Happy Thanksgiving!

Every Thanksgiving, the table is set with my best china and silver, upon my fanciest tablecloth.  Every thing is in place, ready for my family to arrive. The crystal stemware, my beautiful flower arrangement in the center, everything just as I like it.  

The song "Over the River and through the Woods to Grandmother's House We Go" keeps playing over and over and over again in my head like a broken record, but is so apropos.  Considering I live about an hours' drive away from them and I do live out in the country, there are a couple of rivers they cross to get here. Albeit, Interstate bridges, but still bridges.

My oldest daughter, her husband, and my two grandsons, Brandon and Caleb should be well on their way to my house soon  I'm still surprised and shocked when I see them nowadays because I still think of them as little boys instead of the tall, handsome men they are now.  I actually have to look up in order to talk to them and they laugh those deep, nearly unrecognizable laughs and tell me how much they now tower over their "Nana."

On the table is turkey and dressing, ham with my special glaze, home-made gravy, corn casserole, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, hot rolls with real butter, and my specialty dessert, Deb's Famous Cherry Cream Cheese pies (the name of the recipe was tongue-in-cheek as only my family and close friends, as well as some former co-workers have ever tasted it, but I still have high hopes. lol)

Yes, everything is set, but there is always someone missing.  Actually two people.  My youngest daughter, Melissa, and my oldest grandson, Jacob.  Fifteen years gone, fifteen fleeting Thanksgivings.  I've missed all of her twenties, and now nearly all her thirties. Not to mention these fifteen long years without Jacob.  All those years and milestones in his life, all vanished. Truly gone with the wind.

Yet, even though she is older, I sometimes feel she still really needs me.  At a young age, she was  thrown into adulthood (purposely planned and foisted upon her by another) far sooner than most girls her age. Often, I want to tell her I simply told the truth.  That the only one who can now vindicate me, is Jacob, my oldest grandson.  But, he never will because he is terrified of him, too.

What I would give to place my arms around her and just hold her, to protect her like I did when she was a chubby-cheeked little girl.  As only a Mother's love and arms will do.  Because only a Mother can make you feel truly secure in this world.  For sure, there is no one else in this world that will ever love you as much as your Mother does.  The one who gave birth to you, the one who raised you, the one who would let no one hurt or harm you for eighteen years. Only wish I could have saved you from him.  Life would have been so different for us all.

After all these years, I am really not morose, just get a bit sad missing her/them especially around the holidays.   But, life goes on and I have had to move on and live the life that God has been gracious enough to give me.  He's also has given me the faith that one day Melissa, Jacob, and I will be reunited.

I've also realize that Time is not a true healer, but Time is a great salve.  

Anyway, Happy Thanksgiving to you, and especially to those who are present in my life and the ones who are missing.

Love you all!

Gift of Time by Deborah Gibson Taylor

I've grown old and weary 
in your deafening absence
waiting for your presence.
And, I am disappointed.

At every turn, every bend
I hear your voice, see your face
full of beauty, full of grace.
And, I am reminded.

Oft I tremble, my hands shake
recalling fond memories of you
but always old ones, never new.
And, I weep.

My heart is heavy, my eyes tear
when I realize dearest daughter
how much I miss your laughter,
and, our lost gift of time.

I love you, Melissa, please come back!  Mom

My Mom

Obituary for Nina Jane Gibson

After a long illness, our precious mother, Nina Jane Williams Gibson, 87, entered the gates of Heaven on October 15, 2015 surrounded by her loving family. She was a 40 year resident of Cross Lanes & had previously resided in Charleston and Fraziers Bottom. Nina was born on March 9, 1928, in Powellton, WV, to John Franklin Williams and Fannie Jane Kidd Williams. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, John, Vernon, Charles, Donald, and Carl Williams and also by her sisters, Helen Young, Lola Akers, and Reba Coombs and great grandson, Cody Roby. Nina is survived by her six loving children,  In addition, Nina is survived by 25 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and extended family & friends.
Nina was a child of the Great Depression and also a “coal miner’s daughter,” having spent much of her childhood in the coal mining areas of Fayette County. Her family later moved to Putnam County, where she lived for several years while raising her family. Nina devoted her life to her family and, for over thirty years, was co-owner and secretary/receptionist for Gibson’s Scale Service. Nina was a devoted Christian and formerly attended Charleston Mountain Mission. She had a talent for painting and sewing, and she loved to read and work crossword puzzles. Nina was a gifted cook and was famous for her Sunday dinners and graham cracker pies. She was highly knowledgeable on a variety of subjects which she passed along to many children as a mother, grandmother, and child-care provider. She was extremely proud of her family and the fact that all six of her children were born on a Sunday.
Although she will be highly missed, we know that she has gone to a better place where there is no pain or suffering, and are comforted by the knowledge that we will see her again. 

