Hey Gang
Well Dad seems to have taken a drastic turn for the worse. Many of you know about 4 years ago it did not look good for Dad. We called the family and close friends to the hospital it looked that bad. We prayed that he would be healed and God would extend his life and He did. Dad suddenly was talking about going home to eat spaghetti. And spaghetti he ate.
Dad was doing real good in fact I even took him on some day trips. He started slowing down sometime in August. A decision then was made about using Hospice that split the family. But once again he perked up. In September he went out for Moms birthday, he looked and felt fine. Then shortly after that outing he got some sort of infection and became bed ridden, his mind though was still fairly sharp.
About a week ago Dad again looked good and we thought he would make Christmas and his 89th birthday in January. He still may but at this point it is very uncertain. When Mom woke Dad was not moving. She thought he was in a coma.
Later on in the day Mom called me at worked and said Dad is trying to talk and he is beating on the drum you bought him, get home. The only movement he had was his foot kept moving and his hand was moving up and down until they gave him the drum which he repeatedly beat on.
I came home but he was not to responsive except the beating of the drum. Suddenly it occurred to me what Dad was trying to do. He was trying to communicate. So I grabbed a pen and paper and told Dad write something.
Well they say the nut doesn't fall far from the tree, I'm not talking about me here of course my brother and sisters. I am the normal one. Anyway.....
As he was writing I hollered for the family to come and help me figure out what he was trying to write.
This is what Dad wrote and he wrote it in cursive:
I'll be down to get you in a.... WHAT DOES IT MEAN, WHATS HE TRYING TO SAY, wait he wants to write more. ...taxi don't be late. HUH? My sister Cindi speaks up and says that's an old song.
I asked Dad again to write something for me. This time he wrote: I am writing something for U. What a card. I asked once more before the paramedics arrived if he wanted to write anything else, he did and wrote this gem: He who laughs last so grows the tree words of wisdom by Swami Bino.
And then some of you wonder where I get my sense of humor? My sister wasn't to happy with Dads humor but to me it was just him even in a bad situation calming us down and saying hey I am OK.
Dad is now in the hospital and the early word is he had a massive stroke.
I will keep you informed.
Gotta Go-Go!
Carey
In honor of Dad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=je1LezrzQYw
Monday, November 30, 2015
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Two Quick Ones - The Browns and Sugarcreek
Hey Gang,
Two quick ones for you.
Look for the Browns to win big on Monday night. Josh McCown will want to extract revenge and prove he is a worthy starting quarterback. He knows that his career is winding down so he will put up big numbers.
Besides that reason yours truly will be attending his first Browns game at First Energy Stadium this coming Monday night, just writing first makes me laugh when talking about the Browns. So how could the Browns lose with me in attendance.
The seat I have is top notch and I didn't even have to pull teeth for it. The person I will be attending the game with did. His father was the team dentist for the old Cleveland Barons and the Browns and my client/friend still has some ties with the Browns.
I love these little connections in my life that just make me go hummina hummina and smile wide. Just last week I came upon something that I shouldn't even be writing or talking about. But it does have a connection with the Browns. So when the ticket was offered on the heals of this find I said most certainly I will go. And that's all on this topic. I will report back in after the record setting performance of Josh.
Now..... onto Holmes County.
Thank you Ruth, Donovan, Jamie, Janet, Malinda, Paul and Stephanie for the fun group outing. I always love group adventures. The laughs, camaraderie, being able to share in what you are experiencing is just great.
We traveled 77 S to 39 W into Sugarcreek our first stop. I took a wrong road but luckily it dead ended into a large sign that said Welcome to Sugarcreek. I just played it off as if I planned on going down this road just for a group photo. It worked but since they read this they will know it was a whoops moment.Oh well.
Progress is invading Amishland but it is still scenic with lots of small unique shops to visit. Sugarcreek now has the worlds largest cuckoo clock. It once was at Alpine Alpha restaurant in Wilmot that closed. Besides the largest cuckoo clock Sugarcreek has some really fun stores.
I was excited because two of those stores purchased my book and are now carrying it. Big Mike's Finders Keepers and Freeman and Rhoda's store the Gospel Shop.
