Remembering Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen Louise Franzen Dahl Siegfried was born October 12, 1945 in Grand Junction, CO and joined her maker July 18, 2012 at Cornerstone Hospice Care, The Villages, Fl.  We are all gathered together to pay our final respects to Mary Ellen, our sister, mother, grandmother, cousin.  Each of us here this afternoon is filled with memories, observations, thoughts.  A memorial service such as this, for someone who lived and died younger than was expected, allows us a time to process and recall that which is sometimes not available to us when we are in the midst of immediate loss and grief.  We gather this afternoon to remember and celebrate.

As we each look back at the sixty-six years Mary Ellen shared on this earth, our memories will differ.  Recent brain research helps with some explanation.  To make sense, all of us remember by fitting memories into our own stories.  Memories are malleable, not precise.  We manipulate memories to make sense out of our own stories.  Memories are self-serving human constructions.  We all have selective memories.

Mary Ellen and I would sometimes rehash an event of our childhood or past and come up with completely different versions.  I could never understand why she didn't see or recount the story the same way as I did.  If our memories are twisted or molded to fit our own personalities, then this can explain why our sharing, even with all of you in the past few days, has brought up so many different versions of a story.

I looked up to my sister, Mary Ellen.  I saw her as an intelligent, bright person.  I admired her creative talents.  She could envision a room design, an art project or a garment, before the materials were even purchased.  She enlightened a creative spirit in me and I will always thank her for that.  As many of you know, Mary Ellen excelled in the baton twirling venue and was an avid lover of dogs.  I am sure Tiffany, Chloe and Sugarplum wonder where their master is.

I can only imagine how our parents must have felt, holding their tiny little girl.  How proud our father was to be part of her baptism at their first congregation in Grand Junction, CO.  To offer their first born to become "a child of God".  God accepted Mary Ellen as a member into his fold, and as all parents, God has loved her as His child through all her joys, her challenges, and now, through death, He continues this love as He accepts her into his kingdom.  I believe that God remembers us always and we are placed into God's story of grace, mercy and love.

Our sister is now free.  She no longer will grieve for the loss of her husband, Sel or of her brief union with Charles.  Her failing body will no longer hinder her spirit nor the fading of her memories be apparent.  I see her rejoicing in the reuniting with her children's father and sharing stories with our parents of her children and grandchildren.

We celebrate and give thanks this day.  We rejoice in the knowledge that God remembers us always out of His deep love and mercy.

Jan

As the World Turns

Our week has been a time of great love. We celebrate the birth of our sixth grandchild. Connor James Moore, Monday, July 16th at 7:29. He is a beautiful, adorable little guy and we are thrilled to have him as part of our family. His big 2 1/2 year old brother treated it as just another day in his busy life. The "big kids", Tyler 20, Kyle 18, and Katie 15, are taking this gift much more seriously. No child will have a more loving family than this dear small child. He has four grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins that will watch over him with great enthusiasm. How wonderful this experience is for all involved. In Florida, part of my family is on a vigil with my older sister. She is transitioning to a better life as I type. Unfortunately, Mary Ellen's life has not been an easy one and I am sure she will be passing to a much better place. As we observe this world, we have to accept that both life and death are part of it. Our joy for one family and our shared grief for another makes us appreciate each day we havE. Please keep Mary Ellen's family in your prayers as they watch her struggle come to An end. Celebrate with Sean and Sarah and their family. Grandma Jan

Today is Yours!

