tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61057585167245616172024-03-05T17:01:08.003-08:00Blogging Grandma SandySandy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336744991040245663noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105758516724561617.post-14935483418940522572016-09-19T09:26:00.001-07:002016-09-19T09:26:14.711-07:00Photographs Are Memories: Smile for the Camera<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Old photographs are magical. In an instant, they transport you back in time -- to a time when you were a child or young adult. Some old photos even have the power to take you to times in your parents' or grandparents' lives you didn't see.<br />
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Singer and songwriter Jim Croce said it well in an early 1970s hit song titled <a href="http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/jimcroce/photographsandmemories.html" target="_blank">"Photographs and Memories"</a> -- the lyrics of the first verse speak of a love long gone, but not forgotten,<br />
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"Photographs and memories<br />
Christmas cards you sent to me<br />
All that I have are these to remember you<br />
Memories that come at night<br />
Take me to another time<br />
Back to a happier day, when I called you mine."<br />
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The lyrics of Croce's song are equally poignant to those mourning the loss of a loved one. Although no photograph can replace your mom, dad, sibling or child, each picture of the person you love serves as a reminder that they lived and loved.<br />
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In every family, there's at least one camera-shy person. In our family, my Mom was that person. Mom used every trick in the book to hide from the camera. Hiding behind a child was probably the trick she used the most. With eight kids, there was always someone available to serve as a shield from the camera's prying eye.<br />
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Turning away from the camera at just the right moment was another hiding from the camera ploy Mom used.<br />
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Which came first -- Mom's dislike of being photographed or Dad's love of photography? Who knows since there's nobody to ask anymore.<br />
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Side views of Mom may have been snapped without her knowledge or consent or maybe she just didn't mind this pose as much as a full frontal 'smile for the camera' posed photo.<br />
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Hiding from the camera was still a very real thing when my kids and their older cousins were young. As soon as Mom spotted a camera, she turned away. It became almost a game for her.<br />
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Getting lots of people to all look at the camera at the same time is challenging. It was even more difficult back before the digital age. When you took a photo back in the old days, you found out how it turned out after the film was developed -- too late for a retake.<br />
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It's also challenging to get a baby to look at the camera, but even more difficult if you can't get the grown-up in the photo to look your way. Reserved, private, aloof, or unwilling to pose for reasons unknown -- the end result is the same.<br />
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Sometimes "just say no" was Mom's motto when a camera came out. Refusing to look at the camera worked for her!<br />
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Other times, Mom looked at the camera as she yelled at the photographer, suggesting in her own unique way to put the camera down.<br />
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Taking a drink of Coke was another way Mom avoided photos. Mom had a Coke in her hand most of the time when we were younger.<br />
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After the younger grandkids arrived, sometimes you'd catch Mom in the mood for a photo...<br />
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But not always. Same photographer, different year, much different results!<br />
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Is there a camera phobic person in your family? Maybe it's your mom or dad, a sister or brother or maybe even you.<br />
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Should you beg and plead for photos or just shoot a lot and hope for the best? If you're lucky, you may capture the perfect photo.<br />
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Different things work for different personality types. Sometimes candid shots work well. The camera-shy person may not even know you're taking the photo.<br />
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Sometimes it works to ask the person to be in a photograph, but don't push your luck by snapping too many photos.<br />
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When you're taking a group photo, try to get the others in the photo to stay focused so when that smile comes, you're ready.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGePA8XiI5WDZvAEkLMoQ8HTDzBfBrVvQSNsfRb_fzlMvA0UrFkQtcPaX1l1jZdgRMf3YdQ4wdxaotHChnAtIYCmBpnyrbexaxrWDlK1yrIjmdaukzhO7gBskch-UjFECc_zPpYIvAWn64/s1600/IMG+more+scanned+%252826%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGePA8XiI5WDZvAEkLMoQ8HTDzBfBrVvQSNsfRb_fzlMvA0UrFkQtcPaX1l1jZdgRMf3YdQ4wdxaotHChnAtIYCmBpnyrbexaxrWDlK1yrIjmdaukzhO7gBskch-UjFECc_zPpYIvAWn64/s400/IMG+more+scanned+%252826%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ask others if their photos came out better than yours. We came across this photo from my daughter's wedding reception years later -- months after Mom and Dad's deaths. Ironically, we found it in one of my mother-in-law's boxes while scanning photos after her death.<br />
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Sometimes you'll have better luck when there are multiple photographers all taking the same picture. One of them is bound to come out good.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJESwvjqfaOFgVKxKlnUxGN3xoFYJNManF_-BJd9ovVf-NrBXbq6GxKtMswuJlfL9FiIcITtqjxJlzSYlihp588xYNg34K4IU9OQN-jPRYboi4wntUPdAdbqZX9qOyWXhYI0SaYjBa3cnd/s1600/Me+and+Mom+on+porch+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJESwvjqfaOFgVKxKlnUxGN3xoFYJNManF_-BJd9ovVf-NrBXbq6GxKtMswuJlfL9FiIcITtqjxJlzSYlihp588xYNg34K4IU9OQN-jPRYboi4wntUPdAdbqZX9qOyWXhYI0SaYjBa3cnd/s400/Me+and+Mom+on+porch+cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Telling the person how important the photo is to you may work. Sometime after the younger grandkids were born, I told Mom that I was going to take photos with her in them and that they'd look better if she smiled. Who knew that would work! It also helps if you choose a favorite location, like this one taken on Mom's front porch.<br />
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Use a photographer the person loves. We all cherish the series of photos with Mom and Dad with three of their five daughters, taken by my brother-in-law the summer before his death.<br />
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Sometimes you can get a little smile when taking photos at a special event, like this one taken when my younger daughter graduated from high school.<br />
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As Mom's memory faded, I think she forgot she didn't like having her photo taken. I know she smiled more for the camera and didn't hide her face as often.<br />
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This photo of Mom smiling down at her youngest great-grandchild will always be a favorite of mine. The image perfectly captured the love Mom always felt for each of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uK_B-cXspG0MIssrz0f2Xj6rxeeXbz0KQylPXWmbF9auWX1LTDLnKCnzTfXbU8mDaIF71PkYKN3ZWhAd-sAOk6KnB4uwOGt4Zvpd-QJ1-36a5QNgYoc_cCDCKsAge0fsxTj7FZ6CH-7l/s1600/Me+at+Virginia+10+Miler+2015+by+Robert+Copelan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uK_B-cXspG0MIssrz0f2Xj6rxeeXbz0KQylPXWmbF9auWX1LTDLnKCnzTfXbU8mDaIF71PkYKN3ZWhAd-sAOk6KnB4uwOGt4Zvpd-QJ1-36a5QNgYoc_cCDCKsAge0fsxTj7FZ6CH-7l/s400/Me+at+Virginia+10+Miler+2015+by+Robert+Copelan.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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Many of us who are the family photographer are often absent from the photographs that are tomorrow's memories. Thanks to fellow photographer Robert Copelan for snapping this shot of me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AUZDGaX5FIWMXNFzY4RdQLzMkT0hxn4h6GHyL3-oH7GgjdqxysRWPdL6J_JOnW7vgNZgd_fcBFebLLsxuynaA6LZRsvD-9sp40CH-wAiKOGwc58ApN0eApI4VPzby-10YzZpnSZIfEIW/s1600/Me+at+the+beach+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AUZDGaX5FIWMXNFzY4RdQLzMkT0hxn4h6GHyL3-oH7GgjdqxysRWPdL6J_JOnW7vgNZgd_fcBFebLLsxuynaA6LZRsvD-9sp40CH-wAiKOGwc58ApN0eApI4VPzby-10YzZpnSZIfEIW/s400/Me+at+the+beach+a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Whether you're the photographer or the person being photographed, a good photographer can work with the quirks of nature just as they can with the human quirks of unwilling subjects. Use all your photography tricks. In the end, the memories are worth the effort it takes to get the shot.<br />
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Look back through your old photographs. Yesterday's photos are today's memories.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZ-GxKwyV_dCwOwBKV_8owlNXB0xXOC9AvnrLHtk_ddWC_SE62G5X6lj0fbVF0qX0vq8ZXKRybHG_E7FAL2rF1QoLT84dPaqpNYaEU6JQorHnfQK4lt0CrtthFvWcaeXB94Rhk1iA5A-I/s1600/Scan5_0005+%25282%2529+Me+with+kids+at+waterfall+landscape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZ-GxKwyV_dCwOwBKV_8owlNXB0xXOC9AvnrLHtk_ddWC_SE62G5X6lj0fbVF0qX0vq8ZXKRybHG_E7FAL2rF1QoLT84dPaqpNYaEU6JQorHnfQK4lt0CrtthFvWcaeXB94Rhk1iA5A-I/s400/Scan5_0005+%25282%2529+Me+with+kids+at+waterfall+landscape.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you're the photographer, hand your camera off to someone else to snap a few photos with you in them. One day, your family will thank you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDvqduYDzVNc8MJMNx9e6qtfn0LLUfDjZ6qcSMyudDCzgzYY2xM_tB0PIKsUoEnq7jVMNybQ38KbQzdMLDULaUd5V4LGlytaF2MeBFoFSPLpkbpDUbQjByKCujhxG6eJ5nc1wNRxjDV_w/s1600/Me+and+kids+Mothers+Day+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDvqduYDzVNc8MJMNx9e6qtfn0LLUfDjZ6qcSMyudDCzgzYY2xM_tB0PIKsUoEnq7jVMNybQ38KbQzdMLDULaUd5V4LGlytaF2MeBFoFSPLpkbpDUbQjByKCujhxG6eJ5nc1wNRxjDV_w/s400/Me+and+kids+Mothers+Day+2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As a grandmother, I take lots of photos of my grandkids and include myself in some of them. But it's also important to remember that your kids will always be your babies, even when they're grown. So snap a few photos from time to time with them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3O5sVTg5WecMaBEyT8gtbipwIibJxh8l-B-lZSPcqbbLSiME-tEgBwgmEjB-d_juIWbEo2F5jNCG6H3bnSIUu4ioHbjoVGX6Ms-38J91agxKumuKcKGoulFYzdjQ0J86c0iVTKnGcYN9/s1600/Me+and+Kenny+at+Vinnys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3O5sVTg5WecMaBEyT8gtbipwIibJxh8l-B-lZSPcqbbLSiME-tEgBwgmEjB-d_juIWbEo2F5jNCG6H3bnSIUu4ioHbjoVGX6Ms-38J91agxKumuKcKGoulFYzdjQ0J86c0iVTKnGcYN9/s400/Me+and+Kenny+at+Vinnys.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Take the time to pose for some photos with your spouse or significant other too. You'll treasure the memories now and later.<br />
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One day, the photographs will be the memories someone you love treasures. So turn that frown upside down and smile for the camera. Photographs are memories.Sandy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336744991040245663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105758516724561617.post-57531308645673958492016-09-11T00:49:00.002-07:002016-09-11T00:49:52.643-07:009/11: Honor the Dead, Celebrate the Good and Never Forget<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMVu6qwEV6B9yv5iuyzkqoou_iB0v2ySKv96L59bmQJZSPRf1DkhFL3PGY4gYPAnwLYne33eBEcBd9xcMlpOhzxNCK3APxcQNVX2VQ13CVDKItSK9mrP7wuyDDHGdMd9t_Z16qX9RN66X/s1600/9+11+Never+Forget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMVu6qwEV6B9yv5iuyzkqoou_iB0v2ySKv96L59bmQJZSPRf1DkhFL3PGY4gYPAnwLYne33eBEcBd9xcMlpOhzxNCK3APxcQNVX2VQ13CVDKItSK9mrP7wuyDDHGdMd9t_Z16qX9RN66X/s640/9+11+Never+Forget.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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September 11, 2001 began as a normal Tuesday for many Americans. East Coast residents went through their morning routine, many arriving at work around 8:00 a.m. The day quickly took a horrifying turn for the worse. The iconic image above, shot by professional photographer <a href="http://www.thomasefranklin.com/" target="_blank">Thomas E. Franklin</a> has been on the covers of magazines, signs and posters across the country.<br />
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Like many Americans, I’ve read the facts and statistics from the day we know as 9/11. <a href="http://www.history.com/topics/9-11-attacks" target="_blank">The History Channel</a> offers detailed reports about 9/11. As most West Coast residents were still asleep, American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 boarded passengers and departed from Boston’s Logan International Airport. Both Flight 11, which departed at 8:00 a.m., and Flight 175, which departed at 8:14 a.m., were scheduled to fly to Los Angeles. Minutes later, American Airlines Flight 77 departed from Washington’s Dulles International Airport at 8:21 a.m., also destined for Los Angeles. Finally, United Airlines Flight 93 took off from Newark International Airport at 8:41 a.m., heading for San Francisco.<br />
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Where were you when you heard the news? Most of us remember exactly when and where we learned that our country was under attack. Like many other Americans, I was at work – not at a desk, but behind the wheel of a company car driving down a country road behind a truck. The radio was on and an announcer broke into the broadcast to report that a plane had just struck the World Trade Center. I was stunned, but thought it was a horrible accident…until the second plane hit just 17 minutes later. Unknown to the pilots, crews and passengers on the four fated flights, 19 militant terrorists associated with the Islamic extremist group al-Qaeda were among those who boarded the planes on Sept. 11.<br />
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Less than an hour from the first plane’s departure, all four planes had been hijacked to be used in the deadliest attacks on American soil since Japanese military planes attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. The <a href="https://pearlharboroahu.com/faqs/how-many-people-died-at-pearl-harbor-during-the-attack/" target="_blank">Pearl Harbor</a> attacks killed a total of 2,403 people, including 2,335 military personnel and 68 civilians. Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the 9/11 attacks, with thousands of others injured. Fifteen years later, the toll continues to climb as thousands of emergency workers, area residents and visitors contract cancer from the inhaled toxins.<br />
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What did you do when you heard? Did you cry? Call a loved one? Turn on the news? Say a prayer for the people who would never return home, for their families, for America? Or like me, do all of these? With tears rolling down my face, I called my Mom. She wasn’t up yet, didn’t know about the attacks. “Turn on the news, Mom,” I choked out through my tears. I asked Mom if she knew whether any of my siblings, especially a younger brother and sister who were frequent flyers, were traveling on that day. She didn’t think so, but wasn’t positive. Mom reminded me that my younger sister was safe, in the hospital preparing for the birth of her first child.<br />
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Before the day was through, Sept. 11, 2001 would be the deadliest day in history for New York City firefighters -- 343 sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers who wouldn’t return home at the end of their shifts, wouldn’t share one last hug, one last kiss, one last laugh with family and friends.<br />
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In addition to the firefighters, there were 23 New York City police officers and 37 Port Authority police officers among the 2,606 killed in New York, 125 people at the Pentagon, and all 265 passengers, crew and hijackers on the four airplanes.<br />
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Just after Mom and I said good-bye, the radio programming was interrupted again to break the news that the Pentagon had been struck by a third plane – 34 minutes after the second plane hit the World Trade Center. I sobbed, knowing that our nation was under siege – heartbroken for those who would never see their loved ones again, knowing that we were at war, that the command center of our military had been struck. As the daughter of a three-war veteran, it seemed impossible, unreal, beyond comprehension.<br />
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But the horror of the day wasn’t over yet. Some of the passengers and crew aboard United Airlines Flight 93 were informed by family or friends about the hijackings of the other three airplanes before terrorists hijacked their plane. Determined to fight to the end, passengers banded together and stormed the cockpit. History.com reports that one of the passengers, Thomas Burnett Jr., told his wife over the phone that “I know we’re all going to die. There’s three of us who are going to do something about it. I love you, honey.” Flight 93 passenger Todd Beamer’s now-famous words, “Are you guys ready? Let’s roll” became part of the history of the Sept. 11 attacks. Flight attendant Sandy Bradshaw called her husband, telling him that she had slipped into a galley and was filling pitchers with boiling water. Her last words to him were “Everyone’s running to first class. I’ve got to go. Bye.”<br />
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United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania just minutes after the South tower of the World Trade Center collapsed. The North tower collapsed 25 minutes after Flight 93 crashed. The bravery of those on board Flight 93 probably saved the White House, the flight’s intended target according to a high ranking al-Qaeda detainee.<br />
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Like most Americans, I spent the rest of the day in a daze. Since my work day had begun before 5:00 a.m., I went home early and spent the afternoon watching the footage over and over again, the haunting images of death and destruction forever imprinted in my mind. I held my children tight, trying to explain that evil may appear to win, but that good always triumphs in the end.<br />
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<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/27/us/september-11-anniversary-fast-facts/" target="_blank">CNN News</a> show this timeline from Sept. 11, 2001:<br />
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- 8:46 a.m. ET - American Airlines Flight 11 (traveling from Boston to Los Angeles) strikes the north tower of the World Trade Center in New York City.<br />
- 9:03 a.m. ET - United Airlines Flight 175 (traveling from Boston to Los Angeles) strikes the south tower of the World Trade Center in New York City.<br />
- 9:37 a.m. ET - American Airlines Flight 77 (traveling from Dulles, Virginia, to Los Angeles) strikes the Pentagon Building in Washington.<br />
- 9:59 a.m. ET - South tower of WTC collapses in approximately 10 seconds.<br />
- 10:03 a.m. ET - United Airlines Flight 93 (traveling from Newark, New Jersey, to San Francisco) crashes in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.<br />
- 10:28 a.m. ET - North tower of WTC collapses. The time between the first attack and the collapse of both World Trade Center towers is 102 minutes.<br />
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According to the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/born-on-september-11-2001/2011/08/31/gIQAUD5RDK_story.html" target="_blank">Washington Post</a>, there were 13,238 babies born in the United States on Sept. 11, 2001. One of these babies was my niece Jordan. As the horror of 9/11 unfolded on the East Coast, my sister’s doctor asked if she wanted to postpone her scheduled C-section until after midnight. My sister, determined to bring good to the day, turned down the doctor’s offer and gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby girl who celebrates her 15th birthday today. The ‘9-11 babies’ have never known an America not at war. Jordan is an athlete, student, singer and patriot who has sung the National Anthem proudly before various sporting events.<br />
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The war on terror, known as <a href="http://icasualties.org/oef/" target="_blank">Operation Enduring Freedom</a>, began on Oct. 7, 2001. The American-led international effort to end the Taliban’s regime in Afghanistan and destroy Osama bin Laden’s terrorist network based there, continues to this day. More than 3,500 coalition forces have lost their lives since Operation Enduring Freedom began, including nearly 2,400 members of the U.S. military.<br />
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As Americans, our challenge on the 15th anniversary of the deadliest attacks on our country’s soil is the same as on the first anniversary: to honor the dead, remember the bad, celebrate the good and never forget. Americans from every walk of life came together in the aftermath of that fateful day. We gathered in churches and school gyms, at sports fields and in parks – united as one and determined to never forget.<br />