Sometimes there are just no words.

Almost Heaven Wild And Wonderful WV

Reminds me very much of my Paternal Grandma's Front Porch and the many memories we grandkids made there.  DJH

These misty water-colored dreams
of a life I lived long, long ago
keep drifting through my mind
An old wooden porch
with flowers growing near...

Sometimes you just have to get away!

I didn't realize how much pressure we have been under.  Guess while you are going through things, you simply keep putting one foot in front of the other, and move forward.  One can't retreat,  and do what???that's for sure.  With four close relatives in nursing homes, we are dealing with a son who has total liver failure, another close relative who has Alzheimer's and no longer recognizes her family members, one who has dementia and keeps trying to "escape" by cutting off his tracking bracelet, and another with a fractured hip and is now bedfast.  Plus, contending with all sorts of PEOPLE when showing our rental houses, it can be quite hectic to say the least.  So, we decided to cut and run!  LOL  DH will be working 12/7 soon enough for about three months, so Fall didn't seem to be an option to take a vacation, so it was either now or never for at least this year.  Glad we decided to do so, even though the weather at the beach is a little overcast and rainy, it is supposed to clear up and the latter part of the week, be exceptional.  Here's a peek at our little vacation home on the beach. Hope you enjoy the pictures as much as we have enjoyed staying here.  BTW:  Those are murals painted on the ceiling.  Quite fancy, no?  ;-)

Much Love to my Dad

If he lives through this, he will turn 91 on June 5th.

Dumb nursing home hadn't been giving him his diabetes medicine since last November.  I mean he went in a diabetic, what made them think he had gotten "over it?"

WE finally realized it only after he had been admitted to the hospital.  Apparently, when he was sitting in the dining room waiting for his lunch, he had a seizure at the table, fell forward hitting his face (his glasses ground into his face) and fell onto the floor breaking a bone in his upper shoulder. I was told by the nurse they were really frightened.  Well, they should have been frightened because his sugar so so out of whack, he seized!

Unfortunately, my oldest sister has MPA.  She makes all the decisions and placed both my Mom and Dad in the same lousy nursing home! After I did  a little investigating, I find it is ranked the WORST nursing home in the State of WV.  (Sadly, someone obviously didn't do their homework before placing them.)

Most evenings you can't even go in there the smell (of dirty diapers) is so very bad, you have to hold your nose.  One patient goes so far as to smear Vick's Vapo Rub under her nose and on the door frame of her room in order to be able to tolerate the smell.  Seriously!

It just  breaks my heart for my parents, two of the most hard-working people ever, to be subjected to this type of neglect in their advanced ages.

I can't even bring him (or her) home with me not only because I am barely able to take care of myself with all the illnesses and conditions they tell me I have, but because my sister wouldn't allow it.  Makes me so sad.

But, those emotions have turned to pure anger! I can tell you I am totally frustrated with the nursing home. You think your loved one is safer there than home alone.  Ha!  At least when they were at home, they were able to take care of their diabetes and high blood pressure themselves.  However, once you enter a nursing home, you are totally at the mercy of the NH administrator and the Federal government.  Did you know that?

Seriously, before they will pay a dime, you have to sign the person over to them, giving them guardianship. Which means, they can't have a vitamin pill, or even an aspirin (Tylenol) for a headache without first having the staff doctor order  it, and he doesn't even come into the place except every two weeks.  Seriously???

 I mean most of our animals are treated better than that.

Oh, yeah and Dad also has a fractured pelvis.  How did that happen???  He looked like he had been beaten up. Like I said, I can only hope and pray he makes it through to his next birthday.

Prayers for my Dad.   Love him.

HAPPY RESURRECTION SUNDAY!!! HE'S ALIVE!

Wishing all of my brothers and sisters in Christ and happy Resurrection Sunday (aka Easter).

There is nothing more wonderful than RESURRECTION SUNDAY!!! Blessings to all my family and friends on this beautiful morning. May you have the peace that passes all understanding and happiness, no matter your circumstances, knowing we serve a RISEN Savior, Christ the King! 

Thank you, Mom!

