I could use some good news - and I finally got some!
After all of the wearisome testing I have endured during the past few weeks, I do have some results. I DO NOT have lupus, lyme disease, or MS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bloodwork is good, Blood sugars may have to have some review, though. I was a gestational diabetic when I was pregnant with each one of the kids. I was worse with Jordan than with any of the rest - my blood sugar peaked at 467 (norm at that time was 80-120). Diabetes runs in my family, but it never returned after any of the pregnancies. Let's hope it has not returned now.
But, I do have some aggravating neuropathy in my feet and legs. I have to use a cane when I'm out of my house, for my feet are not able to sense changes in pavement, slopes, etc, At home, I use the wall to steady myself and I know where the furniture is if I need to fall.
I am undergoing both occupational and physical therapy during the week. It does leave me a bit weary afterwards, but so far I'm doing okay.
Monday of this week found Kerry and I driving to Greenwich to enjoy dinner with friends, Pat and Danni. We thoroughly enjoy ourselves when we go there. Pat works at a little pizza place that makes the best food! It's good to be with our friends.
Before that, Erik came up and spent the afternoon with me, leaving not too long after Kerry got home. He needed a couple of things to take with him on his trip to Washington, DC this coming week. It was good having him here, for he did a couple of things for me that scare me when I think of Kerry doing them. He cut some branches that were scraping the garage and brought a couple of big bags down from the attic.
Thursday was a fun evening. Melissa's parents are visiting from Arizona, so after they spent the day at the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, we joined them for dinner at a local Amish restaurant. We have always enjoyed her parents, and they treated us like royalty at their home in Arizona. It's funny - I've never been taller than anyone. But, I'm taller than Melissa and she's taller than her mom. Her dad is retired military, and Jordan said he was scared to death of him when he first met him. He just had that "look". But, Melissa said it was her little 4'11" mom that ruled the roost.
I understand.
I had a wonderful day at the temple on Friday. Julie Hoffman and Natalie Williams joined me, and it was a full day for all. My little temple workers are so good to work with. I just cherish them.
Saturday was filled with errands, like going to the local farmer's market in Bellville. I just love going there, and always return with tasty goodies! There's nothing like the bounty of summer to make one salivate.
Erik did check in today. He and his friend made it to Washington, DC last evening, and have already made the rounds in the District, seeing some of the grand buildings that are at the seat of our government. Kerry and I always loved going through the District - even going at night and casting big shadows up on the Washington Monument. I don't think you can do that now - but 32 years ago we could. Erik is planning on showing Oscar the Washington Temple, where Kerry and I were married.
Now begins a fun week for Kerry and me. He has the whole week off. I love these times. We have not planned on going anywhere, for we went through many years of only being able to go on vacation when the kids were out of school. Now, that's not part of our schedule, so we may go somewhere in the fall, just like we tried to do in the spring. But then again, we may not. (Note to the Pohl's - they changed around a bunch of the routes in Lexington, so as of a couple of days ago, Kerry is your mailman!)
I've included some goodies you might want to look at:
http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2009/07/100-things-your-kids-may-never-know-about/
This is from last year. I was not able to go to the award ceremony, due to being in the hospital:
http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/article/20080528/LIFESTYLE/80528008/-1/NEWS17
And, for some strange reason, I've always been drawn to lighthouses. It's strange because I grew up in the middle of Ohio, where we don't have many lighthouses. This video took my breath away:
http://www.meridianmagazine.com/youtube/090715lighthouse.html
And, back in April, Kerry bought me this framed print, which hangs in our front hallway:
In the picture, there is a man standing at the base of the lighthouse with the waves crashing around him. The caption below the picture says: "Sometimes he calms the storm. Sometimes he lets the storm rage and calms his child."
A true statement.
Have a good week!
Miss P
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Cane and Able
I have truly become part of the older generation - and I am NOT ready for it.
I had a battery of testing done this week. As a matter of fact, it was a very rough week. Monday began with some pretty intensive physical therapy testing for balance. I have no balance. I am wobbly. They have wondered why I have not fallen more than I have. My feet and ankles are not able to detect when there is a difference in surface or incline, so they have strongly recommended that I always use a cane when I am not at home.
So, I have a cane.
