Father's Day Memories

I really don't remember a particular father's day growing up, but I am sure it consisted of a cookout and probably a few beers. I would say the morning started with a big breakfast my mom would have prepared and then we would share our gifts with daddy. Mine would be something I drew or made and he would make over it like it was priceless. Then daddy would go to the golf course and when the boys got old enough they would get to go with him. I stayed home and helped mom get ready for the cookout. I have to admit I always wanted to go to the golf course with the boys and if I didn't get to putt or even touch a club I wouldn't have cared, I wanted to drive around in the golf cart. Being a girl in those days meant you got to hang out with mom and chop onions and celery for the potato salad and get your hands slimy in hamburger meat. This day wasn't any gigantic celebration, because at our house any Saturday or Sunday there would be some kind of party. My Daddy was that guy...He just made things fun. If he was mowing grass he would let us kids sit on his lap and we would mow 2 acres. If it was raking a pile of leaves we knew at the end there would be matches and fire. You have to know there is nothing more fascinating that getting a stick and poking at a fire. If he had to run to the store for mom we kids and later grandchildren would load up in the back of his blue work truck and off to the store we would go. He would have the radio up as high as it would go and we would be hanging onto the back rails singing along. I have so many memories of my dad and most of them have nothing to do with grand vacations or big events. I remember coming into my house on Wednesday afternoons and smelling pork chops frying in mom's big cast iron skillet. Every kitchen cabinet would be wide open and there was daddy with flour all over him and the counters. He would have a pan of cottage fries going and potato peelings in the sink. It was a mess, but he had Wednesday afternoons off and he was cooking so mom wouldn't have too. She would come in at 5:30 and she would fuss at daddy because he had made such a mess. He would hand her a glass of wine and hit her on the behind with a dish towel and tell he and I would clean up the mess later. I must admit daddy would usually disappear after dinner and mom and I had to get out degreaser and wipe down the stove and counters, but it was a fun dinner and a special time for our family. Daddy was a man who would decide get me out of school on the pretense that I had a dentist appointment and take me to the Flagler Beach Pier and go fishing. We left for a trip to Miami giving my mom about 2 days notice. We had no reservations just popped in the car with a few changes of clothes and our bathing suits. We must have had a least two flat tires on that trip and nobody loved a flat tire more than my dad. Everytime I watch the Christmas Story and see the dad wanting to be timed while changing the tire it reminds me of daddy. My job was to hold the hub cap and the nuts and bolts that held the tire on. My brothers and daddy would quickly get out the jack and have the spare put on in record time. Daddy also got pulled a lot, but his pleasant manner and smile usually got him off with a warning. As soon as we got a little down the road he would start talking and laughing and usually back to speeding. All of his grandchildren remember his humor and his loving ways. He worked hard and he played hard. He had a joy for life that was fun to be a part of. I like to think I inherited some of his zest for living. I know I inherited his love for family and enjoying the simple things in life. I thank God for giving me a dad that would lay down his life for his kids and showed us what a loving parent looked like. I have been doubly blessed, because I found a husband that is a wonderful dad to his kids and to his grandchildren. He is more of a planner and more level headed, but I need someone like Bill to keep me grounded like my mom was for my dad. He is the best man I know and one of the best dads around. He will always be there for all of us and has taught our children about love, loyalty, and being there always for family, but he had a good teacher, his dad. That is another whole story maybe for next fathers day. So God Bless all of you daddys out there.