We visited with Mom this evening on our way back from visiting with Dad at the hospital. I thanked her again for making us such pretty Easter dresses all those years. Seems like only yesterday when it was actually a long time ago. But, Mom always made everything so special when she worked on making our Easter dresses each year. I still recall many of the beautiful Easter outfits she lovingly made for me and for all my sisters. In our house, there was great anticipation to see them finished, and then finally to try them on. What joy when we did! Funny, even now at my age, every year around Easter I still find myself in great anticipation. LOL I know why...it's because some memories never end, they are firmly planted in our hearts and minds forever.Thank you, Mom! Happy Easter, I love you!

Elvis Sound alike for sure!

Wonderfully talented man of God

Proud Day in the USA!

I could listen to this gentleman all day!

I could listen to this gentleman all day.  He articulates the thoughts and feelings so many of us "white" folk have but can't quite put into words, but he does it beautifully.  It's a little lengthy, but worth the time it takes to listen.

Also, it was only very recently I learned that there were a little over 3,000 "white" slave owners in the South, but there were also 3,000 "black" slave owners, too. Did you know that?  I certainly didn't.  Guess it is just another fact that has been swept under the carpet and not revealed as part of our history by our "educators."  

http://viral.buzz/video-what-is-it-this-white-man-owes-you-black-man/

27 THINGS PEOPLE FROM WV HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO OUT-OF-TOWNERS!

Thought this was right on, if not slightly amusing, so I had to share.

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27 Things People From West Virginia Have To Explain To Out-Of-Towners

If you don’t take coleslaw on a hot dog, don’t worry, West Virginians will show you the light. If you don’t root for the Mountaineers, just fake it. Trust me.

• Ray Burow

• 137,630 views
• 456 comments

1. It’s West Virginia, Not Virginia

Source: Wikipedia user Herrick

In case the actual names weren't clear enough, West Virginia is totally different from Virginia. As in, they’re two different states. Take note: West Virginians do not like it when tourists forget this.

2. To Root For The Mountaineers

Source: WVU Football Facebook

It’s a requirement. True West Virginians are West Virginia Mountaineer fans, no matter what.

3. To Root For The Herd

Source: Flickr User: Jimmy Emerson, DVM

The other requirement in this state is to root for the Marshall University Herd when they play any other team—except if the other team is the Mountaineers, of course.

4. How To Eat A Hot Dog Right

Source: WV Hotdogs Facebook Page

There’s only one way to eat a hot dog in West Virginia: With sauce. It’s similar to chili, but it doesn’t have any beans. It’s scrumptious. Skeenie’s will serve you up right.

5. How To Eat Coleslaw As A Condiment

Source: WV Hot Dogs Facebook

Outsiders might think of coleslaw as a side dish, but in West Virginia it goes right on the dog—along with sauce, of course. That is the only correct way to enjoy a tube steak in this place.

6. Don’t Ever Diss The Mountain State

Source: Tumblr

West Virginians are pretty welcoming to tourists, until the newcomers start bad-mouthing their home state. If you think things are better somewhere else, West Virginians will be happy to show you the door.

7. And Never Call A West Virginian A Hillbilly

Source: WVU Football Facebook

A West Virginian might refer to himself or a friend like that, but an outsider should never do the same. They're called Mountaineers.

8. Or Ask If One Leg Is Not Shorter Than The Other

Source: Giphy

Yeah, West Virginians live and walk around in the mountains a lot. But the (very) old joke isn’t funny anymore.

9. West Virginians Invented Being Neighborly

Source: West Virginia Wild & Wonderful Facebook

West Virginians know their next door neighbors, and not just by name. These folks are always up for a sharing a meal, and won’t hesitate to pick up the mail when their neighbors are on vacation.

10. Not To Mention Being Polite

Source: West Virginia Wild & Wonderful Facebook

Please and thank yous are mandatory, and everyone lets other drivers merge in front of them. Just remember, when visiting the state give the car in front of you time to switch gears when the light turns green.

11. Because After All, West Virginians Always Have Each Others’ Backs

Source: West Virginia Wild & Wonderful Facebook

It’s one for all and all for one in this state. Without exception.

12. West Virginians Will Always Find Each Other When They’re Away From Home

Source: zombie-peregrica.tumblr.com

Transplanted West Virginians will flag down a car on the highway if it has West Virginia plates just to wave and roll down the window to say, “Hey, so where are you from?” True natives always like to catch up with what’s going on in their homeland.