The red, white and blue banners are up. We have celebrated Memorial Day with the neighbors. The first day of summer is here and we are looking forward to our 2nd annual 4th of July parade and pancake breakfast Steve and I sponsor for our neighborhood. The year is passing us by so quickly. I sit back and ponder if I am filling my days with what God needs me to do. I get so caught up in the everyday tasks of a woman at home. I have always felt compelled to maintain an orderly home. My mother instilled that drive in me, and I am a more relaxed person when things are in order. Nearly twenty two years ago, when I received my first life-saving transplanted pancreas and kidney, I felt such a burden. I carried the weight of the donor's spirit. I felt I must do something with my life to show that I was worthy of such a miraculous gift. At that time, raising my children, singing the praises of the Lord, being kind, etc. was my goal. Now again, I face the question of what do You, Lord, want me to do with my life. You have given me so much joy these past 22 years. I have had the privilege to raise my children, lend a hand when needed, to assist with our grandchildren. I have been able to support my husband for 43 years. My heart is so full of love for the people around me that I can only smile when I look back at my time here on earth. My heart is full of gratitude. I have been blessed in more ways than I can count. I still know there is more for me here. My days are numbered and only You know what awaits me and my family. I thank You for constantly giving me a "heads up" to our vulnerability here on earth. I am older now. I have a grand past to reflect on. My body is still getting me up each day and providing me another glimpse of heaven on earth. For all this I am grateful. I ask for guidance. Hold my hand and wrap your arms around me and those close to me as we once again await our next chapter. Each of us have trials in our lives and today I take another positive step in this life. Please allow me to pray for you. Let me know what your needs are and let me be you prayer warrior. Know you are not alone. Someone is by your side and thinking of you. You are important to God and you are important to me. Today is here for us to share and rejoice in. May you feel peace. Jan

It's Our Pleasure

Steve and I have diligently been working to finish a huge project. I have always known I was married to a very handy man, but these last few months, my admiration has grown even more. Our son Sean, and daughter-in-law Sarah, have a large home. With a fifth child on the way this summer, they seem to fill every inch of their home. Therefore, when you have a whole unfinished space staring you in the face, the only logical thing to do, is put a plan together and get 'er done. The above realization began well over two years ago in the fall of 2009. The planning and figuring were set in place and a few steps took place. Then we hit a snag. January 2010, was the month I had brain surgery, and all priorities took a different turn. Recovery from the initial surgery, a detached retina and surgery to try to correct that, chemotherapy to attack the lymphoma in the brain, plenty of lab appointments and MRIs, all took lots of time. We also buried my mother, so that was another delay we managed. Steve's time was to spread so many directions. My heart went out for him. I could no longer drive, so my ability to help certainly cramped both our styles. Fast forward to this January 2012. We were returning home from a two week stay in Arizona. During our return trip, both of us decided it was time to get this project off our plate and get back to retirement. Steve had finished the storeroom, which included a walk in closet, a gift wrapping station and 30 feet of storage shelves. He also had the majority of the electrical work and studs in the 1000 square foot main living area completed. Drywall was the next step. Our second grandson, Kyle, graduated May 20th and I am proud to announce that his guests enjoyed the beautiful new space. The kitchenette did not have water, but Sarah had sweet talked the granite people into installing the counter just in time for the event. We've had friends who have asked us why we do what we do for our children. I can only say, we do this because we can and we enjoy the process. I have been able to refinish and restore old furniture and also sew accessories for the basement design. I was able to also make drapes for the main floor family room and am currently sewing drapes for the office upstairs. Why? I can only say, it's our pleasure! May you find your passion and enjoy sharing it. Jan

May Day!

Happy May Day! Did you hear the ring of the doorbell this morning and find a treat left for you on the doorstep? Those were the days when you could roll the paper doilies into cone shapes, add some ribbon, and fill them with homemade popcorn and candy. Now, we dare not share anything that is not hermetically sealed and prepared under stringent rules prepared by the Dairy Council, FDA, FBI or something that regulates how we prepare food. Life used to be so simple when all the regulations weren't in place. I don't recall anyone dying from cupcakes, made by MOM, making kids sick in school. Now regulations require all treats being delivered to a school, be purchased and individually wrapped. Back to the simpler time - how about if we all start a friendship chain. I'll start the process here and you follow in your neighborhood. Let's take some time to bake a treat and share it with a neighbor or two. Include a note instructing them to do the same. May could be a favorite month of the year if we all do our part in making it just a little more special. May your day be filled with happiness, Jan

Am I there yet?