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Maybe you'll run in a <a href="http://www.travismanion.org/911-heroes-run/" target="_blank">9/11 Heroes Run</a>, participate in a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb or other memorial event today. You might choose to watch the <a href="http://www.911memorial.org/" target="_blank">livestream event</a> from New York honoring the victims of 9/11. Or perhaps you'll just spend the day at home. Whether you fly the American flag, pray for the dead, comfort grieving family members, or hold tight to those you love during a quiet Sunday together, take a few minutes to remember.Sandy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336744991040245663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105758516724561617.post-24521912105255999642016-08-30T01:58:00.001-07:002016-08-30T01:58:13.178-07:0010 Difficult One-Handed Tasks <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEoRYmlrzUIQ2lIJdXkdFxAOHeH0BDtD2A9WNL1ooG8NipAuYpPoPWyO6lns_MrXx0PxNJzHXhF_-UEgodEHNYD-e-gR11kp7M5-AfH-bsSBkLWW0ojTH-2WqIwdyAq8_Iy88j9sTzmdO/s1600/1+Sandy+in+a+sling+Aug+2016+130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEoRYmlrzUIQ2lIJdXkdFxAOHeH0BDtD2A9WNL1ooG8NipAuYpPoPWyO6lns_MrXx0PxNJzHXhF_-UEgodEHNYD-e-gR11kp7M5-AfH-bsSBkLWW0ojTH-2WqIwdyAq8_Iy88j9sTzmdO/s640/1+Sandy+in+a+sling+Aug+2016+130.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Life has a way of throwing you a curve ball now and then. It's been a week since I fractured my collarbone in a freak bicycle accident. I had just gotten back onto my bike when my foot slipped off the pedal and got caught in the spokes. I went over the handlebars and my shoulder hit the edge of this metal trash can.<br />
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The 'treatment' for a broken collarbone is to immobilize the arm in a sling and hope it heals well. Since then, I've been figuring out what I can and can't do and learning new ways to do things using only one hand. In the process, I've compiled this top 10 list of difficult one-handed tasks.<br />
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<b>Working</b>. Whether you're an aspiring sax player or just an ordinary postal worker, your doctor will probably insist that you take some time off. My doctor said 6-12 weeks of no working.<br />
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<b>Writing or typing. </b>Writing with pen and paper is a challenge when the arm in a sling is also your dominant arm. It's also hard to average my normal 90+ words per minute when typing with two or three fingers on my left hand.<br />
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<b>Lifting. Anything. </b>The second thing the doctor told me is no lifting. So far, a cup of coffee or bottle of water is the extent of my lifting.<br />
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<b>Walking. </b>Forget about even trying running, jumping, hiking or biking. Some days, it's painful just to walk. With one arm in a sling, taking baby steps prevents a fall and unnecessary jarring.<br />
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<b>Personal hygiene. </b>Washing your hand, brushing your teeth, showering and brushing your hair are all more difficult and time consuming with one hand. Forget about trying to apply make-up or cut nails.<br />
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<b>Dressing. </b>It's a challenge to put on or take off clothes with only one hand. Forget about looking cute. Elastic waist shorts and oversized shirts are my friends.<br />
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<b>Driving. </b>The third thing the doctor said no to was driving. Since the shoulder harness in the front passenger seat falls directly over the site of my injury, I'm a backseat driver for now. Sorry, Kenny.<br />
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<b>Cooking. </b>Since I can't lift anything and can only use one hand, cooking is pretty much out of my realm of possible activities. Oh well.<br />
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<b>Tying shoelaces. </b>Unless you wear shoes all day and evening at home, get someone with two hands to tie your shoes tight enough to stay on and loose enough to slip on and off. Slippers or flip-flops are also good choices.<br />
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<b>Taking care of others. </b>It's time to let others take care of you for a while, which is a difficult task for us independent types. Hopefully the dolls will understand.<br />
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So by now you may be wondering what's on the list of what I can do. That list is a little different.<br />
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<b>Praying. </b>It's at the top of my list and easy to do. I start each day with a prayer of thanksgiving before praying for others whose needs are much greater than mine.<br />
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<b>Napping. </b>Sleeping is highly overrated, but it's also difficult to get into a comfortable position. Little cat naps are much easier to manage than 'a good night's sleep' -- whatever that is.<br />
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<b>Reading. </b>Once I figured out how to balance a book on a pillow in my lap, I started tackling all of the books on my 'to-read' list. First book completed was "A Walk in the Woods," a true story of one man's attempt to thru-hike the 2.100-mile Appalachian Trail. I had already started reading this part adventure and part comedy book before the accident happened. The book engaged the hiker in me and kept me laughing. Next on the list is Mitch Albom's "have a little faith," a non-fiction book about one man's journey of faith after being asked by the rabbi of his childhood to deliver the man's eulogy.<br />
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<b>Short neighborhood walks. </b>I can't drive to the walking trails, but I can walk around the block. I can't wear my heavy camera, but I can take pictures with my cell phone. The same cell phone helps me stay connected with family and friends when I'm at home. Phone calls, text messages and social media can all be done one-handed.<br />
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<b>Asking for and accepting help. </b>This isn't always easy to do, especially when you're very independent. But I'm blessed with a wonderful husband who's been so helpful to me and I'm very grateful for his help, as well as help, healing wishes visits, cards and prayers from our children, grandkids and friends.<br />
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<b>Dreaming. </b>Maybe I can't do everything I want now, but I can hope, plan and dream about all of the things I'll do when I'm healed.<br />
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<b>Being grateful and content. </b>I only have one life to live, so I'm reminding myself every day to take it as it comes, to be grateful for everything and to be content with the journey of healing.<br />
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<b>Hanging in there. </b>Well, maybe not exactly like this, but you get the idea.<br />
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<b>Reminding myself that this too shall pass. </b>My Mom said this all the time and it's true. Nothing, whether good or bad, lasts forever. Each day is a gift and I thank God for the journey.<br />
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Until the next time, I'll take what I can get when I can get it and do the best I can to face each day with a smile on my face, a prayer on my lips and a song in my heart.<br />
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Blogging Grandma Sandy, signing off for now.Sandy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336744991040245663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105758516724561617.post-3947505332886775772016-08-10T02:14:00.003-07:002016-08-10T02:14:47.176-07:00Greet the Day with Thanksgiving and Praise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nyKS952e6BrvrqDFY3ndbw_mwSu8ry0Ly7LRtSLPM3ZNMkOZqQPweU-DKhbCVs0mLcHbIRZJxLuwuE0aPd0QtE91br7UpREmdEOlXfW8wQFd0zmwAMDQpKtbYUYo8PaEorrA7ymScA9K/s1600/This+is+the+Day+Mine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nyKS952e6BrvrqDFY3ndbw_mwSu8ry0Ly7LRtSLPM3ZNMkOZqQPweU-DKhbCVs0mLcHbIRZJxLuwuE0aPd0QtE91br7UpREmdEOlXfW8wQFd0zmwAMDQpKtbYUYo8PaEorrA7ymScA9K/s400/This+is+the+Day+Mine.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is the day the Lord has made</div>
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Each new day is a clean slate</div>
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A chance to begin again</div>
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Greet the day with thanksgiving and praise</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNn2fLqoPMFD24NMTbJZULx0fk_JUdBBfMctsEP3Z3l6puUjAwslTTG8AlMFrk4X3I6vN2fC8jlspMyHDGL-v6-BoY3w9HmJ81zFAfJXqlmSzrgr8Ac-nYCSta6aiiszBLTOt_r0r2hy_/s1600/070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNn2fLqoPMFD24NMTbJZULx0fk_JUdBBfMctsEP3Z3l6puUjAwslTTG8AlMFrk4X3I6vN2fC8jlspMyHDGL-v6-BoY3w9HmJ81zFAfJXqlmSzrgr8Ac-nYCSta6aiiszBLTOt_r0r2hy_/s320/070.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Don't worry</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It gets you nowhere</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Make a choice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To choose faith instead</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Gu7YF8yn8xHreCSOApQDWYHVo0ZbLDKmKIbYFq3UVEh_28dWrIF5d0gIVdZBWw_pzESA1lfFj6Ja5EGwoXZ5aHsKOqSljpd1FT_KElFEHlqU4So9R5WjEhj1boVnFjjwOWKf-wAzYo2k/s1600/A+New+Day+is+Dawning+dawn+Monday+MB+13+sun+on+ocean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Gu7YF8yn8xHreCSOApQDWYHVo0ZbLDKmKIbYFq3UVEh_28dWrIF5d0gIVdZBWw_pzESA1lfFj6Ja5EGwoXZ5aHsKOqSljpd1FT_KElFEHlqU4So9R5WjEhj1boVnFjjwOWKf-wAzYo2k/s320/A+New+Day+is+Dawning+dawn+Monday+MB+13+sun+on+ocean.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Awaken and welcome the new day</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whether the sun is shining</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or the rain is falling</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Greet the day with gratitude</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_P1xTWTmBj6Y0ud3mf4ezdWsEnPkNcqGw76gqAthtpBm3qpZCBop6KoDQWXMKs5JQvgllTjdY8aEf8HpAMyDlC2mUMzwU7W5PRQ2JW6HD5duAH6AnLrE15T8G02yQqsVnYgSj7lhZgHfW/s1600/Life+is+Good+sunlight+on+the+trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_P1xTWTmBj6Y0ud3mf4ezdWsEnPkNcqGw76gqAthtpBm3qpZCBop6KoDQWXMKs5JQvgllTjdY8aEf8HpAMyDlC2mUMzwU7W5PRQ2JW6HD5duAH6AnLrE15T8G02yQqsVnYgSj7lhZgHfW/s320/Life+is+Good+sunlight+on+the+trees.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Life is good</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All the time</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Every day</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In every way</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNWgzQAepPEw_LEtf3_Gy2-LtodT5YvhjhWCGlWhzJ8Svc9-a1Gy8xFfXpmxW9niM3BbZjpHSJzgeM6jW78T6v0ZW0vtPUsVzd-cgplUsRFVFbExKgWMUEFUDOMMCh1vW4PNPVNiGvcTg/s1600/Just+Be+Happy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNWgzQAepPEw_LEtf3_Gy2-LtodT5YvhjhWCGlWhzJ8Svc9-a1Gy8xFfXpmxW9niM3BbZjpHSJzgeM6jW78T6v0ZW0vtPUsVzd-cgplUsRFVFbExKgWMUEFUDOMMCh1vW4PNPVNiGvcTg/s320/Just+Be+Happy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Instead of complaining</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Choose gratitude</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Instead of worry</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Choose joy and happiness</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When troubles come your way</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Don't dwell on them</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mom always said</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This too shall pass</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From the rising of the sun in the East</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To its setting in the West</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Beauty is everywhere</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just look around you</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be grateful to God</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For the sun's rays</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For the moon's light</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For beautiful sights</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfpVkKoYiLB1fIrGV7ioJTZE2YHnxuqCzYUqUp-iFraXSzCXJOJQXpvpyv2J1DXfpj7TscZuA4tEQdQ0YXsxVo7jhr56E3u3WoyZR0y50Ou9Esvd2RThoFz_puJUWJ9UYcN3Qe0i2nGa1/s1600/Think+Before+You+Speak+jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfpVkKoYiLB1fIrGV7ioJTZE2YHnxuqCzYUqUp-iFraXSzCXJOJQXpvpyv2J1DXfpj7TscZuA4tEQdQ0YXsxVo7jhr56E3u3WoyZR0y50Ou9Esvd2RThoFz_puJUWJ9UYcN3Qe0i2nGa1/s320/Think+Before+You+Speak+jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As you pass through the day</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
THINK before you speak</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Speak what is true and helpful</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Inspiring and necessary and kind</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Learn about love</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By watching children</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They love deeply</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And forgive easily</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Making a living is important</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But don't forget</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To take the time</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To make a life</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Each person is unique</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Created with special gifts</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be who God meant you to be</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Set the world on fire</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Take time each day</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To be still</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And take delight</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the simple pleasures of life</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let your love shine through</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In all you say and do</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It sounds so easy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's all up to you</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For life is beautiful</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Despite the challenges</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No matter the worries</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You have but one life to live</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Give thanks to God each day</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For the blessings He gives</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
More than we deserve</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Given freely with love</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Share the love</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Find joy in the simple things</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Love makes the world go around</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pay it forward and pass it on</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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At the end of the day</div>
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Give thanks for the blessings</div>
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Faith, family, friends</div>
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Let go of your failures</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPE3YSxNUwHTm_VfuinIzf_EDUDPkaiZP_KNjSB64BHU8efX3REbw9FJQjEqXOlKNMBMRzhVk5VESJ6uRCGOTJcwhlNBC2np82aiUA9tuUHK7RZOxqltVo_MIKN4naQb8X6J9kT3qpSAUA/s1600/You+Will+Never+Have+This+Day+Again.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPE3YSxNUwHTm_VfuinIzf_EDUDPkaiZP_KNjSB64BHU8efX3REbw9FJQjEqXOlKNMBMRzhVk5VESJ6uRCGOTJcwhlNBC2np82aiUA9tuUHK7RZOxqltVo_MIKN4naQb8X6J9kT3qpSAUA/s320/You+Will+Never+Have+This+Day+Again.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
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Each day is a gift</div>
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It's here and then it's gone</div>
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You'll never have it again</div>
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Embrace the day and enjoy</div>
Sandy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336744991040245663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105758516724561617.post-8219503490797437562016-08-05T02:06:00.001-07:002016-08-05T02:06:44.742-07:00Mom Showed Me the Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieO7VxGMly7ulAbuUdKssDmgGtkHFDSnyonDNbawXpq8MSNVulWYabcXQdIUX1usaPFaXdk_wRDlAxz-ZWHSyXBvYRP6ekF9DSSW9BjxjfcZWUj53vjiM-LZR5XX8liBMB3NXhFFq4oRBy/s1600/1+IMG_0178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieO7VxGMly7ulAbuUdKssDmgGtkHFDSnyonDNbawXpq8MSNVulWYabcXQdIUX1usaPFaXdk_wRDlAxz-ZWHSyXBvYRP6ekF9DSSW9BjxjfcZWUj53vjiM-LZR5XX8liBMB3NXhFFq4oRBy/s400/1+IMG_0178.jpg" width="287" /></a></div>
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They say that only a Mom really knows<br />
How quickly life moves, how fast time goes.<br />
From babies to toddlers to school girls and boys<br />
Rattles and stuffed animals to being too big for toys.<br />
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Those older and wiser try to tell the young Mom<br />
To live life while they're young, they'll soon be at prom.<br />
Soon driving and laughing, or texting all day<br />
Growing and changing and moving away.<br />
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A Mom's heart breaks with each ache her child feels<br />
Though she tries to soften the blows making deals.<br />
With God or with man or whoever she can<br />
To help her son grow up to be a man.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNVPrIpQQ4R1sqObZKfkZJMjrxzrioBaauY6yjTYqJj4EXKUgeng0NXNkB37esa_VeBmU7GA5xXXjkCOz5tdZm-yARGUMhqXLnOx1lwcpZGZN5GK66FDZ32fzeyUJy3wR4ldtaADTkxev/s1600/22+ParentsBirthday2004+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNVPrIpQQ4R1sqObZKfkZJMjrxzrioBaauY6yjTYqJj4EXKUgeng0NXNkB37esa_VeBmU7GA5xXXjkCOz5tdZm-yARGUMhqXLnOx1lwcpZGZN5GK66FDZ32fzeyUJy3wR4ldtaADTkxev/s400/22+ParentsBirthday2004+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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To moms everywhere on any given day<br />
Your job is to see your children on their way.<br />
To manhood and to womanhood too<br />
Until you soon have no more job to do.<br />
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Moms take the blame for whatever goes wrong<br />
And pass out the praise when the boy's big and strong.<br />
'That's my boy' or 'That girl is mine'<br />
Pride in your voice, eyes that do shine.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqOsWDEAGd_dyInzCGmf7nf4_tUuogDTtQdtGiNqpmfs6FZlRVZ3kUXT1kI60R45VxRKJBOoX3VM1N40yQ3dglZg_ilBFrjMOqE8wb56cZBw3uDjCc5qykzAPLY7rykzipPv1RY8bJYv2/s1600/4+Me+and+the+kids+1987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqOsWDEAGd_dyInzCGmf7nf4_tUuogDTtQdtGiNqpmfs6FZlRVZ3kUXT1kI60R45VxRKJBOoX3VM1N40yQ3dglZg_ilBFrjMOqE8wb56cZBw3uDjCc5qykzAPLY7rykzipPv1RY8bJYv2/s400/4+Me+and+the+kids+1987.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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As I look toward my children, now all grown<br />
I know that I'd give up all that I own.<br />
To go back in time, if just for a day<br />
To a time when a tiny baby in my arms did lay.<br />
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The future still so far far away<br />
For now just only time to play.<br />
And knowing then what now you know<br />
How quickly that little baby would grow.<br />
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A good Mom works herself out of a job<br />
The kids grow up and time does rob<br />
The days away and memories too<br />
Leaving Mom sometimes sad and blue.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_wBIvC25tD8u-Ih4XzZ-Vzp54ScAJcRNTIbTOac_lykRrm_gWFQu4NdZKI5hb_7v3f64rnTWFsfD_os8lR2_r4o4_-gUViF0HV6ZAAWuObm7DZzABsklA4FL0ZMoGhjS3ZBkiZ-c_Oo8/s1600/IMG_080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_wBIvC25tD8u-Ih4XzZ-Vzp54ScAJcRNTIbTOac_lykRrm_gWFQu4NdZKI5hb_7v3f64rnTWFsfD_os8lR2_r4o4_-gUViF0HV6ZAAWuObm7DZzABsklA4FL0ZMoGhjS3ZBkiZ-c_Oo8/s400/IMG_080.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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But don't despair, Moms here and there<br />
Before you know, life will soon be fair.<br />
When that baby of yours has a baby too<br />
For you to hold and rock and sing to.<br />
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That's what the older ones all know<br />
Life's endless circle as little ones grow.<br />
You've done your job, you did your best<br />
And now you've earned your little rest.<br />
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Thanks to all the Moms, especially mine<br />
You raised all eight, should have been nine.<br />
You saw us all through thick and thin<br />
You did it all while wearing a grin.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LB4GoyY0VDd4rGtGPkTTT3DoE4yqF6dFD75g_IAKCxTukkl2m97QEqMJH7mT_ScagBBvxj5mdFZvkYSGvYlB2OgVG1yxIiXAstnC-VoQbrNtsnDRwJnO_0NxBZ0syAehXYvy9yE8gNsX/s1600/PD_0173_1990+a+Mom+crying+goodbye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LB4GoyY0VDd4rGtGPkTTT3DoE4yqF6dFD75g_IAKCxTukkl2m97QEqMJH7mT_ScagBBvxj5mdFZvkYSGvYlB2OgVG1yxIiXAstnC-VoQbrNtsnDRwJnO_0NxBZ0syAehXYvy9yE8gNsX/s400/PD_0173_1990+a+Mom+crying+goodbye.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Because you knew our time would come<br />
We'd have to let go of our own little ones.<br />
Wave good-bye and choke back our tears<br />
Let them go their own way despite all the fears.<br />
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Thanks dear Mom for showing me the way<br />
And for teaching me how to sing and to play.<br />
Showing me what a good Mom should do<br />
When I grew up, I became just like you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52tzSwu7w7sIqXvIMoMGhYu7v0SJaIyr5C50QqcbnrlrXClq3jLYoqHqEa7wem6-H7nyobOzlcpkZkzZU2kgDM4W0hgQ5SPEZgTIjKd-u7Sg5ufA0q-3myQp5sQy4_oWEr089YJT1yGei/s1600/Me+and+Mom+on+porch+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52tzSwu7w7sIqXvIMoMGhYu7v0SJaIyr5C50QqcbnrlrXClq3jLYoqHqEa7wem6-H7nyobOzlcpkZkzZU2kgDM4W0hgQ5SPEZgTIjKd-u7Sg5ufA0q-3myQp5sQy4_oWEr089YJT1yGei/s400/Me+and+Mom+on+porch+cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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-- Original version was published on Yahoo Voices as a Mother's Day tribute to my Mom for Mother's Day 2012. This tribute has been revised for publication on my blog.Sandy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336744991040245663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105758516724561617.post-68878062772100350222016-07-12T22:01:00.000-07:002016-07-12T22:01:00.589-07:00Central Virginia Summer Family Bucket List and Fun Road Trip Destinations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Summer is the perfect season for family fun in Central Virginia. Create your family summer bucket list this week. Write down favorite family activities and fun places you'd like to visit this summer.<br />