You just have to visit Finders Keepers. The sign in the window says weirdtiques and what not shop, how true. What I really really enjoyed about Finders Keepers is the owners personality. A lot of collectible stores have people working who are kind of stodgy watching over you. Not Big Mike, he was so pleasant talking to customers reminiscing having fun. What else impressed me was the condition of his antiques and collectibles. Most were in such good condition they seemed new. Impressive.
The other place my book Hey Gang! Ready to Go-Go? is being carried is the Gospel Shop. This description is taken from their website: There are many things to find at The Gospel Shop. It is not a place that only sells books, but all kinds of inspirational products. There is a room located at the front of the shop that houses Christmas decor and festive items to help customers celebrate the holiday season. Throughout the rest of the store, a variety of faith-based and inspirational merchandise can be found. Clothing, purses, cards, Bibles, music, as well as a section dedicated to children are all part of the welcoming atmosphere at the shop. And if you can’t find what you are looking for on the shelves, they will gladly look into getting it for you..
So if ever in Sugarcreek go visit Big Mike at Finders Keepers and Rhoda at the Gospel Shop, tell them I sent you
Gotta Go-Go!
Carey
Two quick ones for you.
Look for the Browns to win big on Monday night. Josh McCown will want to extract revenge and prove he is a worthy starting quarterback. He knows that his career is winding down so he will put up big numbers.
Besides that reason yours truly will be attending his first Browns game at First Energy Stadium this coming Monday night, just writing first makes me laugh when talking about the Browns. So how could the Browns lose with me in attendance.
The seat I have is top notch and I didn't even have to pull teeth for it. The person I will be attending the game with did. His father was the team dentist for the old Cleveland Barons and the Browns and my client/friend still has some ties with the Browns.
I love these little connections in my life that just make me go hummina hummina and smile wide. Just last week I came upon something that I shouldn't even be writing or talking about. But it does have a connection with the Browns. So when the ticket was offered on the heals of this find I said most certainly I will go. And that's all on this topic. I will report back in after the record setting performance of Josh.
Now..... onto Holmes County.
Thank you Ruth, Donovan, Jamie, Janet, Malinda, Paul and Stephanie for the fun group outing. I always love group adventures. The laughs, camaraderie, being able to share in what you are experiencing is just great.
We traveled 77 S to 39 W into Sugarcreek our first stop. I took a wrong road but luckily it dead ended into a large sign that said Welcome to Sugarcreek. I just played it off as if I planned on going down this road just for a group photo. It worked but since they read this they will know it was a whoops moment.Oh well.
Progress is invading Amishland but it is still scenic with lots of small unique shops to visit. Sugarcreek now has the worlds largest cuckoo clock. It once was at Alpine Alpha restaurant in Wilmot that closed. Besides the largest cuckoo clock Sugarcreek has some really fun stores.
I was excited because two of those stores purchased my book and are now carrying it. Big Mike's Finders Keepers and Freeman and Rhoda's store the Gospel Shop.
You just have to visit Finders Keepers. The sign in the window says weirdtiques and what not shop, how true. What I really really enjoyed about Finders Keepers is the owners personality. A lot of collectible stores have people working who are kind of stodgy watching over you. Not Big Mike, he was so pleasant talking to customers reminiscing having fun. What else impressed me was the condition of his antiques and collectibles. Most were in such good condition they seemed new. Impressive.
The other place my book Hey Gang! Ready to Go-Go? is being carried is the Gospel Shop. This description is taken from their website: There are many things to find at The Gospel Shop. It is not a place that only sells books, but all kinds of inspirational products. There is a room located at the front of the shop that houses Christmas decor and festive items to help customers celebrate the holiday season. Throughout the rest of the store, a variety of faith-based and inspirational merchandise can be found. Clothing, purses, cards, Bibles, music, as well as a section dedicated to children are all part of the welcoming atmosphere at the shop. And if you can’t find what you are looking for on the shelves, they will gladly look into getting it for you..
Gotta Go-Go!
Carey
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Borwns talk
Hey Gang
If Sunday wasn’t bad enough Romeo Crennel and Brian Hoyer jabbed a finger in Cleveland’s eye. They sure looked decent on Monday Night Football. Didn’t they? Gotta love it.
Speaking of Sunday…. I woke up my usually time of about 1. I turned on the tube as I normally do to see if the world ended and what was on? A disaster in France with a stampede of people running. That’s depressing so I switch channels to the Browns game and I witnessed another disaster. Manziel throwing the football behind him on the first play with the Steelers stampeding. OY!