How do you know when you have arrived at a particular place in time? There are so many stepping stones in our lives. Yesterday I wondered if I had finally met one of those milestones. Here's a few of my symptoms. When I awake each morning I notice it's a lot earlier than the alarm would go off when I was working. Getting out of bed takes a little coaxing, not because I'm not ready to get up, but because the muscles don't move as readily as before. I find it harder to see my eyebrows. I know my sight is not what it used to be, but it seems as if my eyebrows now blend into my face. When I look into the mirror, sometimes I catch a glimpse of my mother. She's be gone now for a few years, so I know she's not here. During our outing watching our grandsons golf, no one thought we were his parents. Shopping for good shoes always ends up with me buying another pair of tennis shoes. Steve and I have more silent conversations. I seem to be ready for dinner much earlier than a few years ago. I guess I need time to digest it before I head for bed at 8:00. My darling daughter continually badgers me to color my hair. I kind of like the "ash blonde". Work no longer interests me. I am content keeping up with my home and family. I never seem to speak clearly. Steve always asks me to repeat what I just said. Outings always include a doctor's appointment. Why do all my pictures seem to have wrinkles on my face? Inside I feel the same as I always have. Why do people assume I qualify for a senior discount? Perhaps it's not me, maybe society has just changed their perspective on what "senior" really is. I have not arrived there yet, I'm pretty sure. Young as ever, Jan

Life Signs!

My blog is entitled "Signs of Life". How appropriate, for each day, I accept and appreciate. This week has had so many life signs. We attended a funeral for a dear friend's father. Kermit was a very close friend of my in-laws, so we were honored to pay our respects. Death is a part of life. It is easy for to accept the reality when a person has lived a full life. A life not only in the amount of years, but also the love they have shared with friends and family. God was a part of Kermit's ninety years. What a bonus to know he will spend eternity with the Lord. Our dear, little Arieanna, finally returned to school. She was restricted from activity for eight days, after her surgery to reattach both of her retinas. Thank you to the doctor and staff, who with God, performed an intricate surgery which restored her sight. She will need to refrain from some activities, but has only a 20% chance of a detachment. Yesterday, we were honored to attend a Rotary luncheon which honored one top senior from each high school. Our grandson, Kyle was a recipient of the honor and a scholarship. Kyle has matured into such a wonderful young man. He is well rounded in activities, golf and academics. We are so very proud of his accomplishments and very excited to see where this will lead him next. I am delighted that I am still able to see enough to design and sew draperies. I am busy refurbishing furniture to work in the basement Steve has been finishing for the past two years. I can't believe we are finally at the point we can actually decide on furnishings. Very exciting! Wish us all luck that it will be ready for Kyle's graduation party only one month away. Our neighborhood dinner club tonight. How fortunate to be able to meet with friends for over eight years. Life is so good to us. Live, Jan

Arise!

I can hardly wait to wake up each morning.

I love my home. It feels good. It is a comfortable place to be. The vista of the golf course with the sounds of the early morning mowers, beg a person to rise.
My new Lattissima Plus coffee maker, is the "bomb". It treats me to a professional latte everyday. (Just a minute, I believe I need another cup.)
That first morning kiss, from the same man I married nearly 43 years ago, is familiar and I appreciate it.
I do a once over to check out the ole body. I make sure all is still in operating condition and thank God for giving me another day.
I pray for my family that their day will be filled with blessings. I pray for my friends that their lives may be filled with happiness and the strength to carry them through adversity. I pray for guidance for our government, that we be lead with wisdom.
The morning always starts out fresh. I usually have a plan, but being retired allows me to be flexible.
I enjoy listening to the news. Being informed empowers me.
I put off the treadmill until just before I need to get dressed. (Walking gives me a sense of accomplishment.)
Quiet, to ponder my blessings is precious.
And plenty of projects to fill my day

Arise and feel the spirit!
Jan

Be Prepared!

I sit here awaiting the storm. Perhaps the meteorologists will be spot on this time, and the "life threatening" storm will make its way to our area. Perhaps the storm ahead is one we can't even imagine.

Are you ready?

Do you have your affairs in order? Have you discussed with your family your final wishes? Is it important to you to leave things in order?

I always remember my mother spending extra time before we would leave our home, to make sure everything was in order. At the end of each of my parents' lives, their affairs were also left, just as they lived, "in order". I am determined to do the same for my children.

We have had numerous warnings in the past few days regarding our upcoming storm. We have our "safe" location designated, water, food, tv, blankets, meds, extra clothes, flashlights, walking shoes, etc. ready to go. We have done our due diligence to prepare ourselves the best we can.

