Emily shares some memories -
I graduated from Mt. Vctory High School in May 1945 when I was seventeen. WWII in Europe had ended in April and by August it had ended with Japan.
I had always thought I would go to college and could have attended Sue Bennett Jr College at London, KY. But my parents decided it would be good for me to spend some time with our grandmother VanSant, (Mama). Mama lived in Cape Girardeau, MO, with my aunt Ruth, who was Daddy's sister. She and her husband Vest Meyers had two little girls close to the age of my little sisters, Frances and Joyce. Uncle Vest was Academic Dean at Southeast Teachers College there.
Aunt Ruby, another of Daddy's sisters came to visit us at Mount Victory and took me to Cape Girardeau. I completed a quarter semester there and came home for Christmas. Soon after I got home, Gene was back from the war. He arrived home in Harlan, KY, just in time to help his mother and sisters escape a record flood in the Cumberland River which ran close to their home. He carried his mother out of the house as the water rose up the front steps. He said the water was chest high on him before they got to high ground.
Gene left high school to volunteer for the army before he graduated. When he came home, he decided to finish his last year of high school so he enrolled at Harlan City High School. He came to see me in early January. I didn't go back to Cape Girardeau. We were married in April, and Gene finished High school in May. He decided to attend college at Berea College. So many GIs were going to college because of the GI bill that there was a shortage of college housing. So our very first “home” that first semester was a bedroom in a private home. We had our meals at the boarding hall.
Today I wore a necklace ( carved from stone) that Mama gave me when I was attending school at Cape Girardeau. The stone beads are tan and have small light brown beads between them.
So Mama has been close in my thoughts today.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
January 6, 2010
Emily spent the day at home organizing and cleaning. Her computer is still in the shop (trying to recover data from the old hard drive) and she is using this opportunity to reorganize and clean up her office space. She had some help in today and got a big chunk done.
Tonight she went to the Wednesday night dinner and service at church. They were having a special presentation by a doctor on what to look out for in heart attacks. She enjoyed the companionship of the regular Wednesday night crowd as well as the program.
Tonight she went to the Wednesday night dinner and service at church. They were having a special presentation by a doctor on what to look out for in heart attacks. She enjoyed the companionship of the regular Wednesday night crowd as well as the program.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
January 5, 2010
In Emily's words:
A new decade - time seems to go so quickly. But when I consider time past it causes me to experience it as an accordion - when it closes, so many events we would like to remember are lost in the folds of the time accordion.
Writing is a gift discovered in ancient times as people began to record the history of their world - pictures on a cave wall told a story. I wonder how many events of those times past were left in the folds? We treasure the few examples that have been preserved.
Today there are so many ways to document and preserve the days of our lives. But I believe the gift of the written word should alwyas have a place of much significance.
I think of journals - a baby book with pictures - an account of daily growing and development - the first time to turn over, to sit up - crawl - walk - first tooth - first words - are precious memories that would be lost to the folds of time.
So I have swimming in my thoughts that I might try to do some post journaling - by writing some of the memories of my past.
We'll have to see what happens.
A new decade - time seems to go so quickly. But when I consider time past it causes me to experience it as an accordion - when it closes, so many events we would like to remember are lost in the folds of the time accordion. Writing is a gift discovered in ancient times as people began to record the history of their world - pictures on a cave wall told a story. I wonder how many events of those times past were left in the folds? We treasure the few examples that have been preserved.
Today there are so many ways to document and preserve the days of our lives. But I believe the gift of the written word should alwyas have a place of much significance.
I think of journals - a baby book with pictures - an account of daily growing and development - the first time to turn over, to sit up - crawl - walk - first tooth - first words - are precious memories that would be lost to the folds of time.
So I have swimming in my thoughts that I might try to do some post journaling - by writing some of the memories of my past.
We'll have to see what happens.
Monday, January 4, 2010
January 4, 2010
Tonight Emily reminisced about her brother Ben.
Brothers - there were seven among my siblings - six older than I. Ben, the oldest was always helpful and kind. He was always a dependable, responsible person.
In the fall of 1934, Ben went to Oklahoma to finish High School. He stayed with our grandmother VanSant, Mama as she was known. Vernon Vaughn had gone back to Sandy Hook for an extended visit with Daddy's cousin Mary VanSant. The rest of the family moved from Wayne County to Mount Victory in March of 1935 to the first house we lived in, a big two story white frame house across the lane from the last house where Mother and Daddy lived.
One early summer morning, my younger brother Tom and I were having a delightful time sliding down the bank beside the road. A young man came walking up the road and as he approached us he said, "Can you tell me where the Van Sants live?" Of course we pointed to the home close by. He said nothing more as he walked toward the house.
Tom and I ran to the house to find out who he was and arrived just as he greeted Mother with a kiss. Only then did we recognize our big brother Ben!
