Emily got ready for Halloween and says that she had about 75 Trick or Treaters. Valdis went about 7:00 and helped her until most of the crowd was gone. She says that he really did most of it.
Emily is busying herself trying to sort out what all things need to be done and tackling them - sometimes simultaneously. She is going through all of Gene's medicines now. David Judge will be coming by tomorrow and she is planning to give him all the old prescriptions in the hope that he will be able to use them in the mission work that they do.
This afternoon Alan and Lynn helped get the cabinet doors above the refrigerator raised enough to clear the top of the new refrigerator, and Emily set right to work getting the dishes back in them. She keeps busy with one project after another. She is also going through the process of the mail that comes in every day and "papers" that she needs to work on. She says that she's decided to just turn on the TV and go through things while she watches something that is interesting to her.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
October 30, 2009
This afternoon Emily went to the funeral for Tom Sircy. Gene and Emily met Tom and Dean Sircy when they began to attend First Cumberland Presbyterian after they moved to Chattanooga. After the funeral Emily and two other women who have recently lost their husbands, went together to the National Cemetery where all three of their husbands are buried. They visited all three of the grave sites together.
Emily had a visit today from Gene's cousin Mia and her son Clyde. They lived for two years across the street and have now moved to a different neighborhood, which makes seeing one another a once in awhile occasion rather than an every day event.
Emily is keeping herself busy with organizing her space and taking care of things as they come along.
Emily had a visit today from Gene's cousin Mia and her son Clyde. They lived for two years across the street and have now moved to a different neighborhood, which makes seeing one another a once in awhile occasion rather than an every day event.
Emily is keeping herself busy with organizing her space and taking care of things as they come along.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
October 29, 2009
Today Emily said she tackled several things and even though she thought it didn't look like anything got done, she felt like she had accomplished a lot. She and Valdis loaded up some things in the truck and made a trip to the dump. She will probably want to do that a few more times. It also looked as though she was beginning to sort through the things in the bathroom that Gene used. She also continues to work on straightening up the storage areas outside.
She seems to be growing more confident about driving her "new" car. She can't see the hood - the front of the car in this new car. When she drove the Mercedes, she could see the hood ornament on the front of the car and had a good line of sight to position herself in her lane on the road, as well as knowing exactly where the front of the car was. Russ gave her a visual to get herself lined up in the lane, and she's beginning to get accustomed to driving it. She seems to be very pleased with it.
A bit at a time, she is beginning to find her way in what she referred to once as her "new reality".
A bit at a time, she is beginning to find her way in what she referred to once as her "new reality".
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
October 28, 2009
Emily had a new refrigerator delivered today. The refrigerator they have been using was one that was in the house when they bought it 6 years ago. The ice maker had given up the ghost quite awhile ago and Emily had been talking about getting another one for a couple of years now. While Steve and Pat were here over the weekend, they helped her measure, shop, and get it ordered. Russ stayed over today to help make sure it got delivered and put in OK. They had to remove the baseboard, and it is a tight fit, but it is in there just great. She is so pleased and this evening was busy reloading everything into it and remarking on how much room she has now. She will even be able to turn on her ice maker in the morning and have ice on demand again. The upper cabinets still need a little fixing to open, and Alan will get those fixed in a couple of days.
Emily also has a new to her car!
The Mercedes that she's been driving for about 6 or 7 years was ready for another loving home. It was one of Russ's old cars - maybe about a 1985 or 86. It was quite fun for her to drive it, but she really needed a more reliable car. Her children know that she will want to drive to see her sisters, her children and grandchildren, and just around town to her normal activities. So over the weekend Russ, Steve and Pat, Alan, and Emily made a trip to B & F Auto to take a look at Volvo's. There were four there, and she found one that she liked. Everyone talked it over during the rest of the weekend, and on Monday morning, Russ and Alan took her down and they made a deal. They even took the Mercedes in on trade!
So Emily has a good refrigerator and a good dependable car.
Please continue to pray that she will be blessed with strength and peace as she goes through this transition to living on her own.
Emily also has a new to her car!
So Emily has a good refrigerator and a good dependable car.
Please continue to pray that she will be blessed with strength and peace as she goes through this transition to living on her own.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
October 27, 2009
(423) 855-6590
HOWARD, EUGENE W
SGM US
SGT US
DATE OF BIRTH: 01/22/1925
DATE OF DEATH: 09/27/2009
BURIED AT: SECTION DD-3 SITE 533
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| HOWARD, EUGENE W. | Section DD-3 Site 533 | |
Monday, October 26, 2009
October 26, 2009
Here's an untitled poem found in Gene's notebooks sandwiched between a poem composed in 2005 and a meditation composed in 2003. Any occasion could become a reason for Gene to compose a poem. Many people who received cards or letters from him would find a poem or meditation with them in mind.
This poem was written for Lynn's birthday, which is today... and found it's way to the inside leaf of a birthday card one year...signed as always, "Mother and Daddy"
Little girl who just arrived
So tiny, helpless and O so fair.
I quickly counted your fingers and toes
And noted the color of your hair.
I looked for teeth
But there wasn't any
I looked again at your fingers and toes
There were tiny nails aplenty.
God, why did you send us a little girl?
Why not another boy?
God answered, "I made her for you.
She will be better than any toy."
What shall we call her we wondered.
Carol Lynn seemed to fit her fine.
When she cried it sounded like a song,
And she smelled like ancient wine.
Thank you God, for a little girl
Sent from Heaven to be with us,
To warm our hearts a little more
And be a sister to brother Russ.
Fairest of the fair she grew
Cherished by brothers and Mom and Dad
Sent to us as a perfect gift
A precious girl to make our hearts glad.
This poem was written for Lynn's birthday, which is today... and found it's way to the inside leaf of a birthday card one year...signed as always, "Mother and Daddy"
Little girl who just arrived
So tiny, helpless and O so fair.
I quickly counted your fingers and toes
And noted the color of your hair.
I looked for teeth
But there wasn't any
I looked again at your fingers and toes
There were tiny nails aplenty.
God, why did you send us a little girl?
Why not another boy?
God answered, "I made her for you.
She will be better than any toy."
What shall we call her we wondered.
Carol Lynn seemed to fit her fine.
When she cried it sounded like a song,
And she smelled like ancient wine.
Thank you God, for a little girl
Sent from Heaven to be with us,
To warm our hearts a little more
And be a sister to brother Russ.
Fairest of the fair she grew
Cherished by brothers and Mom and Dad
Sent to us as a perfect gift
A precious girl to make our hearts glad.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
October 25, 2009
Russ, Steve and Pat, and Emily all went to church this morning. Afterwards they stopped to get some flowers and then went to the cemetery where they were met by Alan and Lynn and just a little bit later by Joyce.
Gene's headstone has been placed and it was the first time any of the family had seen it. It was a very moving experience for everyone. The gravesite is just absolutely beautiful and is very befitting Gene. There was a older gentleman there at the cemetery at his wife's grave. Both Alan and Emily went over and spoke to him. He was having such a difficult time. He said that he didn't know what he would do without his wife. I think all of us know how he feels.
Russ is staying on for another day or so, Steve and Pat headed back to Atlanta for some church obligations they have. Joyce was only down for the afternoon and was welcome company. They have gotten lots accomplished during the time they've been here to help Mom take care of things that needed to get done. It has been a good visit.
Gene's headstone has been placed and it was the first time any of the family had seen it. It was a very moving experience for everyone. The gravesite is just absolutely beautiful and is very befitting Gene. There was a older gentleman there at the cemetery at his wife's grave. Both Alan and Emily went over and spoke to him. He was having such a difficult time. He said that he didn't know what he would do without his wife. I think all of us know how he feels.
Russ is staying on for another day or so, Steve and Pat headed back to Atlanta for some church obligations they have. Joyce was only down for the afternoon and was welcome company. They have gotten lots accomplished during the time they've been here to help Mom take care of things that needed to get done. It has been a good visit.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
October 24, 2009
For some time the three VanSant sisters took it upon themselves to write a family newsletter several times a year. This newsletter had news of all the VanSant siblings children and grandchildren, as well as news about what they had been doing themselves. Here are a couple of excerpts from a couple of those newsletters in 1995
In January, Emily wrote the newsletter:
Gene and I spent Christmas in Atlanta with our children. All the children and grandchildren except Shelley were with us for Christmas dinner..... We had a wonderful time. Gene and I attended Christmas Eve services at Saint James Methodist Chruch.....a very meaningful part of the (Christmas) celebration for us.