When I'm at home, I'm familiar with where the furniture, walls, etc. are located so I can steady myself if I start to fall. But away from home, that's a different story.
Wednesday was a very rough day. It involved several hours of glucose tolerance testing. I hadn't had that done for 26 years when I was expecting Jordan. (I was a gestational diabetic with each pregnancy, and with him my blood sugar peaked at 467!) I was really glad I had Jean with me on Wednesday, for I could feel myself fading as my sugar rose and fell. Afterward, we raced to the cafeteria to get some protein in me. I came alive and went on to PT.
Thursday finished up my testing. I had an MRI that lasted 2 hours. Although it was an open MRI, it was still hard to endure - a neck brace, a cage over my face, and a sound like a jackhammer that would not end. They played a classical cd, but I couldn't hear it. I was perfectly still all that time, but I figuratively had to take myself to a different place to endure it.
Although it was a rough week, I am still very thankful for the time that I live in. They are able to see inside my body without actually having to go in there. Now we wait for the results.
Mr. Kerry was able to go with me to the temple on Friday. I love it when he can go with me. Julie Hoffman also joins me twice each month. That evening, we joined her and her husband at the local Masonic Temple for a Swiss steak dinner. Oh, it was so good.
After a later night on the computer Friday night, I rolled out of bed Saturday morning to go to breakfast with Mr. Kerry. Instead of the ice cream socials we love to go to in the summertime, we went to a breakfast social. Hundreds of motorcycles descend on Mansfield this week and next, and a local church offered a free mush breakfast - and it was SO good. We enjoyed eggs, sausage, pancakes, fried mush, juice and milk - and left a donation. We almost went this morning, too! Afterward, it was off to the farmer's market.
I cherish these times with Mr. Kerry - and I also enjoy life when he's not able to be with me. When we are together in the evenings, we share our activities of the day so we sort of experience them with each other.
Church was good this morning. It was good to see an old friend from the past - Tammy Bishop, nee Bonecutter. It has been years since she's been able to make a trip back here, and reunions have a way of doing that. It's also been fun connecting with friends and family on facebook or myface or facespace or whatever it's called. I get them all mixed up! What a fun way to catch up and to share pictures.
Thank you all for your prayers in my behalf. Many of you have written to tell me that you have included me in those prayers, and I appreciate that. They really do matter. And, they help.
Have a good week!
Love,
Miss P
I had a battery of testing done this week. As a matter of fact, it was a very rough week. Monday began with some pretty intensive physical therapy testing for balance. I have no balance. I am wobbly. They have wondered why I have not fallen more than I have. My feet and ankles are not able to detect when there is a difference in surface or incline, so they have strongly recommended that I always use a cane when I am not at home.
So, I have a cane.
When I'm at home, I'm familiar with where the furniture, walls, etc. are located so I can steady myself if I start to fall. But away from home, that's a different story.
Wednesday was a very rough day. It involved several hours of glucose tolerance testing. I hadn't had that done for 26 years when I was expecting Jordan. (I was a gestational diabetic with each pregnancy, and with him my blood sugar peaked at 467!) I was really glad I had Jean with me on Wednesday, for I could feel myself fading as my sugar rose and fell. Afterward, we raced to the cafeteria to get some protein in me. I came alive and went on to PT.
Thursday finished up my testing. I had an MRI that lasted 2 hours. Although it was an open MRI, it was still hard to endure - a neck brace, a cage over my face, and a sound like a jackhammer that would not end. They played a classical cd, but I couldn't hear it. I was perfectly still all that time, but I figuratively had to take myself to a different place to endure it.
Although it was a rough week, I am still very thankful for the time that I live in. They are able to see inside my body without actually having to go in there. Now we wait for the results.
Mr. Kerry was able to go with me to the temple on Friday. I love it when he can go with me. Julie Hoffman also joins me twice each month. That evening, we joined her and her husband at the local Masonic Temple for a Swiss steak dinner. Oh, it was so good.
After a later night on the computer Friday night, I rolled out of bed Saturday morning to go to breakfast with Mr. Kerry. Instead of the ice cream socials we love to go to in the summertime, we went to a breakfast social. Hundreds of motorcycles descend on Mansfield this week and next, and a local church offered a free mush breakfast - and it was SO good. We enjoyed eggs, sausage, pancakes, fried mush, juice and milk - and left a donation. We almost went this morning, too! Afterward, it was off to the farmer's market.