<br />
Heat up your summer fun with lots of local events on the <a href="http://lynchburg.macaronikid.com/" target="_blank">Lynchburg Macaroni Kid</a> website. It's free to subscribe to the weekly newsletter, so share the page with family and friends.<br />
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Gather up the kids or grandkids and check out summer bucket list fun, Central Virginia style. You'll also find lots of summer road trip ideas, perfect for kids of all ages.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMOm3FmXzCxZxkLYOsdhlnDK9TfIkLqmQ209eIMdbnEteNud8jmiRSwln-SBDaEyYI3plFm_wdxHXp-0gXWEhypVogmh_uobWmYRGvWvFlEUgwvWWiryiKwdZhtbDYhAokIVqsSRZ5w6w/s1600/Sprayground+2+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMOm3FmXzCxZxkLYOsdhlnDK9TfIkLqmQ209eIMdbnEteNud8jmiRSwln-SBDaEyYI3plFm_wdxHXp-0gXWEhypVogmh_uobWmYRGvWvFlEUgwvWWiryiKwdZhtbDYhAokIVqsSRZ5w6w/s640/Sprayground+2+2014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Central Virginia Staycation Bucket List</b><br />
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Ride bikes on the Blackwater Creek Bikeway<br />
Food Truck Thursdays at Miller Park – Thursdays from 11-3<br />
Miller Park Pool – open daily through mid-August<br />
Sprayground at Riverside Park – open daily May to October<br />
Shaved ice at Rita’s in Forest<br />
Summer Reading at Lynchburg Public Library<br />
Lynchburg Hillcats home game<br />
Riverfront Park Fountain – open daily May to October<br />
Ivy Creek Park canoe and kayak rental – summer weekends<br />
Trout fishing at Ivy Creek’s Clemmons Lake<br />
Tennis lessons through Lynchburg Parks & Recreation Department<br />
Swim lessons at Miller Park Pool or the YMCA<br />
The Nature Zone – Friday and Saturday at the Miller Center<br />
Chess for Kids at Lynchburg Public Library – summer Saturdays<br />
Summer movies at Holy Cross Regional Catholic School<br />
Ice cream or frozen treats at Monkee Joe’s in Forest<br />
Outdoor summer movies at Riverside Park<br />
Play on the playground at your child's school<br />
Hike Creekside Trail, off the Blackwater Creek Bikeway<br />
WonderCamp Day Camps at Amazement Square<br />
National Parks & Recreation Month in July<br />
National Picnic Month in July<br />
Kids Cove at Thomas Road Baptist Church<br />
Bike or hike at Percival’s Island<br />
Play at Bounce About in the River Ridge Mall<br />
Ice cream at I Scream, You Scream<br />
Visit Lynchburg Museum<br />
Visit the Maier Museum of Art at Randolph College<br />
Play mini golf at Tiny Town Golf<br />
Visit the Anne Spencer Garden<br />
Ice cream or frozen treat at Mister Goodies<br />
Visit Old City Cemetery and swing on the big swing<br />
Ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery<br />
Summer Movie Express at Regal Cinemas<br />
Go bowling at Fort Hill Bowling Center<br />
Visit Dairy Queen for a dipped cone<br />
Go bowling at AMF Lynchburg Lanes<br />
Play at Putt-Putt Fun Center<br />
Skate at FunQuest Family Entertainment Center<br />
Ski, snowboard or snow tube at Snowflex<br />
Disc golf at Peaks View Park<br />
Hike the Alpine Trail at Riverside Park<br />
Ride bikes on the trails at Peaks View Park<br />
Read a book<br />
Play board games<br />
Enjoy a family game of kickball<br />
Teach your kids to jump rope<br />
Explore your family's history<br />
Back yard barbecue<br />
Blow bubbles<br />
Draw with sidewalk chalk<br />
Have a spa day – paint nails, do pedicures, try new hairstyles<br />
Bake cookies<br />
Make a family scrapbook<br />
Let the kids teach you their favorite video game<br />
Host a summer block party<br />
Plant a garden<br />
Pop popcorn and have a movie marathon<br />
Camp out in your backyard<br />
Have a craft day<br />
Play dress up with Halloween costumes<br />
Start a summer journal<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Kz8aOrxbNSmAnCwcYLvYchwiTj98HZv3KkNq7QHnVxZ0S4AbPxCH2RhWtMlrLzTpyEZS8FDllbtskGiDfEx8HK5TBxqVVCS8OVNmWGgXtTSHzE-mk4W-E1eB1aMWsa6J_FnbGpdx43qo/s1600/Kids+on+the+road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Kz8aOrxbNSmAnCwcYLvYchwiTj98HZv3KkNq7QHnVxZ0S4AbPxCH2RhWtMlrLzTpyEZS8FDllbtskGiDfEx8HK5TBxqVVCS8OVNmWGgXtTSHzE-mk4W-E1eB1aMWsa6J_FnbGpdx43qo/s640/Kids+on+the+road.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Day Trip and Road Trip Summer Fun</b><br />
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Visit your favorite local, state or national park<br />
Learn about history at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford<br />
Day trip to the Peaks of Otter<br />
Visit the Museum of the Confederacy in Appomattox<br />
Day trip to Crabtree Falls<br />
Swim or boat at Holliday Lake State Park<br />
Feed the big fish at Bridgewater Marina at Smith Mountain Lake<br />
Visit Appomattox Court House National Park<br />
Take a day hike in a Virginia State Park<br />
Hit the beach at Smith Mountain Lake State Park<br />
Day trip to Otter Creek on the Blue Ridge Parkway<br />
Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway – bring a picnic lunch<br />
Play all day at Chuck-E-Cheese in Roanoke<br />
Day trip to Green Valley Book Fair near Harrisonburg<br />
Drive the Skyline Drive<br />
Visit the Childrens Garden at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens<br />
Go see the Roanoke star on Mill Mountain<br />
Rent paddle boats or canoes at a Virginia State Park<br />
Visit the Children’s Museum of Richmond<br />
Road trip to North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro<br />
Visit Virginia Museum of Natural History in Martinsville<br />
Road trip to Splash Valley Water Park in Roanoke<br />
Visit Charlottesville’s Virginia Discovery Museum<br />
Visit Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond<br />
Take a day hike on the Appalachian Trail<br />
Learn and play at Danville Science Center<br />
Visit Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke<br />
See the trains at Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke<br />
Road trip to Virginia Beach<br />
Go camping at a Virginia State Park<br />
See the sights in Washington, DC<br />
Beach trip to Myrtle Beach<br />
Get back to nature in Smoky Mountain National Park<br />
Enjoy big city life in New York City<br />
Cross-country road trip<br />
Visit the Inner Harbor in Baltimore<br />
Spend time with family or friends who live far away<br />
Make a family movie about your summer<br />
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Before summer disappears, create a summer bucket list with all of your family's favorite activities and places to visit. Use your summer bucket list for ideas to enjoy on vacation days. Let each child choose one thing to do or decide together on a few activities to enjoy each week while school's out.Sandy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336744991040245663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105758516724561617.post-24236563393046089782016-06-25T05:07:00.000-07:002016-06-25T05:07:04.443-07:00If Every Day Was Saturday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If every day was Saturday</div>
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I don't know what I'd do</div>
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Start each day with a grateful prayer</div>
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God's mercies start anew</div>
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Get up at daybreak to see the sun</div>
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Brew coffee at the crack of dawn</div>
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Take hikes to all the mountain tops</div>
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And hang out with family on the lawn</div>
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Volunteer with my favorite charities</div>
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Worship God and help others each day</div>
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Eat lunch every week with the grandkids at school</div>
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And stay to watch them learn and play</div>
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Road trips to visit family and friends</div>
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Scattered far and near</div>
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Seeing new, exciting places</div>
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My heart filled with joy and cheer</div>
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Sunrise along the Skyline Drive</div>
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Stopping to see the view</div>
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Drives on the Blue Ridge Parkway</div>
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Every day brings something new</div>
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I love the mountains </div>
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But the beach is awesome too</div>
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Sunrise to sunset, sand between my toes</div>
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Hand-in-hand with you know who</div>
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Wherever I'd go and whatever I'd do</div>
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Kenny would be at my side</div>
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Maybe even on the trails</div>
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Looking for bears that hide</div>
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But for now I have to work each day</div>
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Selling stamps to those I greet</div>
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But when every day is Saturday</div>
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Retirement will be so sweet!</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Blogging Grandma Sandy, signing off for now</div>
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Dreaming retirement dreams, when everything will be like WOW!</div>
Sandy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336744991040245663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105758516724561617.post-130314416614762902016-06-05T22:03:00.000-07:002016-06-05T22:08:24.347-07:00An Ode to Mom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkDsYwrA03eP2xmdc5m94zLhQJgkeLNKKQYAp97mEg6wgcHZHE-KVQ13tZLB8fCn3iyYmmmW7pPz0BBT5QsOFRDfto90qdvUWwXoYU0pTsBLHNMDqCNXGv_s-seiUz8Uf3VO89a_J38hy/s1600/2+Mom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkDsYwrA03eP2xmdc5m94zLhQJgkeLNKKQYAp97mEg6wgcHZHE-KVQ13tZLB8fCn3iyYmmmW7pPz0BBT5QsOFRDfto90qdvUWwXoYU0pTsBLHNMDqCNXGv_s-seiUz8Uf3VO89a_J38hy/s400/2+Mom.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
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I didn't know you when you were young</div>
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So many years ago.</div>
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Your life stretched out before you</div>
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Your cheeks bright and aglow.</div>
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So lovely on your wedding day</div>
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What wishes were in your heart?</div>
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Could you even imagine then</div>
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The times you'd spend apart?</div>
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As a young wife and mother</div>
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You walked hand-in-hand.</div>
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Down the streets of the city</div>
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Not knowing what God had planned.</div>
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A happy family picnic</div>
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You and your three little girls.</div>
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A Coca-Cola in your hand</div>
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Your hair swept up in curls.</div>
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The beauty of a mother's love</div>
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Is written in your eyes.</div>
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As you hold your firstborn son up high</div>
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Reaching to the skies.</div>
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By the time I came along</div>
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As baby number five.</div>
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I'm sure that there were days</div>
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It was all you could do to survive.</div>
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You didn't drive but you packed up kids</div>
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And traveled so far away.</div>
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To distant lands to make a home</div>
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Where kids were free to play.</div>
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Could you have imagined as a bride on your wedding day</div>
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You'd have two sons born in another land?</div>
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Your life would be lived so far from Wisconsin</div>
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Would you have said yes if you knew beforehand?</div>
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When we lived in Alabama</div>
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Your heart just wasn't there.</div>
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How much happier you were back in Kansas</div>
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An answer to your prayer.</div>
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As your children grew and needed you less</div>
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You reached out with arms open wide.</div>
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To embrace so many Girl Scouts</div>
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Taking life as it came in stride.</div>
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Your older kids moved out</div>
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Some moved far from home.</div>
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From time to time we all returned</div>
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From places where we'd roamed.</div>
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Grandkids soon outnumbered</div>
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Your family of eight little ones.</div>
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You gladly welcome each new baby</div>
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Granddaughters and grandsons.</div>
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Although you lived so far away</div>
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Wisconsin remained near and dear.</div>
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Your heart embraced your heritage</div>
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Wherever you lived on earth's sphere.</div>
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Some of your grandkids lived so far away</div>
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And others lived nearby.</div>
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You didn't whine and complain</div>
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Or get angry and ask why.</div>
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When all of us traveled home</div>
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The joy was etched upon your face.</div>
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Although the room was noisy</div>
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You handled it with grace.</div>
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What a massive group of grandkids</div>
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Your legacy to carry on.</div>
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None of us knew then that in so few years</div>
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Your work on earth would be done.</div>
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The children of your two youngest kids</div>
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What a blessing to behold.</div>
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Loved just like their older cousins</div>
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Treasures as though made of gold.</div>
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Of all the places you lived</div>
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And all the cities where you roamed.</div>
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There was no place better than your own front porch</div>
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For you, it was home sweet home.</div>
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When the weather was too cold</div>
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And your strength began to fade.</div>
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Your davenport was your place to be</div>
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Jayhawks and Snoopys all arrayed.</div>
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It's still hard to believe you're gone from us</div>
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But in Heaven, all things are made new.</div>
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As you wander God's streets paved with gold</div>
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Know how much we love and miss you.</div>
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"You take it as it comes"</div>
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One of your favorite things to say.</div>
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I know we'll all be together again</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One bright and shiny day.</div>
Sandy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336744991040245663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105758516724561617.post-20976077464659014512016-04-10T06:53:00.002-07:002016-04-10T06:53:40.092-07:00Saluting My Siblings: A Lifelong Gift<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCXdmBscPXTuYbSC-zzz3a4pXqBI1C1LrlQVUAn0o_XgjXLdeXB50I2290bPalbwGX2Xx2KAL1I8vWjeAoQfQdnbQE1tqcbvsqwtuM3VAjro2sg4oIxYQTAGQoXdL6L61kYARs7sI-IzW/s1600/1+PICT1368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCXdmBscPXTuYbSC-zzz3a4pXqBI1C1LrlQVUAn0o_XgjXLdeXB50I2290bPalbwGX2Xx2KAL1I8vWjeAoQfQdnbQE1tqcbvsqwtuM3VAjro2sg4oIxYQTAGQoXdL6L61kYARs7sI-IzW/s400/1+PICT1368.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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April 10 is Siblings Day, a day to celebrate God's wonderful gift of siblings. It's totally fitting that most of the family photos of me as a baby include one or more of my siblings. I was my parents' fifth child and over the next 10 plus years, I gained three younger siblings.</div>
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They say I was a whiny baby, but that didn't seem to bother my older sisters and brother.</div>
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When we were kids, most of the photos Dad took were on Easter, Christmas or other special days.</div>
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In big families, kids are often paired up or grouped together. I always knew my older siblings had my back, even when I was just a little girl.</div>
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My big brother Butch knew I was his responsibility. He looked out for me as we got older too. Once he told a guy who wanted to date me, "Hurt my sister and I'll kill you." I think he was serious too!</div>
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My sister Debbie was my first roommate and remained my roommate until we got married and left home. Debbie is the closest sister to me in age and our kids grew up together. Although we lived 1,000 miles apart, our kids spent time with each other whenever I went back home to visit.</div>
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What a cute sisters picture of the four of us. Kathy and Sue were so much older than me that I didn't spend too much time with them as a kid. </div>
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I once asked my Mom how she handled having so many kids, when just three was sometimes overwhelming to me. She said that each time a new baby was born, she told the next older child that this was their baby to help take care of. So, my younger brother Mike became 'my' baby, just as I had become my older brother Butch's baby.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCke8Kcj-QjeO4JGhSCE6BW9dADuFXMaSWydlZY0fy2-YAYB8L8ZdKteFhT_98a23ph1XS02pOCUY8HnDfq6n12b8BsyQWa_lDJpgInURKC4Mvsl5S2MN8yluEPXkuyb4EkK0xf2tk83Wz/s1600/8+Me+and+Mike+dolls+and+animals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCke8Kcj-QjeO4JGhSCE6BW9dADuFXMaSWydlZY0fy2-YAYB8L8ZdKteFhT_98a23ph1XS02pOCUY8HnDfq6n12b8BsyQWa_lDJpgInURKC4Mvsl5S2MN8yluEPXkuyb4EkK0xf2tk83Wz/s400/8+Me+and+Mike+dolls+and+animals.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have so many fond memories of time spent with Mike. I thought of him as my partner in crime and, as I got older I led him into trouble more than once. Hopefully he forgives me now for not being the best influence in my teen years!</div>
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I still think of my brother Pat as my baby brother, even though he's way taller than me now and has five kids of his own. Pat was such a cute baby, but I picked on him a lot when he got a little older. My favorite taunt was, "Pat's got white hair." Sorry for that, Pat, but now it's true!</div>