Our children and grandchildren planned a 70th birthday celebration for Gene in Atlanta on Sunday, the 22nd. Russell arranged for us to have dinner at the Roswell Founders' diners club, and it was a wonderful gathering for alleighteen of us. They provided a nice private room for us with long tables, cnadlelight, and a fireplace. All the grandchildren sang a happy birthday solo for their PaPa and he loved it. The everyone gave a brief comment about why PaPa/Dad was special to them. Of course it was very moving for him. Then Gene made a few remarks that climaxed the event for all of us. We feel greatly blessed by our precious family. There was a fax message from Bob and Frances, a card from Joyce, a trans-Atlantc phone message from Tim and Margaret, and a phone call from Fran to wish him a happy birthday. Dorothy and Bill, Robert and Beth, and Richard and Ginger all came to Steve's to give their salute to Gene.....Gene and I will be spending most of February in Sarasota, Florida with his sisters.....We are really looking forward to the extended visit.
Joyce composed the newsletter that went out that May (1995). She wrote:
Emily and Gene took a relaxing and exciting trip with Gene's four sisters on an ocealliner cruise to Mexico in February. They were able to miss all the winter weather in Kentucky for that month. They have visited their families in Atlanta and Chattanooga frequently. Grandchildren have spent time with them while parents go on business or pleasure trips during spring break...
In January, Emily wrote the newsletter:
Gene and I spent Christmas in Atlanta with our children. All the children and grandchildren except Shelley were with us for Christmas dinner..... We had a wonderful time. Gene and I attended Christmas Eve services at Saint James Methodist Chruch.....a very meaningful part of the (Christmas) celebration for us.
Our children and grandchildren planned a 70th birthday celebration for Gene in Atlanta on Sunday, the 22nd. Russell arranged for us to have dinner at the Roswell Founders' diners club, and it was a wonderful gathering for alleighteen of us. They provided a nice private room for us with long tables, cnadlelight, and a fireplace. All the grandchildren sang a happy birthday solo for their PaPa and he loved it. The everyone gave a brief comment about why PaPa/Dad was special to them. Of course it was very moving for him. Then Gene made a few remarks that climaxed the event for all of us. We feel greatly blessed by our precious family. There was a fax message from Bob and Frances, a card from Joyce, a trans-Atlantc phone message from Tim and Margaret, and a phone call from Fran to wish him a happy birthday. Dorothy and Bill, Robert and Beth, and Richard and Ginger all came to Steve's to give their salute to Gene.....Gene and I will be spending most of February in Sarasota, Florida with his sisters.....We are really looking forward to the extended visit.
Joyce composed the newsletter that went out that May (1995). She wrote:
Emily and Gene took a relaxing and exciting trip with Gene's four sisters on an ocealliner cruise to Mexico in February. They were able to miss all the winter weather in Kentucky for that month. They have visited their families in Atlanta and Chattanooga frequently. Grandchildren have spent time with them while parents go on business or pleasure trips during spring break...
Friday, October 23, 2009
October 23, 2009
Robert Edwards is Gene's 15 year old great-nephew. Bob and Frances, Emily's sister, are his grandparents. Jon and Martha are his parents.
Through the Gathered Clouds
by Robert Edwards
His heart beat in his throat,
bringing along every idea of
worst case scenarios with it.
The day rolled by, but no signs of
surrender on either side of the amassed forces.
As the storm grew nigh, pray he did
to God.
The God who never listened to those
who fought and died in His name
on the battlefields.
He charged the enemy like a lion hunts a gazelle:
silently and from behind.
And he carried out his duty to his nation,
his mother back home, and those who he joked with, and
those who he befriended in boot camp years ago, and
those whose eyes became clouded by death years ago.
Leaving that in his past, he continued with life, whereas so many
he met in battle did not have the luxury
to do so.
I remember the sound of his voice,
deep and booming,
yet ever caring for his family.
His constant manner of dress:
Khakis, a collared shirt and loafers.
The taste his homemade raspberry jam
is ever present in my memory.
So is his hand rustling my hair
congratulating me for the best batch he's had in a while.
And his husky stature, tall and round who
would always greet me in his home in
Chattanooga, Tennessee,
and I have yet to fish with him, as he suggested many
times before.
As his last hours drew nigh,
he reflected on the time when he
last contemplated his demise, on that
cold Normandy beach on June 6th, 1944.
But today, there are no German snipers.
No land mines.
No barbed wire or dying friends.
Just him in a cold, white room, with
The Angel of Death hovering over him
maliciously,
The tubes and machines have done their jobs, as has this soldier.
And now, as his body fails, the storm clouds,
the same ones as half a century ago
cotinue to gather,
Blocking his vision, shutting out the light
forevermore.
Through the Gathered Clouds
by Robert Edwards
His heart beat in his throat,
bringing along every idea of
worst case scenarios with it.
The day rolled by, but no signs of
surrender on either side of the amassed forces.
As the storm grew nigh, pray he did
to God.
The God who never listened to those
who fought and died in His name
on the battlefields.
He charged the enemy like a lion hunts a gazelle:
silently and from behind.
And he carried out his duty to his nation,
his mother back home, and those who he joked with, and
those who he befriended in boot camp years ago, and
those whose eyes became clouded by death years ago.
Leaving that in his past, he continued with life, whereas so many
he met in battle did not have the luxury
to do so.
I remember the sound of his voice,
deep and booming,
yet ever caring for his family.
His constant manner of dress:
Khakis, a collared shirt and loafers.
The taste his homemade raspberry jam
is ever present in my memory.
So is his hand rustling my hair
congratulating me for the best batch he's had in a while.
And his husky stature, tall and round who
would always greet me in his home in
Chattanooga, Tennessee,
and I have yet to fish with him, as he suggested many
times before.
As his last hours drew nigh,
he reflected on the time when he
last contemplated his demise, on that
cold Normandy beach on June 6th, 1944.
But today, there are no German snipers.
No land mines.
No barbed wire or dying friends.
Just him in a cold, white room, with
The Angel of Death hovering over him
maliciously,
The tubes and machines have done their jobs, as has this soldier.
And now, as his body fails, the storm clouds,
the same ones as half a century ago
cotinue to gather,
Blocking his vision, shutting out the light
forevermore.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
October 22, 2009
Emily has both boys coming in for the weekend to help settle some things, and for a nice visit. Russ has been here since yesterday about suppertime, and Steve and Pat are arriving later this evening.
Emily always enjoys having company, and she especially enjoys having her children and grandchildren around. Russ mowed the back yard today, and a neighbor with a riding mower, mowed the rest of the yard. So Emily has a nicely mowed yard. That will let her concentrate on some of the other projects she's started on. She has already bought fall pansies when her sister Joyce was here, so those will need to go in the ground. And at some point she'll need to give some attention to those flower beds that got flooded when the creek got up over the yeard. She lost her little rabbit that stood in the garden for so long in that flood; I'm sure she's going to be looking for just the right rabbit to be under that tree in the flowers.
Emily always enjoys having company, and she especially enjoys having her children and grandchildren around. Russ mowed the back yard today, and a neighbor with a riding mower, mowed the rest of the yard. So Emily has a nicely mowed yard. That will let her concentrate on some of the other projects she's started on. She has already bought fall pansies when her sister Joyce was here, so those will need to go in the ground. And at some point she'll need to give some attention to those flower beds that got flooded when the creek got up over the yeard. She lost her little rabbit that stood in the garden for so long in that flood; I'm sure she's going to be looking for just the right rabbit to be under that tree in the flowers.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
October 21, 2009
Russ drove up today and arrived just about supper time. He had ordered up one of the children's favorite meals. Soup beans (pintos), pickled beets, fried cornbread, and other sides. Tonight they were cooked apples and cooked cabbage. Lynn, Alan, and Valdis joined them for dinner. Both Emily and Gene had lots of soup beans growing up. But Emily never did find them a favorite. Gene, on the other hand, said one time, "this is a meal fit for a King"! All three of their children would agree with Gene on that one, and Emily has been a real trooper to make it a regular part of the diet at their house.
Emily is thinking about yard work at her house. The push mower isn't doing what it should, and the riding mower is not working at all. Perhaps she will consider having a lawn service do her yard and she won't have to worry about whether or not she has gas, whether or not the mower's working or if someone put oil or gas in it - whether or not the fuel mix is right for the weed eater, and on and on. That way she'd have time to focus on her wonderful flowers and whatever garden she wants to have next year. She seems open to that possibility but will want to think it over.
Prayer Request:
Please pray for Emily to have peace and strength.
Emily is thinking about yard work at her house. The push mower isn't doing what it should, and the riding mower is not working at all. Perhaps she will consider having a lawn service do her yard and she won't have to worry about whether or not she has gas, whether or not the mower's working or if someone put oil or gas in it - whether or not the fuel mix is right for the weed eater, and on and on. That way she'd have time to focus on her wonderful flowers and whatever garden she wants to have next year. She seems open to that possibility but will want to think it over.
Prayer Request:
Please pray for Emily to have peace and strength.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
October 20, 2009
This is another meditation from Gene.
