Today was to be a special day for Janie. School would once again start and her thirst for knowledge was bursting like an over filled water balloon.
September 6, 1951 was the day before, and the afternoon was very hot and humid with severe storms brewing like a secret potion in a witch's cauldron. Janie doesn't let this dampen her spirits for tomorrow she will be back in school. The storms are severe with tornadoes spawning from west to east across her beloved state of Michigan. Wreckage was heavy ending with a devastating hit on Flint, Michigan.
Janie arose the next morning only to find school had been canceled due to these storms. In the middle of the state where her family live, farm buildings and trees had been shredded and tossed about like tinker toys. All the people in her area had escaped with no loss of life.
It was then time to start the clean-up process and each person had their jobs to do with duties being assigned according to age. The three youngest consisted of her older sister, the youngest brother and Janie. She knew that the harder she worked the faster the next day would come and she would then go to school. Little did she know that her whole life would change drastically in one small moment?
Little brother did not wish to comply with the rules and as he defied his oldest sister's wishes, while Janie continued to do her tasks of picking up small branches and limbs. She was approximately twenty feet away when little brother threw one of his famous temper tantrums. He reached down and retrieved a heavy iron curtain rod; which in those days were used to hold the bottoms of the curtains straight and taut. He then hurled with all his might this heavy object directed at his oldest sister. His aim was off and the iron rod flew through the air striking Janie in the left temple and eye.
Janie fell to the ground immediately unconscious only remembering the pain and blood as she awoke traveling in a vehicle taking her far away from the farm. The next two weeks were a blur as the doctors operated three times trying desperately to regain Janie's eye sight.
Fate had played a cruel trick as Janie's life would never be one of the true happy, carefree days she had known and the life she so enjoyed. The learning would now be one of hurt, pain and loneliness. In spite of this tragic accident Janie continued her smiling happy ways and in her search of knowledge she discovered an inner strength and beauty which would see her through this life changing moment.
I usually write about my flowers and today you will learn about DIY! Due to a broken water pipe I have been for three weeks now demolition and remodel of kitchen. Today I was working on staining doors for new cabinets. It is a stain polyurethane combined. After completing the doors, I kept looking at the cut out from the counter where the sink is now placed. I am not one to let materials go to waste. The ol' gray matter is swirling in my brain. I decide it would be ideal for a cutting board, but decide to use my stain mixture on the back side to protect my new counters.
Now comes the fun story.
I finish the back and sides of the cut out from the counter and had decided to use a paint roller for a fast smooth job. I go out side to trash barrel, with paper towels and roller in hand. Of course when you apply pressure to remove said stained roller, it will always drip. Unfortunately it had to be my toes that were on the receiving end of this dripping stain. Very hot and humid here today so the toes are now sticking rapidly together. What a great time for the phone to ring! I am hopping through kitchen, dining room and living room to get to the phone and leave no toe prints in my wake!!! I explain to caller my predicament and hang up. Naturally there was not a drop of paint thinner in the house. I retrieve a bottle of rubbing alcohol and apply with paper towels to get toes unstuck. The bad news is, I have a new two toed nail polish which I don't wear nail polish at all. The good news is, I didn't leave any toe prints any where in my path. The picture is of the new cabinets where I cut the hole to fit over the new water pipes. That took me a while to get brave enough to cut the hole because I didn't wish to ruin my new cabinets with a mess around the pipes. I will say I am proud of my job so far, but I am far from finished.
After nursing this plant for three years I finally get to enjoy the beauty I was waiting for. My flowers were blessed with some early rain this spring, but now have been in drought condition again. I know this isn't in full glory yet, but will post again in a few days with "hopefully" all it's beauty.
Finally some relief from the heat and humidity, and the flowers were sure happy this morning, so here they are. The pink Calla Lily was hiding beneath the Easter Lily. One snowball after 10 years of nursing the bush, finally changed where it was planted and it loves it's new spot. My pictures wouldn't be complete without my Brow Eyed Susan's. To the right side of blog you will find the Gardenia bush in bloom and smelling delightful after the rain last night.
My tears fall freely from my eyes, For now I must truly say "Goodbye". Cousin Jan sleeps safely in God's arms, She will feel no pain, nor be in harm. Rest in peace my sweet cousin
Sorry but I have been a little busy, I will get back to regular posting and bring you up to date about my flowers and all things bright and beautiful. I completely redid four of my flower beds and am looking forward to seeing my lovely orchid lilies once again. They are already about one foot high. We have had some rain periodically so every flower and bush seems to be happy. As you know full moon is tonight and even though I have slept soundly, there has been traces of the reoccurring dream. I felt like I seen the hair but still no face. Oh well life goes on and if it happens then so much for mysteries. I finally went to have my blood checked, from the incident back in October when something poisoned my system so badly. Doctor says I have beautiful blood once again. OH NO, did I say full moon tonight!! Please don't let any vampires read this post.LOL
I have for the most part of my sixty five years lived I small towns. Never in my life had I encountered any trouble till I moved to a small community in North Carolina.