I Need To Talk To Mama

Maybe it doesn't matter how old you are there are just times when you need to talk to your mom. That is what I have been feeling for the last week. So much is going on in my life and the lives of my siblings and children. So much that I need to hear that wise voice telling me it is going to be alright. Telling me that I am tough or that I am a wonderful mom or friend or wife. Telling me that of course I made the right decision and also the one who could tell me I was to hard,to rash, or sometimes just plain stupid. I don't know about you, but sometimes I need my mom to tell me just how stupid I can be. I probably wouldn't take that comment well from anyone else, but her. I really need to talk to Mama. She has been gone for eight years, but she was gone before then. She had alzheimers and the women I could ask anything and would always get complete honesty was disappearing. She never forgot who I was, but she got where she thought their were two of me. The mean one who told her to wash her hands, she didn't need to drive anymore, she shouldn't be cooking or other things that she just couldn't do anymore or I was the nice daughter who let her eat cake and took her shopping and to Sonny's for lunch, but I was still asking her for advice or her opinion on things. Soon the conversation became almost non-existent. I talked she wouldn't respond or she would respond with an answer I couldn't understand. I missed those conversations even though I was sitting right next to her. I would visit her in the nursing home and climb on the bed with her. I would hold her hand and tell her about my day. She would stroke my hair and say I love you. You have pretty hair. Those were good times and I miss those moments. I miss the real conversations. My mom was wise and she had no problem with telling me what she thought about situations I would bring to her attention. She was a woman of strength and values, but she didn't interfere. She didn't offer advice unless I came to her for it. There were a few times when she thought she would blow when she could see me getting ready to make a huge mistake. She usually would encourage the conversation about whatever it was and I would ask her knowing I might not get the answer I wanted to hear. It has been a tough week for me and many of our family members. I need to tell her all about it and probably I would cry and she would stroke my hair and say it is going to be alright, I love you, you are strong and you can do or be anything. You are so special and smart and you have pretty hair my precious little girl. I need to talk to mama, but I will talk to God tonight and I know he loves me and my mama and someday I will get to talk to her again.

Snowed In!

Happy New Year and I hope it will be a good one for everyone. The Perry family had a wonderful Christmas and an even better after Christmas vacation. It has been a dream of mine to spend Christmas in the mountains, but with Bill's mom it is hard to get away. Jill has a friend that gave us his house in Mccayesville, Ga. for the week after Christmas, so with lots of planning and shuffling we headed out for our vacation the day after Christmas at 6:00 in the morning.

We knew there was snow in the mountains north of Atlanta, but no one could have prepared us Floridians of what lay ahead. When we got to Lake City, Fl. that should have been a small sign of what was to come, but after a sausage biscuit we trudged on toward fun in the snow.

All went well and when we got near Atlanta the sun came out and Jill called from her car that was in front of us and said it looked like the snow was moving away from us and toward the east coast and she was so upset. We kept seeing cars on the other side of the highway covered in snow. We knew it was snowing somewhere close by, but it may be over by the time we got there. We just weren't sure and were even a little worried it may be melted by the time we got there.

When we got to Atlanta the snow was lightly sprinkled on the ground and on rooftops. We were excited. When we got on 575 we saw heavy snow on the side of the highway in the trees and everywhere. Then it began to get dark and the snow got thicker. We never reached the point that we couldn't see the road, but it was blowing toward our windshield and piling up on the sides of the road.

When we got to Jasper, Ga. we stopped at the Ingles and I bought some groceries. The car was so packed I had to put lots of stuff on the floor beneath me and in my lap. We had Sydney and our 14 year old dog in the back seat and in the back we had all of our luggage, coats, and Jills things too.

Jill called from up ahead and they said they were stuck on the road up to the house. When we pulled in behind them she was in a ditch. There were a couple of people who came down to help. When I stepped out of my car the snow was up to my knees. It was really snowing hard. Some men came with their four wheelers to pull her out and then God sent this angel named Jeff in a huge pick up with four wheel drive to rescue us. We loaded all of our stuff and groceries in the back of his truck and we all piled in. Bill, me, Syd, Jill, Matt and Troy. It was a scary ride up to our cabin, but we made it. Jeff helped us unload our stuff. I tried to get him to take some money, but he refused. When he tried to go back up the hill he got stuck and two guys on the four wheelers had to pull him out. We had our cars parked way down the mountain from us, but they were out of the way from traffic, that is if any one could get in or out.

We were in the cabin and we turned on the heat. We got the groceries unpacked and finally Katy and Matt called. They have a four wheel drive so they decided to try to get to the cabin. I literally got on my knees by the bed and prayed they would get to us safely. It seemed like it took them forever to arrive, but suddenly little children came running in and I was never so happy to see those smiling faces. His car had made it and it was snowing horribly. He said they had slid and they were pretty much stuck here until things thawed out that it wasn't safe. Now we were waiting on Jeff, Angi and Ray. They were several hours behind us. When they called it was already dark. We told him he needed to find a hotel and wait until the next morning to try to come up. They got the last room in town and God was looking after us crazy Floridians. They were at least safe and we had the makings for chili and we settled in for the night. We didn't have t.v. and couldn't get the gas logs lit. The snow was falling all evening long. We didn't want to go to bed it was just so beautiful to watch.