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What a cute group of seven siblings we were back in the day, all dressed in our Easter best. Who knows how we managed to take this photograph with everyone's hair in place and no stains on anybody's clothing! Kudos to Mom and Dad for this picture.</div>
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One of the biggest days in my life as a little girl was my First Communion day. Dad took photos of me with each of my siblings and even a couple with Mom, who hated having her picture taken. This is one of the few photos I have of just me with my oldest sister Sue.</div>
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This is also one of the few photos I have of just me with my older sister Kathy when I was a kid, although I have more of us together as adults. I always looked up to Kathy, who was a wonderful role model for all of us younger kids.</div>
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Just as me, Butch and Debbie were grouped together when I was little, me, Mike and Pat were grouped together when Pat was little. We look like we're cooking up some sort of mischief!</div>
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This is one of my favorite photos of what a carefree childhood looked like back in the day. Butch, me, Mike and Pat were just hanging out together on a summer day. Life was so much easier then!</div>
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Scouting was a 'thing' in our family. Mom was a Girl Scout leader for many years and Dad was a Boy Scout leader. This back in the day photo of me and Debbie in our Girl Scout uniforms is a great reminder of the values we learned in our family and in scouting. </div>
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And then there were eight. Baby Nancy was born when we lived in Alabama. Like me, Nancy was a whiny baby who was raised in part by her seven siblings. She'll always be the baby to me!</div>
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After Nancy was born, Daddy started taking me, Mike and Pat lots of places to get us "out of your Mother's hair." This photo was from one of our many outings with Dad.</div>
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Having a little sister so many years younger than me was like having my own live baby doll. This photo was taken when Nancy was just learning to walk. She was a hot mess, getting into everything. I wrote an essay about "Tornado Nancy" for school about this time.</div>
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Sunflowers are the state flower of Kansas. That year me, Mike and Pat planted sunflowers in the back yard, Daddy accidentally mowed Pat's sunflower down. Poor Pat was doing the best he could to smile in this photo while holding his mowed-down sunflower to the ground.</div>
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Because of the age span in our family, there aren't many photos of the eight of us together. This one was taken for Christmas card photos in 1974, the year before Debbie and I got married.</div>
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The five sisters on my wedding day in June 1975.</div>
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What a crazy posed photo of me with my brothers on my wedding day!</div>
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A back in the day shot of my three brothers in 1994. As always, Butch is cutting up for the camera.</div>
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We all made it home for Nancy's wedding in 1994 and what a fine-looking group we were!</div>
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Photos of the eight of us with Mom and Dad are even more rare than photos of all eight of us kids. This one was taken at a very happy gathering for Dad's 80th birthday and Mom's 79th birthday. What a blessing that we were all able to be there!</div>
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One of many family gatherings at my brother Pat's house. </div>
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One of my favorite pictures of me with my sister, Kathy, who spent a lot of time during recent years caring for our parents as they aged. </div>
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One of my favorite pictures of me with my sister, Debbie, who also helped care for Mom and Dad through the years. Debbie's also one of the siblings who remained close to home. Debbie's kids spent a lot of time at Mom and Dad's when they were growing up.</div>
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Maybe the only photo of me and my baby sister, Nancy as adults. She's all grown up now, but we live so far away, we don't get to see each other very often.</div>
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The five sisters all together at once. Aren't we cuties!!!</div>
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Whenever I'm in Kansas, there's always chocolate on the menu. Baking brownies with my sisters is one of my happy memories of sibling love.</div>
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We match and dressed in red, just like back in the day. Me with three of my greatest blessings: Kathy, Debbie and Pat, who are all still living in Kansas and all helped so much with Mom and Dad.</div>
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A Siblings Day celebration in 2014 at Pizza Hut. What a joy to spend the day with three of my siblings that year!</div>
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Scattered from Virginia to Hawaii and everywhere in between, we all came home for Mom and Dad's final days. I'm so glad we had this photo taken. Mom cherished it until her death and it sat on Daddy's dresser as his life ended too. God blessed Mom and Dad with the eight of us to carry on their legacy. I hope we can live up to the examples they set. Happy Siblings Day to the seven people who've known me the longest. I love you all and am so grateful that God put us all together in one big family!</div>
Sandy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336744991040245663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105758516724561617.post-59116242988681901722016-02-24T21:16:00.002-08:002016-02-24T21:16:17.908-08:00When A Baby Is Born, God Rejoices<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6wrOOQJqNsAWIqC0jDKLGo1P7JWBsajsG-Xd123TQOtKm4dv0hIx1AfXDlQlCy3Hskj1tUSqJ3iCJ0Pzd7Qa14qeAcyAjN6nAspJyuQT3SDC9LnpZ6NfuCxjrilj3wdOtw0v9PxnF6VN/s1600/Kathy+and+Mom+Baptism+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6wrOOQJqNsAWIqC0jDKLGo1P7JWBsajsG-Xd123TQOtKm4dv0hIx1AfXDlQlCy3Hskj1tUSqJ3iCJ0Pzd7Qa14qeAcyAjN6nAspJyuQT3SDC9LnpZ6NfuCxjrilj3wdOtw0v9PxnF6VN/s400/Kathy+and+Mom+Baptism+2.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
When a baby is born, the parents don't know what the future holds for their child.<br />
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Babies are wonderful creations. Each child is knit together in the womb by our loving God.<br />
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When a baby is born, God rejoices in that unique person, created in His own image and likeness.<br />
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Unlike the parents, God knows each child's destiny and has a plan for each child's future.<br />
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When my sister Kathy was born, our parents knew that she was a beloved child of God.<br />
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On the day of Kathy's Baptism, Mom and Dad chose Christ's path for Kathy -- as they had for their firstborn and would for all of their children.<br />
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In His image, Kathy was molded. By our parents' influence and the influence of others in her life, Kathy learned the ways of God.<br />
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As Kathy learned and grew in the faith, God knew the plans He had for her future.<br />
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A little girl gazing at the infant Jesus in the manger -- a precious memory and a glimpse into the future.<br />
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For God already knew that Kathy was ordained to hear His voice and to respond to His call.<br />
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God already knew that He was calling Kathy to be a woman of faith, to accept Christ as her spouse and to teach others the way of the faith through her vocation.<br />
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God has a plan for each of His beloved children. He calls each of us to walk with Him, but we don't all respond.<br />
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As our mothers look on each of us with love, so God looks on all of His beloved children with a love that's eternal and complete.<br />
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Some of us are too busy with the things of this world to hear God's voice, to feel His love, to discern His unique calling.<br />
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Some hear God's voice, but choose to ignore it. Others don't know God and can't feel His love.<br />
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Every step in our lives, God is with us. He maps out our lives, step by step.<br />
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Raised in an Army family, Kathy was exposed to many people with different races, backgrounds and viewpoints.<br />
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As Kathy grew, every experience she went through brought her one step closer to God's plan for her.<br />
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From coast to coast and across the ocean, Kathy experienced the life God intended her to have.<br />
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From a baby into a school girl, Kathy grew in age and wisdom, each day bringing her closer to her destiny.<br />
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In big families, it's easy for a child to get lost in the shuffle.<br />
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In our big family, the kids wore red jackets when we went places so we were easy to spot,<br />
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But no child is ever lost in God's world. He always knows exactly where each of His children is -- and He also knows where each is heading.<br />
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Like many Catholic families, our family always attended Mass on Sundays -- but Easter Sunday was extra special.<br />
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On this day, we celebrated Christ's victory over death. We wore our best clothes and the girls all wore Easter bonnets, instead of our traditional Sunday chapel veils.<br />
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As one of the older children in our family, caring for younger siblings was a task Kathy often handled.<br />
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We younger kids knew we could count on Kathy to help us with whatever we needed.<br />
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Somewhere along the path, Kathy realized she had a gift for working with young people.<br />
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Teaching isn't for everyone, but Kathy had been teaching her younger siblings for years.<br />
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Kathy's calling was to teach -- but that's not all that God had in store for her.<br />
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After Kathy graduated from the Catholic high school, she was called to attend the local Catholic women's college.<br />
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I was in my teens when Kathy took our family out one night and sharer that she'd been called to serve God as a religious sister.<br />
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I'm not proud of my reaction -- my biggest concern was what my friends would think and, as always, I spoke just what I was thinking.<br />
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Thankfully, Kathy forgave me for my words.<br />
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No mom was ever prouder than our Mom when Kathy entered the convent.<br />
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Everywhere she went for the rest of her life, Mom told friends and strangers alike about her "nun daughter."<br />
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While Kathy was walking her faith journey, Dad was on a journey of his own.<br />
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In August 1974, Kathy took her first vows with the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth.<br />
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In April 1977, Daddy became a member of the Catholic Church.<br />
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On August 12, 1979, Kathy took her final vows, surrounded by her family and the sisters in her order.<br />
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As our family grew, Kathy served the Sisters of Charity, teaching in Kansas and Montana. Kathy has always been known as "Favorite Aunt Kathy" to her nieces and nephews.</div>
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Whether in her role as Sister Kathy or as our sister Kathy, she was always ready to pitch in and help wherever and whenever she was needed.<br />
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In the summer of 1997, we celebrated Kathy's 25th anniversary as a Sister of Charity.<br />
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During the same weekend, we also marked Mom and Dad's 50th wedding anniversary. Mom and Dad renewed their vows in a family ceremony.<br />
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As our parents aged, Kathy helped care for them. Kathy continued to work full time, but still managed to get Mom and Dad to medical appointments and keep up with their important information.</div>
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God's plan is always perfect; His timing is always right. God blessed our family when he gave Mom and Dad the little baby girl who grew up to be Favorite Aunt Kathy.<br />
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God's beloved child Kathy blessed our parents throughout their lives.<br />
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Mom and Dad couldn't have imagined the future when they held that tiny baby in their arms.<br />
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But God knew that Kathy was just the right child to add to their family.<br />
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Our sister Kathy provides a wonderful example of how to live the faith.<br />
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The model of service Mom and Dad provided lives on in Kathy's life of service to others.<br />
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Service to God, family and the world around her is how Kathy shares the love of God with others.<br />
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Happy Birthday to you, Sister Kathy! We love you and we thank God for the gift that is you!</div>
Sandy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336744991040245663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105758516724561617.post-15933910860638983952016-02-10T05:06:00.001-08:002016-02-10T05:06:38.878-08:00Ash Wednesday Reflections: Did You Know There's Dirt on Your Forehead? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Mld7n8wY6-aq9Yyv3QGteSFuhj-_Ukx34Or0LwGUGv5cNcNFJYd2yqVZmaBZrZ_jC8CqV4MaaE_OWu1pSbjd_HLIop1E6Q0agQjcF54YH5738NQ2Sik25grz3zct659LmsZ9R9-Ka191/s1600/Ashes+for+Lent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Mld7n8wY6-aq9Yyv3QGteSFuhj-_Ukx34Or0LwGUGv5cNcNFJYd2yqVZmaBZrZ_jC8CqV4MaaE_OWu1pSbjd_HLIop1E6Q0agQjcF54YH5738NQ2Sik25grz3zct659LmsZ9R9-Ka191/s400/Ashes+for+Lent.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's Ash Wednesday. If you're a Catholic, you know what that means. After you receive ashes you'll hear, "Did you know there's dirt on your forehead?" the rest of the day. That's not a bad thing.</div>
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Ashes are a reminder that we're called to let go of the things that keep us from God. Let go of hatred, anger and jealousy. Let go of valuing money, cars and other things of this world more than God. Let go of the things that won't matter in our eternal life.</div>
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As kids, many of us gave up candy for Lent and spent 40 days dreaming about the chocolate bunny that awaited us on Easter Sunday.</div>
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As adults, we focus more on giving up behaviors that keep us from being the children of God. Give up bullying and teasing. Give us gossip and name-calling. Give up greed and violence in all forms.</div>
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As kids, we held on tightly to our Easter baskets filled with candy and goodies. Our candy-filled baskets meant the end of our fast from candy.</div>
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As adults, we know that we are called to let the Paschal candle burn brightly in our hearts all year. As Christ is the light of the world, we are called to be light to those living in darkness. </div>
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As kids, we dressed in our finest clothing on Easter morning as we headed off to church to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord.</div>
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As adults, we are called to cast off the heavy cloaks that bind us to the past and to be reborn in Christ. We are called to walk in His light as children of God.</div>
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There's nothing wrong with choosing to give up things for Lent, but giving up candy, coffee, TV or Facebook is only a small part of the Lenten journey. We are also called to use prayer, fasting and almsgiving to bring us closer to God.</div>
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We are called to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned and bury the dead. In the Catholic faith, these are the Corporal Works of Mercy.</div>
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During our Lenten journey, we are called to cover and turn from the desires of this world as we walk toward the light that is Christ.</div>
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As kids, we often lamented, "It's not fair" as we dealt with the injustices in our everyday lives. As adults, we are called to feed the souls of those we encounter in our lives. The Spiritual Works of Mercy challenge us to admonish the sinner, instruct the ignorant, counsel the doubtful, bear wrongs patiently, forgive offenses willingly, comfort the afflicted, and pray for the living and the dead.</div>
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As adults, we are called to remember -- and to teach -- that Easter is about more than bunnies, eggs and candy. It's about the Risen Christ who gave His very life for us.</div>
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We are called to remember that our God is a God of hope and to let Him fill us with joy and peace so that we can live our lives in hope.</div>
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We are called to choose faith over worry, light over darkness, good over evil, trust over doubt and God's desires over earthly desires.</div>
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We are called to be grateful for what we have instead of complaining about what we don't have -- to bring sunshine into the lives of those we encounter.</div>
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We are called to let God's eternal love mend our broken hearts and to let Him make us into new creations in the Lord.</div>
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We are called to be who God meant us to be -- His sons and daughters who walk always in the light of Christ and who set the world on fire.</div>
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We are called to always remember that every day is a new day made by the Lord and to rejoice and be glad in it -- no matter what it brings.</div>
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We are called to let the joy of Easter morning burn brightly in our hearts throughout the year. We are called to take His light with us wherever we go, to let His light shine through our words and actions.</div>
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So, when someone tells you that you have dirt on your forehead on Ash Wednesday, thank them and tell the person that the ashes are a gift from God. Like the sacraments, the ashes of Ash Wednesday are an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace. As you journey with Christ during Lent, let His light shine brightly in your heart and in your life. </div>
Sandy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336744991040245663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105758516724561617.post-11046371724945106662016-01-01T23:18:00.001-08:002016-01-01T23:18:25.956-08:00How Being a Mom Changed My Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Like many moms-to-be, I read the books and took the classes. I was raised in a big family and also did some babysitting as a teen, so I thought I'd know exactly what to do when I became a mom.<br />
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March 15 will always be a special date in the timeline of my life; the day I became a mom. Life before motherhood was all about me, a night owl who liked to sleep late.<br />
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Then came Jenny, an early riser who woke up hungry for milk and mommy's embrace. From my oldest child, I learned selflessness. As a tiny infant, it was really difficult to keep Jenny awake to eat enough to fill her. She would doze off, then wake up crying again when I tried to put her back in bed.<br />
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Every time I look at my firstborn child, I remember sleepless nights followed by early mornings, the warmth of her skin against mine, the sound of her quiet breathing as she fell asleep in my arms, and the helplessness I felt when she cried and I couldn't calm her.<br />
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One of my fears when I was pregnant with my second child was that I wouldn't have enough love for both of my children. Jenny was a happy toddler who chatted constantly. We read books and played and she filled my time and my heart.<br />