Though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will fear no evil. Psalm 23
Have you walked through the Valley of Death? Many have been there and survived. Few choose to talk about it. The Valley of Death can be a fearsome place. Death casts a frightening shadow over us because we are entirely helpless in its presence. We can struggle with other enemies - pain, suffering, disease, injury - but strength and courage cannot overcome death. It has the final word. When we take that final walk only one person can walk with us and bring us safely to the other side - The God of Life. Life is uncertain and it behooves us to place our hand in His and trust in His strength to bring us safely to the other side.
As we travel the pathway of our life, each day brings us nearer to the Valley. Each day of our life offers choices of right and wrong. Strength of character allows us to make good choices. When we make a bad choice it makes it easier to make bad choices in our days ahead. Right and wrong choices are equal to Life and Death.
Monday, October 19, 2009
October 19, 2009
Betsy Howard shares memories this evening. Betsy was married to Russ, Emily and Gene's oldest child, and is the mother of Elizabeth and Gregory.
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Two Weeks
When Elizabeth was very young and learning to talk, she spent a week at MaMa and PaPa's house. Russ and I went to pick her up at the end of the week, and we were greeted by our little girl shouting, "Two Weeks"! PaPa had decided that one week was just not long enough with his first grandchild so he had her campaign for a longer vvisit the next time!
The visits to MaMa and PaPa's were always a delight for the children. What started with Elizabeth continued on as more grandchildren were added to the family; Lauren, Greg, then Sarah, and in later years, Shelley, Daniel, Meredith, Patrick, Liga, and Valdis. That drive to Kentucky - 5 1/2 hours from Atlanta, was filled with anticpation - they could hardly wait! And once at MaMa and PaPa's house, they had such fun. The sleeping bags were rolled out in the living room where Papa would entertain with before bedtime with stories - mostly ones he made up. Any favorite food was sure to be on the menu, complete with cooking lessons if you wanted to help. The kitchen table was usually a hub for whatever art project MaMa thought up for the kids - at Thanksgiving, this usually involved construction paper, glue, markers, and whatever it took to make place cards for the dinner table. The garden in the backyard of the Middlesboro house was an adventure in itself as PaPa, with his endless patience, used this as a classroom to help his grandchildren understand where food really came from - not the grocery store down the street!
I feel so blessed to have been part of the special family and to have known Gene Howard for almost 40 years. The memories are truly priceless!
-------
Thanks Betsy for the memories!
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Two Weeks
When Elizabeth was very young and learning to talk, she spent a week at MaMa and PaPa's house. Russ and I went to pick her up at the end of the week, and we were greeted by our little girl shouting, "Two Weeks"! PaPa had decided that one week was just not long enough with his first grandchild so he had her campaign for a longer vvisit the next time!
The visits to MaMa and PaPa's were always a delight for the children. What started with Elizabeth continued on as more grandchildren were added to the family; Lauren, Greg, then Sarah, and in later years, Shelley, Daniel, Meredith, Patrick, Liga, and Valdis. That drive to Kentucky - 5 1/2 hours from Atlanta, was filled with anticpation - they could hardly wait! And once at MaMa and PaPa's house, they had such fun. The sleeping bags were rolled out in the living room where Papa would entertain with before bedtime with stories - mostly ones he made up. Any favorite food was sure to be on the menu, complete with cooking lessons if you wanted to help. The kitchen table was usually a hub for whatever art project MaMa thought up for the kids - at Thanksgiving, this usually involved construction paper, glue, markers, and whatever it took to make place cards for the dinner table. The garden in the backyard of the Middlesboro house was an adventure in itself as PaPa, with his endless patience, used this as a classroom to help his grandchildren understand where food really came from - not the grocery store down the street!
I feel so blessed to have been part of the special family and to have known Gene Howard for almost 40 years. The memories are truly priceless!
-------
Thanks Betsy for the memories!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
October 18, 2009
Emily is finding her way in these days. She is moving through things that have to be done and trying to keep focused on them.
Her younger sister Joyce was here Friday and most of the day Saturday. They went shopping at The Barn Nursery and she came back with pansies and some mums. It was amazing how quickly after they moved to Chattanooga, Emily made the yard come alive with the flowers she planted. Truth be known, she'd much rather be out working in her flower beds than working inside the house. She once said that the first year after she retired, she spent most of the time outside, because for so many years she had been inside working! Anyway the pansies and mums will make a beautiful fall flower garden.
She is also continuing to work on the fish quilt for Elijah and is beginning to talk about going to spend some time visiting with them. The weather is growing chillier and so she's got the heat turned on. Russ and Steve will be here later in the week, and I'm sure they'll help her get started winterizing.
Prayer Request:
Please continue praying that Emily will have strength and peace.
Her younger sister Joyce was here Friday and most of the day Saturday. They went shopping at The Barn Nursery and she came back with pansies and some mums. It was amazing how quickly after they moved to Chattanooga, Emily made the yard come alive with the flowers she planted. Truth be known, she'd much rather be out working in her flower beds than working inside the house. She once said that the first year after she retired, she spent most of the time outside, because for so many years she had been inside working! Anyway the pansies and mums will make a beautiful fall flower garden.
She is also continuing to work on the fish quilt for Elijah and is beginning to talk about going to spend some time visiting with them. The weather is growing chillier and so she's got the heat turned on. Russ and Steve will be here later in the week, and I'm sure they'll help her get started winterizing.
Prayer Request:
Please continue praying that Emily will have strength and peace.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
October 17, 2009
David Judge is Gene's nephew by marriage. His mother is Emily's baby sister, Joyce. Like many of the nieces and nephews, Gene and David had a mutual admiration for one another. Last year, David took Gene to New Orleans to the World War II museum. He also spoke to David's Lion's club group. It was such a great adventure for Gene and he talked about it often. David remembered that "...Uncle Gene had a way of putting a person at ease. I will always remember the way he could tell a story that would have him and the people around him burst into laughter." Here's one of the stories David remembers him telling.
He started by saying he was wih a couple of other boys in Kentucky looking for something to do. I suppose he was about ten years old. They were near the dairy and one of the men saw them out back and told them to wait right there, he had something for them. He brought out a huge container of ice cream and three spoons. The boys didn't know what they had done to deserve such a treat, but their eyes were wide with the anticipation of enjoying it, and there were smiles all around. As they dug into the frozen treat they got to eating so fast that Gene began to get a "brain freeze." He said that he started to lose his vision in both eyes. At that point he exclaimed to the others, "Dont' eat any more of this stuff! It'll make you go blind!
He started by saying he was wih a couple of other boys in Kentucky looking for something to do. I suppose he was about ten years old. They were near the dairy and one of the men saw them out back and told them to wait right there, he had something for them. He brought out a huge container of ice cream and three spoons. The boys didn't know what they had done to deserve such a treat, but their eyes were wide with the anticipation of enjoying it, and there were smiles all around. As they dug into the frozen treat they got to eating so fast that Gene began to get a "brain freeze." He said that he started to lose his vision in both eyes. At that point he exclaimed to the others, "Dont' eat any more of this stuff! It'll make you go blind!
Friday, October 16, 2009
October 16, 2009
Lauren, Gene's granddaughter, keeps a blog mostly regarding her first child Madison Claire McSwain. She recently posted a piece about her PaPa Howard's death and funeral. Her remarks at the funeral were already posted. Here is the rest of that post where she shared her last time to be with PaPa.
--------------------------
PaPa Howard passed away on September 27th. We got word that he had become responsive on the previous Thursday so Ryan, Madison Claire, and I went down to Chattanooga on an emergency trip on Friday the 26th to se PaPa. It was so hard to see him unresponsive. It looked like even breathing with the help of the ventilator was so difficult for him. I held his hand in the room and talked with him about everything going on in our lives - how Madison was doing, how Ryan's football team is this year, etc. I also asked him to try to open his eyes for me and though he never did, I could see his eyes moving behind the lids as if he were trying really hard to open them. I gave hiim as much positive encouragement as I could and told him that I could see his eyes moving. I think if I were ever in a coma, I would want people to recognize that they knew I could hear them...even if I couldn't!
It was reallly hard to leave Chattanooga that day, but I felt at peace that I was able to hold his hand and kiss his cheek and tell lhim goodbye. I was able to be alone in the room with him for about 5 minutes and I told him how much I loved him, respected him, appreciated all that he had done for my family and our country and how I would always keep him in my heart. I told him he had an important job to do in heaven, to find our little friend Ryan Morgan and say hello. My mom told him to find her parents, my Mama and Papa Lambdin, and tell them about Madison Claire since they didn't get to meet her here on earth.
I knew when we left that it could be the last time I saw him, but also had a hope that he would come out of the coma and improve. We got back into Nashville around 8:30pm that evening and I got a call from my mom a little after 11:30pm that he had passed away.
His funeral was on Thursday in Chattanooga and it was perfect. PaPa would have loved it. Their church is the most beautiful church you have ever seen and it was the perfect setting for his service. Their pastor did an excellent job talking about PaPa...he described him as the true Renaissance Man...doing everything well. That is so true!