I cherish these times with Mr. Kerry - and I also enjoy life when he's not able to be with me. When we are together in the evenings, we share our activities of the day so we sort of experience them with each other.
Church was good this morning. It was good to see an old friend from the past - Tammy Bishop, nee Bonecutter. It has been years since she's been able to make a trip back here, and reunions have a way of doing that. It's also been fun connecting with friends and family on facebook or myface or facespace or whatever it's called. I get them all mixed up! What a fun way to catch up and to share pictures.
Thank you all for your prayers in my behalf. Many of you have written to tell me that you have included me in those prayers, and I appreciate that. They really do matter. And, they help.
Have a good week!
Love,
Miss P
Sunday, July 12, 2009
So glad to be alive!
I'm another year older this week! I am so touched by the amount of birthday cards and emails that came my way this week. In the past, the only cards I got were from my insurance agent and some guy we bought a van from 20 years ago. And Janet! She was one of my good friends when I lived in Akron over 30 years ago, and then later when she moved to the Washington area a few months after I did. Over the years, we've never forgotten each other's birthdays. As for friendship - we could probably pick right up where we left off.
I still can't help thinking about my mom. It seems like she was on my mind and on Kerry's through this week. Perhaps she wasn't really that far away. I think of her being pregnant during the hot summer of 1955. I know how I felt when I was pregnant through the summer with Jordan - my August baby. I thought I was going to die. I was swollen. It was nice being able to spend some time in a nice, air-conditioned hospital room. Thanks for all your comments about my mom's picture last week. I couldn't believe my sisters had never seen it!
This past week found us traveling to Washington Court House to celebrate little Jayden's 2nd birthday! My goodness - it's been two years since his birth surprised us all. Kerry and I had gone to a movie when Jordan called us on the way home. He and Melissa and JJ were staying with us at the time. Melissa was having some cramping, then soon after, her water broke. She was 27 weeks along. She was sent up to Akron General, where little Jayden made his appearance weighing 2 lb 12 oz. He was so tiny that Kerry could hold him in one of his hands.
He was almost a month old here with Melissa.
I was hold him and JJ at the same hospital I would be admitted into just a few weeks later. His baby brother, Justin, had just been born a few days earlier.
And look at him now! Two years old and healthy and happy as can be!!!
Life is good. Very, very good.
A couple of days later, I went to a neurologist. He was quite concerned over some symptoms I've been having, and ordered several tests to be performed over the next week. I already had one of them on Friday - an EMG. It hurt. It just plain hurt. It basically involved putting a series of needles into my muscles and testing electrical impulses. Some of them I never felt. Others, I did. Oh, I did.
But, I felt well enough to go to the farmer's market on Saturday. Rain was due to come at any moment, and I mostly beat it. Rain doesn't bother me. There was also a street mart going on, and I found some great buys. Later on, Kerry and I went to an ice cream social, followed by cleaning the chapel. We all take our turn cleaning the chapel. I consider it an honor. It is the Lord's house, and I think we treat it a little better when we're asked to help take care of it.
This week will be quite busy with physical therapy, a GTT (glucose tolerance test, which I despise!), and an MRI. I'm glad I have Jean to go with me to some of these appointments. I want to get through them and move on. I need to feel better.
It was just over a year ago when a good friend of mine, Cecelia Whittenberger (who just became a brand new grandma!!!) came to visit me in the hospital. I was a mess. My spirits were down. I smelled. I looked awful. She tenderly massaged my legs and back with the most wonderful lotion and brought me a Willow Tree figurine called "Courage".
Little did I know how that little figure would become so important to me in the months to come. Today, it sits in a prominent place in my home. I have had to have quite a bit of courage lately for a variety of reasons. It helps me remember that I have it. Thank you, Cecelia.
Have a happy week! Life is good. Very, very good.
Love,
Miss P
The "young men" - Jordan and Erik. Both are 25 for a couple of months.
