Grateful dead

Well, again I have let two weeks go by without writing. But, I really do have some good excuses. It's usually caused by immersing myself in genealogy and continuing in learning how to become better. I hope my ancestors are grateful.

We are so happy for our young friend, Derek Harmon and his little wife, Melody. They had their first baby this past Tuesday. He is so beautiful and alert - and so is our new little great-nephew Isaac. (s/o Justin and Erin) Kerry and I stopped by their house last week and held this sweet little boy, so fresh and new.

I am slowly getting used to my new purple room that Harmony orchestrated. It really is pretty! And, as a thank you to those that helped her on this project, she arranged a beautiful dinner to show her gratitude. Due to ice and snow and cold weather, it had to be rescheduled a couple of times, but she finally got them here and presented them with a nice dinner. She did all the cooking herself, and even had little gift bags for them. They all got to see the finished project, too.

On Friday, Feb 4, Kerry and I were on our way back from the temple when Jean left a message on our phone at home telling us to call her. We learned that Jim (sister Ferne's husband) had suffered a heart attack, had a huge spike in his blood sugar (over 600) and was hospitalized. The evening was spent phoning between the sisterhood.

Kerry and I drove to Akron the very next day to support Ferne. Jim was hooked up to all sorts of things to help stabilize him. He has always been a bronze and swarthy-looking man. But that day he was quite pale. The night before, he'd had even less color.

In doing some more testing, it was determined that it was indeed a heart attack, and that three arteries in his heart were blocked. So, triple-bypass heart surgery was scheduled for tomorrow.

However, when nausea had set in, he aspirated - causing the much-dreaded pneumonia. Due to a stricture in his chest, he hasn't been able to eat, so he has tubes feeding him. They absolutely cannot operate on him with his lungs filled with fluid, so the heart surgery is postponed indefinitely.

Sister Betty and husband Pete are on their way back from Florida Monday evening. I will pick them up.

Jim. Jim. Jim.

This good man has been part of my life since I was 13 years old - when he married Ferne. He was a fine lawyer and a judge with a good reputation. His mind has always been sharp. He was diligent about keeping our genealogy straight on the computer and getting the temple work accomplished. And - he's not even a member of our church! He has supported Ferne in her church callings, let her go on our genealogy fact-finding trips with nary a complaint.

Come on, Jim. You can do it.

In the meantime, we have tried to go on making normalcy of our lives while remembering Jim and Ferne in our thoughts and prayers. Jim was given a beautiful blessing by nephew Justin (s/o Betty), and it greatly comforted him. Kerry and Harmony and I went to a youth fundraiser spaghetti dinner at the church, and we went to a wonderful Relief Society meeting that taught us more how to use all of the useful links on the Church's web site (lds.org). Our Stake Presidency wants us to utilize it more, and to include our information and pictures on our own stake's site. It was a great class!

Now this week I prepare to teach at a Family History Jamboree in Dayton. I've taught at this one for several years, but had to opt out last year, due to recuperation from my back surgery. It was also right after Peter's memorial service, so I don't know how good I would have been. I would have LOVED to have been in Salt Lake City this week for the first ever Roots Tech Conference, but alas - it was not to be...

Please remember Jim and Ferne in your prayers this week. They are fine, fine people...

Judge Bierce

Jim

Jim and Ferne

And now, for this week's memory...

You just never stop being a kid when you're around your parents.

A few years before he died, my dad lived in our home. I set up the first floor bedroom just for him. It had his bed, a recliner, his desk, a television, his clothing, etc. Everything he could possibly need was in that room. His big oxygen unit was around the corner in the living room, and its long lead could stretch all the way into the kitchen and throughout the house.

Peter was on his mission, so we only had the three younger children at home.

Dad could and did prepare his own lunches, but I made sure he had a good breakfast (usually cracked wheat fixed in the crock pot and cooked overnight), and a good dinner. It was a challenge blending a young family and an older man, but we did the best we could. He was usually ready for bed about 8:30 pm and watched television until he fell asleep just after 9:00 pm.

One evening, all of our kids were out somewhere. Between marching band, working, etc., they all had somewhere to go. So, Kerry and I decided to go out for a bit and see a movie. Everything in the house was taken care of, including dad. He had no problem being left alone, so it was a perfect night. We got ready to go, and I went in to tell him we'd be gone for awhile.

He asked me how long we would be gone. I told him the movie was over just before 11:pm. so it would be after that.

He replied, "Don't you think that's a little bit too late for you two to be out?"

I was stunned. I said, "Dad, I'm a big girl now. I'm 45 years old. It's okay."

Again, he said, "Well, you just both be careful and don't stay out too late."

Kerry and I both smiled and talked about it on the way to the theater.

But, when we got home at 11:30 pm, there was dad sitting up in his recliner, waiting for us to come home. He didn't say anything. He just looked at his watch, looked at us, and made preparations for bed.

Dad. You never stop being a parent. And, you never stop being a kid...

Chester Clemens - who looks a little bit like Colonel Sanders.

Come, let us anew...

And a happy new year to all of my fellow email friends and family!!!