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On March 21, three years and a few days after Jenny's birth, my second daughter Lauren was born. Lauren was an easy baby who woke up happy and rarely cried.<br />
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From my second child, I learned the math that every mom of more than one child knows -- that love divided quickly multiplies.<br />
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After Lauren was born, I often needed more than two hands. But I never needed more than one heart. My mom always said that she loved us all the same.<br />
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As a mom, the reality I learned from parenting two little ones is that you love each of your children as they need to be loved. Watching my girls interact filled me with love and joy.<br />
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I was tired all the time when I was pregnant with my third child. I worked midnight shift and slept in bits and pieces. During the daytime, I often volunteered at Lauren's preschool and Jenny's school.<br />
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On October 15, my son Jack was born. Jenny had turned 5 years old and Lauren had turned 2 years old in March. Life was busy -- how would I ever fit the needs of a new baby into our lives?<br />
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The girls doted on their baby brother. They wanted to do everything with him, even when he was way too tiny to actually play with them.<br />
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Full-time work and motherhood don't mesh well. There was always more to do than time to do it all. What I learned from my son is that the most important things in life aren't things. Kids grow up too quickly and parents need to make time to have fun.<br />
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I discovered a mom truth that my Mom learned years before me. A messy house is trumped by a warm spring day, beckoning us outdoors to play. Dishes in the sink aren't as important as playing My Little Ponies or Matchbox cars.<br />
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Babies grow into toddlers and teens as the years fly by at warp speed. Your little ones busy with ballet, soccer and preschool soon become middle school and high school kids busy with friends and activities. Blink your eyes and your kids have grown into adults.<br />
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When Kenny and I married, he was a package deal. Stephanie and Brian didn't grow inside of me, but they grew in my heart. Blended family life has its ups and downs, but life goes on and life is good.<br />
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When I look at my grown children, a part of me yearns for the busy days of their childhood. I wouldn't trade the memories for all the money in the world. My life was wrapped up in my kids and I'm so much richer for the gift of motherhood.<br />
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There are no words to describe what it's like to see your daughter holding her newborn baby. Being a first-time grandma is a little bit like reliving your parenting years. You aren't the boss this time around, but you already know how quickly the years go by and how precious each memory will be.<br />
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When you're a grandma, life is never boring. Seeing your precious grandchild enjoy new places and experiences is priceless.<br />
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Everything old really is new again when you're a grandma. A ho-hum day is brightened by a little voice whispering, "Grandma, you're the best" in your ear.<br />
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Like the birth of a second child, your heart expands when your second grandchild is born. You relive your baby's childhood through new eyes as you watch her parent her own baby.<br />
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The first grandchild may worry that a new grandchild means less love from grandma. What they don't know is that a grandma's heart -- like a mom's heart -- expands with love for each child.<br />
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Cousin love is a lot like sibling love. Sometimes they get along with each other and their love is easy to see, but other times they tease and squabble with each other.<br />
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And then there were three. A new baby granddaughter warms a grandma's heart. Sons and daughters each bring different gifts to the world and so do grandsons and granddaughters.<br />
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Life constantly marches forward. Time stands still for no man -- or grandma. Several years have passed since this Easter memory was made, but it still brings a smile to my face and warms my heart. For me, being a mom and grandma means that a part of my heart will always live outside my body.<br />
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Blogging Grandma Sandy, signing off for now. <br />
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Portions of this blog post were originally published on Yahoo! Voices May 1, 2013Sandy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336744991040245663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105758516724561617.post-36894058092216841252015-12-24T04:36:00.003-08:002015-12-24T04:36:28.960-08:00A Christmas Tree Walk Down Memory Lane<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In the still of Christmas Eve morning, our Christmas tree brings light to the darkness. The tiny, brightly-colored lights twinkle and glow, symbolic of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.<br />
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There's no unified color theme of red and gold, no movie theme with Disney princesses or Star War characters on our tree.<br />
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Each ornament on the Christmas tree holds a special meaning. Some celebrate the birth of a child or grandchild.<br />
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Some of the ornaments on our tree are reminders of trips taken to special destinations. Others are gifts from parents or siblings.<br />
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Among the most precious are those made with love by the little hands of our children or grandchildren.<br />
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There are many different ways to take a walk down Memory Lane. The scent of cookies baking, a few notes of a familiar melody or the taste of a longtime favorite meal all bring back memories of the past.<br />
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Each year, I enjoy a walk down Memory Lane while putting up and decorating our Christmas tree.<br />
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Theme trees are beautiful and a favorite among adults of all ages. But the child in me yearns for the joy found in<br />
lingering over each of my favorite ornaments as I relive the memories they stir inside me.<br />
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Although I don't remember my first Christmas tree, the moment is forever captured in time -- courtesy of my Dad;s camera.<br />
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I slept through the excitement of that first Christmas morning. Since I was one of those screamy babies, that's probably a good thing.<br />
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Later Christmas mornings brought me baby dolls, stuffed dogs, a typewriter and my first camera.<br />
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They say you can never go back home and it's true in many ways -- especially for those of us raised in military families.<br />
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Home was many places, none of which is currently home to any of our family members.<br />
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The house I called home before I married and moved to Virginia 40 years ago is no longer home to the Atkins family since Mom's and Dad's deaths in June 2014.<br />
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The tall Christmas trees of my childhood were replaced with tabletop trees in recent years, and family Christmas celebrations moved from my parents' home to my younger brother's house as our family's numbers outgrew space at Mom and Dad's.<br />
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As I stood looking at my parents' Christmas tree on one of many post-Christmas visits back home, the sparkly glass ornaments took me back in time to the Christmas celebrations of my childhood.<br />
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Many of the same ornaments that hung on the Christmas trees of my youth adorned the small tabletop trees of Mom and Dad's later years.<br />
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In a similar way, the Christmas trees of my children's younger years -- filled with handcrafted paper ornaments -- have given way to Christmas trees with a mixture of memories from our kids and grandkids. Ornaments made with pride by our grandchildren hang side by side with baby's first Christmas balls from our grown children.</div>
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The first Christmas trees of our blended family years were filled with questions.</div>
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Should we have a real or artificial tree?</div>
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Which ornaments would make the cut and which would stay in the boxes?</div>
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How and when would we decorate the tree?</div>
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And who would decide where to hang which ornament? </div>
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As the years passed, kids helped decorate the tree or not, as time permitted. Some years, they chose favorite ornaments other years, nearly all of the ornaments fit on the tree.</div>
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This year's Christmas tree brings back memories of ballerinas and soccer players, </div>
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tiny babies and little toddlers, 'tweens and teens and excited grandchildren. </div>
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The joy and wonder of Christmas is mixed with the sadness and sorrow </div>
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of Christmas without our parents, now all together in Heaven.</div>
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Kid-friendly ornaments and Nativity scenes hang side-by-side on the Christmas tree. </div>
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The reason for the season, the birth of our Savior.</div>
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Tomorrow morning, the excitement of Christmas will fill the air as our younger grandchildren open gifts here while our older grandson and his parents celebrate Christmas in Ohio.</div>
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Across the country, some of the Atkins siblings will gather together, </div>
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celebrating the joy of Christmas past and the treasure of time with family. </div>
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Merry Christmas from our family to yours! May your Christmas be filled </div>
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with joy, wonder and the gift of Jesus' presence in your life!</div>
Sandy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336744991040245663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105758516724561617.post-28554931447668572722015-11-25T22:57:00.000-08:002015-11-25T22:57:48.142-08:00Reason, Season or Lifetime: 10 Friendships to Nurture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZY4-RP7C6SQIOItlA79959tQolcFWswJSlGdpJsIjG6eGg0-R1EllIQ8kC1JtUUplKG8vcQcrK46PrTzxScPupdgGtYt6Nkah4hj9Lp5qUmlwhcKuzGLeLId_uQtcog9QIvj1n-iAfof/s1600/Reason+Season+Lifetime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZY4-RP7C6SQIOItlA79959tQolcFWswJSlGdpJsIjG6eGg0-R1EllIQ8kC1JtUUplKG8vcQcrK46PrTzxScPupdgGtYt6Nkah4hj9Lp5qUmlwhcKuzGLeLId_uQtcog9QIvj1n-iAfof/s400/Reason+Season+Lifetime.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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You may have read this timeless saying about friendship many times without giving it any thought:<br />
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<span style="background-color: #f5f5ff; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "lucida" , "lucida grande" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">"People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f5f5ff; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "lucida" , "lucida grande" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "lucida" , "lucida grande" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #f5f5ff; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "lucida" , "lucida grande" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f5f5ff; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "lucida" , "lucida grande" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">When someone is in your life for a </span><b style="font-size: 13.3333px;">REASON</b><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They may seem like a godsend and they are.They are there for the reason you need them to be.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "lucida" , "lucida grande" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #f5f5ff; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "lucida" , "lucida grande" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f5f5ff; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "lucida" , "lucida grande" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.</span></span></div>
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</span><span style="background-color: #f5f5ff; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "lucida" , "lucida grande" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"></span>
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<span style="background-color: #f5f5ff; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "lucida" , "lucida grande" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and</span></span></div>
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</span><span style="background-color: #f5f5ff; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "lucida" , "lucida grande" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"></span>
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<span style="background-color: #f5f5ff; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "lucida" , "lucida grande" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">force you to take a stand.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "lucida" , "lucida grande" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #f5f5ff; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "lucida" , "lucida grande" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f5f5ff; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "lucida" , "lucida grande" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "lucida" , "lucida grande" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #f5f5ff; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "lucida" , "lucida grande" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #f5f5ff; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "lucida" , "lucida grande" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Some people come into your life for a </span><b style="font-size: 13.3333px;">SEASON</b><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real... But only for a season.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "lucida" , "lucida grande" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #f5f5ff; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "lucida" , "lucida grande" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f5f5ff; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "lucida" , "lucida grande" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><b style="font-size: 13.3333px; font-weight: bold;">LIFETIME </b><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life."</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f5f5ff; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "lucida" , "lucida grande" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f5f5ff; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "lucida" , "lucida grande" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">--Author Unknown</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">But how do you know? When you meet someone and hit it off, how do you know if this friend is in your life for a reason, season or lifetime? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">It may seem like you've known someone you meet forever. You have so much in common and become fast friends. Fast forward a year or two and something happens. Maybe it's something you said or maybe you just drifted apart. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">You really don't know from the first meeting if a friendship will stand the test of time. So what should you do? Should you invest time and energy into every new friendship? Only nurture old friendships and hope for the best? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Most people take the time to build and strengthen the relationship with a spouse or partner. Here are 10 additional friendships to nurture through thick and thin. You won't regret investing time in these friendships.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><b>God.</b> He created you in His image for a reason. He walks beside you in the best of times and carries you in the worst of times. Honor God in everything you say and do.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><b>Yourself.</b> It's impossible to love others if you don't first love yourself. Let the internal voice you speak to yourself be kind and nurturing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><b>Your Mom.</b> Mitch Albom said, "Behind all your stories is always your mother's story, because hers is where yours begin." There's no love like a mother's love.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><b>Your Dad.</b> A dad is his son's first hero and his daughter's first love. A father's love is eternal and everlasting.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><b>Your Siblings.</b> Nobody truly understands you the way your siblings do. Let your shared memories create a future filled with laughter and love.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><b>Your Children.</b> Khalil Gibran wrote, "You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth." Love and support the children they are and the adults they become.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><b>Your Pastor or Spiritual Adviser.</b> In every life, there are challenges and struggles. Your pastor or spiritual adviser offers encouragement and guidance through life's trials.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><b>Someone Who Understands.</b> As you grow and change in life, reach out to others who have walked the same path. A friend who understands what you're going through is a treasure.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><b>Your Mentor.</b> A mentor is defined as "an experienced and trusted adviser." A mentor sees the your skills and weaknesses and helps you become the person you were meant to be. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><b>Your Best Friend.</b> Henry Ford said, "My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me." A best friend laughs with you, cries with you and accepts you.</span></div>
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Make time in your busy life to build relationships. Share time with family and friends. Whether for a reason, season or lifetime, when <span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">you give your time, you give the best part of yourself.</span><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </span></div>
</span>Sandy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336744991040245663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105758516724561617.post-82730804397829767372015-11-11T05:42:00.001-08:002015-11-11T05:42:14.311-08:00A Veterans Day Salute to My Hero<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaj6_zzWkEyR5rtS85_o9MhSCLKK_RV3u_CPbi61SvXZhJkrzBCuy4fsikl0jL_dQlVT-3V7V3s-HfDG27kLEWROM1DG5Ew8oqAdWaR-DVWXQvpc71-wp6jpEJls1Vf6m4VVuqKpntV2I8/s1600/Love+Dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaj6_zzWkEyR5rtS85_o9MhSCLKK_RV3u_CPbi61SvXZhJkrzBCuy4fsikl0jL_dQlVT-3V7V3s-HfDG27kLEWROM1DG5Ew8oqAdWaR-DVWXQvpc71-wp6jpEJls1Vf6m4VVuqKpntV2I8/s320/Love+Dad.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
Daddy, you were the first man I knew<br />
I learned so many things from you<br />
How to swim and ride a bike alone<br />
And the proper way to answer our phone.<br />
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When I was young, you went far away<br />
To serve your country while we played<br />
I didn't know then what it really meant<br />
When to Vietnam you were sent.<br />
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From far away, you kept in touch with us all<br />
While doing your duty and standing tall<br />
Helping a people we never knew<br />
As all of your children older grew.<br />
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You sent letters and cards to your girls and boys<br />
With words of encouragement instead of toys<br />
Telling us how to live and to grow<br />
To learn the things we needed to know.<br />
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When you returned home, you took your spot<br />
As head of the family, teaching us a lot<br />
Taking us here and taking us there<br />
Leading kids and Boy Scouts everywhere.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rSCCrlOatXCnae1IDsdpuoXvAttdB0RGT-FY-obJAy6rMCZfHoM7be6wQZ8dJH0kXS4yjeuAT8oVYb8Q59jVgOaNGfT04p1tgheY7Utv_ZFKJNw0ck3vhqqsXHiOf37ea6ESg_B_eaEq/s1600/IMG_0002+Veterans+Day+parade+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rSCCrlOatXCnae1IDsdpuoXvAttdB0RGT-FY-obJAy6rMCZfHoM7be6wQZ8dJH0kXS4yjeuAT8oVYb8Q59jVgOaNGfT04p1tgheY7Utv_ZFKJNw0ck3vhqqsXHiOf37ea6ESg_B_eaEq/s640/IMG_0002+Veterans+Day+parade+cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You answered whatever questions we asked of you<br />
