Letters to Mom

Mom; How can you be gone? We're supposed to be working on laying tile in the living room and working to help you set up a quilting class at the center.  Hey, Annie is putting on weight and we got all the kids except Kimmers and Nix inside for the night. We were worried Grady might freak when the fireworks and guns go off near midnight. Chris and Georgia dropped by. He's going to check the electrical out this weekend. They've had colds as well. When we were at Wal-Mart and the Dollar Store almost everyone was sniffling, coughing and sneezing.  Yippee Sorry, just not talkative tonight, I guess.

Mom loved Khalil Gibran (sp) Christopher Walken Adam Lambert Sam Elliott Susan Hayward Ida Lupino the last 20 minutes of "Without a Trace" (movie with Judd Hirsch and Kate Nelligan), Shenandoah, and White Christmas.  She always said they should make a dvd with just "feel good" endings on it. Johnny Cash kd Lang Patsy Cline pinto beans, fried potatoes and cornbread (that was our Christmas dinner one year) catfish (non-Cajun) my cheesecake and paprika chicken

Reflecting over everything in the house. After living together for so long, there's so much that was just there, ours. I know we worked hard to make Jackie and her things feel like they fit. Now we're very aware of how much of the things were "yours", Ma. And wondering what to do with some of it. I found that damned belt buckle, the one that gives me fits. A real tarantula in resin.  I sure as hell won't wear it and neither will Jackie.  I thought about sending it to Chuck but wasn't sure if that would be appreciated or not by his wife.  A guy online is selling belt buckles like that one for $45 dollars and his tarantulas don't look as good as yours (I glanced quickly).  We may put it on Ebay and see what we can get for it. The trees have lost a lot of their leaves, it's really looking like winter here.  Well, as winter as it gets. My friend in Arkansas, Mama P, was without power for several days. They gave up after a few and went to a hotel to

The picturesque South is a bit cold today and isn't making our colds any easier.  I'm not surprised we've had a touch of the flu (or food poisoning) and either allergies or colds.  We were under a lot of stress from the first of November and it continues. It's let up a bit but probably won't really settle in until the end of January. Ma, we're trying to figure out how to do the binding on the quilt once we get it finished.  Jackie is going to see if she can get the rocking motion of quilting and we already know I'm good at hand sewing pieces. Chris called, they love the pillows we made.  They know you were going to make a string quilt for them with that material as the center pieces but things happened and love that we made pillows out of the pieces.

Ma, you remember The Money Pit starring Tom Hanks and Shelley Long? Place: VA hospital in San Francisco, CA Time: Sept 11, 2002 - one year after 9/11 I had stomach surgery on the 9th, don't remember much about the 10th and was moved into a room in trauma care on the 11th.  One of the planes that was hijacked on 9/11 had a lot of people from San Francisco and the Bay Area aboard.  The anniversary of 9/11 was on every single station in the hospital except two.  One was showing operation information and the other was showing The Money Pit.  A slapstick comedy about a couple buying a wonderful house that needs some work.  Major work.  Comedy ensues. I was lying there, filleted like a fish, laughing hard enough that I needed a pillow over my stomach and me clutching it. Especially the part with the raccoon.  If anyone has seen the film, they know the scene. I got you to watch a year later, Mom, and I thought you'd bust open non-existent stitches. And others: "I'm

Hey Ma; We put away the holiday season decorations today.  We only broke one this year. I think it's a law somewhere that one ornament must be sacrificed to the house..... whatevers every winter holiday season. We don't know what to do with the cards we received this year. They mean so much and have helped us through.  We received a sympathy letter from your cancer doctor today, that was very nice. I've heard some doctors don't do that. I'm still a little wigged about last night. I think Jackie has found it comforting. We were together and keyed into being aware of feelings and stuff moments before getting the phone call about her birth mother. You're still trying to take care of us, eh?  Thanks, Mom. Love you, Mama