   
   Here comes another year of these weekly missives.  I happened to look back
at the very first one I wrote in January of 1999.  My goodness!  I couldn't
believe how many things have changed in those 12 years.  Peter was on a mission. 
Harmony was a junior in high school.  And...Kerry and I had his parents and
sister, Gay and I had my father still alive.
   
   My goodness.
   
   It's good to reflect back and look at our lives through the years.  I would
hope that in some way, each of you are journaling in some sort of way.  It's
difficult to find the time, and we might not think we have anything to say. 
But, our descendants will find them fascinating!  Besides that, I want my
posterity to know me THROUGH me - NOT THROUGH MY KIDS!!!  Good grief, no!  I
want them to know what was precious to me, and what I utterly despised. 
   
   Thank you to Ross Clark for getting me started on writing these missives. 
He began with his "Beth Reports" when he and Andrea had a sweet little baby girl
born to them.  Ross - why are there no more "Beth Reports"?
   
   This past week was a wonderful, laid-back week.  When we had all of our
children at home, I kind of liked it when our kids were out of school.  I really
looked forward to summertime - for it meant we all could play!  I'm afraid we
played a lot more than we worked (bad mom!).  Harmony worked nearly 40 hours
this past week, though that may not continue after this holiday break.  She
seems to be doing really well at work, and they like her.  But, she does want
some more challenge in her life, so she's constantly looking.  She's putting
quite the effort into this.  Proud.  So proud.
   
   She spent New Year's Eve with two old and boring people.  Us.  In times
past, we were on the go to great parties for the youth.  Now, we've slowed down. 
We're home more than we're not.  All three of us had a bit of trouble staying up
to ring in the new year...
   
   Now, it's time to reflect on the past, learn what we can and go on to the
future.  Yesterday was Kerry's mother's birthday.  How I loved this woman!  She
raised the boy who would grow up and become my husband.  Well, maybe not grow up
- but at least become the man I love.  One of my nieces sent an email that just
seems like a wonderful idea.  I will include it here:
   
   "As I was thinking about Grandmother on her birthday Sunday and even the day
before wanting to make those that have past on a part of my life and have my
kids know about them I wanted to start maybe tradition of a way to celebrate
them.  My thoughts for Grandmother was to eat on her china that I inherited and
maybe make a favorite meal of hers or one of her recipes (I will have to ask my
mom what that would be because I don't remember her favorite foods) on her
birthday.  Then talk about her around the table maybe show the kids a picture of
her and such.  I didn't get a chance to do this on Sunday like I wanted to so I
will be celebrating her tomorrow.  I just wanted to invite you all to do the
same or think of your own way to remember those that have past on.  I think I am
going to do something on their birthdays and maybe anniversaries if that means
to use something that I inherited from them or do something that day that they
loved to do (go to the theater might be another way to celebrate Grandmother) or
have a little circle time about them or what not.  Anyway, Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year and Happy Birthday Grandmother Shirley!  Love you all and miss a
lot of you.  MerryNoelle Sandoval"
   
   What a wonderful idea!!!  Thank you, MerryNoelle!!!  (love you...)


Shirley Rhodes Lauritzen

  
   
   
   Now, for the next memory story:
   
   This story actually comes from Mr. Kerry, who quoted it from memory in
church about a month ago.  It concerns part of the conversion story of his
father, Orson William Lauritzen (OWL).
   
   From Kerry:
   
   As my father related many of the spiritual experiences in his life to me and
my siblings as we were growing up, these were spiritual experiences in
themselves for me.  One of his most memorable stories was of how he had a
confirmation of his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ during his mission. 
He had been asked to give the closing prayer in a missionary meeting, which had
been replete with inspired instruction on how to effectively teach the gospel,
by the spirit of the Lord.  In the middle of his prayer, he paused, being moved
by the Holy Ghost to voice the following questions, for himself and all those
present, in case there was doubt in anyone's mind as to the truthfulness of the
gospel:  "Heavenly Father, is Jesus Christ thy Son, our Savior?  Is there a
living prophet on the earth today?  Has thy gospel been restored on the earth?" 
He made another brief pause, during which he felt silently in his heart that
yes, indeed, all these questions had a positive answer, and any vestige of doubt
concerning his testimony of the truth of God had vanished from his soul.  My
father repeated this story several times in talks in firesides, sacrament
meetings, seminary classes, ands family home evenings at home.  It greatly
shaped my own sure testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which I am proud and
eager to bear to others at every opportunity.  (Kerry Lauritzen)

So tender and mild

I didn't write last week. Before I knew it, my week had gotten away from me. Besides that, I just didn't feel like it. I didn't have that much to say...

Imagine that!

We have had Miss Harmony with us for three weeks now, and I'm so thankful that she's here. It takes a bit of adjusting on all of our parts, but I think it's a win-win situation for the three of us. She began working at the local Marathon station this past week. They like her a lot. She was hired in at 20 hours/week, but this week will be working 38.