Yes football returned to Cleveland in 1999 and Browns fans ARE STLL WAITING for the team to show up. But it wasn’t all bad. Manziel was sober.
There is a new app available only being offered in the Cleveland viewing area. It switches Browns uniforms to the opposition and the opposition uniforms to the Browns. This way every Sunday Browns fans are guaranteed to watch a winner.
Mike Pettine vows that if the front office sticks with him he will guarantee a six win season in four years. For Cleveland that’s Super Bowl territory so there is hope.
At least the Browns are not the only team with quarterback questions. Ole Stiff Neck in Denver seems to be on a downward spiral. They should have kept on praying with Tebow or is it playing with? I told you when the deal was made it was a bad move. Denver won some games but not the top prize.
Finally back to the Browns. Did you honestly think the Browns would win more than 4 or 5 games this season? I didn't. So quit getting upset and enjoy Sundays, the Browns are right on schedule. They never disappoint unless you're looking for a winning season. GO BROWNS!
Gotta Go-Go!
Carey
If Sunday wasn’t bad enough Romeo Crennel and Brian Hoyer jabbed a finger in Cleveland’s eye. They sure looked decent on Monday Night Football. Didn’t they? Gotta love it.
Speaking of Sunday…. I woke up my usually time of about 1. I turned on the tube as I normally do to see if the world ended and what was on? A disaster in France with a stampede of people running. That’s depressing so I switch channels to the Browns game and I witnessed another disaster. Manziel throwing the football behind him on the first play with the Steelers stampeding. OY!
Yes football returned to Cleveland in 1999 and Browns fans ARE STLL WAITING for the team to show up. But it wasn’t all bad. Manziel was sober.
There is a new app available only being offered in the Cleveland viewing area. It switches Browns uniforms to the opposition and the opposition uniforms to the Browns. This way every Sunday Browns fans are guaranteed to watch a winner.
Mike Pettine vows that if the front office sticks with him he will guarantee a six win season in four years. For Cleveland that’s Super Bowl territory so there is hope.
At least the Browns are not the only team with quarterback questions. Ole Stiff Neck in Denver seems to be on a downward spiral. They should have kept on praying with Tebow or is it playing with? I told you when the deal was made it was a bad move. Denver won some games but not the top prize.
Finally back to the Browns. Did you honestly think the Browns would win more than 4 or 5 games this season? I didn't. So quit getting upset and enjoy Sundays, the Browns are right on schedule. They never disappoint unless you're looking for a winning season. GO BROWNS!
Gotta Go-Go!
Carey
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Memoriam for Bruce
Hey Gang,
Back home now. I got in about 4:30 Sunday morning.
It was about a five hour drive back from Indiana which included a drive around Akron taking Chris home.
My thoughts and feelings bounce around quite a bit trying to write about the funeral. It was beyond strange the whole trip. Chris was so enjoyable to talk to that I almost lost sight of the real meaning of why I was there. When we got to the funeral home for the visitation and wake I wasn't sure if I should leave or stay. I was hired to drive Chris but in 24 hours I got to know him so I felt maybe I should stay almost like a friend. Chris told me he wanted me to stay to hear the eulogy for his dad.
I stayed at the visitation for awhile then left and took a short drive. Indiana is a very homey state. Many sections of it have small rural towns that seem lost in time. After a brief look around I returned and napped in the car. My nap ran over so I missed the minister but I did hear what Bruce's friends and Chris had to say about him. You can learn a lot about a person by what people and friends say. They all had high praises for Bruce, so much so that I wish I could have met him.
From what I gather he must have been a bit wild when younger but came to know the Lord and really turned his life around, he was genuine, caring, loving,family man and one terrific guitarist.
The band he played for backed up Mickey Gilley. Here is a link to an album he performed on: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ben-marney-homecookin-greatest/id424295767
I sat back and reflected during the funeral. This is what came to mind.
1. All families are the same.
2. Life is short.
3. Without God life is useless.
4. How many Bruce's are out there that we just didn't reach out and meet?
I want to thank Chris and his family and friends for welcoming me in during this trying time. You are all in my prayers and are all special.
This is what Chris spoke during the wake:
My message at my father Bruce Durham's funeral
I want to talk with you today about something that touches all of us..