Mom had the hots for Rod Stewart http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCccPGtjaCU She thought Meat Loaf was a cuddly teddy bear http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GNhdQRbXhc She adored Janis Joplin's whiskey voice and reluctantly agreed that Melissa Etheridge would have made a fantastic Janis in a bio movie.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJb7cBfrxbo Mom would nearly cry when she heard The Who's "See Me, Feel Me" from Tommy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5EJcRBr5nc (I took Mom to see Roger Daltrey perform "Tommy" last year - the same lineup as in this video, she had tears when she saw him do this one. Simon Townsend on lead guitar, Pete's brother) Mom tolerated me cranking the volume of the radio in the car whenever an Alice Cooper song would come on or The Who's "Behind Blue Eyes"   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfuWXRZe9yA Limp Bizkit's version SUCKS! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBEcLxnXVAc Alice!!!! That year, 1976

Okay, many won't believe this but I really don't care. It happened and Jackie can attest to my reaction (although she didn't hear it). First, let me get the little stuff out of the way. We began taking down the holiday decorations. We rehung sheets across the family room to enclose heat, make it easier to heat just a small part of the house and use as little natural gas or electricity as possible. We need to hunt down some newspapers to pack things away.  I was thinking earlier that we had gotten almost through the season without breaking an ornament. Guess what happens. Bingo! The blanket hung up to trap the heat in caught a decorative piece and I was on the wrong side of the blanket to catch it. Crash.  Rats. Went and did some errands and wandered through Hobby Lobby. You know I'm in something of a depression when nothing there sparks a creative streak into action. Okay the weird stuff.  Set up: I sit in my chair (nicely broken in with an additional special

Ever since you got sick and went into the hospital the first time we've had a sense of disbelief, Ma.  We still can't believe this has happened. Jackie says that she can't wrap her mind around it at all. How could this happen so quick? You'd expect quick with a car wreck or heart attack or something but cancer? I know Grandma Jones went quickly but you didn't have bone cancer. How is it possible that I watched you stop breathing? You finally looked peaceful, Ma, but it was so surreal. There was no more pain in your face that you had before, even when sleeping. You knew something was wrong, we've figured that out. Wasn't there more you wanted to say to us? I know we had some coherent sentences before the 2nd time you went back to the hospital but come on! There's so many hints, pulling everything but your ID and med cards out of your wallet, going through old pictures in your room, making Chris promise to look after us - Just a few sentences, Mom. Hel

Hey Ma Today was a little rough. We went and paid the gas bill (I cannot believe I missed that. You know how careful I am with the bills).  We stopped at Jo-Ann's and Jackie got some yarn. That trip was really hard - sewing, quilting, crafting, all that was such a part of your life that everywhere I looked was "you". Is it weird that Jackie and I want to get better at quilting and sewing?  We're becoming our mother.  Not a bad thing. David called yesterday and that was a good conversation and contact. I recognize that I'm in a deeper depression than usual and that's normal, one of the stages. I don't think it's crisis mode yet.  I'll call the VA tomorrow and set up an appt with my new medical doctor and call my psych. Steph loved the plaque I made for her with your amethyst chips.  Haven't heard from Chris & Georgia yet if they liked their gifts.

We worked in your room today, Mom. Jackie felt the need to get the room in order and I pitched in. We moved the bed back and furniture around. We also put the dolls away and put the doll furniture downstairs. We hope you understand, they aren't "our thing" as Jackie puts it. We can't go through the pictures yet.