With things to remember that we knew were true<br />
You showed us how to grow up strong and tall<br />
To be men and women who helped one and all.<br />
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On this Veterans Day, I want you to know<br />
I appreciate the ways you taught me to grow<br />
Although I didn't always thank you back then<br />
Now I know better and I thank you again.<br />
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You're no longer with us, yet you're still here<br />
On this day and every day of the year<br />
Watching and guiding with love in your heart<br />
Until we're together again, nevermore to part.<br />
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Thanks for the gifts of your wisdom and words<br />
Now we remember those things that we heard<br />
Repeating them now that we are grown<br />
Teaching the kids we now call our own.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mRvM45e4T5aPEPDCW-NB-esfvvuNKNDmcddCUGdmWZIvv3RqhsNOGE5-iFNEHn-rZpXjL9XRHJl7PswNUD0oxrNFjlwFcozCUS14MiG5uSMdif5PMW37a_KFGdXopO_4t18cUNRMSnaS/s1600/Three+war+veteran.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mRvM45e4T5aPEPDCW-NB-esfvvuNKNDmcddCUGdmWZIvv3RqhsNOGE5-iFNEHn-rZpXjL9XRHJl7PswNUD0oxrNFjlwFcozCUS14MiG5uSMdif5PMW37a_KFGdXopO_4t18cUNRMSnaS/s640/Three+war+veteran.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Your 90 years passed so quickly<br />
To us, it still seems like a blur<br />
Your Scouts called you The Colonel<br />
And your soldiers called you sir.<br />
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To us, you were Daddy, back then and still now<br />
The man we looked up to, you showed us how<br />
To live our lives in service to others<br />
To respect and to love, especially our mother.<br />
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Thanks so much, I am so proud to call you Dad<br />
The man I looked up to, even when I got mad<br />
For those who you helped and those who you saved<br />
For the lessons you taught and the words that you gave.<br />
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As we honor and remember veterans everywhere<br />
I gaze toward Heaven and offer this prayer<br />
Thank God for Daddy, my hero I'll never forget<br />
A soldier among soldiers, a vet among vets.<br />
<br />
-- Sandy Wallace, proud daughter of Colonel Robert A. Atkins, Sr. US Army Retired<br />
Veterans Day 2015, adapted from my poem "On Ode to Dad: My Hero" written June 4, 2012Sandy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336744991040245663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105758516724561617.post-54832261166866186012015-10-24T04:02:00.002-07:002015-10-24T04:02:39.880-07:00Halloween Past and Present<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Do you remember when Halloween was an evening of candy and fun for kids? </div>
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Children of all ages dressed up in costumes and walked from house to house to get candy.</div>
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Your costume may have been a hand-me-down costume in a box, one worn by older siblings in previous years.</div>
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Maybe your mom made your costume or you may have pieced together your own creation, something unique like a bum with a beer can bag for candy.</div>
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Maybe your school had a costume parade where the kids all wore costumes or masks and walked the school halls or on the track so all the kids could see one another's costumes.</div>
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At school, you probably made a construction paper witch or ghost to bring home and hang in your room. Maybe your mom even hung it on the refrigerator for a day or two. </div>
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You carved pumpkins, scooping out the guts with your hands. Who could forget that squishy feel of yuckiness on your hands or that toothy pumpkin grin.</div>
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Who could have imagined back then that one day there would be pumpkins that were already carved? No guts, no glory.</div>
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Or Pinterest pages filled with ideas of 10 perfect ways to carve a pumpkin or 30 unique costumes or 101 Halloween party foods.</div>
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Or stores filled top to bottom with Halloween decor and costumes -- mostly for adults to enjoy with maybe a tiny corner of costumes for little kids.</div>
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After dinner on Halloween, parents walked with little kids or older kids took their younger siblings through the neighborhood while mom and dad passed out candy at home.</div>
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You may have seen a scarecrow or two in someone's yard. There was always that one grown-up who made you do a trick like a cartwheel in the yard to get your treat.</div>
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There weren't any tricked-out yards filled with graveyard scenes or inflatable spooky things.</div>
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Maybe you had a little party at home with a few Halloween treats before you went out trick-or-treating if there was time.</div>
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You might have watched "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" before trick-or-treat on Halloween. Did you feel sorry for Charlie Brown when he kept getting rocks instead of candy?</div>
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Trick-or-treat was all about the candy -- and the little candy bars were the best of all. What was your favorite Halloween candy to find in your bucket?</div>
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Older kids sometimes bypassed the candy and helped others with Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, gathering money to send to kids far away instead of candy to eat.</div>
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You were supposed to wait until you got home to eat any of your candy, but who could resist one or two treats from your bucket while you walked from house to house.</div>
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What happened to Halloween? When did Halloween change from being about an evening of fun for little kids?</div>
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When did Halloween become a night of spookiness for adults instead? </div>
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When did Halloween become all about huge inflatables and yard decor instead of walking from door to door collecting candy?</div>
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What would it be like if you could go back in time to the Halloweens of childhood? What was your favorite costume?</div>
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Maybe that's why truck or treat events have become so popular. Parents are trying to recreate the Halloweens of years gone by.</div>
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I don't know about you, but all of this over the top Halloween stuff makes me feel a little bit like Grumpy Cat. </div>
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Halloween has changed a lot through the years. But for many of us who are young at heart, Halloween is still all about an evening of fun for kids of all ages.</div>
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Blogging Grandma Sandy, signing off for now with Happy Halloween wishes for one and all!</div>
Sandy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336744991040245663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105758516724561617.post-65487752435949825342015-09-18T06:15:00.003-07:002015-09-18T06:15:49.899-07:00Is a Memory Yours Even if You Don't Remember It?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgncbcq9qd0cCO22tx17Ns4Jvxe7LAMOj3NydSEtyq-g1y9zw00_k7UaWm8RSC1YKAq-J30lwGtbhbzyb2REV-qcv0aWNAnBtwxNR8DfmCMOa82AvoUjehc8P9tV-DdFw7nhMQajLNHh2jO/s1600/1+Ciss+first+Christmas+PICT1359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgncbcq9qd0cCO22tx17Ns4Jvxe7LAMOj3NydSEtyq-g1y9zw00_k7UaWm8RSC1YKAq-J30lwGtbhbzyb2REV-qcv0aWNAnBtwxNR8DfmCMOa82AvoUjehc8P9tV-DdFw7nhMQajLNHh2jO/s400/1+Ciss+first+Christmas+PICT1359.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Is a memory still yours even if you don't remember it? I definitely don't remember being a tiny baby on my first Christmas, but here I am -- lying in a car bed with my parents' Nativity in the background.</div>
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My older siblings remember this family trip to Disneyland and claim that I cried the entire time, but I'm not crying in this picture. For the record, I don't remember anything about this trip!</div>
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I don't remember my second Christmas any better than my first Christmas, but it seems like I really enjoyed this toy!</div>
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Although I remember my Dad's 1957 Chevy station wagon, I don't remember posing for this picture while hanging out the window of the car.</div>
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I don't remember most of the houses we lived in while my Dad was in the Army, but my older siblings remember many details of the places we lived.</div>
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We were crossing the English Channel in this picture, but I don't remember the boat ride. Of course, I brought Black Nose Doggy with me because he went absolutely EVERYWHERE I went.</div>
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I totally remember snuggling with Black Nose Doggy -- and White Blankie -- but I don't remember the clothes I was wearing in this photo.</div>
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I always loved dogs, whether they were real dogs like my grandparents' dog Chet or stuffed dogs like this pink dog. You guessed it -- I don't remember receiving this dog for Christmas.</div>
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I remember my brother Pat being little. I don't remember him sitting in our family high chair, but we all did -- and so did many of our children.</div>
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I don't remember sitting on the stairs, don't know what we were doing or why, but I do remember always having a lot of fun with my brothers.</div>
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I remember a few trips to Wisconsin to visit our grandparents. We always played cards on Grandma and Grandpa's front porch, even though I don't remember posing for this photo.</div>
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This series of photos of me with my two younger brothers was the idea behind this blog. I remember absolutely nothing about visiting the traveling Sinclair Dinosaur Exhibit in the late 1960s. I don't remember Dad buying us -- and my stuffed Rin-Tin-Tin -- these cute Sinclair jackets, don't know where we were when we visited this exhibit and only know about the Sinclair Dinosaur Exhibit because of the wonders of Google searches.</div>
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I don't remember this photo, but do remember hanging upside down from the clothesline pole in my parents' back yard. I wonder if my baby sister remembers laughing at me.</div>
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You'd think I'd remember 8th grade graduation, but I only have fuzzy memories most likely only remembered because there are photos of the event. I look dazed in this photo with my celebration cake. Maybe I'm wondering if I'll remember this date 40 plus years later.</div>
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Well, what do you think? Is a memory still yours even if you don't remember it? My answer is yes. The good, the bad, the memorable and the forgotten memories -- they are all a part of who I am.</div>
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Until the next time, I'll take what I can get when I can get it and do the best I can to face each day with a smile on my face, a prayer on my lips and a song in my heart. </div>
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Blogging Grandma Sandy, signing off for now.</div>
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Sandy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336744991040245663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105758516724561617.post-18030613954238995812015-08-17T03:51:00.003-07:002015-08-17T03:51:45.837-07:00First Day of School Memories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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25 years ago, I sent my baby girl off </div>
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To her first day of kindergarten.</div>
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Today my grown-up baby girl</div>
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Sends her baby girl off to kindergarten.</div>
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There are no photos from my first day of school</div>
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So many years ago.</div>
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Too young for kindergarten in one place</div>
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Too old in the next so I headed to first grade.</div>
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Kindergarten changes life forever</div>
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From home, parents and siblings.</div>
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To a much bigger world</div>
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With teachers and friends.</div>
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The lazy flip-flop days of summer</div>
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Give way to school, homework and schedules.</div>
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Daydreaming afternoons of fun</div>
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Fade into paying attention to teacher's words.</div>
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No more will my granddaughter be</div>
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The little girl waiting for the bus</div>
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To bring her big brother back home</div>
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Like her mom waited for her big sister.</div>
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Instead, she'll be one of 'them'</div>
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Those big school kids.</div>
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Shaped and molded with her teacher's love</div>
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To try new things and make new friends.</div>
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She already knows her way around school</div>
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Like her mom did back in the day</div>
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She already knows the kindergarten teacher</div>
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They're special 'water girl' friends. </div>
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She'll take the bus each afternoon</div>
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After being a car rider in the mornings.</div>
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Making new friends along the way</div>
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As the wheels on the bus go round and round.</div>
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So many adventures await her</div>
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From field trips to dress-up days and more.</div>
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As she learns so many new things</div>
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Just like her mother before her.</div>
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The days will pass -- oh so quickly</div>
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From grade school to middle and high.</div>
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As she makes memories she'll treasure</div>
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With friends she'll love evermore.</div>
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More quickly than the blink of an eye</div>
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She'll be wearing her own cap and gown.</div>
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But for today, she'll kiss Mommy and Daddy</div>
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As she embraces the new adventure.</div>
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With love from Blogging Grandma Sandy</div>
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To our sweet princess and her Mommy</div>
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On her first day of 'big kid' school</div>
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August 17, 2015</div>
Sandy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336744991040245663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105758516724561617.post-5371629074948036492015-07-18T03:02:00.000-07:002015-07-18T03:02:08.714-07:00Taking a Trip Down Memory Lane<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm taking a trip down memory lane</div>
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To the girl I used to be</div>
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Back in my high school days</div>
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When I was so young and free</div>
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If you remember me from back in the day</div>
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This is the girl you knew</div>
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Forty years have flown right by</div>
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And I probably don't remember you</div>
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Lots has happened to me since then</div>
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Some was good and some bad</div>
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I'm no longer that crazy wild teen</div>
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Who got in trouble from Mom and Dad </div>
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I married once after school was done</div>
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I moved away, far from home</div>
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Left Mom and Dad and siblings behind</div>
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To Virginia I did roam</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgReLVeLety82Z2ZYH8smdz734CslJlnOs76pxgAPGZXCfu3Vosg2WSTQWxDgll_S4xRLu5bkf2NDRyRuj7BNa_bxlrPlXmitT15B1ckoiFOEolsW19B-YngD50lX_W9GO1g5VKUxkHvmPL/s1600/Me+with+the+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgReLVeLety82Z2ZYH8smdz734CslJlnOs76pxgAPGZXCfu3Vosg2WSTQWxDgll_S4xRLu5bkf2NDRyRuj7BNa_bxlrPlXmitT15B1ckoiFOEolsW19B-YngD50lX_W9GO1g5VKUxkHvmPL/s400/Me+with+the+kids.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I raised three kids, the lights of my life</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of them I'm so very proud</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hang out with me for more than a few</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And you'll hear me bragging about them loud</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGSC0dVlwmSHKtDiUO3jhs401TwhNDozlsmvI6DRW73JkyQnkLoMwmktM3pHNxqwUP4YyS7Z6JhhK6t3PsTxxM33-QlrbrGSZqQUvmI4VtzmrVvBRF-YMIEQIXWwrtD_FySmYp5qLASss/s1600/Me+and+Kenny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGSC0dVlwmSHKtDiUO3jhs401TwhNDozlsmvI6DRW73JkyQnkLoMwmktM3pHNxqwUP4YyS7Z6JhhK6t3PsTxxM33-QlrbrGSZqQUvmI4VtzmrVvBRF-YMIEQIXWwrtD_FySmYp5qLASss/s400/Me+and+Kenny.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I've since divorced and married again</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You'll soon meet my husband Kenny</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When I married him 15 years ago</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Two more children made five - more than plenty</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqxsaS6E7qa-YyN2i6xY-XuAj1ePpBYgOBNef6tvfW-mVoLyXOewsKlAyzmYd-VNNUUR5BPLlzBycq53JDLCX8qSXExu35lWbCtbLcfHgOiusr5Yar-LbQLbpoW9KgzOG_nIHRAISQYlz/s1600/003.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqxsaS6E7qa-YyN2i6xY-XuAj1ePpBYgOBNef6tvfW-mVoLyXOewsKlAyzmYd-VNNUUR5BPLlzBycq53JDLCX8qSXExu35lWbCtbLcfHgOiusr5Yar-LbQLbpoW9KgzOG_nIHRAISQYlz/s400/003.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mom and Dad have left us now</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's been a difficult year</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My mother-in-law followed them home</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So sometimes it's hard to be filled with cheer</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHBr_loZURJGt3TgN4jgeK0V1WzDXOSYbYNbadyNPU4GuOiY8d_C99M27kv7vtYsRK0ERwp_FqB-e6WBpAc945VM5Axky0YpTKmWZJ30kIoJdJ5nBO7FjsvmOC-S9ru4OkxQgSDPEqmNa/s1600/Me+Kenny+and+5+kids+2000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHBr_loZURJGt3TgN4jgeK0V1WzDXOSYbYNbadyNPU4GuOiY8d_C99M27kv7vtYsRK0ERwp_FqB-e6WBpAc945VM5Axky0YpTKmWZJ30kIoJdJ5nBO7FjsvmOC-S9ru4OkxQgSDPEqmNa/s400/Me+Kenny+and+5+kids+2000.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Our kids have grown and have kids of their own</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our three grandkids are the greatest gift of all</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm now the family midget</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our kids have all grown so tall</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOYZNk_MuGwvY9LpBNMrL1fq9GEak7KAuRLT08mZQp2tqDegluHpkgBsqaOA28d-ZQWRYnVYJtNSvy5l_asMTEWlxjk4HIpuTrg8C_j3jfB1ZndbNFbD9HPpz0taFuucN3dSKBrbNQ9w3/s1600/Kenny+me+3+grads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOYZNk_MuGwvY9LpBNMrL1fq9GEak7KAuRLT08mZQp2tqDegluHpkgBsqaOA28d-ZQWRYnVYJtNSvy5l_asMTEWlxjk4HIpuTrg8C_j3jfB1ZndbNFbD9HPpz0taFuucN3dSKBrbNQ9w3/s400/Kenny+me+3+grads.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Our three youngest kids made us so proud</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As college grads they became</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All graduating the same year</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Working their way to fortune and fame</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As we start the day and head down the road</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We'll soon be back in town</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No more science and math, just hanging with friends</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From 1975 - the best LHS class around</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sandy Atkins Bottoms-Wallace</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