13. Forget Virginia—West Virginia’s The Real Place For Lovers

Source: West Virginia Wild & Wonderful Facebook

West Virginia is one of the most romantic places to visit in the United States. Anyone can understand why, since the whole place is beautiful in every season. It’s become a choice honeymoon destination.

14. Work And School Don’t Really Matter When It’s Hunting Season

Source: Giphy

Outsiders will notice that high schools, colleges and even offices in West Virginia are a bit more empty during hunting season. Hunters take vacation days, sick days or just plain play hooky during deer season. It’s pretty much just accepted by now.

15. Pepperoni Rolls Are Food Of The Gods

Source: Flickr User: transplanted mountaineer

If you’ve never had one of these you are missing out on so much yum, as every West Virginian will tell you. It’s basically what it sounds like, and born in West Virginia. It’s delicious warm or cold, so there’s really no wrong way to eat it.

16. West Virginians Are Crazy For Their Country

Source: West Virginia Wild & Wonderful Facebook

Men take off their hats when the flag passes by, and women teach their children to cover their hearts for the national anthem. And no one ever stays sitting while they sing it,

17. Wild Greens Are Better Than Anything From Your Garden

Source: Flickr User: Darya Pine

Ramps grow wild in West Virginia, and make for a great snack. Maybe all those fresh greens are why West Virginians are so smart. Dandelion greens taste pretty darn good too.

18. No Matter How Far You Go, West Virginia Never Leaves You

Source: West Virginia Wild & Wonderful Facebook

As any transplanted West Virginian will explain, you can take someone out of the mountains, but you will never take the mountains out of them. Once a West Virginian, always a West Virginian. Always.

19. Make Sure You Know Where To Go White Water Rafting

Source: West Virginia Wild & Wonderful Facebook

The New River is popular for beginners, especially the Upper New River. Master the Upper New River before moving on to the Upper Gauley River, though—the latter is a lot more challenging. But not as challenging as the Lower Gauley River. You’ll need some serious skills before diving in there.

20. Why People Jump Off Bridges

Source: West Virginia Wild & Wonderful Facebook

If getting an adrenaline rush is how you like to have fun, West Virginia has the perfect spot for you. The New River Gorge Bridge is open for jumpers each year on Bridge Day, but you’d better not mix up your days because every other day of the year it’s illegal to jump from any bridge in the state.

21. Every Country Road In West Virginia Is The Prettiest

Source: West Virginia Wild & Wonderful Facebook

John Denver wrote about them and West Virginians know exactly why. Every country road in the state reminds them of home. Lined with golden colors in the fall, apple blossoms in the spring, and snow in winter. It just doesn’t get any better anywhere else.

22. Only Special West Virginians Remember What A Pawpaw Is

Source: Flickr User: Mr. Tin DC

If you are over 30, singing about pawpaws was pretty standard song to sing in elementary school: “Picking up pawpaws put them in your pocket.” The fruit tastes like a blend of mango, papaya, banana, and pineapple, so no wonder everyone was always stuffing them into their pockets. Nom.

23. West Virginia Has Its Share Of Famous Faces

Source: Giphy

Jennifer Garner, Don Knotts, Steve Harvey, and Pearl S. Buck are all from the Mountain State. There are plenty more on the list, but that would be bragging and West Virginians know they really don’t need to do that.

24. Catching Fireflies Is Magic

Source: Flickr User: Mike Lewinski

Lightning bugs are one of the true joys of summer nights in West Virginia. They twinkle like tiny stars in the mountains, and kids love catching them. And maybe even adults on occasion.

25. A Good Porch Makes For The Best Night Of The Summer

Source: Flickr User: Adam Fagen

Porches are outdoor rooms in West Virginia, and on summer nights there’s no place any true West Virginians would rather be. And any neighbor who stops by is welcome to sit and catch up.

26. The Apples Are So Delicious West Virginia Threw A Party

Source: Clay County Golden Delicious Festival Facebook

A resolution in 1972 designated the apple as the state fruit, and Clay County didn’t hesitate to celebrate. For 41 years they’ve been holding the Golden Delicious Festival to honor their beloved fruit.

27. The New River Might Be A Huge Part Of History

Source: Flickr User: Angela

There’s a bit of controversy over the actual age of the New River. Some scientists believe it’s possibly the second oldest river in the entire world, based on the age of the Appalachian Mountains. However, this thought has been challenged given the number of ancient fossils, which are common to newer rivers. Whoever is actually right, everyone agrees that the New River is a West Virginia jewel.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I'm hoping and praying for good health, peace, and prosperity in the New Year for everyone.  Blessings!