Watching the Grinch tonight, Ma.  Remember that Christmas season when Evan the cat came in and started watching and he didn't leave when the first commercial came on, he stayed and watched the entire thing.  Then he did it again a year later.  I'll post the picture tomorrow. So far it's okay watching it. I know the first week you were in the hospital you watched it with one of the nurses and then in the ER when you went back in and again the night you were somewhat coherent.  3x this season, Mom. Someone would think you were the one nuts for the Grinch and not me! "Cindy Lou Who who was no more than two" We went through the Red Hats today. Not to do anything with yet, just to....be with you and, for me, to be with old friends. My top hat that Lynn gave me when I moved from pink hats to red hats and Barney's hat.  Joyce still remembers that very fondly and said Barney loved it. Haven't come across your lampshade hat. That's down in the garage,

Hey, you know how we thought Annie the cat would just pass on at any moment last month? We've been working with her and she's putting on weight and looking better.  Darcy is maintaining her weight, thankfully. Projects are getting done and I keep want to say "Hey, Ma, check this out" I got ahold of cousin Rose today. Her voice was very weak and she wasn't confused but almost was, if that makes sense. I don't know if she understood what I told her.  We came across an address on a card in your address book for a Betty Fout.  I found a number for her online and left a message.  I think those are the last two we needed to track down. Isn't easy, Mom.

I was saying to Jackie and in some emails today that it feels like you're on vacation, Mom. That you're off visiting Susie or Lynn and we're working at keeping the house up and getting some projects done so you won't have any worries when you get home. Jackie knew exactly what I meant. She's been working hard with me on the house and jumps in to get things done. I'd give anything if you were coming home, Mom. Want to know how spaced out we've been? I missed paying the gas bill this month. I pay everything on the 3rd and somehow missed it. WTH?

We cleaned out the coat closet and went through the coats and blankets. There are a few that are too big or too small for us, those will be donated.  We put a couple of them away including your California Oil company windbreaker, Mom.  We went through a couple of tubs of winter clothes and found Addy's warming blanket. If it works SuSu will be grateful. I didn't think going through clothes would be hard but it was. What the hell do we do with Meoshe's harness and leash? Jackie put it in the display box. Jerry and Lynn sent us a Christmas card, a photo of three nutcrackers that Jerry took - very awesome and a gift inside. We couldn't get through this without family, Mom, including the extended family. Love you, Mom

Kinda down the last couple of days, Ma. And a little frustrated. Where did you put the lap blanket and controls? We found the medicine bottle necklace you had promised Alzina so we'll get that to her this coming week. Going through pictures to work up new computer desktop calendars for 2013 and found the picture of you and Susie at the lake just before we left California and of you and Stewart. That hurt.  Did we do the right thing not telling Stewart?  I hope so. We heard from Michel, he doesn't check his FB email much (like a lot of people).  Here's what he said:   I'm so sorry to hear about Mom. I don't visit FB that often. I turned off my email notices due to an irritating friendl that posts every hour. My deepest heartfelt condolences and apologies for this reply being so late. Your mom was a treasure. There were many times in my life when I wished I had a mom like yours. She was so supportive of your life's choices and enjoyed your compan

1 lb hamburger 1 bag of egg noodles 1 can cream of mushroom soup (or celery, potato, etc) spices to taste (we like dill or caraway added) 1 can of whole kernel corn cook hamburger, drain fat off cook noodles add cream of mushroom soup, corn and hamburger add enough water to dilute the soup but not make it a soupy mess add spices serve and reap in the praises thanks, Mom, you knew how to feed unexpected company with little in the fridge or pantry. I remember you struggling to feed two teenagers for 2 weeks with barely a bag of potatoes and you did it, Mom.

Okay, this s*cks, Ma. I got up anxious to share something posted on Facebook that Alice Cooper posted and you're not here to hear Christopher Lee sing heavy-metal Christmas songs.  Alice wants him on the radio show.  It's not the narration Sir Christopher did for Manowar or the operatic style he used with Rhapsody (the one that still blows me away).  This is shredding metal with him singing metal (not screaming, thank Gd). 90 Year Old Christopher Lee Sings Metal I'm upset: Hanukkah, Yule, Christmas - you aren't here, Mom.