I still can't help thinking about my mom. It seems like she was on my mind and on Kerry's through this week. Perhaps she wasn't really that far away. I think of her being pregnant during the hot summer of 1955. I know how I felt when I was pregnant through the summer with Jordan - my August baby. I thought I was going to die. I was swollen. It was nice being able to spend some time in a nice, air-conditioned hospital room. Thanks for all your comments about my mom's picture last week. I couldn't believe my sisters had never seen it!
This past week found us traveling to Washington Court House to celebrate little Jayden's 2nd birthday! My goodness - it's been two years since his birth surprised us all. Kerry and I had gone to a movie when Jordan called us on the way home. He and Melissa and JJ were staying with us at the time. Melissa was having some cramping, then soon after, her water broke. She was 27 weeks along. She was sent up to Akron General, where little Jayden made his appearance weighing 2 lb 12 oz. He was so tiny that Kerry could hold him in one of his hands.
He was almost a month old here with Melissa.
I was hold him and JJ at the same hospital I would be admitted into just a few weeks later. His baby brother, Justin, had just been born a few days earlier.
And look at him now! Two years old and healthy and happy as can be!!!
Life is good. Very, very good.
A couple of days later, I went to a neurologist. He was quite concerned over some symptoms I've been having, and ordered several tests to be performed over the next week. I already had one of them on Friday - an EMG. It hurt. It just plain hurt. It basically involved putting a series of needles into my muscles and testing electrical impulses. Some of them I never felt. Others, I did. Oh, I did.
But, I felt well enough to go to the farmer's market on Saturday. Rain was due to come at any moment, and I mostly beat it. Rain doesn't bother me. There was also a street mart going on, and I found some great buys. Later on, Kerry and I went to an ice cream social, followed by cleaning the chapel. We all take our turn cleaning the chapel. I consider it an honor. It is the Lord's house, and I think we treat it a little better when we're asked to help take care of it.
This week will be quite busy with physical therapy, a GTT (glucose tolerance test, which I despise!), and an MRI. I'm glad I have Jean to go with me to some of these appointments. I want to get through them and move on. I need to feel better.
It was just over a year ago when a good friend of mine, Cecelia Whittenberger (who just became a brand new grandma!!!) came to visit me in the hospital. I was a mess. My spirits were down. I smelled. I looked awful. She tenderly massaged my legs and back with the most wonderful lotion and brought me a Willow Tree figurine called "Courage".
Little did I know how that little figure would become so important to me in the months to come. Today, it sits in a prominent place in my home. I have had to have quite a bit of courage lately for a variety of reasons. It helps me remember that I have it. Thank you, Cecelia.
Have a happy week! Life is good. Very, very good.
Love,
Miss P
The "young men" - Jordan and Erik. Both are 25 for a couple of months.
Happy Birthday, America!
What a beautiful week!
It's been a bit cold here in the Ohio. Normally, we are beginning to swelter - but this year's a bit different. We have slept under a down comforter each night. We have a window air conditioner, but rarely have to use it. It's usually cool out here in the country.
But lately, it's been downright cold. I'm telling you, it's been cold.
I meandered my way up to Fern's on Tuesday. Jean and her family rent a cottage up there for a couple of weeks each year, so Betty drove from Akron, I drove from Mansfield, and we enjoyed a "sisterhood" day. We enjoyed lunch, then did some much-needed shopping. I don't remember the last time we were all together. We truly enjoy each other - with an occasional spat - but not very often.
I cam home with a ton of fruit that Kerry jumped into. There's nothing like summertime fruit.
Kerry had Wednesday off, and we just got all kinds of stuff done. He started the morning being fitted for a crown. I told him not to start acting like king. Afterward, we drove deep into the heart of Amish country to a produce auction. It was truly in the middle of nowhere. The drive there took my breath away. Once there, we were surrounded by Amish people that had brought in lots of produce and flowers for auction. On this trip, we didn't buy anything - but next time I think we probably will. The prices were phenomenal. One man was telling me that a couple of months ago, he bought a pallet of tomato plants that were quite mature - up above his knees. He paid about $1.25 per plant. Hanging flower baskets were going for $2.50. Here's their website: http://knox.osu.edu/horticulture/owl-creek-produce-auction/owl-creek-produce-auction
We ran a few more errands, then came home to do some work before going to our Spanish class.
While Eddie was at the spa on Thursday, I was at my doctor's office. They are arranging for some more tests for me, so I guess some of my days will be spent with that.