Winter has finally hit here in Chattanooga. It was 17 degrees this morning and only got up to 34. That's cold for the thin blooded southern branch of the family!
Brothers - there were seven among my siblings - six older than I. Ben, the oldest was always helpful and kind. He was always a dependable, responsible person.
In the fall of 1934, Ben went to Oklahoma to finish High School. He stayed with our grandmother VanSant, Mama as she was known. Vernon Vaughn had gone back to Sandy Hook for an extended visit with Daddy's cousin Mary VanSant. The rest of the family moved from Wayne County to Mount Victory in March of 1935 to the first house we lived in, a big two story white frame house across the lane from the last house where Mother and Daddy lived.
One early summer morning, my younger brother Tom and I were having a delightful time sliding down the bank beside the road. A young man came walking up the road and as he approached us he said, "Can you tell me where the Van Sants live?" Of course we pointed to the home close by. He said nothing more as he walked toward the house.
Tom and I ran to the house to find out who he was and arrived just as he greeted Mother with a kiss. Only then did we recognize our big brother Ben!
Winter has finally hit here in Chattanooga. It was 17 degrees this morning and only got up to 34. That's cold for the thin blooded southern branch of the family!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
January 3, 2009
Today Emily went to church; she has returned attending most of the same worship times as she and Gene did before he went into the hospital. During the time Gene was in the hospital and Emily was with him every day, she attended church very little. It is good for her to have the support of her faith community.
One of the couples that Emily and Gene connected with right away was Ted and Phyllis Bates. Ted died near the same time as Gene, and Phyllis and Mom have made a good connection. Today after church, they went to the cemetery together. The two graves are not in the same section, but they are just a short car ride away from one another. It's good to have someone who is going through the same experiences to talk with and sometimes just to be with. After the visit to the cemetery, they went for lunch, and ended up at the Cracker Barrel in East Ridge. Emily enjoyed a lunch of catfish. This evening Gene's cousin Mia, brought over a potato, corn chowder and Alan, Lynn, and Liga joined them for a lovely dinner and visit.
Emily still doesn't have a working computer. Perhaps tomorrow the geeks at our little local computer store will be able to figure out a fix - we'll post an update when the computer is fixed.
One of the couples that Emily and Gene connected with right away was Ted and Phyllis Bates. Ted died near the same time as Gene, and Phyllis and Mom have made a good connection. Today after church, they went to the cemetery together. The two graves are not in the same section, but they are just a short car ride away from one another. It's good to have someone who is going through the same experiences to talk with and sometimes just to be with. After the visit to the cemetery, they went for lunch, and ended up at the Cracker Barrel in East Ridge. Emily enjoyed a lunch of catfish. This evening Gene's cousin Mia, brought over a potato, corn chowder and Alan, Lynn, and Liga joined them for a lovely dinner and visit.
Emily still doesn't have a working computer. Perhaps tomorrow the geeks at our little local computer store will be able to figure out a fix - we'll post an update when the computer is fixed.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
January 2, 2010
Today Emily wanted to share an inspirational column written by Nell Mahoney that appears in the January 2, 2010 Chattanooga Times Free Press.
The Seven Ups for a Successful New Year
There seems to be an almost universal desire for a new beginning as we face a brand new year. In my experience, there are two problems that keep us from realizing that desire. First, our good intentions get lost in the pressures of everyday living. Second, we believe that willpower is all we need. So, we work harder and harder while going in the same direction and making the same mistakes.
Perhaps we need to reinvent ourselves with God's help. This involves getting a clear picture of what God would have us be and do at our particular age and circumstance.
So often we simply do what comes next without asking such questions as "Do I need to change directions? Why haven't my efforts in the past been more successful? Do I need to learn new skills or be more focused, or have a more vital spiritual experience?"
We need to believe that our picture of a "new you" is possible. Millions of people around the world have just celebrated the birthday of Jesus, the Christ. In John's Gospel (1:2) we read, "But to all who received him, who believed on his name, he gave the power to become..."
As a practical plan, I like the Seven Ups of a successful, happy new year as passed on to me by Tim and Linda Martin of Kingsport, Tenn.
1. Wake Up: This should be done each morning with gratitude for our blessings. Instead of fretting about how much we have to do, we need to condition our thoughts with positive affirmations, such as "This is the day the Lord hath made, I will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24).
2. Dress Ups: I heard a well-known psychiatrist say, "Taking a shower and getting dressed early in the morning will help you be energized and disciplined throughout the day."
3. Shut Up: There is a Greek proverb that says, "We have two ears and one mouth that we may listen the more and talk the less." In Proverbs 13:3 we read, "He who guards his lips, guards his soul." In my own life, the people who have influenced me most have mastered the art of listening. With them, I feel understood and thus trust them implicitly.