A stormy day today, Mom.  We decided to just do little things around the place and work on resting. I finished your gifting and Jackie's book arrived today. I plan on cooking tomorrow. I know, I know, don't drop of shock because I'm cooking twice in one week.  We're going to try a new slow cooker chicken recipe.  Living without tv/cable is interesting. We both seem to be dealing okay with it. Only bored for short periods of time. The computers take up our attention, as you know. Having the DVDs in order helps a lot too. No more rummaging through layers of movies looking for a particular one. We're hoping Georgia and Chris come over tomorrow. We've got their presents ready and it'll be good to see them. You were such a center of the house, Ma. It still feels like we'll just go into your room and find you laughing over the latest Janet Evanovich's books. 

Card: I'm sure you'll miss her. The very one who rocked you in the beginning needed you most in the end... You were there with your tender heart and your steadfast loyalty, doing the right thing exactly the way he would have hoped, exactly the way she taught you to do. What a beautiful tribute to your mother. I'm so sorry for your loss. "I designed this card as a personal tribute to my mother, Tammy. She will always be close to my heart and missed dearly." my Abernathy - Designer # # # From Stefn: B & Jackie; we're so sorry about the recent passing of your mother. I'll always have a special place in my heart for her, after all, it was your mom who saved our 1st gathering.  Be well and may the gods bless From Janna: So sorry to hear of your loss - I'm glad I had a chance to know her for awhile. Sending you our sincerest hopes for healing and easing thru time. # # # Nice, eh?  House cleaning seems to lead to more turtles these days.

Mom; We had quite a surprise today, a sympathy card from Stefn and Janna. I'm not totally floored by it, we did send them one when her mother passed on.  I'll add to the post tomorrow and type out what they sent. We also got a Christmas card from the C*** family and two pictures of Chris in uniform.  VERY handsome boy!  I am so glad he came up for Thanksgiving and got to see you. Having him here helped us and I think it helped you as well. We've been down with the flu but starting to come out of it.  I only teared up a couple of times while shopping today and didn't have to dash to the bathroom to hurl. Ma, seriously - everywhere we look are turtles! Even doing laundry we find turtles (embroidered dish towels with turtles!)

4 potatoes, cleaned and cut into cubes (your choice if you peel them or not) 1 lb hamburger 1 can cream style corn 1 can whole kernel corn sage to taste salt and pepper to taste butter for mashed potatoes (not too much) milk for mashed potatoes (don't have soupy mash, please) Put the potatoes on to boil and when they are nearly done, brown the hamburger.  Drain the grease off and mash the potatoes.  Season the hamburger with sage and salt and pepper. In a casserole dish, line the bottom and sides with mashed potatoes.  Mix the cream style and whole kernel corn together. Form a layer of hamburger and then corn. Depending on the size of the dish, add a layer of potatoes, otherwise form a ring of potatoes around the top and bake at 350F. Sorry, I forget how long this takes.  Watch the potatoes, the casserole is done when the tips of the potatoes turn brown.  Many people make their shepherd's pie with peas and carrots in addition to the corn and many people

Had trouble logging onto the account last night. Aside from the flu, we're getting some things done.  We moved the bookshelves from your room to the living room to help organize the DVDs.  We came across Red Hat pictures. I can't believe we didn't hear from most of them. I thought a polite email would have come in.  Trying to brush it off. Missing you, Mom.

Me: "Hey, check out the camouflage VW!"  Mom: "Where?" Me: "Hey, it worked!" I thought she was going to hit me as Jackie and I both cracked up.  This was in the mid 1980s before many civilians were painting their vehicles camouflage. That became an inside family joke.

