My Dad, Bennie Glenn, passed away 3:40 AM this morning (EST).  He went into a coma Sunday afternoon so the final passing was rather short.He found out that he was in Stage 4 liver cancer the first part of August so the whole deal was not long at all.

Thanks to everyone for remembering our family in your prayers.  I don’t have any funeral arrangement yet but will try to update as soon as I can.

As most of you who read my random blogs know, we were working on finishing out our bedroom.  I had taken pictures some time ago and had actually thought that I had posted them.  I suddenly realized that I hadn’t so here goes:

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The lavender was paler than I had hoped but we decided to leave well enough alone.    I wanted to use hearts so got my collection of heart shaped baskets and other odds and ends to put above the border.  The border, btw, is an Ebay bargain.  Some thought it looked little girlish but I choose to think of family-ish although I don’t mind be a tiny bit “little girlish”  .  After I put up the baskets, I got the brainstorm of using all the excess teddy bears that seem to cluttering up the place.  I will cull them later as I decided I wasn’t going to keep any that didn’t really have the appeal I like.  I think they need to have some expression as if they were speaking to me.  My favorite is the last photo.  I am not sure what it is about him but he has that appeal.   I did actually buy another one, (as IF I really needed another one.) But that one was immediately claimed by Kaity and promptly named RoseMiller.  She has to take RoseMiller to church and to bed with her so I guess it was love at first sight. I guess I can spare that one.

I have added a few more hearts since these photos to fill in the gaps but basically its done.  And Vernon did put up the smaller ceiling fan directly above the bed.   We ♥ it beary much. 

1 Corinthians 13

Though I speak with the tongues of men and angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

And although I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

But when that which is  perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Follow after charity…… 1 Corinthians 14:1 a     (KJV)

I am to have devotions today at sewing circle so I was praying for direction of what to say.  These verses kept coming to mind so I feel that I am to share them.  I was reflecting on some of the struggles that I’ve face over the past couple of years and feel like this passage really fits.

To attain is like climbing up a staircase.  May God bless your day.

Just showing you the cute flannel throws I made yesterday.  I wanted to use up some scraps or remnants of flannel I had.  I am not a real big fan of rag quilts but I like these.  But of course, I’ve ALWAYS been a big fan of The Raggedy’s. 

Kaity wants to claim these too.  Can’t say as I blame her.    Have a good day.

Yesterday morning our family sat in the back of Shiloh Church attending the funeral service of Becki Kauffman.  (41 year old daughter of Arlie and Roberta, who died after an 8 month battle with cancer.)

The church was well filled and some people were even seated back in the reception hall.  By being in the rear of the assembly we were easily distracted by the comings and goings of the different people going in and out.  (Its amazing how much activity there is during a service.  )  Anyway, as I sat there and watched a couple of flies bother Lavern Martin’s family seated just in front of us, and playing with their little girl when she’d reach out from her folding chair to swat at my dress, (sh!), I noticed a little baby, just ahead.  Wow!  Did she ever remind me of my own little girl some 12 years ago….she was so cute!  She looked a lot like Lavina did.  Imagine my surprise when her Daddy shifted enough that I could see that he was Chad Miller. 

Now, that goes a long way back.  Chad was just a little tyke when Vernon served his 2 years of VS in Guatemala 1979-1981).  Chad’s parents, Vernon and Sue became very close friends of ours after they had served as house parents while Vernon lived in Chimaltenango.  Sure was nice to see Chad again. 

Then, whoa!  Up a few benches was a petite little blonde baby girl…..I suddenly had a flashback.  I was back in Carbon Hill again.   That baby was Joe and Effie’s!  Only this time it wasn’t Sharon, Marilyn, Brenda nor Janice..  It was Janice’s littlest one.  But Effie and Joe would NOT be able to disclaim her if they wanted to, which I am sure they don’t!  My those genes are strong.   I had forgotten how cute those little Weirichs were. 

Later on that day, we met up with Jerry and Nina Woodcock.  I had known Nina in our pre-marriage days as we are only a couple of years apart and were in the same Fellowship back then but had only met Jerry in 1986.  We had stopped in Summersville, MO on our way back to Guatemala to visit Joe and Effie (who, by the way, was Mission director when Vernon was serving there.)  Jerry’s invited us over Sunday evening and we enjoyed ourselves so much.  Both of our families were small.  We had 2 and they may have had 3 at that time.  Anyway, we had always hoped to see them again and when we moved up here to this area in Conrath, WI and found that this was Jerry’s home/stomping grounds, we thought we might see them again.  After 9 and 1/2 years that finally happened yesterday. 

Jerry and Nina are both the type that even after 24 years we were able to pick up and visit like those years hadn’t happened.    When he asked me if I had ever had Brain Freeze, I waited to see what he meant before I answered.  Its going to your old home where you grew up and not recognizing most of the people.  In your mind you remember them as they were when you left.  Oh, yes, I do know what he was talking about!

A couple of weeks ago, I went “home” to Carbon Hill / Logan, Ohio.  I knew the older ones, of course, but had to ask several times who was who among the younger set.  I felt like asking for Show and Tell and have everyone introduce themselves.    I found myself looking at everyone in the grocery store and Walmart, wondering to myself, “I wonder who that person is?  I wonder if I went to school with them?”  It kind of bugged me not knowing and wishing that I did.  I really wonder how many of those strangers I may have actually known once upon a time.  None of them looked even slightly familiar.  But on the other hand, I’ll be willing to believe that no one recognized me either.  Its been a long time ago…..a long time ago.

Well, its time to move on.  I called my parents a little while ago.  My Dad answered.  He sounds so weak.  I just wish I could just pack up and go “home” again.  If only it were that simple. 