At the end of the service, they had a military presentation of the flag and all of the grandchildren served as pallbearers leaving the service. We went to the National Cemetery in Chattanooga for the burial. He had full military honors including the draped flag over the coffin, rifle salute, playing of Taps on the bugle and the presentation of the flag to my grandmother. It was so beautiful and touching. I know that PaPa was smiling from heaven. I am so proud of him.
My MaMa Howard has been absolutely amzing throughout all of this. I know the past few months of him in the hospital have been hard on her, but she has been incredibly loving and resilient, always advocating for his needs. She took care of him every day and was a staple at the hospital. She has a strength and grace that is truly admirable and I pray that I can have an ounce of that one day! Please join us in praying for her as she learns to navigate life here on earth without her sweet husband. She knows that she will see him again - praise the Lord!
It is hard to think about life here on earth without him but I know that life will go on with wonderful memories. I will miss him terribly and will strive to make him proud in my actions in life. He has left a legacy that all would be lucky to have. I am thankful that God ordained me to be in the family that I am and am grateful for many great years and memories with such a wonderful grandfather. I know that I will see him again in heaven and I will look forward to that day! I love you PaPa!
--------------------------
PaPa Howard passed away on September 27th. We got word that he had become responsive on the previous Thursday so Ryan, Madison Claire, and I went down to Chattanooga on an emergency trip on Friday the 26th to se PaPa. It was so hard to see him unresponsive. It looked like even breathing with the help of the ventilator was so difficult for him. I held his hand in the room and talked with him about everything going on in our lives - how Madison was doing, how Ryan's football team is this year, etc. I also asked him to try to open his eyes for me and though he never did, I could see his eyes moving behind the lids as if he were trying really hard to open them. I gave hiim as much positive encouragement as I could and told him that I could see his eyes moving. I think if I were ever in a coma, I would want people to recognize that they knew I could hear them...even if I couldn't!
It was reallly hard to leave Chattanooga that day, but I felt at peace that I was able to hold his hand and kiss his cheek and tell lhim goodbye. I was able to be alone in the room with him for about 5 minutes and I told him how much I loved him, respected him, appreciated all that he had done for my family and our country and how I would always keep him in my heart. I told him he had an important job to do in heaven, to find our little friend Ryan Morgan and say hello. My mom told him to find her parents, my Mama and Papa Lambdin, and tell them about Madison Claire since they didn't get to meet her here on earth.
I knew when we left that it could be the last time I saw him, but also had a hope that he would come out of the coma and improve. We got back into Nashville around 8:30pm that evening and I got a call from my mom a little after 11:30pm that he had passed away.
His funeral was on Thursday in Chattanooga and it was perfect. PaPa would have loved it. Their church is the most beautiful church you have ever seen and it was the perfect setting for his service. Their pastor did an excellent job talking about PaPa...he described him as the true Renaissance Man...doing everything well. That is so true!
At the end of the service, they had a military presentation of the flag and all of the grandchildren served as pallbearers leaving the service. We went to the National Cemetery in Chattanooga for the burial. He had full military honors including the draped flag over the coffin, rifle salute, playing of Taps on the bugle and the presentation of the flag to my grandmother. It was so beautiful and touching. I know that PaPa was smiling from heaven. I am so proud of him.
My MaMa Howard has been absolutely amzing throughout all of this. I know the past few months of him in the hospital have been hard on her, but she has been incredibly loving and resilient, always advocating for his needs. She took care of him every day and was a staple at the hospital. She has a strength and grace that is truly admirable and I pray that I can have an ounce of that one day! Please join us in praying for her as she learns to navigate life here on earth without her sweet husband. She knows that she will see him again - praise the Lord!
It is hard to think about life here on earth without him but I know that life will go on with wonderful memories. I will miss him terribly and will strive to make him proud in my actions in life. He has left a legacy that all would be lucky to have. I am thankful that God ordained me to be in the family that I am and am grateful for many great years and memories with such a wonderful grandfather. I know that I will see him again in heaven and I will look forward to that day! I love you PaPa!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
October 15, 2009
Lauren is Steve's oldest child. She was born a month before her due date. On the day that her Mother, Pat, went into labor, and Gene and Emily heard that she would be born early, they began to pray for her and for her mother. They also made a trip to Birmingham to see her as soon as they possibly could. Thus began what Lauren would remember as PaPa always being there in her life - beginning even before her memory.
Lauren spoke at her Papa's funeral. Her words are below.
---------------------------------------
My name is Lauren and I am honored to speak on behalf of my siblings, Sarah, Meredith and Patrick. I want to talk about the legacy that my PaPa Howard left to us. I think it can be best described by 2 bible verses:
I Corinthians 10:31 - "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
and
Colossians 3:23 - "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward."
I think PaPa can be described as a man of great character. He displayed this character and these verses in so many areas of his life. I think of his commitment to my MaMa Howard - 63 years! I also saw it in his parenting. I think of my Uncle Russ, Aunt Lynn, and of course about my own Dad and what an amazing father he is. I know that he learned a lot about being a great Dad from the example of PaPa.
I think of how my PaPa was always present in my life...at every major event he was there. Graduations, my wedding, and even meeting Madison Claire 4 days after she was born.
I think of his gardening and how he told me the story not too long ago of the people testing his plot of land for chemicals because they couldn't believe that a garden plot could be that beautiful and weed free without them. He hadn't used chemicals but his hands to work the land. That type of hard work is rare to find these days.
I think about his positive attitude. In his memoirs, he wrote:
"I was disappointed that I had not been assigned to a combat unit. I had decided to help make my unit one of the best transportation units in the Army."
And he did. I think we could all learn from that and am sure the world would be a better place if instead of complaining in difficult or disappointing circumstances, we made the best of what we did have.
PaPa Howard lived out his faith by serving others with humility. This is the greatest example he could leave for us. We're told in John 3:16 that "God so love the world that he sent his one and only son that whosoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life." Because of God's gift of salvation in Christ, I rejoice today knowing that my PaPa is looking Jesus face to face, and is full of light as he hears, "well done, good and faithful servant"
PaPa wrote me a letter this time last year. He said:
"You are providing me with one of the best reasons to live longer. I will be 84 in January. My great grandkids will need to be at least 5 or 6 years old to have any memories of me."
PaPa - Madison Claire will have memories of you - through the legacy you've left her and each of us. A legacy of commitment, parenting, being present, hardworking, positive, to have a faith that can move mountains, and be of great character. Thank you for these treasures you have instilled in us. Until we meet again joyfully in heaven, I will keep you in my heart.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
October 14, 2009
Gene often meditated on life and what it took to live the best life possible. His notebooks and poems and his memoir are filled with his meditations on this, and sometimes his struggles. The pages that contain his thoughts about habits one should cultivate are not dated and come from a notepad that has dates ranging from 1994 to 1999 with many undated pages.
How good it is that Gene loved the written word and used it as a way to cultivate his thoughts.
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Habit - what we do almost automatically
SEVEN GOOD HABITS TO CULTIVATE
1. Solitude: Give top priority to God. Be alone with yourself - Know yourself.
2. Study: Know what's right and what's wrong. Kow what is true and what is false. Know the difference between love and hate. Know the difference between wisdome and folly - what is noble and what is cowardly
3. Find a few friends to help you grow: As a group grow together.
4. Celebrate that which is good in your life.
5. Pray: Pray each day: Praise God. Thank Him for his goodness. Lay before him your burdens.
6. Simplicity: Keep your life simple
7. Compassion: Have compassion for others; while none of us can solve all of the problems of the world, we can do things and show compassion to others that in the scope of eternity may change the world.
How good it is that Gene loved the written word and used it as a way to cultivate his thoughts.
-----
Habit - what we do almost automatically
SEVEN GOOD HABITS TO CULTIVATE
1. Solitude: Give top priority to God. Be alone with yourself - Know yourself.
2. Study: Know what's right and what's wrong. Kow what is true and what is false. Know the difference between love and hate. Know the difference between wisdome and folly - what is noble and what is cowardly
3. Find a few friends to help you grow: As a group grow together.
4. Celebrate that which is good in your life.
5. Pray: Pray each day: Praise God. Thank Him for his goodness. Lay before him your burdens.
6. Simplicity: Keep your life simple
7. Compassion: Have compassion for others; while none of us can solve all of the problems of the world, we can do things and show compassion to others that in the scope of eternity may change the world.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
October 13, 2009
For many, many years when Emily and Gene lived in Pineville and Middlesboro, different organizations would call on him to Barbecue for their company or organization picnic or other affairs. Gene had cinder blocks grates and would use just enough to make the right size for the number of chickens that he would be B-B-Q ing. Gene's B-B-Q Sauce and his technique was legendary! Of course, Mom was often in the kitchen helping him put together the recipe for the barbecue sauce. They took a recipe that came from the Kentucky Extension Service and made it their own. This version of the recipe was found on one of his many notepads. Just behind that was a list of "What Gardens Need", and just behind that the beginning of a poem.