We're trying a slow cooker recipe today, Ma. Simple Slow Cooker Pork Chops (Jackie should love these and I'll have a salad and the veggies) http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Simple-Slow-Cooker-Pork-Chops/Detail.aspx?ms=1&prop25=100684892&prop26=DailyDish&prop27=2012-12-13&prop28=DailyRecipe&prop29=FullRecipe&me=1 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed golden mushroom soup 1 (1 ounce) package onion soup mix 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2 cup water 1 onion, sliced 1 (12 ounce) package sliced fresh mushrooms 4 potatoes, halved 4 pork chops Mix together cream of mushroom soup, golden mushroom soup, onion soup mix, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and water in a slow cooker. Stir in onion, mushrooms, and potatoes. Place pork chops in the mushroom mixture, turning to coat both sides. Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours. Spoon the mushroom

Mom; We did something surprising today: we went through boxes and tubs in the garage/basement. We organized the cabinets in the kitchen and went through boxes we thought might be kitchen boxes and tubs to see if we had more stuff packed away and what. Man, you have a lot of crystalware! And cups! We found Grandpa's cup and several that we got for Grandma over the years.  I remember Grandpa's cup. An actual memory.  I had a couple of those with some of the bowls and plates and stuff we found. We fond some odds and ends too, I remember that little ceramic skunk from when I was a kid. We're getting rid of very little just yet and that's okay. We sure aren't getting rid of your crystal.  A couple of little things are being donated. Box of fancy decorative soaps, a couple of tea light holders, things like that. We're also throwing away kitchen and bathroom stuff that is out of date that might have been tossed in a box a decade ago. Something that is puzzling.

We went to the antique place on the way to the senior center and the owner had set aside some turtles. A metal two ceramics ones.  Jackie found a lovely black felt hat that looked very stylish on her and was only $8 and I found a purple one with flowers. A perfect hat for January birth month hat.  Not sure we'll get involved with Red Hats or not yet but it felt nice to buy the hat.   We stopped by the senior center and dropped more books off and talked with Kim. She showed us the turtle you gave her and we recognized that you have another just like it.  We gave them one of the family picture that you had in your wallet that Jackie was now carrying. James wasn't there but we left a bag of cat food for him.  we decided to go to Golden Corral and have lunch. We were actually hungry and not because we haven't eaten in a day or so. The food tasted good but I ended up very sick in the bathroom before we even got out the door and Jackie got sick on the way home. Golden Corra

I got ahold of Stewart today.  We decided not to tell him. We're not sure how he's doing mentally or emotionally. He was talking today about the work on the grand hall and how his son will end up finishing it and how the son has been talking with the county for approval for future plans. I got the real sense that Stewart isn't doing hardly any of the work and doesn't believe he'll see it even nearly done.  He did say he's having trouble with his feet and is having special shoes made and he can't dance. It was a little rough not telling him but I think it's the right decision.  We've hung curtains between the living room and family room. Gd we miss you, Mama

Mom; I called and told Penny today. She was pretty heartbroken and is definitely going to miss your letters.  I'll write her and stuff.  I told her it was her decision whether she told Bernice or not and Penny doesn't think she will. She said Bernice is so unhappy and having the little contact she had with us through your letters helped.  I told her to tell Bernice that you love the house and love the state and the cousins are doing okay in Georgia. Only slight variation of the truth. I'm about to do the holiday cards. There are times when it feels like we can't do another minute and times when it feels like we'll be okay. The money will be extremely tight and we won't know how that plays out until the end of January but we've cut back on several things including Dish. I went online and got a tech person at Dish and explained that you had passed on and we needed to cut the service out for now. They were very helpful and "waived" the early ter

Mom; We went running around today. We could handle seeing turtles everywhere from Big Lots to the Office store.  It was hard, however, when we turned on the radio to On the Darkside from Eddie and the Cruisers only to be followed by Me and Bobby McGee by Janis Joplin.  That was hard.  And the Who.  Were you playing with the radio today?  Geez We picked up some cookbooks from the library. I'm going to have to expand my limited specialty to include some basics of cooking and wide range of recipes.  I also found a cd of Hanukkah music and they have a lovely Hanukkah display in the lobby area of the library, it's pretty awesome.  I think I only broke down twice today and I'm not as down as I was yesterday.  We know there'll be ups and downs. We see so much stuff that we wish you were with us to see, Mom. And so much to tell.  I found the Vincent Price episodes of Batman on YouTube.  Little things like that.  The common phrases sound so idiotic: we're trying to

