Outside My Windows III - Around the Campfire

[theirishguard]

Dave, in the second picture of the house, what is that little open area on the right? Is that a picture of the back of the house?
Tom

[Richard S]

Dave:

What an extraordinarily beautiful and elegant home you and Nancy have constructed . . . truly a "dream house" in a "wonderland" setting!  

[Michigunner]

Dave,

I'm delighted you showed those house pictures.  And eleven acres!

I don't see how it could get any better than that.

Bill

[Michigunner]

My X-Ray vision shows a great truck in your garage, too.  I was thinking about that yesterday.

It's funny how attitudes change over the years.  Heretofore, I would never have lights above the cab, but now it will most likely happen, because of you.  When you come across high-class people, you want to be like them.

In addition, I would never, ever wear a shirt that was not tucked in.  Now it happens most all the time to conceal the artillery.  It seems natural and comfortable.

Thinking about your land, when we were first married we bought a brand new house trailer.  Even went to the factory and received a tour by the sales manager.  Can you imagine?

After living there seven years, we bought a place with five acres.  I was in heaven.  Every morning, I would open the bedroom windows and it seemed like 1/2 mile to the fence row.  

Bill

[theirishguard]

Dave, it seems we are never happy. We always dream. Careful what you wish for.........
Tom

[R9SCarry]

The grass may always seem greener the other side - but my grass tho a bit rough and not mowed often enough, is still green, and it grows where my heart is - called home

Dreaming is part of living - but so also is knowing and appreciating what we do have - even if that seems little compared to some.  Quality can always win over quantity and love wins over all else.

[theirishguard]

Dave, yes, you are a lucky man, a wonderful family, a super house, pocket pistols coming out of your ears and a boss truck.
Tom

[MountainMan]

Dave, yes, you are a lucky man, a wonderful family, a super house, pocket pistols coming out of your ears and a boss truck.
Tom

Tom - one of the main reasons I am a lucky man is friends like yourself.

[theirishguard]

Dave, yes my friend, you are right. Next to family friends are our most valuable possession.
Tom

[MountainMan]

       A Son's Love

Some of you have been so kind to ask on the well being of my mom who was diagnosed with cancer last November.

My mom, Elma, passed away at her home at 9:45 am Easter morning.  I stayed up with her all night, except for an hour when my dad relieved me.  I'm not sure if she knew I was there but I talked to her assuming she did.

When she passed my dad, one brother, and myself were with her.  I am glad we where able to kept her at home for this entire process dispite the daily difficulties.

I thank you in advance for your nice thoughts and prayers.

PS - I removed my new house pictures from this page - they didn't just seem right to be on the same page as this post on my mom - thanks.

Dave

[theirishguard]

Dave, I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mother's picture, she looks like a grand lady.
I will say a final prayer for her tonight, may she rest in peace.
I'm sure you and Nancy will feel good about her place in heaven.
Tom

[MountainMan]

Thank you Tom - the picture was of her 76th birthday last summer.  My mom had me when she was 19 - her and my dad started dating when she was 13 or 14.  After he returned from WWII they got married a year later.
Dave

[R9SCarry]

Oh Dave - what can I say.  I feel for you in your loss.

My Mom died March 8 2003 - I was 2 hours over the Atlantic from here hoping to get there in time (UK) - not to be.  I am thankful for you being able to be with her.

We all know we are not immortal but somehow parents - Moms in particular I guess, are folks we so often feel will always be there.  Doesn't work that way of course but - I cherish so many memories as you do and will - it does not fill the gaping hole but sure does help us in the celebration of a life - the part I feel we need to make important.

By deepest sympthies and while I am not a praying man per se - send the very strongest of positive thoughts your way - that you and your dear Dad may find the strength to manage.

I cannot take away your pain but sure can empathize - take care.

[Richard S]

Dave:

Joyce and I extend to you and your family our deepest sympathy and condolences on the death of your beloved mother.

I lost my own mother to cancer 36 years ago, but I have felt her presence every day since the day of her death.  I also have found comfort in this poem, to which she introduced me when I was still a child:  


Because I Could Not Stop for Death
[size=10]by Emily Dickenson (1830-1886)[/size]

Because I could not stop for Death
He kindly stopped for me.
The carriage held but just ourselves
And immortality.

We slowly drove - He knew no haste -
And I had put away
My labor and my leisure too,
For His civility.

We passed the school, where children strove
At recess in the ring -
We passed the fields of gazing grain,
We passed the setting sun.

We paused before a house that seemed
A swelling of the ground -
The roof was scarcely visible,
The cornice - in the ground.

Since then, tis centuries,
and yet feels shorter than the day
I first surmised the horses' heads
Were toward eternity.

[R9SCarry]

Let me add this too Dave - it has been a source of comfort and strength to me in bad times.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush of
quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.

Written in 1932 by Mary Frye.