LHS Class of 1975</div>
Sandy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336744991040245663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105758516724561617.post-80623437786847198582015-07-04T04:20:00.001-07:002015-07-04T04:20:57.532-07:00Happy Birthday to America!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPb6VFJBQFfy2jkekaHaAPj2E4JO3OL6aAa4WrPj5K9_qUx9WAZjZnAVbkqZnAZFlFyij1W5SBLt60ao-jXJdxkw98VKe0rPB6P7M7wcSJs-nAwHU3ZLWoOIGYWUasi1VeiQOrJA9Qcjbr/s1600/American+flags+flying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPb6VFJBQFfy2jkekaHaAPj2E4JO3OL6aAa4WrPj5K9_qUx9WAZjZnAVbkqZnAZFlFyij1W5SBLt60ao-jXJdxkw98VKe0rPB6P7M7wcSJs-nAwHU3ZLWoOIGYWUasi1VeiQOrJA9Qcjbr/s400/American+flags+flying.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy 239th Birthday to America!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Long may our flag wave</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A symbol of our freedom</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Won by the blood of those who served</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQITOBdHu3kaar_BrBYQj6-CWGEzL7b24wxEvVEmcqBJruqtmc3GZ1s7ZEmONHzWK1_lag_UJ1WsTAczozWrXzDt2B1qtIw-cTtZSwe1bdYRAzqmHcFoVdSJylsFay33rrDCUswdECZzG/s1600/Arlington+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQITOBdHu3kaar_BrBYQj6-CWGEzL7b24wxEvVEmcqBJruqtmc3GZ1s7ZEmONHzWK1_lag_UJ1WsTAczozWrXzDt2B1qtIw-cTtZSwe1bdYRAzqmHcFoVdSJylsFay33rrDCUswdECZzG/s400/Arlington+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The price of freedom can be seen </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At Arlington National Cemetery</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJfNzCpS6xN2JQv82c1hedU_8sInL9jxCVFctP25wQKZjxIuLYSMT6zSTPAlzgGNTR8iwvnWS5wb8VhK5qQnGn7KajicnLk8cZnUi3IYH5lOiSMB7gauA5AmGHmaqbdcT7zO0AW23zwqb/s1600/Arlington+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJfNzCpS6xN2JQv82c1hedU_8sInL9jxCVFctP25wQKZjxIuLYSMT6zSTPAlzgGNTR8iwvnWS5wb8VhK5qQnGn7KajicnLk8cZnUi3IYH5lOiSMB7gauA5AmGHmaqbdcT7zO0AW23zwqb/s400/Arlington+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Row upon row of graves </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Marked with the names of heroes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jDBX5joVEv0JeWTLJWW99ARO2b3B_JP9EYG2pgwnnmiIXs0Ba9YfbHCvK7QDqrsiVF55n3l198JQpkJGQZqwe67EZe6JRYtwQTBZqVuDEwDzO74oK1c9KXgcENGUqNyyy4Yqp5g_y3J9/s1600/Arlington+Changing+of+the+Guard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jDBX5joVEv0JeWTLJWW99ARO2b3B_JP9EYG2pgwnnmiIXs0Ba9YfbHCvK7QDqrsiVF55n3l198JQpkJGQZqwe67EZe6JRYtwQTBZqVuDEwDzO74oK1c9KXgcENGUqNyyy4Yqp5g_y3J9/s400/Arlington+Changing+of+the+Guard.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Where the Old Guard honors the memory of the Unknowns</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHhyphenhyphen9Av8Y4_lD7qXfmh0oPXp6DtgBk_A1cWRone90D9QExM8lgP4nHlans_YcCAzRJdyD94ZcZCCIUvWE6-K7JHeyNBI-IjXe1SccaQXo2A25fOLxpSzAxFlb2YiAJVikOVaykghNMhZK/s1600/Arlington+TAPS+wreath+1+low+res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHhyphenhyphen9Av8Y4_lD7qXfmh0oPXp6DtgBk_A1cWRone90D9QExM8lgP4nHlans_YcCAzRJdyD94ZcZCCIUvWE6-K7JHeyNBI-IjXe1SccaQXo2A25fOLxpSzAxFlb2YiAJVikOVaykghNMhZK/s400/Arlington+TAPS+wreath+1+low+res.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The price of freedom is seen in the faces of children</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whose parents paid the ultimate sacrifice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The cost of our freedom</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJcrHN-tbhgz1X762CsJJleKHzadh8p6zJcoK79HbetWGtD8CKEj6gDJFlDlFKMfnwWxSlqnJpM6J8rL7ZCfMC7wF1dYAViEauXzoukDaaQwZgIaw_4FDIwLU7jYHyJxtOL-UuCvJIogX/s1600/antique+tractor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJcrHN-tbhgz1X762CsJJleKHzadh8p6zJcoK79HbetWGtD8CKEj6gDJFlDlFKMfnwWxSlqnJpM6J8rL7ZCfMC7wF1dYAViEauXzoukDaaQwZgIaw_4FDIwLU7jYHyJxtOL-UuCvJIogX/s400/antique+tractor.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We are free to fly the flag of freedom</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Free to march or ride in parades</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Free to set off fireworks </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even in our own back yards</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91XGSOXwHAT-6bp_bWkUM3_5pwzYIrulix5qYoNyd_BIPVDnIHeD2r7kMwKQHeR2JOXgJknjAARHMPeNZMueHZWHs45V8tef5PSxx0YXlUU841A4mLibJjSGHW499MG4Sxg4nA9X3KrQl/s1600/red+white+and+blue+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91XGSOXwHAT-6bp_bWkUM3_5pwzYIrulix5qYoNyd_BIPVDnIHeD2r7kMwKQHeR2JOXgJknjAARHMPeNZMueHZWHs45V8tef5PSxx0YXlUU841A4mLibJjSGHW499MG4Sxg4nA9X3KrQl/s400/red+white+and+blue+table.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Free to host a cookout</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Free to spend time with family and friends</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Free to enjoy a baseball game</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And stay for the fireworks show that follows</div>
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<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The flag we wear on our chest</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or painted on our face</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWxI8ax9A15GnQWU_NJngJMD3MNtjgdflv7xw5c-Fp4tdst4FMHnuu-XHrH5kSRUDW-lVQosWARJ3MT9CUo5TaJA4uFV8yjCm5uDhKQCcRIk8PZhFzG6T6afSFH_fezJQF03dji62nJxb/s1600/photos+of+our+heroes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWxI8ax9A15GnQWU_NJngJMD3MNtjgdflv7xw5c-Fp4tdst4FMHnuu-XHrH5kSRUDW-lVQosWARJ3MT9CUo5TaJA4uFV8yjCm5uDhKQCcRIk8PZhFzG6T6afSFH_fezJQF03dji62nJxb/s400/photos+of+our+heroes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The flag of freedom</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Carried by generations of heroes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As they marched off to war</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Far from home and family</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Freedom is not free</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our heroes know the cost</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The cost of freedom</div>
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Paid by their blood and sacrifice</div>
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The brave men and women who served in Korea</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
More than nameless faces etched on a wall</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The debt for our freedom</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Can never be repaid</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
As we celebrate freedom</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In our own special way</div>
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We sing patriotic songs</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And gather with our friends</div>
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Teach our children to honor this country</div>
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And to always let freedom ring</div>
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The price of freedom can be seen</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the faces of our veterans</div>
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In the scars they carry</div>
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And the memories they can't escape</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhFS-l_EJXSVEFmzzZ5xxcILFMrOquRpnyuU1tQ97VWtgBmmkTZioCF8HrI4n3-T83ptHXBwlugaIWnA7Zp0X_rl-NowSYe22hurXUX75u8RDoXAtZkzxpR5Cp34Luy9Zux1N0ZRLWU4r/s1600/Valor%252C+Fidelity%252C+Sacrifice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhFS-l_EJXSVEFmzzZ5xxcILFMrOquRpnyuU1tQ97VWtgBmmkTZioCF8HrI4n3-T83ptHXBwlugaIWnA7Zp0X_rl-NowSYe22hurXUX75u8RDoXAtZkzxpR5Cp34Luy9Zux1N0ZRLWU4r/s400/Valor%252C+Fidelity%252C+Sacrifice.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As battle raged all around</div>
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They cared for each another </div>
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Like the brothers they became</div>
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Leaving no man behind</div>
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Never forgetting those who didn't come home</div>
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Names written on scores of dog tags</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQ7v_A8YJCSiA-IAnBh1N8UgawOc5IU2eycxBq2FXCInf-o1bgt2AcSrS9nVfpaKCXYw-7KkAjWEeyWaaAkPZfuHcwU8JNdaLR5lYOKiABj3Qvj8kqm0syyElDxND8bbrmoewUlNvHAdC/s1600/Vietnam+Memorial+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQ7v_A8YJCSiA-IAnBh1N8UgawOc5IU2eycxBq2FXCInf-o1bgt2AcSrS9nVfpaKCXYw-7KkAjWEeyWaaAkPZfuHcwU8JNdaLR5lYOKiABj3Qvj8kqm0syyElDxND8bbrmoewUlNvHAdC/s400/Vietnam+Memorial+9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Names etched in the memories of their brothers</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And forever remembered on memorial walls </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
They gave us the land of the free</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By their sacrifices and bravery</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2MG_i2GbWCaUakNxaJXmres0cJn4jKXjd9Qtvz0vuhbCPpB8p76nAZeY7FtCR93yqcynhHhCqka_j-OvSmI7B_5n7p3kKBo7kQFQh5iPxlyWop39qpyFy_PAmFzryP0DWSSEUJRWRe3kr/s1600/Vietnam+Memorial+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2MG_i2GbWCaUakNxaJXmres0cJn4jKXjd9Qtvz0vuhbCPpB8p76nAZeY7FtCR93yqcynhHhCqka_j-OvSmI7B_5n7p3kKBo7kQFQh5iPxlyWop39qpyFy_PAmFzryP0DWSSEUJRWRe3kr/s400/Vietnam+Memorial+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Leaving behind those they loved</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All in the name of freedom</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxHupE_DuoXM-_e8AcDtXPkXuRSpDw5AncvjJjSeW9bXFDuoUAROUacvTQtw5K_QorFupaQG73dPHOzPqpJWWaylJYDRvxYfrxATpodKyxPxmYtRY8fPlyPl_7yfpYmO__2ReNX0-b2ke/s1600/Parade+holding+flags+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxHupE_DuoXM-_e8AcDtXPkXuRSpDw5AncvjJjSeW9bXFDuoUAROUacvTQtw5K_QorFupaQG73dPHOzPqpJWWaylJYDRvxYfrxATpodKyxPxmYtRY8fPlyPl_7yfpYmO__2ReNX0-b2ke/s400/Parade+holding+flags+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
So line the streets and celebrate freedom</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From sea to shining sea</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With voices raised and flags waving</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Celebrating freedom for you and me!</div>
Sandy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336744991040245663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105758516724561617.post-14250948613232772362015-06-21T04:17:00.000-07:002015-06-21T04:17:29.860-07:00To My Dad, My Hero<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgCwLFhsxhYYDP-oEWZXzVfSfI6A3GDqb2LflclaRhNegk86EJqLXnIPVk7QyAkpNCB0ZMQqmXVUHooLV7dCdxosndzApnH1VJRizTF07UfPdNzDd3qHmZ6sFTH9SPQwN2UZrYttsPMBU/s1600/Dad+page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgCwLFhsxhYYDP-oEWZXzVfSfI6A3GDqb2LflclaRhNegk86EJqLXnIPVk7QyAkpNCB0ZMQqmXVUHooLV7dCdxosndzApnH1VJRizTF07UfPdNzDd3qHmZ6sFTH9SPQwN2UZrYttsPMBU/s400/Dad+page.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">I miss you every day, Dad<br />But today's a special day<br />A year ago today you left this earth<br />Following Mom along Heaven's way</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUhfryyhffadOEulW0tFcVureTCxITDHFjGzAfEuV16b221GxNt2c9Vdb7Aw13VT_Wgj4YaxjB49lW53orbQE0R0qkUwqSDfj3NyoX9gZyuNwx9u3j2znt-n6mS6LcSVAbHGiEanBtcZ6/s1600/001.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUhfryyhffadOEulW0tFcVureTCxITDHFjGzAfEuV16b221GxNt2c9Vdb7Aw13VT_Wgj4YaxjB49lW53orbQE0R0qkUwqSDfj3NyoX9gZyuNwx9u3j2znt-n6mS6LcSVAbHGiEanBtcZ6/s400/001.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">You taught us many lessons<br />By the way you lived your life<br />About courage and love and duty<br />Helping others and dealing with strife.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGJfJraw6mfmrPpp3pCdiCqiNKAny65_8gScHv0dM4gQ1-cDrNaYBCYP3l_wxPiBnS2wkbYR_gHx1BfM2jFtslAp0oUiQX4C7tkSaqN-qlLO0DB_8hvRu3QnEZT_c543rNFtq_H_sNyVb/s1600/2+Dad+in+uniform.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGJfJraw6mfmrPpp3pCdiCqiNKAny65_8gScHv0dM4gQ1-cDrNaYBCYP3l_wxPiBnS2wkbYR_gHx1BfM2jFtslAp0oUiQX4C7tkSaqN-qlLO0DB_8hvRu3QnEZT_c543rNFtq_H_sNyVb/s400/2+Dad+in+uniform.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">You answered freedom's call like many others<br />Although you were just a young man<br />Bravely walking into the face of danger<br />Always ready with a plan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">In World War II, Korea and Vietnam<br />Your country you proudly served<br />Fighting for the rights of others<br />And for freedom to be preserved.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMM_sWAgzv4lFyx2_AuukCwis1Grjve-fwsaPozS2uHYYGiNmFHl6GIe_zKq7Zsuj1KDwDCxmjpcwxYvolZbKrbGPwj98Sz_jSizinlAAVEZMvuGIZWHpBvYtMkbT0houi34spMFEwIKeO/s1600/Dad+Butch+Ciss.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMM_sWAgzv4lFyx2_AuukCwis1Grjve-fwsaPozS2uHYYGiNmFHl6GIe_zKq7Zsuj1KDwDCxmjpcwxYvolZbKrbGPwj98Sz_jSizinlAAVEZMvuGIZWHpBvYtMkbT0houi34spMFEwIKeO/s400/Dad+Butch+Ciss.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Kids don't know much about heroes<br />Or why dads do the things they do<br />But any kid can tell you<br />A Dad's love is always true.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">You taught us about love of family<br />And to look out for each other<br />But whenever we asked for anything<br />You told us, "Go ask your mother."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Your love for Mom ran deep<br />More deep than we could know<br />As she slipped away into God's embrace<br />You knew it was your time to go.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-AL1m5jXkAHpFbM0YY9YlY-vjo1vaUD7mAES47SMMzoagz3PtmEBlKgqidTwIaZumvkY5H6589IJjkdqi1oQ3sAKatN4YyGVEJ0WtjYCuLoGQzoUg4LgVoCvlB5i44SRh6zkKc1nsA8Z/s1600/In+loving+memory+on+Father%2527s+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-AL1m5jXkAHpFbM0YY9YlY-vjo1vaUD7mAES47SMMzoagz3PtmEBlKgqidTwIaZumvkY5H6589IJjkdqi1oQ3sAKatN4YyGVEJ0WtjYCuLoGQzoUg4LgVoCvlB5i44SRh6zkKc1nsA8Z/s400/In+loving+memory+on+Father%2527s+Day.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">On Father's Day I thank you<br />For gifts of life, courage, strength and love<br />As you celebrate in Heaven<br />My special angel up above.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYYfS0AEhKwxgZivO3HLKfJx8R7tXyB8PCvXX4raz3QqWfkQ7ooubXhN6vS4dpGXNsP6tK1xKGSyceJw6d5Mqo_zvFsmMgFnsOaoWVvTJLXp15wTXIIcnujPu0G7V2nCujEt6msIMUFRV/s1600/7+Dad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYYfS0AEhKwxgZivO3HLKfJx8R7tXyB8PCvXX4raz3QqWfkQ7ooubXhN6vS4dpGXNsP6tK1xKGSyceJw6d5Mqo_zvFsmMgFnsOaoWVvTJLXp15wTXIIcnujPu0G7V2nCujEt6msIMUFRV/s400/7+Dad.JPG" width="288" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Dad, save a place for me up there<br />Put in a good word for me too<br />Someday I'll be singing "Almost Home"<br />As I prepare to join God, Mom and you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">I remember precious memories<br />You're always in my heart<br />Someday we'll be together again<br />Though for today, we are apart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">You set an example of family life<br />And taught me what to do<br />To raise my kids to be good people<br />Who help others - just like you.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhheNe9sy3Vj2J9LqIcGRzuQfYP4CHRekidcTUSqpxvedl43Ai4AfBtFL49xttQLuF9f2Kzi1lO_pFlImHXlQ3xjcLbjpv_l0neAA733ds8_wVcpv7o4_U0jZzM4WwcqL3dblpDw8oRLqB_/s1600/300914_10150270962123547_1579082_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhheNe9sy3Vj2J9LqIcGRzuQfYP4CHRekidcTUSqpxvedl43Ai4AfBtFL49xttQLuF9f2Kzi1lO_pFlImHXlQ3xjcLbjpv_l0neAA733ds8_wVcpv7o4_U0jZzM4WwcqL3dblpDw8oRLqB_/s400/300914_10150270962123547_1579082_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Thanks for everything, Daddy<br />Your love and the lessons too<br />I'll hold you always deep in my heart<br />And strive to be just like you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Loved and missed always, but forever in my heart<br />XOXOXO <br />Love, Ciss</span></div>
Sandy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336744991040245663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105758516724561617.post-54870603303556459522015-06-12T05:17:00.000-07:002015-06-12T05:17:43.913-07:00Happy First Birthday in Heaven, Dad!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtEIfWasKrxH5TMdb0-6DF9l1pRCUDC5uAaAKtpugWZ1qPrFbT_MNh7Ciqxthj_fluIjjiHvD-Kw5PFTlZ4C4b3uh9MwIuqeu-3Es-izse7JycCOxv1I0yVuFBOxMJSlPOMi8gdqtuaXe/s1600/300914_10150270962123547_1579082_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtEIfWasKrxH5TMdb0-6DF9l1pRCUDC5uAaAKtpugWZ1qPrFbT_MNh7Ciqxthj_fluIjjiHvD-Kw5PFTlZ4C4b3uh9MwIuqeu-3Es-izse7JycCOxv1I0yVuFBOxMJSlPOMi8gdqtuaXe/s400/300914_10150270962123547_1579082_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Happy First Birthday in Heaven, Dad!</div>
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Today's your special day</div>
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We remember past birthdays here on earth</div>
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Celebrations with balloons, cake and ice cream</div>
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You had the strength to fight for your country</div>
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And to uphold freedom for the oppressed</div>
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You also had the tenderness and love</div>
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To show your family that you cared</div>
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Raised in a family of brothers</div>
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You rose to the challenge</div>
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Of helping raise daughters and sons</div>
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In places near and far</div>
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Our father, our Daddy, our hero</div>
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Words can't begin to say</div>
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What you meant to all of us</div>
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The family who celebrate you today</div>
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We grew from little boys and girls</div>
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To adults who understand</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That all of our days are numbered</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As we embrace precious memories</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFh6myj3QxyyJiNHOb9Xki2cSBZjGubl0MBtMlk1u26Bac1-qUX_vbaHtKz-HP6zoesDAryA6T1CNrf6xwfjPlE78EE5Fv-lXv5p_5UqSPVi5RL6V0PAQCguo-45LfbgOatacSD75fIWeW/s1600/God+saw+him+geetting+tired.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFh6myj3QxyyJiNHOb9Xki2cSBZjGubl0MBtMlk1u26Bac1-qUX_vbaHtKz-HP6zoesDAryA6T1CNrf6xwfjPlE78EE5Fv-lXv5p_5UqSPVi5RL6V0PAQCguo-45LfbgOatacSD75fIWeW/s400/God+saw+him+geetting+tired.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As your days on earth faded away</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We gathered close to you</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From your courage</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We drew our strength</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As you travel Heaven's pathways</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To places we can't see</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We proceed to trek along</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Holding you always in our hearts</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We'll celebrate your special day</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With cake and ice cream too</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As all of us hold close</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cherished memories of you</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEism1F21wKLu95zhzH6ykQKORD2YZwygW93U-r9JVMU1_5ejCN69_PHTdmmWynqr4fS1Dw8lr_RWveAgTwP4fS2oPQgDTZaAIaApcJGodjoKDNwBqfPwl6mFImDeZA1hxjxTeoimmSzls_Z/s1600/37+Dad+and+Mom+at+IC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEism1F21wKLu95zhzH6ykQKORD2YZwygW93U-r9JVMU1_5ejCN69_PHTdmmWynqr4fS1Dw8lr_RWveAgTwP4fS2oPQgDTZaAIaApcJGodjoKDNwBqfPwl6mFImDeZA1hxjxTeoimmSzls_Z/s400/37+Dad+and+Mom+at+IC.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Your last birthday on earth</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Was marred by sadness and tears</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But now you and Mom are together</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Eternally celebrating through the years</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Birthday, Daddy!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Loved and missed always</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In God's eternal embrace</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And always in our hearts. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- With love from your family</div>