Mom; I worked up a variation to the "what the hell do we have to eat" dinner.  Noodles, can of cream of mushroom soup, a little sage and beef sausage (seared off in a pan first) = tada.  Not too bad.  I've got Chris' gift done and working on Georgia's.  Jackie's done as well. It's our first day without DISH.  That's a little weird, I'll admit. We haven't gotten an antenna yet so we can't get the free tv channels. We hung up some more decorations today in the dining room.  Looks really good, just a touch holiday without going overboard.  We both agree that we aren't up to having a tree/Hanukkah bush.  Love you, Mom. We're missing you.

Mama; Rough day today. It's hard to just stop and rest and I think I'm getting a cold or something so I may not have a choice. We put the majority of your ashes in the teddy bear Annette and Seth ordered for us.  Some are on the way to Lynn and Jerry and we'll send some to Polly and Jules. We'll spread a few out back. I did David and Nick's giftings so we can send out that box this week. We got the most lovely card from Darla, Lee's mom.  The card: nothing can ever take away the love a heart holds dear... the memories linger every day. Remembrance keeps them near Darla's note: Dear Barbie; please allow me to join with Lee & Tracy in sending our heartfelt sympathies t you for the loss of your mom.  Losing one's mother leaves an enormous hold in the heart.  It will get smaller but she'll always be with you and that's a good thing. I still talk to my mom and it's been 10 years this coming Xmas day.  Sincerely, Darla Jones Ba

Mama; Got my first and slave candle lit, the gelt is out (and shared with Jackie), dreidels are by the menorah and the electric menorah is in the window. i know you liked that I'm active in my religion even if I don't get to a real-life synagogue often. Happy Hanukkah, Mom. As Mare Winningham says: "Shalom y'all!"

Mama; One week since we lost you. Not easy. Did I tell you Pasha wrote me? She was honored that we were playing her cd the day you left us. She will honor you at the winter gathering and wear the turtle necklace that you gave her. Annette and Seth sent us a special teddy bear. It's hollow so a loved one's ashes can be held inside and those of us left can hug the bear when we need to be close.  The bear is that fuzzy stuff that Alice the cat loves and there is a leather heart on the bear's sweater with your name, Mom. I put on your green scarecrow fall sweatshirt and Jackie wasn't expecting it. She had a moment over that.  Little things do that and we expect it. I fried potatoes and eggs for dinner tonight. I forgot some ingredients for latkes so we'll have those tomorrow night.  I've got the electric menorah up in the window and will light the Hanukkah candles in a few. I find I have no patience for the online madness right now.  I ended up blocking

Watching the Shabbat candles burn out slowly was depressing tonight. I bet you're getting a kick out of watching me cook, eh? I did okay with the chops and eggs, though and the chili mac only had a few noodles stick to the bottom of the pan. It was a good and hearty meal with the hamburger added to it.  You got some Get Well cards that arrived earlier in the week and we're getting sympathy cards and emails.  It does help knowing how much you touched people. Jenny wrote.  The business she has with her fiancee is going under and she took time to write, we appreciate that.  I wrote and told Mike Schneider and Jeff Robinson through FB this morning. I realized we hadn't gotten ahold of them and some don't check their FB often.  We got this from Jeff tonight: "I have no words to express my feelings. Mom was a very special person who always had a place in her heart for anyone she met. May the powers watch over you and jackie and guide Mom on an amazing journey.