Here's the recipe; it's great, and you'll think of Gene when you try it. Perhaps the left column is the original recipe, and on the right are the amounts that Gene and Emily used to make that B-B-Q Sauce he was so well known for.
Kentucky Style
Chicken B-B-Q Sauce
21/2 C water 5 C
1 TBSP Sugar 2 T
21/2 tsp Black Pepper 5 t
2 TBSP Butter 4 T
1/4 C Vinegar 1/2 C
21/2 tsp Salt 5 t
1/2 tsp red pepper 1/2 t
2 TBSP Worchesteshire Sauce 4 T
1/4 Onion 1/2 O
1 tsp powdered mustard omit
2 tsp chili powder 4 t
1/2 tsp tabasco sauce 1/2 t
1 bud gardic pressed or minced 1
Bring to a rolling boil.
Here's the recipe; it's great, and you'll think of Gene when you try it. Perhaps the left column is the original recipe, and on the right are the amounts that Gene and Emily used to make that B-B-Q Sauce he was so well known for.
Kentucky Style
Chicken B-B-Q Sauce
21/2 C water 5 C
1 TBSP Sugar 2 T
21/2 tsp Black Pepper 5 t
2 TBSP Butter 4 T
1/4 C Vinegar 1/2 C
21/2 tsp Salt 5 t
1/2 tsp red pepper 1/2 t
2 TBSP Worchesteshire Sauce 4 T
1/4 Onion 1/2 O
1 tsp powdered mustard omit
2 tsp chili powder 4 t
1/2 tsp tabasco sauce 1/2 t
1 bud gardic pressed or minced 1
Bring to a rolling boil.
Monday, October 12, 2009
October 12, 2009
Ted Bates was one of the good friends that Gene made when he and Emily moved to Chattanooga and joined the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Ted was also a World War II veteran and they were great story swappers. Emily said that Gene really admired Ted. He composed the poem below in Ted's honor. Ted Bates passed away just a few weeks before Gene. It's not hard to imagine that the two of them talked about the comfort of the National Military Cemetery as their final resting place. It's also not hard to imagine two old soldiers strolling along swapping stories.
THE CHATTANOOGA NATIONAL MILITARY CEMETERY
On a hill in Chattanooga town
Lies a hallowed piece of ground.
It's a soldier's final resting place
A place of mournful bugle sound.
Serene, this final resting place
The battle sounds are far away
Secure in the arms of mother earth
Safe at last from the deadly fray.
Its boundaries are marked by limestone walls.
Its gates are wrought iron spikes.
The walls are symbols for the living
And mark the place where heroes lie.
The roster shows our allotted time.
The trumpet sounds its urgent knell
To friends and loved ones left behind.
The soldier bids a fond farewell.
What awesome deeds will never be told.
Of bravery, courage, sacrifice and honor
What horrors and anguish of the immortal soul
Lie her, entombed forevermore.
The gates of paradise open wide.
Old soldiers are the honor guard,
The gentle voice of the Master intones
"Well done, old soldier, Welcome home."
Composed by: Eugene W. Howard
155C, 17th Airborne Inf. Div.
Honorary Citizen:
Bastogne
Houffaliase
Waremme
Dedicated to: Ted Bates
Honored Soldier
January 17, 2008
THE CHATTANOOGA NATIONAL MILITARY CEMETERY
On a hill in Chattanooga town
Lies a hallowed piece of ground.
It's a soldier's final resting place
A place of mournful bugle sound.
Serene, this final resting place
The battle sounds are far away
Secure in the arms of mother earth
Safe at last from the deadly fray.
Its boundaries are marked by limestone walls.
Its gates are wrought iron spikes.
The walls are symbols for the living
And mark the place where heroes lie.
The roster shows our allotted time.
The trumpet sounds its urgent knell
To friends and loved ones left behind.
The soldier bids a fond farewell.
What awesome deeds will never be told.
Of bravery, courage, sacrifice and honor
What horrors and anguish of the immortal soul
Lie her, entombed forevermore.
The gates of paradise open wide.
Old soldiers are the honor guard,
The gentle voice of the Master intones
"Well done, old soldier, Welcome home."
Composed by: Eugene W. Howard
155C, 17th Airborne Inf. Div.
Honorary Citizen:
Bastogne
Houffaliase
Waremme
Dedicated to: Ted Bates
Honored Soldier
January 17, 2008
Sunday, October 11, 2009
October 11, 2009
Elizabeth Howard-Brashars, Russ's oldest child, is Emily and Gene's first granddaughter. The joy that they felt when she was born was obvious to anyone who was around them for even a few minutes.
As the oldest child in Russ's family, Elizabeth spoke at Gene's funeral service.
Here are her words about her Papa.
Here in this room I see so many reflections of Eugene. Many people here share such a deep relationship with God, like Uncle Steve, which I know was fostered, at least in part, by Gene and Emily. I see in my brother and myself, a great love and respect for nature. My father and I share his passion for politics and history. And we are so fortunate that Lynn has his immense talent for writing. And his writing is what I would like to speak to today.
I was entrusted with the great honor of publishing his memoirs, and having read the material so many times through revisions and editing, I am always struck by the great moral questions he carried with him as a teenager and as a young man. Wrestling with delicate issues of faith, responsibility (to God, and country), and human life in the context of war. Good and evil. And sacrifice for freedom.
I am finding great difficulty in getting used to a world without my grandfather. What I will miss the most are his letters. When I came to visit a few weeks ago, I stayed in his room and I saw a stack of envelopes on his desk. Stacked, addressed, and ready to go. That is what kid of man he was; he wrote to his grandchildren and his sisters frequently (often every week). Looking back through the letters he wrote, I am struck by the depth of emotional character in them; you rarely find meaning of that level anywhere else. He was always encouraging me to be my best and offering me advice on life.
In one letter he wrote me, he had this to say -
The most important thing in the game of life is getting to play. A lot of people never get a chance to play. Many others are afraid to play. The thing that sets you apart is your desire to play. Sic 'em.
PaPa
Some people coast through life, unexamined, barely ever scratching beneath the surface. From the great moral questions he faced as a young man, Gene was no stranger to self reflection, and he desired to live a life intentionally guided by value, integrity, and faith. He wrote often, filling legal pads in which you could find a letter in a front page and then a garden plan on the back, followed by a poem. He was a true genius, his mind always going. I have selected one of his poems to read to you now.
LEAVES OF AUTUMN
I sing a song of autumn
Of rock and hill and tree.
I sing a song of longing
For the way life used to be.
Time was when sunlight brightened
The pathway of my life.
Time was when bluebirds warbled
And life was without strife.
But summer follows springtime
And Autumn comes amain,
And winter brings a chilling wind
And brings its icy rain.
The cold of winter hurries
To spread it's driven snow.
The leaves depart their summer home
To seek their crypt below.
Oh, for a time of sunshine
From Indian Summer days,
To sing the song of summer
Of its memories and its ways.
Just to warm my life once more
Ere winter chills my bone.
And I, like the leaves of autumn
Shall seek my eternal home.
We are all so fortunate that we will always have those words, his poetry, his memoirs, and his letters to cherish. For in them - he will live on forever.
As the oldest child in Russ's family, Elizabeth spoke at Gene's funeral service.
Here are her words about her Papa.
Here in this room I see so many reflections of Eugene. Many people here share such a deep relationship with God, like Uncle Steve, which I know was fostered, at least in part, by Gene and Emily. I see in my brother and myself, a great love and respect for nature. My father and I share his passion for politics and history. And we are so fortunate that Lynn has his immense talent for writing. And his writing is what I would like to speak to today.
I was entrusted with the great honor of publishing his memoirs, and having read the material so many times through revisions and editing, I am always struck by the great moral questions he carried with him as a teenager and as a young man. Wrestling with delicate issues of faith, responsibility (to God, and country), and human life in the context of war. Good and evil. And sacrifice for freedom.
I am finding great difficulty in getting used to a world without my grandfather. What I will miss the most are his letters. When I came to visit a few weeks ago, I stayed in his room and I saw a stack of envelopes on his desk. Stacked, addressed, and ready to go. That is what kid of man he was; he wrote to his grandchildren and his sisters frequently (often every week). Looking back through the letters he wrote, I am struck by the depth of emotional character in them; you rarely find meaning of that level anywhere else. He was always encouraging me to be my best and offering me advice on life.
In one letter he wrote me, he had this to say -
The most important thing in the game of life is getting to play. A lot of people never get a chance to play. Many others are afraid to play. The thing that sets you apart is your desire to play. Sic 'em.
