I have walked these halls for nearly eight months now. I see familiar faces and some new. I say hello, and it is followed by "How are you?" I pass by doors that are opened and closed never knowing what or who I might see. Each day is different. I try not to get attached, but it is hard not too. All anyone wants is to be loved and feel needed. I round the corner and I finally hear that familiar voice. I must admit it makes me smile.
There she sits, wheel chair and all. Her deep voice alone is enough to make even the toughest of men crack a smile. Her name is Margie, and I have taken a liking to her. Her favorite song is Old McDonald and we sing this from time to time. She likes to tell me stories and I too do the same. Her favorite drink is Coca Cola and she always tries to con me into buying one for her. I can hear her now..."I want 4 cents ($1.00 that is)."
Most of the time she makes her way up to the front office just to sit and look at the birds or go outside. She loves the birds. She would sit for hours if you let her, and just stare in awe. You can tell she is an animal lover. I love our conversations, I never know where they will take us. Most times, it is hard for me to make out what she is saying, but honestly Margie doesn't seem to mind. She will just keep right on talking. Her laughter is contagious. I am not sure how old Margie is, but even with her age, she is in a state of innocence. I am always up for one of her funny stories.
Miss. Margie also likes her cars. She could go on for days talking about them. She likes the classic cars and one of her favorites is the Chevy Bell Air. She says she will take this in red, as this is also her favorite color. From time to time I bring some of the residents in the office with me and I will paint their finger nails. They love this, and I enjoy doing this for them. After all, everyone deserves a little pampering from time to time. Margie always enjoys this, and I never know what color she will tell me to paint them next. This week she would like yellow and midnight blue. So this weekend, that is what I intend to do.
I came into this job wondering how much I was going to like it, as my grandmother suffered from Alzheimer's. The truth of the matter is, I love my job. No, it might not be the highest paying job in the world, but it makes all the difference when you can wake up in the morning and feel good about going into work. I love the residents here. There is never a dull moment.
This past week Margie has not been feeling her best, so this evening I wheeled her into the front office with me. I asked if she was feeling any better and in her deep voice she managed to mutter "a little bit". I then busted out with "Old McDonald had a farm" and once again I got to see that sweet smile. She followed by saying "on that farm there was a horse" I start making the noise a horse would make and Margie immediately burst out laughing. Praise God no one else was around to hear! Margie tells me I am silly. I am sure others would have thought the same or perhaps that I am off my rocker. Either way, I am happy to have made a new friend.
Mi Familia
Jeremy, Dallas and James
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
In My Rear View Mirror
In my rear view mirror, there sits my future. In my rear view mirror, there he is, just a smiling. In my rear view mirror, there sits my world. He is my life, my everything. In my rear view mirror, there sits my son, James. I wish I could shout from the roof tops how much I love this sweet child of mine. I catch a glimpse of him and it makes me smile. I love my rear view mirror and all it has to offer. I see smiles, I see tears and I see one sleepy boy that can no longer keep his eyes open. That precious face of his simply melts away the worries of the world and I am at peace with myself. So Lord, I simply want to thank you for this view today and for always. But most of all, I thank you for my rear view mirror.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Where Were You?
I don't know about you, but I can recall the day and events of 9/11/01 just like it happened yesterday. Though 12 years have come and gone since then, I can still envision myself at that very moment those horrific events took place. I was living at home with my parents then and laying in bed when the phone rang. Just like any young adult, I slowly made my way into the kitchen and answered the telephone. It was my Mom on the other end. Her exact words to me "What day did you have circled on your calendar?" Me "the 19th, why?" Mom..."Well IT happened today!" Not knowing exactly what she meant by those words, I could sense the panic in her voice. She then said "Go turn the TV on now!" I run into the living room, phone in hand and immediately do what my Mom said. Still not knowing what is going on, I come to the first channel. They are reporting live from New York state in Manhattan. The camera is zoomed in on a large and tall standing building. I see nothing but smoke and flames. It wasn't until then that I noticed the caption at the bottom of the screen. It simply reads "World Trade Center" This was shortly before 9:00am. My Mom tells me that people believe an airplane has flown into the building. There are reports coming in that an air plane was high jacked, and it is believed that this plane flew into the building, but local authorities have not yet confirmed. I stand in the living room still holding the phone and trying to gather what all my Mom is saying to me. Then at 9:03am, I watch as some sort of air craft flies into the 2nd building. It is hard to believe, but we can now assume this is definitely not an accident, but an act of terror. No words are spoken. Fear has now consumed us. My Mom tells me to go and get my younger sister, Michelle, out of school and bring her home for the day. I get dressed and do exactly what she says. I arrive at Vance High School and go inside. There is literally a line out the door of parents waiting to check their kids out.