Sandy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336744991040245663noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105758516724561617.post-80258552612133029532015-06-04T23:36:00.001-07:002015-06-04T23:36:39.916-07:00Celebrating Mom: Cherished Memories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gQCPn3YJ-igTvc6kowxKy7UZqBzVuKuymV86IAYe4757aVyNyx2Jc6tz1GEHMzg6DKwgpaeMub_Pi90qTdo6zgBEeK4YNLEbp7QT6RSb19v_lPEP1JmKGa1UYnWpzdJVLR7qLRz13oCe/s1600/36+100_5629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gQCPn3YJ-igTvc6kowxKy7UZqBzVuKuymV86IAYe4757aVyNyx2Jc6tz1GEHMzg6DKwgpaeMub_Pi90qTdo6zgBEeK4YNLEbp7QT6RSb19v_lPEP1JmKGa1UYnWpzdJVLR7qLRz13oCe/s640/36+100_5629.JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Today marks my Mom's one year angelversary. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On June 5, 2014, Mom slipped out from the chains of this world</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and marched joyfully into her eternal home.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It still seems impossible sometimes that my Mom isn't with us. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She planned to live to 120, but that wasn't God's plan for Mom.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know I'll shed some tears today</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've already shed a few</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The tears are about me, Mom</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and not at all about you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You're done with your journey -- you finished the race</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know there's a smile upon your face</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While all of us who you left behind</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Feel so alone and out of place.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just for today, I promise I'll try</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To cherish the memories as I wipe tears from my eye</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'll celebrate who you were and all that you loved</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And try to stay busy so I won't sit and cry.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You loved all of your children</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And our kids and grandkids too</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Your God and the Girl Scouts</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And the kids up at school</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You loved Snoopy, Coke and ice cream</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
KFC and little boxes of juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Playing with babies</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And walking downtown</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Working your puzzles</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And word searches too</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqjVO6kuhvYJN5UCI2wDnJ54nPaARmEBjYIhIE4vh0tecrmSNcgs7Zpx7Oo4xd_tFS-I9CLD7-BaxhrGCDm2bxRui9tZxYi4gTeGOqbh9gAIsF-Zm_NjsGboOYn76uL4zWo4zQMForRx9/s1600/5+Joe%252C+Mom%252C+Roy+and+Mary+with+parents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqjVO6kuhvYJN5UCI2wDnJ54nPaARmEBjYIhIE4vh0tecrmSNcgs7Zpx7Oo4xd_tFS-I9CLD7-BaxhrGCDm2bxRui9tZxYi4gTeGOqbh9gAIsF-Zm_NjsGboOYn76uL4zWo4zQMForRx9/s320/5+Joe%252C+Mom%252C+Roy+and+Mary+with+parents.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Your Mom and your Daddy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Brothers, sisters and grandparents too</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of course you loved Daddy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And he loved you too</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We came from that love</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I'll always thank you</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Once a young Mommy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You loved each of us so</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Each of us special to you</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From oldest</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
To youngest</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
And the middle kids too</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
We were a handful together</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some worse than others</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But you were so proud</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That we all called you mother</div>
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<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That twinkle in your eye</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So wonderful to see</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Was reserved for the grandkids</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Who filled your world with glee</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Some of them lived nearby</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And others far away</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But all were Grandma's favorites</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whenever they came to play</div>
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<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
You taught us well, dear Mom</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To make the best of things</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To put our faith always in God</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And know that He's in charge</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To cherish those you love</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And that chocolate's always best</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To light a special candle</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When anyone needs help</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To take time to smell</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The flowers of life</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To take it as it comes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And know that this too shall pass</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Our God is a God of mercy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of hope and of endless love</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our Mom who we all love so much</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Is waiting with Him above </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On your first angel anniversary</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Always in my heart</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Never forgotten</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Always loved</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
XOXO Love, Ciss</div>
Sandy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336744991040245663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105758516724561617.post-15658427441210516752015-06-02T02:36:00.001-07:002015-06-02T02:36:35.393-07:00Mom Showed Me the Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">They say that only a Mom really knows</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">How quickly life moves, how fast time goes.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">From babies to toddlers to school girls and boys</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">Rattles and stuffed animals to being too big for toys.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">Those
older and wiser try to tell the young Mom </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">To live life while they're young, they'll soon be at prom. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">Soon driving and laughing, or texting all day </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">Growing and changing and moving away.</span></div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.8pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">A Mom's
heart breaks with each ache her child feels </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">Though she tries to soften the blows making deals. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">With God or with man or whoever she can </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">To help her son grow up to be a man.</span></div>
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">To moms
everywhere on your own special day </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">Your job is to see your children on their way. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">To manhood and to womanhood too </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">Until you soon have no more job to do.</span></div>
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.8pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">Moms take
the blame for whatever goes wrong </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">And pass out the praise when the boy's big and strong. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">'That's my boy' or 'That girl is mine' </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">Pride in your voice, eyes that do shine.</span></div>
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">As you
look toward your children, now grown </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">You know that you'd give up all that you own. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">To go back in time, if just for a day </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">To a time when the baby in your arms did lay.</span></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">The future
still so far far away </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">For now just only time to play. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">And knowing then what now you know </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">How quickly that little baby would grow.</span></div>
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">A good
Mom works herself out of a job </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">The kids grow up and time does rob </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">The days away and memories too </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">Leaving Mom sometimes sad and blue.</span></div>
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">But don't
despair, Moms here and there </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">Before you know, life will soon be fair. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">When that baby of yours has a baby too </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">For you to hold and rock and sing to.</span></div>
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">That's
what the older ones all know </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">Life's endless circle as little ones grow. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">You've done your job, you did your best </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">And now you've earned your little rest.</span></div>
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">Thanks to
all the Moms, especially mine </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">You raised all eight, should have been nine. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">You saw us all through thick and thin </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">You did it all while wearing a grin.</span></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">Because
you knew our time would come </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">We'd have to let go of our own little ones. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">Wave good-bye and choke back our tears </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">Let them go their own way despite all the fears.</span></div>
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">Thanks
dear Mom for showing me the way </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">And for teaching me how to sing and to play. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">Showing me what a good Mom should do </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">When I grew up, I became just like you. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">- Sandy Wallace, May 2, 2012</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">One of the perks of being a freelance writer is the freedom to write about whatever I want. I originally wrote this poem as a Mother's Day tribute to my Mom, published in May 2012 on the Yahoo Contributor Network. During the month of May 2015, we've made it through two more firsts: the first Mother's Day without our Mom and Mom's first birthday in Heaven. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">They say the first year spent grieving the loss of a loved one is the worst and that the pain lessens with time. Almost a year ago, we said our final good-byes to Mom and Dad. Mom died on June 5, 2014, and Dad followed her to their eternal home just 16 days later on June 21, 2014.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8pt;">As I turned the calendar from May to June this year, those two dates stood out on the calendar as bleak reminders of this grief-filled year. Mom's homegoing took place early in the morning of my younger grandson's sixth birthday. Perhaps this was God's way of giving me a reason to celebrate June 5 each year, instead of just grieving. It seems fitting to republish this tribute as the date of Mom's death approaches.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 26.3999996185303px;">I captured this photo of my Mom on one of my many visits back home. Mom always asked me to call when I was getting close to home so she could be ready and probably so she could be on the front porch waiting for me -- my personal welcome home committee of one. Dad was usually waiting inside, except when he was gone to Boy Scout camp.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 26.3999996185303px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 26.3999996185303px;">This is one of my fondest memories of Mom -- waiting for one of her children to come home. Whether standing on the front porch waiting in the middle of the day or sitting on the living room davenport waiting in the middle of the night, waiting for her kids to come home is just what Mom did.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 26.3999996185303px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 26.3999996185303px;">One of Mom's favorite sayings was, "You take it as it comes." Mom waited for us then as she waits for us now. When my days on earth come to an end, I expect to see Mom waiting for me on the other side -- my personal welcome home committee to Heaven. Until then, I'll take it as it comes. I Love you, Mom! You're loved and missed always.</span></div>
<o:p></o:p></span>Sandy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336744991040245663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105758516724561617.post-23611679040894840252015-05-28T03:44:00.002-07:002015-05-28T03:44:48.820-07:00Happy First Birthday in Heaven, Mom!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
You were smiling on your birthday in this photo five short years ago. You joined us in the birthday song: "Happy Birthday to ME," you sang.<br />
<br />
When I think of you today on your first birthday in Heaven, this is just how I see you -- filled with joy, laughing, singing and happily surrounded by your parents, brothers and many others you love.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I know you're safely home with God, just where you're supposed to be. But that doesn't stop the pain deep in my heart that comes from missing you. </div>
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I think of you in the morning, when each day dawns anew. I think of you in the day, remembering lunch time walks taken while talking with you by phone. I think of you in the evening and when I close my eyes to sleep. You're never far from my thoughts.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
You dropped a penny down to me the day you went away. As the days have passed by, the penny pile has grown -- and includes nickels, dimes and quarters too.</div>
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Some days when I look up to the sky, I see angel clouds or clouds shaped like hearts and I know you're watching over all of us.</div>
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Sometimes I see butterflies -- often in pairs -- dancing in the meadow or flitting from flower to flower. Maybe you've sent them down so I'll feel your love surrounding me.</div>
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I can't send flowers to Heaven, but I'm sure that there's no need. Heaven must be filled with flowers much more beautiful than these. </div>
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Heaven's the perfect place -- more beautiful than we can imagine. How fitting it is that my beautiful Mom is forever at peace in such a wonderful place. None of us knows just what it's like up in your eternal home. Perhaps Heaven is filled with all of your favorite things.</div>
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Maybe there are brownies for breakfast -- or anytime your heart desires. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Perhaps there's a Jayhawk or two to keep you warm.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Heaven may hold a puzzle stockpile to last you through eternity.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjv1nXrTffl56VjIGhF9IP_BcHsyW26Xr6bSfubNS4l3t20qrrDZXPeMkt0Cl6O6d-uVZsLkK78PQw53bO7wcNezHNwItgddHvmhy54gu4e_EnPn7tqxY5uFGkVA8Odea2_v7IrdPDWKn/s1600/0308+Mom+with+Snoopys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjv1nXrTffl56VjIGhF9IP_BcHsyW26Xr6bSfubNS4l3t20qrrDZXPeMkt0Cl6O6d-uVZsLkK78PQw53bO7wcNezHNwItgddHvmhy54gu4e_EnPn7tqxY5uFGkVA8Odea2_v7IrdPDWKn/s400/0308+Mom+with+Snoopys.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There may even be a Snoopy or two up there in Heaven with you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgCcbj0CL2sxzOjKCKwz2dQ9HeTL26JZkJhoJk6z9NgSB4lcWUWUtO8K9qt0Lkm-RlDcIfo1Pa2-wlWDEuQ5JDl7gS0gBaJKjYPWHZ3TwFS0XRVGUDk7bI_ByIlD4iKUrKS-RZooyCYfM/s1600/252+Mom+with+KFC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgCcbj0CL2sxzOjKCKwz2dQ9HeTL26JZkJhoJk6z9NgSB4lcWUWUtO8K9qt0Lkm-RlDcIfo1Pa2-wlWDEuQ5JDl7gS0gBaJKjYPWHZ3TwFS0XRVGUDk7bI_ByIlD4iKUrKS-RZooyCYfM/s400/252+Mom+with+KFC.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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Maybe there's KFC up there for you to enjoy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqGGI0hsV_Oi-LhjP1uc6XmOKr6n08wwT3wjCYfbkTCZFUDniKe0H6DKV9JPX5sEOZCTsAfeONjoT6slbCvJFXAGub1HUxqjhzCKEUeM5fKu6zZ3hBfYUMihbaeR2l1WQKJFkZD3Gj0m3/s1600/Me+and+Mom+on+porch+cropped+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqGGI0hsV_Oi-LhjP1uc6XmOKr6n08wwT3wjCYfbkTCZFUDniKe0H6DKV9JPX5sEOZCTsAfeONjoT6slbCvJFXAGub1HUxqjhzCKEUeM5fKu6zZ3hBfYUMihbaeR2l1WQKJFkZD3Gj0m3/s400/Me+and+Mom+on+porch+cropped+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Coke in Heaven? Who knows -- but whether or not there's Coke up there, I'm sure that you're wearing that same big smile. Because to be in God's presence is certainly worth smiling about.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgteUw-hfQB8I-rFsg9QZgwPFGhJYE66adUONa4cKFZxQI2V-MoXSbeHlzb3g7i4rG3sEyEqSGOYHMLcZRoK0U9eCfTZYZqGNiLXFFZlIb9LEI3AcgFdqXqwynkHxmUKqofmhLlhpg5G9jG/s1600/Spring+at+the+National+Arboretum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgteUw-hfQB8I-rFsg9QZgwPFGhJYE66adUONa4cKFZxQI2V-MoXSbeHlzb3g7i4rG3sEyEqSGOYHMLcZRoK0U9eCfTZYZqGNiLXFFZlIb9LEI3AcgFdqXqwynkHxmUKqofmhLlhpg5G9jG/s400/Spring+at+the+National+Arboretum.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The streets of Heaven may be paved with gold, but maybe there's springtime flowers too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-aR6OFpbZzX6ABbaJ-K4a0QzajRpqPLWxvPqipzoovgkPdUwoTOwav9r0s_XKBk6d1bHti1u7pb2ZtTByn3x7C6mArENAlrBe_kY7UvWHifXUGOiLSavKQU9nDzBpdTewluhnjP5gNx7/s1600/Scan1_0001second+%252821%2529+Mom+in+Wisconsin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-aR6OFpbZzX6ABbaJ-K4a0QzajRpqPLWxvPqipzoovgkPdUwoTOwav9r0s_XKBk6d1bHti1u7pb2ZtTByn3x7C6mArENAlrBe_kY7UvWHifXUGOiLSavKQU9nDzBpdTewluhnjP5gNx7/s400/Scan1_0001second+%252821%2529+Mom+in+Wisconsin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We miss you here every day, but you're finally reunited with so many of those you've loved and missed for years.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1IIMHEj34y-mQwCqiy_beu7xy98Gcti1bmPFw1vRd-xkdlisyUThMOXGtVNcXR3PWvVBE5iXYS0YBSHkFO3tMc6pU4sk_A6Vu9OYTNijnq6QbWkBUob1yn9hMUhWQmjZx1QKSsFlwh1I/s1600/hanging+basket+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1IIMHEj34y-mQwCqiy_beu7xy98Gcti1bmPFw1vRd-xkdlisyUThMOXGtVNcXR3PWvVBE5iXYS0YBSHkFO3tMc6pU4sk_A6Vu9OYTNijnq6QbWkBUob1yn9hMUhWQmjZx1QKSsFlwh1I/s400/hanging+basket+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's flowers for you to enjoy, Mom<br />
All of your favorite colors are here<br />
As I look at flowers in my garden<br />
I feel your presence here.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzSMGb9JiJ_N7HUZdZeOvHNbTNpJQ2yxM5ZbBxJG0lgXcyEEp_Sg4JzdD2GpgywE3O7jtUFFKfhL3ShHWZvpAhS8hsy2s7S0H3hV52V4I7WCbolNYMFH_v68OGg7Cw3K_yW2AiF2nWLuF/s1600/Happy+Birthday+Snoopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzSMGb9JiJ_N7HUZdZeOvHNbTNpJQ2yxM5ZbBxJG0lgXcyEEp_Sg4JzdD2GpgywE3O7jtUFFKfhL3ShHWZvpAhS8hsy2s7S0H3hV52V4I7WCbolNYMFH_v68OGg7Cw3K_yW2AiF2nWLuF/s400/Happy+Birthday+Snoopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Happy Birthday in Heaven, Mom<br />
I'm sure the celebration's grand<br />
I'll try today to choose joy over sadness<br />
As I remember the warmth of your hands<br />
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You're always in my heart<br />
Even if I can't see your face<br />
I know you're up there waiting<br />
For us all to be together in that perfect place.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jcVjl3t5i1cPKadcn6o82xYZEKbiOFArMykQCD6IrZpsK3KZ2oR-qs90yP7xhUMsuZkmosu3hmjKqvUrPbcDnvn0TEP6EdLs3uID4BmdaqGUVE3AK1FtHpcUgrbesIXuQ3y2Ib0FU9lJ/s1600/Mom+Dad+plus+8+2004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jcVjl3t5i1cPKadcn6o82xYZEKbiOFArMykQCD6IrZpsK3KZ2oR-qs90yP7xhUMsuZkmosu3hmjKqvUrPbcDnvn0TEP6EdLs3uID4BmdaqGUVE3AK1FtHpcUgrbesIXuQ3y2Ib0FU9lJ/s320/Mom+Dad+plus+8+2004.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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On your birthday and always<br />
You're loved and missed forever<br />
With all my love<br />
XOXOXO Ciss</div>
Sandy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16336744991040245663noreply@blogger.com0