We needn't worry the snow was still falling the next morning and it was 7 degrees outside. I got up early had my coffee and made pancakes and bacon for breakfast. We felt like we were rationing food. Everyone got two pancakes and two pieces of sausage, who knew if we were going to get more food before the next day. We realized we had two rolls of toilet paper, no paper towels, ten napkins and no paper plates or cups. We had a two pound package of hamburger meat and a one can of tomato sauce. I brought two packages of spagetti noodles so I knew we would be ok for one more day.

Jeff called and said it was still snowing and wasn't sure what to do. We told him to go to Walmart and buy a gas can and get 5 gallons of gas. We also gave him a massive grocery list. We told him to call when he got to the road that came up to the cabin and we would come and get him on the four wheeler. That is what we did! It must have taken all morning to bring up Jeff, Angi, and Ray and then all of the groceries and their clothes. It was so exciting and fun, but we did it. Everyone was there safe and sound.

We spent the afternoon tubing, four wheeling and the kids made snow angels and a snow man. I have never taken so many pictures. I must have taken a hundred pictures and most of them didn't have anybody in them. My children got in one or two and the grandchildren were in five or six, but the scenery was like something out of the most beautiful Christmas Card I had ever seen. Later Jill, Matt and the kids got in the hot tub. We had so much fun all afternoon. That evening we all sat down together asked grace and thanked our precious father for getting us all there safely. We had a great supper and later the kids went downstairs and played ping pong and later we played Taboo. It was a full and fun day.

The next day it was more fun in the snow. The guys would pull the older kids on the tubes behind the four wheeler, It was another great day, but we were still stuck. Matt got his car moved to higher ground, but his wheels were frozen to the ground. Jill's car got stuck closer to the cabin. We didn't even try to move our vehicle.

Katy and Matt were able to get out on Wednesday, but the rest of us didn't have four wheel drive and there was just to much ice. We were going to wait one more day, because the temp wasn't going out of the twenties and everything was still icy. We made the best of our time left. The guys carried some of our things to the car on the four wheeler. Then Matt and Ray had to make a run into town. Taking the back roads and avoiding traffic (which there was none) they took the gas can to the handy way to make sure we could get to our cars the next day. They wanted to pick up beer, but the locals said they would have to go across into Tennessee to get it. Tennessee was across the street from where they were, but the sheriff's office was right next to the store where you buy the beer. Matt was afraid to buy it with Ray with him, because Ray was underage. The men in the store said, they knew those poor boys was stuck in the mountains and just needed some beer to make there stay more enjoyable. They came back to the cabin with the gas we needed some cokes and snacks, but no beer. Jeff wasn't sure he could make it without a few to get through the evening. That is when my adventurous daughter, Jill stepped up and said she was going to Tenn. to get the beer. She and Matt headed to town taking all the back roads. They parked the four wheeler in Ga. and crossed over to Tenn. by foot. They came back across the Ga. line with two twelve packs of budlight. They were hoping the one deputy wouldn't stop them. They hurried to the four wheeler and took off for home. We were so happy they didn't get picked up by the law and we didn't have to bail them out of jail. We had a great evening.We cooked all the food in the fridge which meant we cooked two pounds of bacon and one package of sausage. We cooked a dozen eggs and made thirty pancakes. We cooked the last package of cinnamon rolls and drank a gallon of o.j. We made a bonfire outside and the kids and some adults spent time in the jacuzzi. We played some games until late then called it a night.

The next morning it was dreary and still below freezing. We knew ice would still be on the roads. We all packed up our stuff and finished taking it to our cars. Then the guys decided they were going to get all the cars, but Jeffs down to the entrance to where we were staying. Jill' s little car went first and it was icy and it slipped around, but they made it out. Jeff brought Matt back to our car and he got it out. Yeah!!! Then they came for us and took each of us to our cars. Lastly came Jeff and his family they got to the truck and then Little Matt took the four wheeler back to the cabin and locked everything down. He walked back to Jeff's truck and they all made it to the entrance where we were waiting.

