres filled with all sorts of wildlife.
When we got to the Bison Center we were surprised to see wild burros, as they called them, in the parking lot. My sister couldn’t wait to get up close to pet them. And they were just as happy to greet her.
Of course she made friends with him
We spotted this wild one hiding behind a rock…
It was a beautiful day. We kept thanking God for the perfect weather and for allowing us to enjoy His creation together.
I’ll close with this video of the prairie dogs chattering as we passed.
It’s hard to believe we still have more to see. Next time we’ll share our experience seeing the Crazy Horse Memorial.
We left in the morning to reach Custer State Park in time to see the wildlife enjoying the cool of the morning. We were not disappointed.
We began along the southern Wildlife Loop. My sister couldn’t contain her joy—so many animals from bison to prairie dogs. They all seemed to anticipate her arrival. The prairie dogs were standing to salute her retirement—yeah, we have big imaginations in my family.
But the highlight of the day was driving through one of the Custer State Park’s tunnels and seeing Mt. Rushmore gazing at us from a distance.
My sister nearly exploded. She has dreamed of this day her whole life. What a gift to bring her here together as a family. She has always sacrificed for the good of all who know her, and today was her turn to be blessed.
George Washington is seen stern and steadfast with the conviction of leading this new nation. Thomas Jefferson is gazing upwards anticipating the future with his words penned, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”
Theodore Roosevelt is next looking down as he sees the beauty our country has to offer. He secured lands for generations to enjoy in their natural state. This park was included in his vision.
Finally, Abraham Lincoln is the one who gave our country the pathway to freedom for all Americans. His resolve is the foundation of our United States.
My sister nearly cried when she approached the magnificent memorial.
And she nearly cried when she left.
When you dream of a moment like this, there are no words when your wish comes true; only gratefulness. And what a privilege to witness the moment.
We started our journey with a fantastic breakfast in Ft. Collins. Yay for Yelp! We always find the best places because of the recommendations on this app. Try it when you’re in a new area and see if you don’t enjoy your experience that much more.
Urban Egg
Tom loves corned beef hash and eggs. This restaurant knows how to do it well.
After we were satisfied we hit the road east through Wyoming. The countryside of Wyoming is beautiful. We saw “Amber waves of grain,” and lots of bison grazing under “spacious skies.” 🎶
Bison lowing in the field
Stopping at a rest area we were greeted by this sign. Yikes! It must be how tourists feel in FL when they see our signs saying “Beware of alligators and water snakes.”
We finally arrived in Hot Springs, South Dakota. The weather is refreshing after our scorching hot Summer in Florida. Our home for the next few days is spacious and has a great view.
Our view with the moon rising
This trip so far has been a fresh reminder of the beauty in God’s creation of America.
“God shed His grace on thee.”
Tomorrow I’ll share the day my sister has only dreamed of happening…Mt. Rushmore and Custer State Park.
We are celebrating my sister, Bettie’s retirement after a lifetime of nursing care. She and her husband, Dennis also celebrated their 50th anniversary on August 31st. We couldn’t miss the chance to help her lifelong dream come true—to visit Mt. Rushmore. So they along with our sister-in-law, Sherry, flew out this morning to Denver International Airport.
Fun Fact: Bettie and Dennis haven’t flown in 50 years.
Our flight was full—every seat. And no one happier to land in Denver than Bettie. She is literally sore from being so tense all morning.
We had quite the challenge getting our rental SUV, but after an hour and unfortunately lots of steps for Tom, we ended up with a nice, roomy Suburban. Ahh! It happened Planes, Trains and Automobile style—and I’m not exaggerating.
Our first stop? In and Out Burgers. We were so hungry since the flight only provided snacks, these tasted like Prime Steaks. Once full we piled back in our SUV and drove North.
After an hour we made it to Ft. Collins where we’ll stay in our comfy (albeit 3 levels with steep steps) Airbnb. But it is brand new and beautiful.
We will drive east to Hot Springs, South Dakota tomorrow.
Write from the heart 