In twenty one years I have had bank statements opened. Bills missing causing extra money in canceled checks and late fees.
The most frustrating is the missing birthday and Christmas cards especially if they have an out of state return address. We have continually reported these actions to the stat postal inspector only to be told that there is a waiting list to be put on a waiting list for this area.
I have many times had to stand in line to mail a package for over half an hour with only three people in line. It is evident that the local gossip is more important than sending mail. Letters that should arrive in three days take upwards of six days.
The most outrageous incident was a birthday card sent to a special friend in Pennsylvania. I deposited the card at 11:45 AM in the inside slot for out of area mail. One hour later I received a phone call from a lady that recognized my name on a ripped check found in her front yard. We retrieved the ripped envelope, check and card. We proceeded to confront the post master only to be given excuse as to how it happened. They wanted the evidence and said they would handle the situation. We refused, sent the evidence to the Post master general for our state from a larger city out of state. Four weeks later the person mysteriously was replaced and sent to another state. During the remaining time we only received flyers and advertising.
We still have bank statements opened at least four times per year and certain cards missing from immediate family members out of state. The important mail that I have to send requires extra money due to certification, but at least I know they receive my messages.
I found this to be very accurate and hit the nail on the head for me.
This is a Chinese Feng Shui horoscope. Take a moment to take this test! If you are honest this tells the truth, it's pretty accurate. Write your answers on paper. Find out your horoscope at the bottom. 1. Which is your favorite color: Red, Black, Blue, Green or Yellow? 2. Your first initial? 3. Your month of birth? 4. Which color do you like more, Black or White? 5. The name of a person that is the same sex as you? 6. Your favorite number? 7. Do you like California or Florida more? 8. Do you like a lake or the ocean more? 9. Write down a wish (a realistic one) When you are done, scroll down.. Don't cheat!
Answers:
1. If you chose: Red - You are alert and your life is full of love. Black - You are conservative and aggressive.. Green - Your soul is relaxed and you are laid back. Blue - You are spontaneous and love affection. Yellow - You are a very happy person and give good advice to those who are down.
2. If your initials are: A-K You have a lot of love and friendships in your life. L-R You try to live your life to the max and your love life is soon to bloom. S-Z You like to help others and your future looks very bright.
3. If you were born in: Jan-Mar: The year will go very well for you and you will discover that you fall in love with someone totally unexpected.. Apr-Jun: You will have a strong love relationship that will last forever. Jul-Sep: You will have a great year and will experience a major life-changing experience for the good. Oct-Dec: Your life will be great, you will find your soul mate.
4. If you chose: Black: Your life is about to get better. You are more than ready for the change.. White: You have a friend who completely confides in you and would do anything for you, but you may not realize it..
5. This person should be your best friend.
6. This is how many close friends you will have in your life time.
7. If you chose: California : You like adventure. F Florida : You are a laid back person.
8. If you chose: Lake : You are loyal to your friends and your lover. You are very reserved. Ocean: You are spontaneous and like to please people.
9. This wish will come true if: before your next birthday.
I couldn't resist placing my picture where all could see the beauty of this bloom! It has been near sixty degrees and rained hard all night long. I finally ventured a peek outside and what did I see? Yes in all it's glory, and by tomorrow there will be more. Hyacinths, daffodils, tulips and even the hydrangea bush is sprouting. The temperature is falling fast and I'm glad some are hearty enough to with stand these sudden changes. Me I am still trying to figure out what I should do about many of my orchid and other lily bulbs that where to be transplanted last October when I was so ill from whatever poisoned my system. By time I was back on my feet it was so cold and rainy that I didn't venture outside. Enjoy!! Spring may be early since winter was.
Janie has always been a curious person. As a child, she would always ask questions of her Mother. Mom knew how and what to answer. Today Janie wishes for her Mother because she has questions many people would like to know the answer.
This question has been on Janie’s mind for many months. She laughs and jokes about this subject with friends and family. Deep down inside Janie finds she would like to know more about “Reincarnation”.
When you are raised in a Christian manner, you accept and believe what you are taught. Then out of nowhere some thing happens and you question your sanity, beliefs and all you have been taught.
Janie and her husband had both been very fond of wildlife and often would go for a drive through their area of residence to observe. Many times, just sitting on their patio, they could watch deer grazing, a possum searching for a scrap of food and both truly enjoyed watching the foxes. They never tried to tame these creatures for they were born wild and should remain wild.
Approximately a year and a half had passed since Janie’s husband had died. In her heart she felt he was in heaven. Late in April, Janie’s beliefs were shaken.
She had tossed some stale bread out for the birds or what ever creature passed through the back yard. Janie was standing by the open kitchen window when a fox appeared out of the slowly falling dusk. This fox immediately seemed different to Janie. It was in no hurry to grab the bounty and run as the others often did. This fox sat and slowly chewed each bite till all was gone.