Lightning is searing across the sky, dark clouds are rolling from west to east. Rain is periodically pouring from the clouds, thunder interrupts our thoughts and conversations. God has certainly done his best to alert us to the evening ahead. I guess my question is, am I ready for what may be ahead?

The storm may or may not rain down on us, or yet it may be another type of storm for which we should prepare. I hope I am strong enough. I trust God will wrap His arms around and shelter me.

Stay safe. Be prepared. Plan ahead. Be wise and be strong. Do not waste time on fear. Fear can paralyze and take away needed energy. Love and live as much as you can each day.

May your storms be nothing more than a warning.

Live from Nebraska,
Jan

If Only

It happened in just an instant. A child begs her mom to "pleeeze" let her check out what her friends are doing. Repeatedly, Mom tells her "no", but finally relents and lets her eight-year-old join briefly in the activities.

We all remember how many times our own children broke down our strong convictions and against our better judgement, we gave in to their desire to do what the other kids are doing. In our heart, we know the activity has a potential to be dangerous, but perhaps the risk would be worth the reward.

Our daughter's daughter, used her persuasion powers to convince her mom to let her get out of the car to checkout the new toy the neighbor received for Easter. Not being familiar with the air-pumped nerf rocket, Arieanna leaned over to see it more closely and of course, this would be the time the rocket accidentally would shoot off into her face. The shock of the impact must have her head and she was left in a great deal of pain. Ice was applied and after a time, all appeared back to normal.

Another tragedy was averted, lesson learned.

As a parent, you act as if all is well, but in the back of your head, you have that feeling that there is a slim possibility something may be lurking.

Fast forward to the next day at the ophthalmologist, when you hear the words you weren't prepared to handle. "We have a very serious situation here." Your breath no longer comes easily. Your heart beats at a pace you aren't accustomed to. Maybe that's because your heart has sunk as low as you think it can go.

Time has now passed through surgery and a long night full of worry. Only time will begin to slightly ease the trepidation of doom. Both of these beautiful brown eyes. The eyes that look to you for guidance, will need to heal from detached retinas. An accident that could have, would have, been avoided "if only".

Our family selfishly ask for your prayers. May they include strength for us to deal with whatever the future brings to Arieanna. May her sight be restored or foresight to deal with transition to another vision.

Grandma Jan

Influence

I am way too old for guilt!

If I were able to remember way back, I could find way too many things to feel guilty about. At this stage of my life I can only focus on going forward. I truly believe that is a true "sign of life".

I have just finished the cleaning of our master bath for the, ah ah maybe thousandth time. Probably should have done this a week or so ago, but at this rate I won't have to do it for a while again. Really a good thing the bathroom police hadn't shown up yet. My mother certainly wouldn't have let it get to this state. No, my mother never seemed to put things off, nor did she really ever take the time to sit down, much less to read a book. When you have a parent like her, you can have a tendency to feel guilty about a lot of things.

My mom did enjoy a good cup of coffee however. I believe coffee was about her only vice. Every time we would go shopping or take a short trip, or need to talk, she would sit down for a few minutes with a cup of coffee. I miss her but also know she's in a place where all the coffee is free.

We grew up in a parsonage, so my mother felt a real need to live in a "perfect" home. Our house was owned and provided by the congregation, therefore it needed to be treated with respect. You never knew when one of the "owners" may come by for a visit.

All of us were used to living in an organized place with an attention to detail. I believe that is why I feel guilty or uncomfortable if I am not on top of things in our home. It is difficult to maintain those same standards and to fit in personal needs I.e. reading, blogging, face booking, texting, etc. maybe if Mom had some of these obligations in her life, she would have had a more relaxed life.

It is good to reflect on our past and evaluate the standards set for us to see if those standards are still part of our current life. Thanks Mom and Dad for the life you provided us kids. It has kept a continued influence on me.

Miss you,
Jan

LOVE IT!

A day late but not a wish short for a beautiful day filled with as many valentines as you can carry!