PaPa
Some people coast through life, unexamined, barely ever scratching beneath the surface. From the great moral questions he faced as a young man, Gene was no stranger to self reflection, and he desired to live a life intentionally guided by value, integrity, and faith. He wrote often, filling legal pads in which you could find a letter in a front page and then a garden plan on the back, followed by a poem. He was a true genius, his mind always going. I have selected one of his poems to read to you now.
LEAVES OF AUTUMN
I sing a song of autumn
Of rock and hill and tree.
I sing a song of longing
For the way life used to be.
Time was when sunlight brightened
The pathway of my life.
Time was when bluebirds warbled
And life was without strife.
But summer follows springtime
And Autumn comes amain,
And winter brings a chilling wind
And brings its icy rain.
The cold of winter hurries
To spread it's driven snow.
The leaves depart their summer home
To seek their crypt below.
Oh, for a time of sunshine
From Indian Summer days,
To sing the song of summer
Of its memories and its ways.
Just to warm my life once more
Ere winter chills my bone.
And I, like the leaves of autumn
Shall seek my eternal home.
We are all so fortunate that we will always have those words, his poetry, his memoirs, and his letters to cherish. For in them - he will live on forever.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
October 10, 2009
Josh Brashars is married to Elizabeth, Gene and Emily's first grandchild. He and Elizabeth also have Gene and Emily's first great-grandchild, Elijah Howard Brashars. Josh came to know PaPa through his memoirs, and the letters he wrote to Elizabeth and her family. He was eager to have a chance to visit with PaPa and get to know him on a personal level. They met and visited twice - once when he and Elizabeth came to Shelley's wedding, and again, when Emily and Gene traveled to California for their wedding. The day Josh had to travel back to Atlanta, he and Elizabeth and Russ went to the Army surplus store, and he came back with an army jacket, airborne patches, sergeant major patches, and who knows what else.
Emily kept a journal in the hospital so that people who came to visit could leave a note. Several people who were here for the funeral wrote a note in that journal. Josh was one of them. Here's his entry -
Pa Pa
I hope you know , for eternity, that I hold you in the highest regards. Through you and your stories, I have gained a passion for the history of our great country. Your book has improved the way I look at our servicemen who offer up their lives on the altar of freedom.
I regret that you and I never got to go fishing. I know how much you enjoyed it, and I know that you would have taught me to improve my skill, with patience and love the way you did for your children and grandchildren. I want you to know that I will always honor, cherish, protect and love your family and mine in a way that befits your character. And know that Russ and I will do everything we can to carry on your values to our family.
Rest assured, good soldier, that your funeral service would have warmed your heart, and you would have found it quite to your liking - words with such warmth and love, befitting a man of your greatness.
I will carry you in my heart for the rest of my life, until such time that God finds it fitting for us to be together again. I will always cherish you, Pa Pa as my surrogate grandfather.
At ease, soldier.
Joshua
Emily kept a journal in the hospital so that people who came to visit could leave a note. Several people who were here for the funeral wrote a note in that journal. Josh was one of them. Here's his entry -
Pa Pa
I hope you know , for eternity, that I hold you in the highest regards. Through you and your stories, I have gained a passion for the history of our great country. Your book has improved the way I look at our servicemen who offer up their lives on the altar of freedom.
I regret that you and I never got to go fishing. I know how much you enjoyed it, and I know that you would have taught me to improve my skill, with patience and love the way you did for your children and grandchildren. I want you to know that I will always honor, cherish, protect and love your family and mine in a way that befits your character. And know that Russ and I will do everything we can to carry on your values to our family.
Rest assured, good soldier, that your funeral service would have warmed your heart, and you would have found it quite to your liking - words with such warmth and love, befitting a man of your greatness.
I will carry you in my heart for the rest of my life, until such time that God finds it fitting for us to be together again. I will always cherish you, Pa Pa as my surrogate grandfather.
At ease, soldier.
Joshua
Friday, October 9, 2009
Full Military Honors
The formation of a rifle party consisting of an odd number of service members, between 3 to 7, fired a 3-volley salute.
Taps was performed by a lone bugler, at a distance 30 to 50 yards from the grave site while a “Final Salute” was given.
The flag of the United States was prepared for presentation by being folded by the honor guards and then presented to the Emily by saying, | “ | As a representative of the United States Army, it is my high privilege to present you this flag. Let it be a symbol of the grateful appreciation this nation feels for the distinguished service rendered to our country and our flag by your loved one. | ” |
Thursday, October 8, 2009
October 8, 2009
Gene became Shelley's PaPa when she was ten years old and her father, Alan, married Gene's daughter, Lynn. At the funeral, the three oldest grandchildren were asked to speak as a representative of each family. Shelley was the representative for Lynn's family.
Here's what she had to say:
It was hot. Kentucky in August usuallly is. My feet were bare, except for the coating of wet soil. I reached to pluck another ear of corn off the tall stalk. PaPa was weeding and helping us reach the taller stalks. MaMa was in the kitchen capturing the freshness of the corn and boiling it for winter. The wheelbarrow was full of corn. We sat on the back porch under the umbrella to shield us from the blazing sun and shucked the corn. I screamed. PaPa walked toward us with his usual grace.
"What's wrong," he asks non-chalantly.
I jumped around while pointing to the HUGE caterpillar on an ear of corn I was shucking. It looked like a small fuzzy, multi-legged rodent, yes, it was that big.
PaPa just grinned as he picked it up on his finger (it was about as big as his finger!) He said, "Oh, this little thing, it won't hurt you."
He walked back to the garden with the same grace as he did when he came over and placed the caterpillar back on a leaf! I was still in shock and was unable to shuck more corn.
That's just the way he was, calm and always patient. One of his many legacies not only lies in his green thumb, of course, but in his patience and that he always made time for his family.
Here's what she had to say:
It was hot. Kentucky in August usuallly is. My feet were bare, except for the coating of wet soil. I reached to pluck another ear of corn off the tall stalk. PaPa was weeding and helping us reach the taller stalks. MaMa was in the kitchen capturing the freshness of the corn and boiling it for winter. The wheelbarrow was full of corn. We sat on the back porch under the umbrella to shield us from the blazing sun and shucked the corn. I screamed. PaPa walked toward us with his usual grace.
"What's wrong," he asks non-chalantly.
I jumped around while pointing to the HUGE caterpillar on an ear of corn I was shucking. It looked like a small fuzzy, multi-legged rodent, yes, it was that big.
PaPa just grinned as he picked it up on his finger (it was about as big as his finger!) He said, "Oh, this little thing, it won't hurt you."
He walked back to the garden with the same grace as he did when he came over and placed the caterpillar back on a leaf! I was still in shock and was unable to shuck more corn.
That's just the way he was, calm and always patient. One of his many legacies not only lies in his green thumb, of course, but in his patience and that he always made time for his family.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Memories from Mia
Gene was the oldest grandchild of John and Lena Wright; Mia was the youngest. They are separated by 39 years. When Mia returned to Somerset from New York living, Gene and Emily still lived in Middlesboro. Emily and Gene moved to Chattanooga six years ago, and Mia moved to Chattanooga four years ago. The first two years, she lived right across the street from Emily and Gene - then moved into a better school district. Clyde is her 9 year old son.
-----------
In her own words:
My first cousin, Gene Howard was the dearest person to me and Clyde. He has been in these last nine years a miracle of family love. Even when Clyde and I had first come home to Kentucky from New York, Gene and Emily showed up at 406 North Main Street and from then on they kept up with us and folded us into a blanket of unconditional love that has been a powerful anchor for me as a mom and for Clyde as a young man growing up.
Yesterday as we headed for sleep, Clyde asked me where the star was - he meant the star Gene made with him several years ago in the summer for Christmas. Gene planned like that, and showed Clyde the power of planning ahead, as well as the concept of a model for something bigger, for Gene then made a 25 foot star for his church using that five footer as a model. Clyde was I think, five that summer. It was our first summer in Chattanooga and we would indeed have a beautiful star in our yard that first holiday season in our home across the street from Gene and Emily. Clyde asked me if we could repaint and fix up the star for Christmas this year.
We have missed being near Gene and Emily after moving several neighborhoods away. I often wonder about what we gave up in order to gain a good school for him. I do. But the power of Gene's love, the actions he did and showed to Clyde are many: the get up and go to make a garden and the patience required as nature walks us through its growing on her schedule - not ours, the can-do spirit to fix a fence - which he did at least three times for us, and an old-timer's sharp eyes that found and stopped the tiller, and gleaned an arrowhead from the soil he had just plowed. We learned from him afresh the art of telling a good story, and making honorable, clear poems from one's quiet life...so much remains in our life experience. Gene (and Emily to be sure) nourished us with magnificent minerals. If there is a truly great Earth Mother, Gene Howard taught me and my cub the elemental concept of a great Earth Father. In the passing of my beloved mom and dad, he and Emily stepped in...we love you Gene, you gave us a real good template to follow.