The next evening Janie noticed the fox waiting patiently near the patio. Janie knew if she opened the door the fox would run for the cover of the woods. But this fox did not run. Watching Janie place the skin of the baked potato and pork chop bone on a paper plate the fox remained sitting quietly until Janie was back inside her home. Only then did the fox approach, sit and slowly enjoy the meal. Each day this fox appeared and Janie then observed that it was a female fox with nursing young. Then to Janie’s surprise the fox bowed its head. After the submissive gesture the fox looked Janie straight in the eyes. Janie’s heart skipped more than a few beats, for she had never seen a fox with eyes like this, for they were more of a human eye. Janie knew those eyes. She had gazed into them before.
Janie never knew what time or when this fox would appear. Janie observed from inside and would watch as this special fox would eat part of what was given, then bow toward the window, where Janie stood quietly watching, pick the rest of the food up in her mouth and leave. Janie was prepared the next evening with a set of binoculars. The same beautiful eyed fox followed the same ritual except for a different time pattern than the other foxes. Janie watched through the binoculars and discovered two small babies waiting.
Janie called her cousin long distance. They talked of family and friends. Finally Janie mentioned reincarnation and told her cousin of the strange female fox with twins. They both laughed for many times Janie’s husband had spoken to her cousin about the enjoyment of watching the foxes.
Janie and her cousin simultaneously said, “Well at least he knows what giving birth feels like, and it serves him right for coming back as a female fox.”
Janie was finally bringing her beloved husband home from the hospital. The doctor’s had questioned and explained in detail the stressful, strenuous and demanding nature of a husband dying. The doctor’s did not sugar coat this issue, therefore Janie knew it would be the end. Janie had promised many years ago that if it were within her power she would respect her husband’s wishes to die at home and not in a nursing home or hospital.
Janie had faithfully spent each day at the hospital through three weeks of tests, operation and removal of the horrid fast growing cancer in his brain. Never once did he forget who she was and how much they had lived and loved for one another. Theirs had been a love faithful and true for all nineteen years. Their anniversary had been only a week prior to his admission to the hospital and the discovery of this deadly tumor.
Every evening after leaving the hospital Janie would paint ceilings, wash walls, scrub carpets and floors in preparation for her husbands return home. Several times during the few quiet moments they would share between tests and relatives visiting, he would mention some thing that she had worked on the previous night instead of sleeping. Janie often felt his presence even though she was alone in their home. This was some thing Janie didn’t understand but for years they had talked about being able to will yourself some where and actually feel as if you were there.
When a person is so close to death some thing happens and they can see and talk to people as if they were alive or in the room. Janie’s husband often did this after he was home. The hospice head nurse and chaplain had explained these occurrences to Janie. He would often speak to his Mother and Father. For his Mother it was always a loving smile. For his Father it was to be forgiven for not taking proper care of the milk cow one hot summer day. Janie’s husband had told her of this incident, where at age sixteen he decided he was a man and didn’t have to do as his Father asked. He soon discovered that he wasn’t quite as grown up as he felt he was.
Janie had been told by the chaplain that if she knew what the circumstances which lead to these questions that it was fine to reassure her husband that he was forgiven. Often after each of these sessions He would go limp and almost lifeless.
One such incident caught Janie by surprise. It was three days before his death that Janie witnessed one such frightening occurrence. Janie had been told by the nurse that she would have to administer an enema at seven thirty the next morning. Janie admitted that she had never before given an enema to anyone. The nurse went over each step with Janie that evening before she left. The next morning by phone, as promised the nurse assured Janie that she could do this task.
Janie drew a deep breath and explained to her husband that she had to do this task. He smiled and gave her a kiss and helpfully posed himself in the proper position. Janie reassured her husband, as well as herself, and slowly with gentle pressure began the painful enema. Janie’s husband cried a mournful sob and in a voice she did not recognize he stated, “Stop this pain, I say stop it now. All you have ever done is to cause me pain.” Once again he called out his ex-wife’s name and stated, “You will never cause me pain again for I damn you to hell now.”Janie removed the empty enema bottle, pulled the protective sheet over her husband’s back side and on trembling legs she attempted to stand. Janie walked to the side of the bed for her husband lay still and to Janie, lifeless. Janie collapsed to her knees and gently placed her fingers on her husband’s wrist. Tears came from nowhere. Janie felt the loving touch of her husband’s hand against her cheek. He was smiling his little boy impish smile that Janie loved so very much and asked for a kiss. It was at that moment that Janie realized she had not been blamed for the pain administered moments before.
The nurse arrived moments later as did the chaplain. They both could see that Janie was visibly shaken. The nurse made an excuse for Janie and the chaplain to leave the room. It was hard to relive that moment but the chaplain reassured Janie all was well.
Two days later Janie was alone with her husband. Relatives, nurses and friends had been in and out most of the day. Janie stood by her husband’s bedside and talked gently as he lay there smiling. They had started the morphine about twelve hours earlier. In a slurred but loving voice Janie’s husband asked for a kiss good night. Upon receiving his kiss he said, “I love you Janie.” Janie’s palm of her hand lay against his and he smiled drew a deep breath and sighed. Janie’s fingers felt the life race from her beloved husband’s body.
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