Friday was extremely busy at the temple. In our area, attendance at the temple is up 20% over last year - 49% church wide. People are coming for peace and for strength. That evening, Kerry and I had our own private fireworks show - they were being launched at Snow Trails - the ski resort behind our house. They were BEAUTIFUL! I don't know why they didn't do that the past 25 years we've lived here - WHEN WE HAD KIDS AT HOME!!!
Saturday was one of the best 4th of July holidays we have ever had. It began by going to a church in Ontario - a town not too far from here. They had a wonderful breakfast - egg and cheese strata, bacon, eggs, pancakes, biscuits and sausage gravy, toast, breakfast goodies, juices - all for a donation. They did a fine job.
On the way home, we stopped at the Farmer's Market in Bellville. We love going to that each Saturday. The young girl that started it was selling her wonderful cookies and brownies. We talked to her for quite awhile. She started researching on how to get one started when she was nine years old. It has now been going for seven years. We love supporting the locals with their baked goods, herbs, produce, etc.
As we were leaving, we saw where they were having a parade in about an hour, followed by an ice cream social. Okay. We ran home, dropped off Eddie, grabbed our chairs, went back and found our spot. It was great! We LOVE small town America. The parade was just long enough - just about half an hour. There were the typical entries - including veterans, fire trucks and alpacas. Yes, alpacas. The patriotism was contagious. I've included pictures at the end.
The ice cream social was delicious! Just enough time had passed for us to be hungry again. In this little town, people don't shake hands when they greet - they embrace and they kiss. Everyone knows everyone. We were thankful to be there.
Maybe it meant a lot to me this year because 54 years ago, someone took a picture of my mother standing sideways on the Bellville bridge on July 4 - just four days before I was born.
Just like we're thankful to be part of this great land. We came back to our own little piece of America and had a bonfire in the evening. And, as we were going to sleep, the neighbors across the road had a wonderful fireworks show that we watched from our bedroom window.
It doesn't get much better than that!
Here's some photos:
Singing the Star-Spangled Banner at the Bandstand.
Pentunias and the flag - in front of a furniture that's closing.
Children after the parade
A couple that won a trophy for something...
This couple was in front of us as we waited to go into the firehouse for the ice cream social.
HEIGHT: 572px" height=572 width=480 vspace=5 comp_state="speed" DATASIZE="68961" ID="7" SRC="aoladp://MA27035496-0007/Untitled.jpg">
My Kerry
Kerry insisted on taking a picture of me.
And...a good read:
This is a keeper, so we don't forget. Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men
who signed the Declaration of Independence ?Five signers were captured by the British as traitors,
and tortured before they died.Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.
Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army;
another had two sons captured.Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or
hardships of the Revolutionary War.They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes,
and their sacred honor.What kind of men were they?Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists.
Eleven were merchants,
nine were farmers and large plantation owners;
men of means, well educated,
but they signed the Declaration of Independence
knowing full well that the penalty would be death if
they were captured.
Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and
trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the
British Navy. He sold his home and properties to
pay his debts, and died in rags.Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British
that he was forced to move his family almost constantly.
He served in the Congress without pay, and his family
was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him,
and poverty was his reward.Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer,
Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.At the battle of Yorktown , Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that
the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson
home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General
George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed,
and Nelson died bankrupt.Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed.
The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying.
Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill
were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests
and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his
children vanished.
So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and
silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.Remember: freedom is never free!
It's been a bit cold here in the Ohio. Normally, we are beginning to swelter - but this year's a bit different. We have slept under a down comforter each night. We have a window air conditioner, but rarely have to use it. It's usually cool out here in the country.
But lately, it's been downright cold. I'm telling you, it's been cold.
I meandered my way up to Fern's on Tuesday. Jean and her family rent a cottage up there for a couple of weeks each year, so Betty drove from Akron, I drove from Mansfield, and we enjoyed a "sisterhood" day. We enjoyed lunch, then did some much-needed shopping. I don't remember the last time we were all together. We truly enjoy each other - with an occasional spat - but not very often.
I cam home with a ton of fruit that Kerry jumped into. There's nothing like summertime fruit.