-----------
In her own words:
My first cousin, Gene Howard was the dearest person to me and Clyde. He has been in these last nine years a miracle of family love. Even when Clyde and I had first come home to Kentucky from New York, Gene and Emily showed up at 406 North Main Street and from then on they kept up with us and folded us into a blanket of unconditional love that has been a powerful anchor for me as a mom and for Clyde as a young man growing up.
Yesterday as we headed for sleep, Clyde asked me where the star was - he meant the star Gene made with him several years ago in the summer for Christmas. Gene planned like that, and showed Clyde the power of planning ahead, as well as the concept of a model for something bigger, for Gene then made a 25 foot star for his church using that five footer as a model. Clyde was I think, five that summer. It was our first summer in Chattanooga and we would indeed have a beautiful star in our yard that first holiday season in our home across the street from Gene and Emily. Clyde asked me if we could repaint and fix up the star for Christmas this year.
We have missed being near Gene and Emily after moving several neighborhoods away. I often wonder about what we gave up in order to gain a good school for him. I do. But the power of Gene's love, the actions he did and showed to Clyde are many: the get up and go to make a garden and the patience required as nature walks us through its growing on her schedule - not ours, the can-do spirit to fix a fence - which he did at least three times for us, and an old-timer's sharp eyes that found and stopped the tiller, and gleaned an arrowhead from the soil he had just plowed. We learned from him afresh the art of telling a good story, and making honorable, clear poems from one's quiet life...so much remains in our life experience. Gene (and Emily to be sure) nourished us with magnificent minerals. If there is a truly great Earth Mother, Gene Howard taught me and my cub the elemental concept of a great Earth Father. In the passing of my beloved mom and dad, he and Emily stepped in...we love you Gene, you gave us a real good template to follow.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
More on Clearwater Lodge
Clearwater Lodge was a wonderful adventure. All of Gene's children, and grandchildren, and many of his nieces and nephews had the opportunity to go on at least one summer trip. Part of the great adventure was all the planning: menus, grocery lists, packing lists, kitchen packing lists, and lots of conversation and visits to get just the right baits. Everyone who wanted to learn from Gene had the opportunity. He would talk about the places fish had been caught in previous years, and anyone who wanted to go with him just had to ask. He'd get into a great spot and figure out how to help make a great catch. It was great to be a kid in Gene's boat - even if you were a grown kid.
Here's an extended memory from nephew Tim Edwards regarding that same adventure in a previous post where Daniel Judge lost his hat and had it returned by a fish.
From Tim Edwards...
I remember the hail bouncing off Uncle Gene's pith helmet while Daniel and I were pelted. During that same trip, he took us to many good fishing spots. He spent a good bit of time helping free my line from the various snags I kept getting stuck in. At one point while trolling, I felt a strong pull. I said, "Uncle Gene, I'm hung again." He looked and saw my line moving and helped me reel in a big walleye - my biggest catch of the whole trip.
Here's an extended memory from nephew Tim Edwards regarding that same adventure in a previous post where Daniel Judge lost his hat and had it returned by a fish.
From Tim Edwards...
I remember the hail bouncing off Uncle Gene's pith helmet while Daniel and I were pelted. During that same trip, he took us to many good fishing spots. He spent a good bit of time helping free my line from the various snags I kept getting stuck in. At one point while trolling, I felt a strong pull. I said, "Uncle Gene, I'm hung again." He looked and saw my line moving and helped me reel in a big walleye - my biggest catch of the whole trip.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Orleans, France
After the war Gene was stationed in Auxerre waiting his time to go home. He wrote this ...
Sometime about the end of October the battalion offered three day passes to Paris, Orleans and a couple of other places. I decided to go to Orleans. Most everyone opted to go to Paris. Four of us from the battalion went to Orleans. It was a beautiful French city that had not been touched by the war. There was a big hotel in the middle of town where we stayed. The food was delicious and they served wine at the meals. The waiter could not understand when I turned my wine glass over and refrained from drinking it. We were pretty much on our own after we got to the hotel. I spent the first day exploring the city. Its importance was noted by the number of statues to people who had been important in French history. I found a small souivenir shop and bought some post cards and a folder about Orleans. The best part of the day was being in a place that had not been destroyed by the war.
The second day I set out to explore the other part of the city. I was still enthralled by ancient buildings that were untouched by the war. Most of the buildings were of masonry construction. Some were very ornate. Sometime in the early afternoon I came upon a huge cathedral. There were lots of statues around as I circled the building admiring the architecture and the size of it. I had never seen a church building as large as this one. Finally I came to what appeared to be the front of the building. There were two large doors that appeared to open from the center with one swinging to the right and one swinging to the left. I walked up the steps and found the door unlocked.
As I entered there was a vestibule as large as the Harlan Baptist Church in Harlan. Another door opened into a huge sanctuary. It appeared that it could seat over a thousand people. I sat down on the back row of the church. there was a quietness that was very peaceful. There was a reverence about the church that suggested worship. As I sat there I began to pray. I prayed for the families of Roger Paul and Tony Killion. I prayed for Jim Callebs wherever he might be. At last I prayed for myself. I poured out a confession of the things I had done to my fellow man. I asked God why he had sent me where I had been. I confessed to God about my identity problem. I confessed to God about the beast with me that had given me great abilities in battle and had taken away my fear. I prayed for courage to face the future. As I prayed, somehow I thought of the brutality of the Nazis as they sought to conquer the world. I thought of the gas chambers and crematoriums at the Nazi prison camps. I thought of the piles of naked human bodies waiting to be cremated even as the liberating US soldiers bore down on the camps. At last I thought of that pile of bodies of small children.
What had gone wrong with the world, I pondered. An inspired answer came to mind. What had gone wrong was when mortal man had decided to play God. Hitler had declared the Geman people to be the super race of the world. As the super race, they were not bound by the rules and laws that the other nations of the world observed. Hitler and the Nazis decided who would live and who would die. When they usurped the power of God, the world entered one of its darkest ages. The cleansing had come at great price. In the end over a quarter of a million American families had laid a son upon the cleansing altar. Other nations had paid a far higher price.
As I paryed and meditated there in the cathedral a great feeling of peace came over me. In a world that had lost its way I was one of the ones chosen to once again help find the light of God's day. The spirit of that place seemed to say, "You have a new identity. You will never be the same as you once were. You will be different and a better servant of the world because of what you have done."
It was almost dark when I left the church. I made my way back to the hotel in time for supper. I sensed as I walked back that I had been another defining moment of my life.
.Taken from A Name In the Sand
In 1996, Gene and Emily returned to Europe and visited many sites where he had been during WWII. At that time Tim and Marghie Edwards were living and working in Orleans; Gene and Emily stayed with them during part of that trip. Here's Tim's remembrance ...
Marghie and I were honored to have Uncle Gene and Aunt Emily visit us in Orleans in 1996. I had a good time showing them around the historic sites of the Loire Valley. Sadly I did not have time to accompany them on their visits to Normandy or Belgium. One of the sites we visited was the Sainte-Croix Cathedral in Orleans. While I appreciated it for its cultural, and historical significance, I was not aware of how important it was to Uncle Gene on a personal and spiritual level until much later.
Sometime about the end of October the battalion offered three day passes to Paris, Orleans and a couple of other places. I decided to go to Orleans. Most everyone opted to go to Paris. Four of us from the battalion went to Orleans. It was a beautiful French city that had not been touched by the war. There was a big hotel in the middle of town where we stayed. The food was delicious and they served wine at the meals. The waiter could not understand when I turned my wine glass over and refrained from drinking it. We were pretty much on our own after we got to the hotel. I spent the first day exploring the city. Its importance was noted by the number of statues to people who had been important in French history. I found a small souivenir shop and bought some post cards and a folder about Orleans. The best part of the day was being in a place that had not been destroyed by the war.
What had gone wrong with the world, I pondered. An inspired answer came to mind. What had gone wrong was when mortal man had decided to play God. Hitler had declared the Geman people to be the super race of the world. As the super race, they were not bound by the rules and laws that the other nations of the world observed. Hitler and the Nazis decided who would live and who would die. When they usurped the power of God, the world entered one of its darkest ages. The cleansing had come at great price. In the end over a quarter of a million American families had laid a son upon the cleansing altar. Other nations had paid a far higher price.
As I paryed and meditated there in the cathedral a great feeling of peace came over me. In a world that had lost its way I was one of the ones chosen to once again help find the light of God's day. The spirit of that place seemed to say, "You have a new identity. You will never be the same as you once were. You will be different and a better servant of the world because of what you have done."
It was almost dark when I left the church. I made my way back to the hotel in time for supper. I sensed as I walked back that I had been another defining moment of my life.
.Taken from A Name In the Sand
In 1996, Gene and Emily returned to Europe and visited many sites where he had been during WWII. At that time Tim and Marghie Edwards were living and working in Orleans; Gene and Emily stayed with them during part of that trip. Here's Tim's remembrance ...