Loss
Sometimes we are faced with things we think we just can’t handle and we strive to find the meaning behind it all. And when we can’t do that, often we look up and say God.. how could you do this to us?? How could you put so much on our plate? But we are not operating on God’s timetable.. We don’t understand God’s plan.. How can we?? Let me tell you… this is where faith comes in.. Faith is the substance of things unseen.. And with my father, he wanted us all to see the things that are often unseen. And that is the same faith that will allow us to send Dad Home.. Faith is there to show us His message in our own lives from today forward .. To share that hope and faith.. to love others as bravely and as fiercely as we can. Loss teaches us to not take anything for granted. And from loss comes love.. forgiving, relentless and unconditional love. In that love, you will find peace..
In Ecclesiastes, which Dad discussed with me on our last visit together, I find these words are most likely the ones Dad wants me to share
I have seen what is best for people to do on earth: They should eat, drink, and enjoy the work they have during their short time here. God has given them these few days, and that is all they have. If God gives some people wealth, property, and the power to enjoy those things, they should enjoy them. They should accept the things they have and enjoy their work—that is a gift from God. People don’t have many years to live, so they must remember these things all their life. God will keep them busy with the work they love to do.
Ray was known by family and friends as Bruce, his middle name.
Back home now. I got in about 4:30 Sunday morning.
It was about a five hour drive back from Indiana which included a drive around Akron taking Chris home.
My thoughts and feelings bounce around quite a bit trying to write about the funeral. It was beyond strange the whole trip. Chris was so enjoyable to talk to that I almost lost sight of the real meaning of why I was there. When we got to the funeral home for the visitation and wake I wasn't sure if I should leave or stay. I was hired to drive Chris but in 24 hours I got to know him so I felt maybe I should stay almost like a friend. Chris told me he wanted me to stay to hear the eulogy for his dad.
I stayed at the visitation for awhile then left and took a short drive. Indiana is a very homey state. Many sections of it have small rural towns that seem lost in time. After a brief look around I returned and napped in the car. My nap ran over so I missed the minister but I did hear what Bruce's friends and Chris had to say about him. You can learn a lot about a person by what people and friends say. They all had high praises for Bruce, so much so that I wish I could have met him.
From what I gather he must have been a bit wild when younger but came to know the Lord and really turned his life around, he was genuine, caring, loving,family man and one terrific guitarist.
The band he played for backed up Mickey Gilley. Here is a link to an album he performed on: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ben-marney-homecookin-greatest/id424295767
I sat back and reflected during the funeral. This is what came to mind.
1. All families are the same.
2. Life is short.
3. Without God life is useless.
4. How many Bruce's are out there that we just didn't reach out and meet?
I want to thank Chris and his family and friends for welcoming me in during this trying time. You are all in my prayers and are all special.
This is what Chris spoke during the wake:
My message at my father Bruce Durham's funeral
I want to talk with you today about something that touches all of us..
Loss
Sometimes we are faced with things we think we just can’t handle and we strive to find the meaning behind it all. And when we can’t do that, often we look up and say God.. how could you do this to us?? How could you put so much on our plate? But we are not operating on God’s timetable.. We don’t understand God’s plan.. How can we?? Let me tell you… this is where faith comes in.. Faith is the substance of things unseen.. And with my father, he wanted us all to see the things that are often unseen. And that is the same faith that will allow us to send Dad Home.. Faith is there to show us His message in our own lives from today forward .. To share that hope and faith.. to love others as bravely and as fiercely as we can. Loss teaches us to not take anything for granted. And from loss comes love.. forgiving, relentless and unconditional love. In that love, you will find peace..
In Ecclesiastes, which Dad discussed with me on our last visit together, I find these words are most likely the ones Dad wants me to share
I have seen what is best for people to do on earth: They should eat, drink, and enjoy the work they have during their short time here. God has given them these few days, and that is all they have. If God gives some people wealth, property, and the power to enjoy those things, they should enjoy them. They should accept the things they have and enjoy their work—that is a gift from God. People don’t have many years to live, so they must remember these things all their life. God will keep them busy with the work they love to do.
Ray was known by family and friends as Bruce, his middle name.
 |
| I was taken aback when I viewed this photo. I did not plan having the headstone with Durham in the photo. It looks pefectly placed. |
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