We had a wonderful day from start to finish. I am starting each day by walking, not jogging, on our tread mill for 30 minutes. May not sound like much to you, but to me it's a pretty big deal. Steve and I are also spending our days at our son's home. Steve is finishing the basement and I am refinishing old furniture for the basement. It's fun to accomplish something and keep each other company. Perhaps someone should check this observation with Steve, however, I may just be interrupting his thought process when I need assistance.

Our Valentines evening ended with our children, spouses and their children joining us for a wonderful dinner. Couldn't have asked for a better day. What fun to to have your favorite people surround you on Valentines Day.

Here's wishing you hearts of love from our house to yours.

Jan

Travels

Over 23 hours in the car with only the two of us together. We did have a break periodically when we took advantage of the local gas station restrooms. but that was the extent of it.

I.want to make it perfectly clear that this was not an imposition for either of us. After nearly 43 years together, Steve and I still enjoy each others company. Our trip, both ways, was a pleasant journey. The diversified landscapes captures the eyes and hearts of travelers. How can our world be so beautiful in so many ways?

It is such a privilege to have the opportunity to travel to Arizona to enjoy the scenery, weather, relatives and sights. Our dear neighbors entrusted their new Fountain Hills home to us, so this made the trip soooo much more pleasant.

We are safely home enjoying beautiful temperatures. There is a blizzard looming in the near future. Can hardly wait.

Sunny now,
Jan

New Year

Most people don't usually get as excited as I do about cleaning, but I get a high from it. I've talked before about my laundry room, how I have it decorated, makes me feel like doing my laundry and keeping it organized. It's the little things that make me smile. The door pulls are butterflies, dragon flies and bees. They make me smile when I look at them. The wall organizer came from Pottery Barn and gives the room the custom look. The pictures of the grandchildren are what inspire me each day.

This past week Steve and I tackled our pantry. How often does a person take everything out, give it good cleaning, throw out the expired items and mentally take an inventory of what you have. How nice it is when you know you already have an item and also know where it is. I am so fortunate to have a large, walk-in pantry and I am ticked pink that during construction I requested a "refrigerator" light for the room. I wanted to make sure every time I opened the door the light was on and it would automatically turn off when the door closed. A convenience I just couldn't live without now.

Organization makes my heart sing. Perhaps it's because I married a "Mister Organized". I can remember our first apartment together. (We didn't live together before we were married, so a lot of things in the beginning were a surprise.). I learned pretty quickly that everything should have and be in its place.

Growing up in a minister's home, we lived in the parsonage, which was owned by the church our Dad was serving. Due to the fact that the home was not technically ours, Mom felt compelled to keep it "company ready" because the door was always open to the parishioners. When you're raised this way, you know no different, and it becomes a habit. Thank you Mom!

The New Year has begun and at our home many projects are underway. The decorations are securely put away for another year and anticipation is in the air for big snows and lots of inside time to do the little things we normally don't want to take the time to do.

Off to a place we hope will be at least as nice as it is here in Nebraska. Perhaps we'll miss a snowstorm while we are there.

Health and happiness in the new year for all,
Jan

Thankful

We have dodged a huge blizzard which is inundating Kansas, New Mexico and Oklahoma. We may see a few flurries and that will add to the festiveness of the season.

When I think of Christmas, I recall past times with family. I've spent the past 43 years with my husband, 40 years have included our son, Sean, and 38 years have included our daughter, Melinda. For the past 19 years we have been grandparents, and each year we have been more blessed than we could ever have imagined.

It's so easy to lose the spirit of this time when there are so many activities going on. Today I encourage you to take the time to go out of your way to do something unexpected for someone. Pray for not only guidance for yourself, but also for your neighbors, not only the ones you know, but for those you don't know. Behind each door are difficulties that are not necessarily shared. Smile, it is contagious. Be reflective. Be thankful for all that you are. Know that God will be by your side at all times. Thank the people you interact with. All of us need a boost of encouragement.

This may not be in your plans today, but now that I have written it down, it will be on my agenda.

Thank you to all of you for your support for me and my family. You give me strength each day.

Stay warm,
Jan

Yum!

Coffee in bed this morning, a treat from my favorite husband. What a nice gesture for a loved one. The decorating is complete, the shopping is done so next on the agenda is to finish up the baking. It's a good thing the inner baker comes out at these special times.