Sorry folks, there isn’t any pictures to go along with this post but I needed to write it anyway.  God bless your day.

Today, I took the plunge: dressed in my old paint dress, mixed the paint and put on the final coat to the stairway.

Been laying off to do it but it was too hot and then I didn’t have the inspiration.

First I started with a flesh pink then splotched it with dusty rose.  I wasn’t entirely satisfied with the look so decided to splotch some burgundy over that.  Maybe that would take away some of the girlie look. 

  Oh boy, that is awful!  So I took a damp rag and wiped it off.

   Not everything came off but I kind of liked the effect so I made more work for myself.  

Dip the Walmart bag into the paint.  Splotch it on a section of wall, wipe it off and go wash out the rag and wash off my hands.   Then repeat the process all over again, and again, and again, and……….   It took hours but it is finally done.

The header above the south windows.

I am so glad this project is finally done.  Now for window treatments and wall decorating.  I have a few pictures up but inspiration is a bit sluggish.

Last Sunday we were at Hocking Hills Mennonite Church (aka Carbon Hill).  At first I was sitting beside Elaine Brunk, my “almost birthday twin” who is 2 days younger than myself.  She kindly told me who different ones were when I asked and later in SS class I sat beside her sister-in-law Nancy with whom I feel quite comfortable.

After church I was busily occupied visiting with some of the women when Nancy came up to me and introduced me to her youngest (I think) grandchild.  That was sweet….I later regretted not asking to hold him.  I was preoccupied I suppose but I’ll bet Nancy thought that it was odd that I didn’t…..me, the original Pied Piper of Carbon Hill Mennonite Church! 

Well, anyway, I wasn’t so preoccupied that I didn’t think to introduce this lovely lady to my children.  “Jonny,”  I said, “Do you know what I remember about my 6th birthday?  I woke up and came downstairs to the dining room and there was this huge all day sucker!  All the other children only got regular sized ones.”   Nancy told us that she had forgotten that but when I mentioned it she remembered.   I doubt that I will ever forget, unless I end up with Alzheimer’s. 

The next day, I thought I’d go up to Logan to Elaine’s store and chew the fat awhile.   Unfortunately Monday is her day off so I decided to scrap that plan and visit her at her house.  She wasn’t home.  Oh waahhh!  But her brother Nolan lived next door.   So I went to visit Barb.  It so happens that Nolan and Wes Brunk (who happens to be sons of a very special couple, Norman and Clara, now deceased.   Norman was our deacon when I was growing up and not a nicer one could you find.  Anyway, these 2 Brunk boys married sisters.  Barb and Nancy Wray.

Barb graciously invited me in and I sat for awhile having a wonderful chat with her.   I have fond memories of sitting beside her in church…..Now let me assure you it WAS a privilege that I took seriously as my parents weren’t as easy-going about that as I am.    Barb would let me look up songs for her and shared her song with me.  I thought she was the nicest of nice grown-ups.   She told me how good it made her feel when I had written something about that on Nolan’s Facebook wall.   So now we went the full circle.  She made me feel good when I was small and I was able to repay that years later, even after she had forgotten that it ever happened.

I just want to let everybody know how little acts like that can make a little person’s day.   Both incidents were trivial but made a huge impact on me.  I have loved Barb and Nancy ever since. 

There are other incidents, such as my very first trip to Guatemala with Wes and Nancy.  Their little girl, Deb, was 19 months old at the time and was the sweetest, cutest toddler.   Deb is all grown up now but I have a soft spot in my heart for her and I am sure its because of that memorable trip as I moved away from Ohio soon after and never really stayed home long after that.

I guess the moral of this story is never underestimate your impact on anyone especially a little child.   It may make all the difference in the world.

So here’s hats off to you two Wray Girls.  I love you both dearly.Wes and NancyNolan and Barb

This is my latest creation.  I saw a picture of a similar one and came up with my own version.  I thought it would make a lovely one for a future granddaughter, but Kaity is trying to claim it already. 

I want to be careful not to invade on anyone’s privacy here but I wanted to say that my Dad got sick in July.  A few week’s later after a gallbladder surgery, he has been diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer.

He had been diagnosed a couple of years ago with Hemochromatosis which is too much iron in the blood.  (Here I was so proud of my high hematocrit.  )  This in turn has caused a damaged liver which is now deadly.   Also, for your information, Hemochromatosis causes diabetes and arthritis.  Both he has and also a number of family members, including yours truly.

So, this past weekend, Vernon and our 2 youngest children crammed into a VW Jetta for the long trek home to visit.  Its a long 13-15 hours in such a “tobacco can” as our family has dubbed those size of cars but it was great for the fuel mileage.  Anyway, we had a great weekend with my folks and wish we lived closer.  

He has lost a lot of weight since I last saw him over a year ago.  Here are some photos.  One of them is a picture of my Grandpa Glenn.  I couldn’t believe how much they look alike.   

This was in March with a grandchild and great grandchild.

This one was taken Tuesday morning with Mom and our 2 youngest.

     My Dad.                                                                            His parents–my Grandpa Jesse and Grandma Pearl.

My Grandpa died when I was a baby so I didn’t remember him, Grandma was my only grandparent for over 30 years….she passed away in 1998 at the age of 96.   There is NO replacement for her, she was the sweetest grandmother that anyone could want.   (Hey, if you don’t believe me, ask any of my siblings.  )

Another highlight of our trip was a visit to my dearest Aunt Susie.  She is Mom’s only sister and for whom I was named.  She hasn’t been well for a number of years.  It’s sad to know that some things will not last forever.  I hope when the time comes to say good-bye that I can be strong.