Mama; Slept a little earlier than usual last night and I slept until 9:30am this morning. Probably a very good thing. We did a little picking up and cleaning today, nothing major yet. Some laundry, trash, stuff like that. Then we went and got your ashes. I remember us caring for Faith's ashes and scattering them above Oakhurst.  I remember Uncle George's ashes arriving and us scattering them and I was okay with those.  Uncle George had been gone for awhile, I didn't see him before he was cremated. Seeing a man carrying a canvas bag with a box containing your ashes slayed us, Mom. We held it together but I admit that I lost it in the car for a few minutes.  My mama can't be in that box. Your personality was so big and your heart as wide as a canyon, a box can't hold that. We told each other that those ashes aren't you. They are what is left of your remains, a shell. You are with us and are no longer in pain, Mom. I asked Polly and Jules if they woul

Definitely realizing we're tired. We got lost in Atlanta and ended up near Marietta instead of Decatur and wouldn't make it back down in time for Jackie's appt.  We rescheduled.  Time to get some rest and food.  I made chops and eggs for brunch - it wasn't bad.  Simple but hearty food. I'm working on presents for David and family. We have the gifts that you bought for Lynn and Jerry and will send those out this weekend or Monday.  Today is just a down day, Ma. We're missing you like crazy and the bodies are refusing to do much other than getting the kitchen clean (of course). The cats are unhappy I'm not giving them canned food but they'll have to adjust. We're giving Holly and Darcy half a can each, our oldest babies. Someone sent us a cheese and cracker gift box but there's no name on the box as to who it's from. We're thinking probably Polly and Jules. Missing you, Mama.

Mama; Have a slight major crisis. Went on the SSI website to try and report your passing and they state that SSI money for the month of the passing should not be cashed or should be returned. I already paid the bills.  We're going to see if they'll take payments to pay back this month's SSI that you received. Jackie and I went through your paperbacks, pulling out a couple we might be interested in.  Something struck us as strange. There was about half the normal number of books you usually have.  You pulled everything out of your wallet except medical cards and ID, you started giving away all your paperbacks, you told us to cover and put away the quilt you're working on and reminded Jackie about the turtle we needed to break upon your passing. You didn't want to worry us with just how off you felt about something going on in your body, right? Because of my heart scare last month? We're having Dish shut off Monday and also the telephone.  We're keepin

Barbara,  I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.  I have very fond memories of her.  We first met at a Red Hat Christmas Tea where we shared a table together and became acquainted.  She always greeted us with a warm smile and welcome and I always enjoyed being in her presence.  One of my fond memories was when she let my dad wear her wide brim red hat at a function to keep the sun out of his eyes.  He get a big kick out of it and talked of it often.   Glad she was able to make her wish come true to leave you and Jackie a house that you have turned into a loving home.  I know that made her happy.  She was a great lady and will be missed by all.   My prayers and thoughts are with you and Jackie during this difficult time. Much Love, Joyce

Kathy & I first met when she came to my front door telling me not the believe what her Mother had told me.  She ranted on for awhile & when I told her that Mrs. Carr had not told me anything, she stopped her pacing & said "OH".  We talked & got to know each other.  She liked turtles & I collect blue glass.  She loved to quilt, I loved embroidery, etc.  We became great friends.  We went to quilt shows & the Scotish Ceremonies.  I wanted to paint my living room but was not sure I could do it.  Kathy said I could do anything I wanted to do & I believed her & I have lived my life that way.  Kathy was a generous friend.  There with help when you needed something.  Though she moved far away, we were still close.  To say I will miss her can not possibly explain the way I feel. Ellen (note: must have been a heck of an argument w/Grandma that week! The Carr women could be....passionate)

Hey Mama; We went and talked with people at the county and they will help us with expenses. You would have like the lady, she had an office filled with plants and incense.  African Violets, Prayer plants, etc.  The people in the DFCS office were very kind and so was the man at the funeral home.  We gave him a red hat and a wooden turtle stamp to be sent with you. Jenn and Terry posted a wonderful sympathy card on the internet on your FB, it made us cry.  People are getting in touch and every one of them are stunned and all talk about how wonderful you are and how you'll be missed. Jackie and I thought we were doing okay and then went in search of the material for Georgia and Chris' quilt. We keep finding turtles and more turtles.  We've decided to keep the turtles and maybe add to them. Each one had a story and meant something to you, neither of us can picture us getting rid of them at this point. You burned all of Richard's letters but you kept his status pap