I've completed the banana bread and pumpkin bread mini loaves, the pecan sandies, Oreo/cream cheese balls, peanut butter blossoms, and white chocolate pretzel sticks. Today I'm going to tackle decorated sugar cookies. Wish me luck, I need it.

It's so nice to be retired and have the time to put together treats for friends who don't have the pleasure of time. I remember too well the stress of being young with children and working away from my home. So appreciative when someone remembered my family and shared their spirit of the season with us.

Keep your fingers crossed that I have all the ingredients I need today since I don't drive. Steve is busy working on our son's basement so he won't be home for a while. Oh well, it's always gives me a chance to touch base with the neighbors if I find I'm short of something.

Here's a great, easy recipe for all of you.

Oreo/cream cheese balls:  Cream together one package of Oreo cookies (crumbled) and eight ounces of cream cheese. Form into walnut sized balls. Refrigerate for over an hour, dip in melted almond bark. Cool.  Eat!

Love to you all!
Jan

Breathe

I am so excited to share our event from last Saturday morning. Steve and I hosted a fund raising Christmas brunch for our neighbors. It was time for the house to be adorned for the season, time to give to those less fortunate, time to bake, and time to share with friends. This was the perfect way to be motivated to do all of it at one time.

I like to take time to go through my house and decide how I want it to look and feel for Christmas. Steve always reminds me to "shop" the decorations he's displayed in the family room, before I decide I need to purchase something new. Funny that after 42 Christmas seasons how many things I have to choose from, even though I have deleted numerous items in the past. (Remember when everything had to look country or the homemade phase?). Well, when I feel the pressure of an event, I do much better setting a deadline rather than doing a little bit here and there.

The tree was adorned, the holiday dishes set the festive table, the menu was selected so the only thing left was to order the perfect morning weather. As it turned out, we could not have chosen a more perfect day for a brunch. In Nebraska, we had already had our first beautiful snow and the early morning brought a frost that turned the trees and bushes into shimmering white icicles. The temp was warm enough so some braved the short walk to our house in just sweaters and the sun shown bright.

Our company enjoyed mimosas, orange juice, coffee and a few bloody Marys. We served Creme Brûlée French toast, egg casserole, fruit, Swedish Hamballs and Christmas cookies.

Our generous guests brought donations for the women's shelter and later in the afternoon a few of us delivered them. I would call the effort a great success and a reminder to all of what the season is all about.

Today is the day I have set aside to start the Holiday baking. Must get the stash ready so I have something in hand when I visit my friends' homes.

I'm blessed to be able to still do this again this year. I must take advantage of these fleeting moments. The past two years, I didn't think I would have, have flown by too quickly.

Breathe, and enjoy the season,
Jan

Caregivers

As I sit here, in this small room, full of chairs and people I don't know, I feel a kinship with all of them. In one respect I have been on both sides of the coin. I have been the patient, waiting for the door to open and the technologist calling my name and today, I am the family member waiting for my loved one to return to the safety of my company.

There have been numerous hours of my husband and I waiting on separate sides of this door I sit next to today. When I am the patient experiencing the stress of an MRI, I always wonder what Steve is doing to occupy his time. Our daughter, Melinda is the patient, so I wear a different hat in this waiting room today. The stress is still there, but the anxiety is at a different level when it is your child. (Yes, I know she is in her upper thirties, but she is still our child.)

When we need to spend time waiting for tests to be done at one of our local hospitals, I always am amazed that these big buildings are full of people who need expert care from all the professional care givers residing here. When you spend so much time in doctors' offices and hospitals, you begin to think there must not be anyone out in the real world without illness.

Thank goodness there are bright, compassionate people who dedicate their lives to be caregivers to others. Thank goodness we live in a metropolitan area that specializes in research and is a magnet for doctors interested in cancer, transplants and other necessary areas.

I will continue to take deep breaths, on this side of the door, and pray the specialists get enough information o enable them to do the next test on Friday. I also pray for Melinda, may she have strength and peace.