It was now 12:00 and none of us had eaten. So Jill and her family and Bill and I all went to Merciers store for lunch and to buy some souveniers. The food was great and they make the best fried apple and peach turnovers you ever ate. The store was full of people who had been stuck like us. We bought our goodies then headed home. Ollie and Troy were in the back seat and Bill was driving. It was a long trip, lots of traffic outside Atlanta and down near Macon. We made it home around midnight. We were all worn out, but it was an awesome trip. We made some precious memories. I hope our kids and grandchildren will always remember. God has blessed us and we are so thankful for all that he has given us, most especially our family and wonderful friends. Snow it is one of God's beautiful creations and I am glad I got to see it at least once before I die.

I Miss Running

I am 62 years old and I am proud of it. I have had a wonderful life. I had parents who loved me, taught me to be a descent human being, I had brothers who I adore now, but when I was growing up with them I thought they were born to annoy me and get in the way of the attention I wanted from my parents. Our family was as ordinary as they come with problems like everyone elses. Never quite enough money, but always lots of love and fun. When I was a little girl I loved to run. I would run to and from my neighbors house just because I thought it was fun. When I would be playing at the playground across the street from my house I would go and just run the bases. I wouldn't have any one to play baseball with, but I didn't care. I would pretend to hit the ball and run the bases. I would run to school and I would run home from school. I wouldn't be satisfied to roller skate unless I could do it fast. I fell a lot and I am not saying I was even a fast runner, but I just got back up with my long spindly legs and run some more. As I got to the pre-teen years, my mom told me that a lady didn't run everywhere she went. I always had band aides on my knees, because I wouldn't slow down. It was somewhere between 6th. and 7th. grade that some boy laughed at me when I was running on the playground and tore the petticoat that I had on under my gathered skirt. Long pieces on lace lay across my sprawled legs and I could hear my mom saying that is no way for a lady to behave. I was sweaty and dirty and now I was totally humiliated. I think it was that day that I quit running every where I went. (Thanks, Billy C.) It was about that time I became a little more aware of my feminine side and my mom was so happy. My jeans didn't wear out as fast (holes in the knees from falling) and my skirts didn't tear loose from the waistbands. Running each year became something I never thought about doing. When I got into high school I did love sports and I played everything. I loved softball and basketball, but mostly I loved a game called speedball. It was a cross between soccer and football, but I got to run again. After high school I got married and started a family. The running I did was mostly chasing kids keeping them from throwing things in the toilet and flushing them down. Running after them when they climbed the fence in the back yard and were heading for the creek. The problem I noticed was that they were a lot faster than me and my running in anger wasn't like when I was a kid and you just ran for the joy of it. As the years went on I started walking the Ravines. It wasn't as popular as it is now, but I was trying to lose weight and Bill would go with me. We got where we would actually jog around the whole ravine. I enjoyed it for a time then things happen, people get sick and you have to help care for them and suddenly the running stopped. Now I am 62 overweight, bad hips, and feet. I love to watch my grandchildren run all over the yard. I sometimes try to chase them, but I give up quickly. My oldest grandson, Matt is running everyday. He loves the Ravines and is now making it around twice. He really is loving it. I miss the feel of the pavement under my tennis shoes. I miss the sweat and how the dust would stick to it all over my face and arms. I miss the pounding in my chest where I felt like my heart would explode (but I knew it wouldn't because I was young and in shape)I miss the way I felt when I finished getting to the slide or supper table or the top of the hill at the Ravine Gardens. Free and flying and happy to feel alive. Now I will be satisfied with walking the loop in my neighborhood while my grandchildren ride their bikes and scooters. I feel free watching them run like the wind. Boy, I sure do miss running....