From there, my sister and I go home not knowing what could happen next. It didn't seem to matter what state you lived in. No one felt safe. For me, it was un-imaginable that someone could perform these indespicable acts, much less hate someone so much that they felt this was necessary. As my sister and I sit and watch, more and more reports start to come in. By now, both the World Trade towers have now collapsed and New York is in a state of panic. Washington has ordered that all planes be grounded until further notice. An air craft has now crashed into the Pentagon, car bombs have gone off and what was considered to be the 4th plane (Flight 93) speculated to crash into the US Capital, has now crashed into the ground in Shanksville, PA. I wish I could explain all the emotions that were felt that very day. My heart was breaking for all of those who lives had now been taken. The terrorists had gotten what they wanted. Americans lives had now been altered. They had forever changed us. Life in America would never be the same.
I remember the events to follow within the upcoming days. Never before had I ever really paid attention to the President when he came on TV. Now, it was as if I couldn't take my eyes off of him. I wanted to hear what he had to say. America wanted to know what action(s) would take place because of these events that had now happened. America simply wanted answers. I can still see all the flags at half mast. Everywhere you went, there was something to remind you. There was no escaping what had happened. It was because of these acts, however that I have never seen more acts of kindness. I saw people lining up to give blood. I remember everyone thanking there local police and fire departments for all that they do. People seemed to be a little more friendly. Even though someone had taken so much from us, we were still willing to give. It is my prayer that as the years go by, we will remember. I think it is important for our children to know what happened on that day. Some may be to young to understand, but once they are older, I think they should know. May that day never be forgotten.
I said earlier that when my Mom called, her first words to me were "what day did you have circled on your calendar?" Earlier that year, a vision had come to me. I don't know how to explain it or much less put it into words. I just know that I have NEVER had such a feeling come over me like that before. You can ask any of my close friends and family and they will all tell you the same. I was obsessed with the date and number 919. I had the date 9/19/01 circled on my calendar in bright red. I could sense that something horrible was going to happen. I just had no clue as to what. I don't know why this date or number stood out to me, but it did, and I knew it was no good. Perhaps, those things that I saw coming just came a little sooner. They happened on, Tuesday 9/11/01. That day will forever be apart of me.
Today I want to take the time to remember all those who lost their lives on that day. I want to remember all the families that were affected by these events. I also want to take the time to thank those willing to sacrifice their lives so that others could be saved. I pray that Flight 93 will for always be remembered for their acts of courage. May that day never be forgotten.
Like the lyrics of Alan Jackson's song...Where were you when the world stop turning on that September day?
From there, my sister and I go home not knowing what could happen next. It didn't seem to matter what state you lived in. No one felt safe. For me, it was un-imaginable that someone could perform these indespicable acts, much less hate someone so much that they felt this was necessary. As my sister and I sit and watch, more and more reports start to come in. By now, both the World Trade towers have now collapsed and New York is in a state of panic. Washington has ordered that all planes be grounded until further notice. An air craft has now crashed into the Pentagon, car bombs have gone off and what was considered to be the 4th plane (Flight 93) speculated to crash into the US Capital, has now crashed into the ground in Shanksville, PA. I wish I could explain all the emotions that were felt that very day. My heart was breaking for all of those who lives had now been taken. The terrorists had gotten what they wanted. Americans lives had now been altered. They had forever changed us. Life in America would never be the same.
I remember the events to follow within the upcoming days. Never before had I ever really paid attention to the President when he came on TV. Now, it was as if I couldn't take my eyes off of him. I wanted to hear what he had to say. America wanted to know what action(s) would take place because of these events that had now happened. America simply wanted answers. I can still see all the flags at half mast. Everywhere you went, there was something to remind you. There was no escaping what had happened. It was because of these acts, however that I have never seen more acts of kindness. I saw people lining up to give blood. I remember everyone thanking there local police and fire departments for all that they do. People seemed to be a little more friendly. Even though someone had taken so much from us, we were still willing to give. It is my prayer that as the years go by, we will remember. I think it is important for our children to know what happened on that day. Some may be to young to understand, but once they are older, I think they should know. May that day never be forgotten.