what an amazing tribute you've written for your mom!   love and healing energy is still going out for all three of you.   tim   # # #    This is heart breaking .. She is remarkable and her soul will carry with you and your sister. My prayers are with right now and always.  Please let me know if there is anything I can do.  Kelly, realtor # # # # To the Blind Cat Sanctuary Our mother passed away last night.  She loved the Facebook postings and videos about the cats that you have taken in. We are asking that, in lieu of flowers, that donations be made in her name to your charity or our mother's senior center.  It may not be much, our circle of friends and family are on the poor side of the fence, but it might bring some money to you guys for the babies. Our mother was Kathlene Sue Jones and she loved cats, especially hard-luck ones. Sincerely, Barbara and Jackie   - - - -    Response   I am so so sorry about your

From Barb and Jackie: thanks guys!

Mama; Still numb at times. It is so overwhelming thinking that you won't be with us any longer.  How do we do this without you? You've been the center of my life all of my life. Jackie and I went to the center. Kim and Debbie hadn't told everyone yet. Kim was talking to James outside. He called last night and I broke the news. He's pretty broken up, you are one of his few friends. We went inside and they broke the news to everyone over the microphone and we went around the place accepting hugs and condolences and sharing memories of you.  Everyone remembers your outgoing personality and smile.  None of them could believe you were just there 3 weeks ago and weren't sick at all. We talked with Kim and Debbie about donating that sewing machine and a bunch of the material and help get a quilting thing going.  Would that be a good tribute, Mom?  We think so.  We know it was something you were wanting to do and was excited about the idea.  I sensed you were worrie

Here I sit, early am Ca time, reading my emails, and...oh, the shock of this one! Your mother, oh God, your mother, was such a wonderful, thoughtful, SPECIAL person...always a smile on her face...ready to help, never judgemental, I could go on and on... I remember when she worked at the little store, gas station, on the way to ****...I worked at St A's Hospital and commuted about 3 to 4 days a week to work in a CLUNK OF A CAR...one of my stops on the way was at the "little store" where your mom worked...to buy bubble gum before started my shift at work...one day, I got out of my car and went into the store, greeting your mom as usual...to my great surprise, she pushed me aside, grabbed "something from the wall", ran out side, and started spraying engine of my car.  It was on fire!  I stood there with my mouth open! I worked at St A's in Registration...over a duration, I would see your mom and her mother as her mom became quite ill and required help in her la

You have been blessed to have such a caring loving family….  She was also blessed to have a family that was so kind and caring. I am saddened that she passed so soon, but since we are getting older, we think that passing without lots of pain is a blessing  in itself. Your mother was loved by all. Sending our Love, and hugs, Ralph and Vivian # # #    My heart hurts.  I have so many memories of those years.  I hope you can feel my arms around both of you.   It is to soon, but remember you can never really lose her.  As long as we remember, she will be with us.     All our love   Lee   # # #   I opened up your message late last night, and I was saddened and couldn’t respond until today.  I am sad very sad right now to hear this news, but I am also in peace to know that she will not be in pain going through Chemo, I am at peace for her and her daughters knowing that as sweet and full of life she is that it has been passed to two wonderful wom

Kathy Jones#### (nee ####) passed on last night after a VERY short illness with lung cancer.  We were able to tell her we love her and other stuff before she went but I guess there's always things left unsaid and things said only after someone is in a coma. I need to write and don't know where to begin so this is an experiment.  Letters to our Mom. This is how we want to remember Mom Mom; I went to bed numb and woke up the same way. There is so much of you in the house that you literally can't look anywhere without thinking of you, even in my room. I did my usual "get up, get moving, take care of stuff" - Jackie and I went shopping and got some groceries end, using up what you had on your foodstamp card.  It felt a little ruthless to be thinking along those lines but I learned how to survive with very little growing up with you. You taught us how to be strong and how to make hard choices when necessary. I had random moments of breakdown in the sto