4. Stand Up: Stand up for what you believe, not in arrogance or intolerance, but with love and confidence. Alexander Hamilton said, "Unless you stand for something, you will fall for anything."
5. Look Up: Look to God for guidance and empowerment. It's important to remember that we are not in charge of the universe. Those who are wrapped up in themselves make very small packages.
6. Reach Up: I do not believe that humility is found in a person who is weak and spineless. Rather, I see true humility exemplified in a person who is seeking to live up to all he or she was created to be, and yet measures himself by one who has attained that goal. For me, that one is Christ. The quality of his life rises like a Matterhorn among other mountain ranges.
7. Lift Up: Every day, by our words and actions, we either lift up or put down those around us. We need to lift up prayers for others, our world and ourselves.
So if you want to be a "new you," reinvent yourself with God's help, get a clear picture of what you can become, and use the Seven Ups of successful living to have a happy new year.
Nell Mahoney is a Christian author, motivational speaker, and seminar leader. She may be reached at nellwmahoney@comcast.net
The Seven Ups for a Successful New Year
There seems to be an almost universal desire for a new beginning as we face a brand new year. In my experience, there are two problems that keep us from realizing that desire. First, our good intentions get lost in the pressures of everyday living. Second, we believe that willpower is all we need. So, we work harder and harder while going in the same direction and making the same mistakes.
Perhaps we need to reinvent ourselves with God's help. This involves getting a clear picture of what God would have us be and do at our particular age and circumstance.
So often we simply do what comes next without asking such questions as "Do I need to change directions? Why haven't my efforts in the past been more successful? Do I need to learn new skills or be more focused, or have a more vital spiritual experience?"
We need to believe that our picture of a "new you" is possible. Millions of people around the world have just celebrated the birthday of Jesus, the Christ. In John's Gospel (1:2) we read, "But to all who received him, who believed on his name, he gave the power to become..."
As a practical plan, I like the Seven Ups of a successful, happy new year as passed on to me by Tim and Linda Martin of Kingsport, Tenn.
1. Wake Up: This should be done each morning with gratitude for our blessings. Instead of fretting about how much we have to do, we need to condition our thoughts with positive affirmations, such as "This is the day the Lord hath made, I will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24).
2. Dress Ups: I heard a well-known psychiatrist say, "Taking a shower and getting dressed early in the morning will help you be energized and disciplined throughout the day."
3. Shut Up: There is a Greek proverb that says, "We have two ears and one mouth that we may listen the more and talk the less." In Proverbs 13:3 we read, "He who guards his lips, guards his soul." In my own life, the people who have influenced me most have mastered the art of listening. With them, I feel understood and thus trust them implicitly.
4. Stand Up: Stand up for what you believe, not in arrogance or intolerance, but with love and confidence. Alexander Hamilton said, "Unless you stand for something, you will fall for anything."
5. Look Up: Look to God for guidance and empowerment. It's important to remember that we are not in charge of the universe. Those who are wrapped up in themselves make very small packages.
6. Reach Up: I do not believe that humility is found in a person who is weak and spineless. Rather, I see true humility exemplified in a person who is seeking to live up to all he or she was created to be, and yet measures himself by one who has attained that goal. For me, that one is Christ. The quality of his life rises like a Matterhorn among other mountain ranges.
7. Lift Up: Every day, by our words and actions, we either lift up or put down those around us. We need to lift up prayers for others, our world and ourselves.
So if you want to be a "new you," reinvent yourself with God's help, get a clear picture of what you can become, and use the Seven Ups of successful living to have a happy new year.
Nell Mahoney is a Christian author, motivational speaker, and seminar leader. She may be reached at nellwmahoney@comcast.net
Friday, January 1, 2010
January 1, 2010
A New Year is here. Emily stayed up last night and watched the ball drop, and then she was up by about 5:30 this morning. She is experiencing computer problems, so she's "off the grid" for a few days.
She napped a bit this morning and then later this afternoon, she went with Alan, Lynn, and Liga for an outing to Barnes and Nobles and then on to dinner at the Chop House where we were joined by Mommy Anne and Pennie. She seemed to enjoy the evening.
Russ and Steve have been really good about calling Emily on a pretty regular basis. She also is talking to some of her grandchildren on a pretty regular schedule. She recently talked with Lauren, and go the news about the dress for Madison. Madison and MaMa got one another's names in their family name drawing. So MaMa made a beautiful little blue velveteen dress. It was lots of fun to see Emily make the dress. She had Pat borrow a dress that fit Madison, and used it to adjust the pattern she had bought. She really gave it lots of tender loving attention. And the blue really compliments Madison's big blue eyes. Here's the picture promised on an earlier post.
She napped a bit this morning and then later this afternoon, she went with Alan, Lynn, and Liga for an outing to Barnes and Nobles and then on to dinner at the Chop House where we were joined by Mommy Anne and Pennie. She seemed to enjoy the evening.
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