Here it is July already, the year is half over and it's been a good year. (Everyday is a good day with God) As we look back over the year there have been trials and blessings, but as usual with God in your life the Blessing are for more than the trials.
I have 9 children with 9 different personalities. There have been times of trial, but most of all there have been times of blessings.
We raised our family in the foothills of the cascades. The house was a big old 2 story house, (that now could tell a thousand stories
) It had been vacant more than a year at the time we bought it. The farmer across the field had let his cows graze the fields and lawn, therefore when we looked at the place the first time, there were cows in the yard, and under the house.
The yard was so full of metal and glass that the children couldn't go barefoot for about three years after we moved on the place. But we thought with lots of love and TLC we could make the old house into a home, and we did! We moved in and it wasn't long till I realized that though I was busy during the day there was someone else busy at night. Outside the back door there a beautiful Japanese Rose that was full of yellow blossoms, I picked them and put in a vase and in the morning all that was left in the vase were stems, and on the table lay the beautiful yellow blossoms. On further examination there were other things that were not like I left them the night before. In short we soon discovered we were sharing the house with a family of pack rats. Till my family got together and did away with Mr. Pack Rat and family, we had several stories to tell.
That winter the wind blew and it also blew through the house. The children and Pop and I moved downstairs and slept on the floor in order to keep warm. Since it was an old house and our dream was to remodel it with windows that didn't let winter through, we decided that instead of buying plastic to put over the windows, we used masking tape and the harder the wind would blow, the more we taped the windows.
As the years passed we had lots of parties, family gatherings, slumber parties, along with tears and laughter, seriousness and silliness. So the family grew, and so passed the years.
And through the years there were births and deaths. The month of July seemed to be the popular month to die (as if death is popular anytime) My grandma passed away in July(1956), My uncle(1960), Mom(1981), Dad(1991) and my younger brother (1995) My older brother, Norman, passed away in January (1990), leaving me the only one left in my family.
Now it is July again and Norman's oldest son, (Ron) passed away July 1, 2007. He was only 47 and died Sunday of Colon Cancer. My 2 brothers and now my nephew all died at around 50 years of age.
We are leaving Thursday morning to go to Salem, OR for the viewing and funeral. It is a blessing that I have no doubt where Ron is. He loved the Lord and I'm sure he is beholding the wonders of heaven at this time. Won't it be great when we all get there.
I haven't been very faithful in posting the last while, It seems like life is so busy right now. I go to speech therapy 3 times a week. I enjoy the times of therapy and they are definitely helping. Thanks to all of you for your prayers. I'll let you know when I get an actual name to whatever is bugging me.
Lord willing 2 of my daughters are flying out this week-end. I because of the funeral and my oldest daughter is flying out to visit me for 12 days.
There are possibly 10 of us adults going to be at, or close to Mrs. Darling's house Thursday and Friday night. It will be great for some of us to be together again.
EVEN THO I WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHAWDOW OF DEATH, I WILL FEAR NO EVIL, FOR YOU ARE WITH ME; YOUR ROD AND STAFF, THEY COMFORT ME PSALM 23:4 (niv)
When your heart is empty, filling it with happy memories can help.....
Comments (10)
I always look forward to your posts. God bless
I miss that old house and all the memories that go w/ it sometimes! Praying for all of you as you greive--rejoicing that Ron is in heaven though--will I see you?
Good to hear from you again. I've been praying for you. Beautiful rose, from your garden I supposse. it's perfect. Mine are troublesome this year. There aphids and other little critters plus something is curling the leaves. It's been very dry.
I am so sorry to hear of your bereavement...and what a wonderful truth that Ron is now beholding the wondors of heaven and has complete rest in Jesus from sin & sickness forevermore. I enjoyed reading about your home...sort of like a pioneer story...smile. You are so blessed to have such a wonderful family and be so close from the sounds of it. I'll remember your family in prayer today. May the Lord strengthen you all with his comfort and eternal truths.
How do I get a little picture in that empty box by my comment?
Such wonderful memories you have stored in your heart/mind. And especially glad to read that your nephew, Ron, loved the Lord. Hoping that you have a safe journey to be with your loved ones. Hugs and prayers.
I have missed hearing from you, but I understand and am holding your family in prayer.
I really enjoyed reading your memories of your house. I have 9 children and we too have lived in an old house for most of this time. When my heart is empty or sad, I write, so you've sparked an idea
Anyway, I'm sorry about your July of funerals
I have some very good memories of your place and also working with you!
I love you Grandma

~VoNdA
Comments are closed.