Marghie and I were honored to have Uncle Gene and Aunt Emily visit us in Orleans in 1996. I had a good time showing them around the historic sites of the Loire Valley. Sadly I did not have time to accompany them on their visits to Normandy or Belgium. One of the sites we visited was the Sainte-Croix Cathedral in Orleans. While I appreciated it for its cultural, and historical significance, I was not aware of how important it was to Uncle Gene on a personal and spiritual level until much later.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Fishing At Clearwater Lodge
One of Gene's favorite things to do was go fishing at Clearwater Lodge near Emo, Ontario. For many years he made that trip with fishing buddies and often with family. The camp is rustic in nature and accessible only by boat or float plane. Many friends and family have special memories of a trip or two (maybe even several) - first that long ride from Kentucky to someplace in Wisconsin to spend the night (sometimes) then on up to cross the border at International Falls for the night and shopping in Fort Frances for supplies to take in to the camp, then the last leg of the journey, leaving civilization behind and arriving at Sportsman's Landing where they would radio George and he would arrive in his boat to pack everything up (including Gene's big cast iron skillets) and roar up the lake for a week without phones, indoor bathrooms, and running water. Days were fishing, always a picnic on the bank somewhere, picking blueberries, cleaning fish..... Nights were playing scrabble, telling stories, out looking for the Aurora Borealis, and celebrations of one sort or another.
Daniel Judge, Gene's nephew, shares a memory of his trip on a Canadian Adventure with Uncle Gene.
I was 10 and Timothy Edwards was 11 or 12 and the two of us were in a boat with Uncle Gene in Canada. Tim and I had these goofy (but adorable) white hats a la Gilligan and Uncle Gene had on a safari style hat that was apparently harder than ours. It started to HAIL LIKE BLAZES and as Tim and I said "Ouch, ouch, ouch", Uncle Gene just sat there and laughed at us. Well, I lost my hat on the water (!!!) and rather quickly resigned myself to never seeing it again. When we got back to the dock, Uncle Gene took it out of the water!!!!!!!!! Apparently it was stuck to the bottom of the boat, but his version was always that a fish swam up wearing that hat.
Daniel Judge, Gene's nephew, shares a memory of his trip on a Canadian Adventure with Uncle Gene.
I was 10 and Timothy Edwards was 11 or 12 and the two of us were in a boat with Uncle Gene in Canada. Tim and I had these goofy (but adorable) white hats a la Gilligan and Uncle Gene had on a safari style hat that was apparently harder than ours. It started to HAIL LIKE BLAZES and as Tim and I said "Ouch, ouch, ouch", Uncle Gene just sat there and laughed at us. Well, I lost my hat on the water (!!!) and rather quickly resigned myself to never seeing it again. When we got back to the dock, Uncle Gene took it out of the water!!!!!!!!! Apparently it was stuck to the bottom of the boat, but his version was always that a fish swam up wearing that hat.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
October 3, 2009
Gene's brother-in-law Bob Edwards shares this memory of Gene.
In the fall of 2004 Frances and I drove Gene and Emily to Washington DC, primarily to visit the WWII memorial that was newly completed. Joyce was there for a NAMI conference and joined us on our sightseeing. We took a taxi cab from the hotel to the WWII memorial. The main part of the memorial is one level lower than the surrounding territory. There are entrances at each corner with ramps leading down to the floor of the memorial. Gene was wearing his Airborne cap. Before he got half way down the ramp a lady approached him and asked him if he had been in the war and in Airborne. When he said yes, she asked if she could introduce her son who was interested in Airborne and WWII. She also asked Gene if he would tell the son about his war experience. The son, a high schooler, came over and was introduced. The mother asked to take a photo of her son with Gene. They were with a high school band from Missouri and were in Washington to participate in a band competition. As soon as the word spread the rest of the band swarmed around Gene asking questions. Then other people were attracted to the crowd and gathered around to hear what Gene had to say. It was almost an hour before Gene was able to proceed down the ramp to the floor of the memorial. A number of times he attracted a small crowd when someone noticed his cap and asked him to tell some of his tales.
In the fall of 2004 Frances and I drove Gene and Emily to Washington DC, primarily to visit the WWII memorial that was newly completed. Joyce was there for a NAMI conference and joined us on our sightseeing. We took a taxi cab from the hotel to the WWII memorial. The main part of the memorial is one level lower than the surrounding territory. There are entrances at each corner with ramps leading down to the floor of the memorial. Gene was wearing his Airborne cap. Before he got half way down the ramp a lady approached him and asked him if he had been in the war and in Airborne. When he said yes, she asked if she could introduce her son who was interested in Airborne and WWII. She also asked Gene if he would tell the son about his war experience. The son, a high schooler, came over and was introduced. The mother asked to take a photo of her son with Gene. They were with a high school band from Missouri and were in Washington to participate in a band competition. As soon as the word spread the rest of the band swarmed around Gene asking questions. Then other people were attracted to the crowd and gathered around to hear what Gene had to say. It was almost an hour before Gene was able to proceed down the ramp to the floor of the memorial. A number of times he attracted a small crowd when someone noticed his cap and asked him to tell some of his tales.
Friday, October 2, 2009
October 2, 20009
Yesterday and today most of the family made their way back to the places they call home and today has been a decompression kind of day. Emily has been writing her thoughts, visiting, and doing a bit of cooking. She seems to be doing alright - as alright as anyone can be after losing a life partner. She is still regretful that she was not at Gene's side when he died.
Jessie Lee and Forest and Greg will leave tomorrow. Russ will come back to Chattanooga after taking Greg to the airport and stay until Monday at Emily's. Elizabeth and Elijah are coming back from Atlanta, after seeing Josh off to home, to spend a bit of time with Emily. They had been intending a visit and actually already had tickets for that visit. They pushed their arrival time forward to get here for Gene's funeral, but will stay here until their originally planned departure.
It will be so helpful to Emily to have someone there who can help her give attention to the end details - the thank you notes, and getting some of the things together that Emily wants to set aside as special mementos. She will also just love having some time to spend with Elijah.
Prayer Request
Please pray for Emily to have peace and comfort.
Jessie Lee and Forest and Greg will leave tomorrow. Russ will come back to Chattanooga after taking Greg to the airport and stay until Monday at Emily's. Elizabeth and Elijah are coming back from Atlanta, after seeing Josh off to home, to spend a bit of time with Emily. They had been intending a visit and actually already had tickets for that visit. They pushed their arrival time forward to get here for Gene's funeral, but will stay here until their originally planned departure.
It will be so helpful to Emily to have someone there who can help her give attention to the end details - the thank you notes, and getting some of the things together that Emily wants to set aside as special mementos. She will also just love having some time to spend with Elijah.
Prayer Request
Please pray for Emily to have peace and comfort.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
October 1, 2009
Today was Gene's funeral service. Emily had asked that the service be a worship service, a celebration of Gene's life, and time to give glory to God.
The service seemed to be a true reflection of her wishes. Dr. Carver wove together stories from the family, his own experiences with Gene, and those from church members to bring a message that was truly comforting to the family. The three oldest grandchildren also offered a few words about their memories of their PaPa and the legacy that they felt he left to them. This loving and meaningful participation in the service was a very touching memorial to Gene.
At the National Cemetery, Gene was given a full military honors. The volunteers who give of their time to assure that our veterans are so honored have the deep regard and respect of his family. This last honor for Gene left a precious memory for his wife, children, and grandchildren.
He said one time shortly after moving to Chattanooga, at a Memorial Day event at the National Cemetery, that he would be honored and proud to be buried with the men and women who had served their country. Late this afternoon, some of the immediate family visited the gravesite. Emily was so pleased with the location of his grave, the grandeur of the cemetery, and the peaceful setting.
Gene's life was a good life. The family has heard many stories over these last few days from those whose lives he touched in one way or another and are comforted by those stories.
The service seemed to be a true reflection of her wishes. Dr. Carver wove together stories from the family, his own experiences with Gene, and those from church members to bring a message that was truly comforting to the family. The three oldest grandchildren also offered a few words about their memories of their PaPa and the legacy that they felt he left to them. This loving and meaningful participation in the service was a very touching memorial to Gene.
At the National Cemetery, Gene was given a full military honors. The volunteers who give of their time to assure that our veterans are so honored have the deep regard and respect of his family. This last honor for Gene left a precious memory for his wife, children, and grandchildren.
He said one time shortly after moving to Chattanooga, at a Memorial Day event at the National Cemetery, that he would be honored and proud to be buried with the men and women who had served their country. Late this afternoon, some of the immediate family visited the gravesite. Emily was so pleased with the location of his grave, the grandeur of the cemetery, and the peaceful setting.
Gene's life was a good life. The family has heard many stories over these last few days from those whose lives he touched in one way or another and are comforted by those stories.
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