I said earlier that when my Mom called, her first words to me were "what day did you have circled on your calendar?" Earlier that year, a vision had come to me. I don't know how to explain it or much less put it into words. I just know that I have NEVER had such a feeling come over me like that before. You can ask any of my close friends and family and they will all tell you the same. I was obsessed with the date and number 919. I had the date 9/19/01 circled on my calendar in bright red. I could sense that something horrible was going to happen. I just had no clue as to what. I don't know why this date or number stood out to me, but it did, and I knew it was no good. Perhaps, those things that I saw coming just came a little sooner. They happened on, Tuesday 9/11/01. That day will forever be apart of me.
Today I want to take the time to remember all those who lost their lives on that day. I want to remember all the families that were affected by these events. I also want to take the time to thank those willing to sacrifice their lives so that others could be saved. I pray that Flight 93 will for always be remembered for their acts of courage. May that day never be forgotten.
Like the lyrics of Alan Jackson's song...Where were you when the world stop turning on that September day?
Thursday, September 5, 2013
My Gramps and Grand mommy...
My Gramps and Grand mommy...
They have been gone now for quite sometime. I was only nine years of age when my Grandfather left this world and nineteen when my Grandmother passed. Gramps and Grand mommy, that is what I called them. I often think of them from time to time and wonder what life must really be like in Heaven. I can only imagine...
My Gramps was one of the most gentle and loving people I knew. He would do anything for anyone in need. Even though I was only nine when he passed, I cling tight to the memories I have of him. I can still see him standing in the kitchen at Thanksgiving...he would always carve the turkey. I think most of the time he did more eating then carving and I can still hear my Grand mommy saying "stop that or there won't be anything left to eat." Boy could my Gramps put down some food. One of his favorite "snacks" was a peanut butter and banana sandwich. Ohh and apples...he was always eating an apple. When he wasn't napping or eating, he was gardening. He always had the most beautiful garden and I can still picture it in my mind today. Gramps would always walk around the house in a white v-neck t-shirt and pants. He always wore the same gold necklace. It was a skull necklace, and though most people would find this rather creepy, for whatever reason, my Gramps loved it.
Whenever I think about my Gramps and Grand mommy, I think about their house and the HUGE basement they had. For whatever reason, I was always so scared to even go near the stairs, much less open the basement door. I suppose it is because I was a little kid, but to me, the basement looked more like a dungeon. My Gramps would always take me by my hand and lead me down the stairs. With him, I was safe.
I still remember the day we got the news that he passed. My family, with the exception of my Dad were all at church. I was outside with my bestie at the time, when my Dad pulled into the parking lot. From the moment he opened the door of his truck and our eyes met, I knew that something was up. I may have been only nine at the time, but the look in his eyes said it all. I kept asking what was wrong, as I followed him across the parking lot, down the stairs into the church fellowship hall. He walked up to my Mom with tears in his eyes, and instantly my Mom knew what was wrong. She managed to mutter the words "he is gone." I immediately burst into tears as my Mom sank into my Dad's arms. That moment is forever embedded in my mind. The rest of the evening was mostly a blur. I remember crying so hard that it literally felt as if my lungs could burst. That evening one of my parents friends came to pick me and my older sister, Nichole up. We were to stay at their house for the night. We were all packed like sardines in her mini van. Crying literally all day had given me a migraine headache. The scent of butterscotch filled the air, and I immediately got sick. Too this day, I can still sense that smell and it literally makes me sick to my stomach.
The next few days were kind of fuzzy, as many people came to gather at our house and bring us food and flowers and offer their condolences. I wish I could say what the next few weeks were like, but honestly I don't remember. I would imagine they were filled with much sadness.
When my Grand mommy passed, I must admit it felt more like a relief for our family. Not because she was now gone, but because my Grandmother had what I call one of the worse diseases ever...Alzheimer's. If you don't know what Alzheimer's is allow me to educate you for a minute. Alzheimer's is basically progressive mental deterioration. The things you once could remember, are now gone...your past vanished into thin air. You become incapable of taking care of yourself. You forget family members names and perhaps even your own. I wouldn't wish this disease on my worst enemy. My Grandmother battled this for years. My Grand mommy was a smart woman. She was a nurse anesthetist. She had dedicated her life to helping make people feel better, but for her, there was no cure. She always dressed in the finest of clothes. My Grandmother also liked her liquor. I always remember her sipping on scotch. She always had a glass of this at night right before bed. Two days before she passed my Grandmother actually remembered everyone. I think this was God's way of preparing us for what was about to come. She passed on her birthday, December 5th, 2001. She was 74 years old.