Kerry had Wednesday off, and we just got all kinds of stuff done. He started the morning being fitted for a crown. I told him not to start acting like king. Afterward, we drove deep into the heart of Amish country to a produce auction. It was truly in the middle of nowhere. The drive there took my breath away. Once there, we were surrounded by Amish people that had brought in lots of produce and flowers for auction. On this trip, we didn't buy anything - but next time I think we probably will. The prices were phenomenal. One man was telling me that a couple of months ago, he bought a pallet of tomato plants that were quite mature - up above his knees. He paid about $1.25 per plant. Hanging flower baskets were going for $2.50. Here's their website: http://knox.osu.edu/horticulture/owl-creek-produce-auction/owl-creek-produce-auction
We ran a few more errands, then came home to do some work before going to our Spanish class.
While Eddie was at the spa on Thursday, I was at my doctor's office. They are arranging for some more tests for me, so I guess some of my days will be spent with that.
Friday was extremely busy at the temple. In our area, attendance at the temple is up 20% over last year - 49% church wide. People are coming for peace and for strength. That evening, Kerry and I had our own private fireworks show - they were being launched at Snow Trails - the ski resort behind our house. They were BEAUTIFUL! I don't know why they didn't do that the past 25 years we've lived here - WHEN WE HAD KIDS AT HOME!!!
Saturday was one of the best 4th of July holidays we have ever had. It began by going to a church in Ontario - a town not too far from here. They had a wonderful breakfast - egg and cheese strata, bacon, eggs, pancakes, biscuits and sausage gravy, toast, breakfast goodies, juices - all for a donation. They did a fine job.
On the way home, we stopped at the Farmer's Market in Bellville. We love going to that each Saturday. The young girl that started it was selling her wonderful cookies and brownies. We talked to her for quite awhile. She started researching on how to get one started when she was nine years old. It has now been going for seven years. We love supporting the locals with their baked goods, herbs, produce, etc.
As we were leaving, we saw where they were having a parade in about an hour, followed by an ice cream social. Okay. We ran home, dropped off Eddie, grabbed our chairs, went back and found our spot. It was great! We LOVE small town America. The parade was just long enough - just about half an hour. There were the typical entries - including veterans, fire trucks and alpacas. Yes, alpacas. The patriotism was contagious. I've included pictures at the end.
The ice cream social was delicious! Just enough time had passed for us to be hungry again. In this little town, people don't shake hands when they greet - they embrace and they kiss. Everyone knows everyone. We were thankful to be there.
Maybe it meant a lot to me this year because 54 years ago, someone took a picture of my mother standing sideways on the Bellville bridge on July 4 - just four days before I was born.
Just like we're thankful to be part of this great land. We came back to our own little piece of America and had a bonfire in the evening. And, as we were going to sleep, the neighbors across the road had a wonderful fireworks show that we watched from our bedroom window.
It doesn't get much better than that!
Here's some photos:
Singing the Star-Spangled Banner at the Bandstand.
Pentunias and the flag - in front of a furniture that's closing.
Children after the parade
A couple that won a trophy for something...
This couple was in front of us as we waited to go into the firehouse for the ice cream social.
HEIGHT: 572px" height=572 width=480 vspace=5 comp_state="speed" DATASIZE="68961" ID="7" SRC="aoladp://MA27035496-0007/Untitled.jpg">
My Kerry
Kerry insisted on taking a picture of me.
And...a good read:
This is a keeper, so we don't forget. Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men
who signed the Declaration of Independence ?Five signers were captured by the British as traitors,
and tortured before they died.Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.
Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army;
another had two sons captured.Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or
hardships of the Revolutionary War.They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes,
and their sacred honor.What kind of men were they?Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists.
Eleven were merchants,
nine were farmers and large plantation owners;
men of means, well educated,
but they signed the Declaration of Independence
knowing full well that the penalty would be death if
they were captured.
Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and
trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the
British Navy. He sold his home and properties to
pay his debts, and died in rags.Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British
that he was forced to move his family almost constantly.
He served in the Congress without pay, and his family
was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him,
and poverty was his reward.Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer,
Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.At the battle of Yorktown , Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that
the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson
home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General
George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed,
and Nelson died bankrupt.Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed.
The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying.
Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill
were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests
and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his
children vanished.
So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and
silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.Remember: freedom is never free!
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