Lucas, My Youngest Grandson

Lucas is a very interesting and special little boy. He came over the other day running in my back door, that is usually the entrance he makes, running. He ran to me and said I'm here. I said, I am so happy you came to see me. He answers, I know. He always comes in happy. He may have been being a pill on the ride over here, but he always comes in with a smile on his face and I get my quick hug. He doesn't sit still long enough for a long hug or extensive cuddling. I do think his mom gets those quiet times at night before bed when he is really really tired. He is so different than Josie and Hayden. They are so sweet and always want to please you. Hayden is so obedient and if you ever have to speak to him about him doing something wrong, usually arguing with his sister or cousins, he will get upset and sometimes hide and cry. Josie is a lot like that too. She isn't quite as sensitive as Hayden, but he is a perfectionist and she's not. Lucas is that child that always has the funny comeback and he could care less if you raise your voice at him when he is misbehaving. Most of the time he has an excellent excuse for his bad behavior or he just plain denies it. The other day when they were here Josie was chasing him out of my bedroom swinging her fist and running after Lucas as fast as she could. Lucas was screaming as he ran by. Josie's mom grabbed her and she said Lucas pinched her. I called him over and put him in my lap. I asked him did he pinch Josie. He said, NO, she hit me. I asked him again, but didn't you pinch Josie first and that is why she's trying to hit you. He again said, NO, I didn't do any something to her. You just got to laugh when he comes up with comments like that. He never admitted any something and believe me he never said he was sorry. He could go to his room and never be seen again before he would admit any wrong doing. Sounds like some grown men I have known. His mama has a long road ahead of her because he is only 3. Another thing he loves to do is take off his shirt and show you his muscles and he has some pretty big muscles for a 3 year old. He loves to dance and do tricks. He is just entertaining. But when he get tired he wants his cup of milk and to lay down on my bed and turn on the t.v. He will go fast asleep without any problems. I guess he just goes and goes and he is just worn out at the end of the day. Lucas will always have lots of friends. He is definitely a people person. He will be talented and athletic. Right now he loves the guitar and the drums and since his dad is a musician I can see him playing his guitar and singing lead in a band. He will charm his audiences with his talent and with his smile which is already beautiful. I hope I live long enough to see him on that stage, or field, or courtroom. He is going to be something special of that I am sure.

A Beautiful Day?

It is dreary and raining outside. It is 87 degrees and humid, but it is indeed a beautiful day. I woke up a little later than usual this morning and got up and made coffee. I opened the blinds and realized it was Saturday and Bill has the whole day off. We can't even come up with what we want to do today. We know we should clean out the utility room or organize the garage. We should put up the files in our bedroom and find a spot for them in the back closet, which in turn would means we would have to clean the back closet. The list of what we need to do around here is long, but this is the first day Bill hasn't had to work or go to the Dr. so maybe we will let the list get a little longer and have some fun today. I need to pray first thing and give thanks and then get ready for whatever this day holds for us. Its rainy and dreary, but it is our day together. We plan on doing nothing together or something fun. I don't really care the key word is together. God created this day and we intend to make good of it.

God Are You There?

I am going to admit that I have been pouring it on when it comes to my praying lately. I know when I go on my knees God is probably thinking here she goes again....what in the world is wrong now. I have felt so overwhelmed lately with Bill having so many health issues. Also the Mema thing...trying to see she has someone with her 24-7. Making sure that not only we have food in the house, but that she has food in her house. We have had family members lose jobs, struggling to make ends meet. Problems within our church family. Me having to have a tooth pulled and facing the expense of a bridge. Children with serious health problems and loss of people in our community to violence and suicide. What is going on God? Here I am again, do you hear me? I feel like God is far away sometimes. I feel like I am so unimportant in the big picture of things. You know God is really busy with our country and other things like, floods, earthquake victims, starving people and the poor and homeless. I know Lord that you are as worried as I am at the state of our country, we need your guidance. I pray that you Lord would help me be stronger, smarter, and more patient. I pray for that every day. It has been so hot and nobody seems to feel worth a darn. We need some rain God. We need you to pick up the yoke, because we are just worn down. I pray that you will help me to surrender the things I can't fix. Maybe that's what you are waiting for. God I surrender all of my problems to you and I surrender everything to you. I know that I am your child and that you know me by name. I know you hear me and my prayers and you answer me everyday. The mornings are a little cooler. Bill felt good enough to make coffee this morning and we sat on the porch. Our squirrel who is just a little to friendly was on our screen waiting for a treat. He heard me this morning when I asked for him to protect Bill on his trip to Gainesville and he came home safe and sound. I had a call from a good friend who asked me to lunch and we laughed about kids and old times. We confirmed a date to go see the leaves in North Carolina with my sister and her husband. The Lord knew we needed to see the beauty of his world and feel the coolness of fall. He knew we needed some time to gather strength to face the next problem and the next. God I ask you to keep us calm in the storms, not that there won't be storms. God I know there will always be problems so help me release them to you. I am weak and you are strong. I love you Lord and I know you love me.