Even tough many years have come to pass, I still think of my Gramps and Grand mommy often. I think about all the things they have missed out on. Sometimes I wonder what they would think about my son, James. I can picture them all smiling right now. But then, I remember, by the Grace of God, that I will see them again one day. Until then, you are loved and missed and I can still hear your words ringing ever near...Good Night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite! Ta Do Ta Do...for the red, white and blue!
Love,
-Dallas-
They have been gone now for quite sometime. I was only nine years of age when my Grandfather left this world and nineteen when my Grandmother passed. Gramps and Grand mommy, that is what I called them. I often think of them from time to time and wonder what life must really be like in Heaven. I can only imagine...
My Gramps was one of the most gentle and loving people I knew. He would do anything for anyone in need. Even though I was only nine when he passed, I cling tight to the memories I have of him. I can still see him standing in the kitchen at Thanksgiving...he would always carve the turkey. I think most of the time he did more eating then carving and I can still hear my Grand mommy saying "stop that or there won't be anything left to eat." Boy could my Gramps put down some food. One of his favorite "snacks" was a peanut butter and banana sandwich. Ohh and apples...he was always eating an apple. When he wasn't napping or eating, he was gardening. He always had the most beautiful garden and I can still picture it in my mind today. Gramps would always walk around the house in a white v-neck t-shirt and pants. He always wore the same gold necklace. It was a skull necklace, and though most people would find this rather creepy, for whatever reason, my Gramps loved it.
Whenever I think about my Gramps and Grand mommy, I think about their house and the HUGE basement they had. For whatever reason, I was always so scared to even go near the stairs, much less open the basement door. I suppose it is because I was a little kid, but to me, the basement looked more like a dungeon. My Gramps would always take me by my hand and lead me down the stairs. With him, I was safe.
I still remember the day we got the news that he passed. My family, with the exception of my Dad were all at church. I was outside with my bestie at the time, when my Dad pulled into the parking lot. From the moment he opened the door of his truck and our eyes met, I knew that something was up. I may have been only nine at the time, but the look in his eyes said it all. I kept asking what was wrong, as I followed him across the parking lot, down the stairs into the church fellowship hall. He walked up to my Mom with tears in his eyes, and instantly my Mom knew what was wrong. She managed to mutter the words "he is gone." I immediately burst into tears as my Mom sank into my Dad's arms. That moment is forever embedded in my mind. The rest of the evening was mostly a blur. I remember crying so hard that it literally felt as if my lungs could burst. That evening one of my parents friends came to pick me and my older sister, Nichole up. We were to stay at their house for the night. We were all packed like sardines in her mini van. Crying literally all day had given me a migraine headache. The scent of butterscotch filled the air, and I immediately got sick. Too this day, I can still sense that smell and it literally makes me sick to my stomach.
The next few days were kind of fuzzy, as many people came to gather at our house and bring us food and flowers and offer their condolences. I wish I could say what the next few weeks were like, but honestly I don't remember. I would imagine they were filled with much sadness.
When my Grand mommy passed, I must admit it felt more like a relief for our family. Not because she was now gone, but because my Grandmother had what I call one of the worse diseases ever...Alzheimer's. If you don't know what Alzheimer's is allow me to educate you for a minute. Alzheimer's is basically progressive mental deterioration. The things you once could remember, are now gone...your past vanished into thin air. You become incapable of taking care of yourself. You forget family members names and perhaps even your own. I wouldn't wish this disease on my worst enemy. My Grandmother battled this for years. My Grand mommy was a smart woman. She was a nurse anesthetist. She had dedicated her life to helping make people feel better, but for her, there was no cure. She always dressed in the finest of clothes. My Grandmother also liked her liquor. I always remember her sipping on scotch. She always had a glass of this at night right before bed. Two days before she passed my Grandmother actually remembered everyone. I think this was God's way of preparing us for what was about to come. She passed on her birthday, December 5th, 2001. She was 74 years old.
Even tough many years have come to pass, I still think of my Gramps and Grand mommy often. I think about all the things they have missed out on. Sometimes I wonder what they would think about my son, James. I can picture them all smiling right now. But then, I remember, by the Grace of God, that I will see them again one day. Until then, you are loved and missed and I can still hear your words ringing ever near...Good Night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite! Ta Do Ta Do...for the red, white and blue!
Love,
-Dallas-
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