A loving Mom,
Jan

Thanksgiving

Today is one of my favorite days of the year. It is the day before Thanksgiving and we are preparing a host of fabulous dishes for the favorite people in our lives. Yesterday Steve and I teamed up to prepare most of the dishes and set the table. We do this in order to have a stress free day, the day of our meal.

You may wonder why we are celebrating a day early. In my mind everyday is Thanksgiving.. I have a trillion things to be thankful for and...our grandchildren were not available on Thursday so, what the heck, gather when you can.

Let me give you a quick run down of our menu. Picture this, Turkey, Swedish ham balls, ham, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole (compliments of Sean and Sarah), corn casserole (compliments of Melinda and James), potato casserole, dressing with Italian sausage, gravy, orange/apricot salad, cranberry/apple salad, rolls, pumpkin bars, pumpkin cheesecake, and pecan pie (compliments of our dear friends Dick and Barb. and I am proud to say, everything is homemade!!!

The real reason I love today is because I have the privilege to show my special family how much I love and care for them. The food is an important part of our tradition but so is our time of prayer and sharing what is important to all of us.

My life has been so blessed. I was allowed to grow up in a Christian home with parents who cared about our life goals and supported us in our choices. I was blessed to marry a man who turned out to be my best friend. God helped Steve and I adopt the most beautiful baby, over forty years ago. Little did we know, that by doing so, we would be blessed with four perfect grandchildren. Again our life was enhanced by giving birth to our special daughter, thirty eight years ago. And because she is so loving, we are fortunate to be able to help raise her step granddaughter.

I personally want to thank my two donor families who made life-changing decisions to donate organs, so my life could be enhanced to allow me to be active, alert and alive! I feel they did not just touch my life, they have touched my family, friends and everyone who will hear my story.

We join together to reflect on our past year and anticipate the joys and challenges of the year to come. Thank you God for standing with us day to day.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Jan

Annie Oakley

I know I was supposed to be "Annie Oakley".  I believe it all began when I was about three.  I know when I was in kindergarten I always wanted to wear my cowboy boots.  My Mom was accommodating by cutting my bangs short and putting the rest of my hair in braids.  I owned a cowgirl skirt with a matching vest and it seemed to go perfectly with my cowgirl shirt.

Our play time, way back then, consisted of playing cowboys and Indians.  We tried to copy what we witnessed on the Saturday morning television shows.  You know the ones, "Sky King" with his daughter, Penny, flying around in the Songbird.  There was "My Friend Flicka",  "The Roy Rogers Show" with Dale Evans.  "The Lone Ranger" with his friend, Tonto, and of course, "Annie Oakley".

I didn't understand much about her at the time, but I knew I liked her hair, western clothes and that she always turned out to be the heroine.  I was lucky that my mom went along with my fantasy, so in the mind of a six year old, I felt a small piece of Annie's bravery and attitude.

When I was in second grade, my parents announced that our family would be moving from Albion, NE to Los Angeles, CA.  I truly thought I had just been transported to heaven.  I had heard about the gold rush and had conjured up in my mind, that it must still be going on.  I pictured living with the cowboys and cowgirls out west and certainly my attire would finally fit in with everyone else in California.

We made the move and I realized my vision was not quite like I had expected, but never the less, I continued with my plan to be Annie Oakley.  Moving to Los Angeles in 1957 was a total cultural shock for our family, especially my father.  My dad had been a Lutheran pastor only in the mid-west and now he was ministering to people in sandals, shorts and flowered casual shirts.  Dad was also trying to keep his cool while trying to navigate the freeways while Mom read the map.  Not a pleasant venture I can assure you.

Our family home was the destination for a number of relatives and friends due to living quite close to Disneyland.  I loved it when we had visitors because then I could wear my favorite cowgirl outfit and escort our vacationers to Disneyland.  I felt it was my park and I could show everyone the best places to go.

My parents bought my older brother a Tennessee Walker palomino horse, Regis.  They boarded the horse at a place where a number of the famous horses that were ridden in the Rose Parade in Pasadena stayed. Sometimes even I got to ride one of the smaller ponies.  My dream come true.

I am no longer "Annie" but I still feel the excitement and bravery of her ventures in my heart.

Getty up,

Jan