We also took a day to sign up for all of the veteran benefits that are available. There are many, many things that are there to benefit our veteran's - and for that I'm thankful. She will be receiving a war bonus that she could only have received by coming back here to Ohio - the state she enlisted from.

Things are looking good for Miss Harmony. And, we're behind her all the way!

Kerry and I had an exciting time a couple of weeks ago. We went to Wilmington, OH - the small town that Glenn Beck has recently put into the spotlight. He was there that day, and has to be one of the nicest men I've ever met. I shook his hand and simply said, "Thank you, Brother Beck." He lingered just a moment longer and looked me straight in the eye, saying "Thank you."
Signs were everywhere
That's Kerry's arm. I figured I can show you pictures of him anytime.

The next day was a busy day, but we simply had to take the time to visit the Lexington Public Library, where the staff was holding a glorious retirement part for Waunita Wharton. We have known each other since I was ten years old. Her last day will be this Friday. They truly loved her at this library.
She's always smiling.

Harmony went to Columbus the next day. We dropped her off at a library while we went on to work at the Temple. She spent part of the day shopping and part with Erik. I'm glad they were able to be together for awhile.

Saturday was spent just doing fun things. We began by attending a free community breakfast at a church in Lucas. It was delicious, as always. We also went to Bellville, where we found some great deals at the "Fill your bag for $2" store. Harmony found some great coats for $2 each.

That evening was another community dinner in Bellville. We attend that on the third Saturday of the month. A friend from church - Martin - and his two children went with us. He said he could tell we go there each month, for when we walked in people started saying, "Hey, Peggy! Kerry!" It was delicious, too.

Sunday morning, we continued to play beautiful Christmas carols for prelude. I have 2-3 flutes, 2 violins, Karen Keck on piano and me on the organ. The congregation just loves it. I have them play along with the congregational singing, too. But never for the sacrament song. The focus is to be fully on the Savior.

This past Tuesday was just a little bit rough for me, for it was the first anniversary of Peter's death. I couldn't help but think the following thought on Monday - did he know that he would only have one more day to live? Do any of us really know that?

Kerry and I have had several dreams concerning him, which we have recorded in a special journal. Just as he was in life, he seems to have the same look and the same temperament and the same sweet personality he had as a boy. I can hardly believe he's gone - and I can hardly wait to hold him again.

This may be kind of rough, but let me show you some pictures:
This was him in January 2009.
This was him just five months later - in May 2009
This was him in Dec 2009 - just a week before he died.

I guess the reason I'm showing these (besides remembering him) is so that one can see the effects of some recklessness and drug abuse. He went downhill so quickly after drugs and disease had taken its toll on him. If you know someone that may be living with the same casual disregard for the care of their body, you might want to show them these. It can happen to anyone in any family.

I can't wait to hold him again.

Thursday was a wonderful day of celebration. My three living children and the grandboys all gathered at my house, along with sister Jean and Earl. It was a bit out of the ordinary for us, but it gives the grandboys time on Christmas day to stay at home and play with their toys. We had a big dinner of salad, lasagna (yes, Patty! Jean ate lasagna!!), green beans, garlic bread, banana pudding, pumpkin pie, jello, razzleberry pie, and cookies. We were stuffed!
Peggy and her girls - Harmony and Melissa
I think Harmony looks like my friend, Alice. Do you?
Earl and Jean
Peggy's men - and little men! Erik, Jordan, Kerry & Justin, Jayden, JJ

The whole gang!

On Christmas Eve, we were invited to the Andersons for their annual dinner and Nativity reading. We've gone for the past few years, and last year (I was in the hospital with back surgery) they brought me part of the dinner and I listened to the reading over the cell phone.
Yep - that's me - the token pianist!
Harmony was a sheep
Vonnie was Mary

Christmas Day was a bit quiet. Sister Betty and Pete arrived about 11:00 am and ate breakfast with us - whole wheat blueberry pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage and juice - before loading up Mr. Kerry and heading for Florida. They have sold their house down there and have decided to just rent during the winter months. Instead of Pete flying down and Betty and I driving - I have now been replaced by Mr. Kerry.

He'll return on Tuesday night - and will have traveled a total of 18,000 miles this year. I told him he should have been a truck driver!

At the end of the day, I checked my computer and found a picture of the little people in Main enjoying a dollhouse we sent to them! Harmony and I carefully cleaned each and every inch of the house and every nook and cranny of the accessory pieces. Kerry got creative and we fashioned a huge box to mail it all in. I think they enjoyed it!
The little people in Maine!

I appreciate all of the Christmas greetings, cards, emails, and even the condolences you sent to us this year. They have all meant so much to us. Our friends, our family, and knowledge of the Plan of Salvation have been the things that have held us up during some hard times. God bless you all...
Kerry and Peggy - Christmas 2010

And now for another memory...

The year that Miss Harmony was born was a tender year for us. She had played baby Jesus in the Christmas play and sneezed in Mary's face.

She refused to nurse.

She had quite the willful spirit that was evident even before she was born.

But, there was one night Kerry and I will never forget.

I had fed her and bundled her up at the end of the day. She was full. She was dry. She was swaddled. I laid her on a blanket under the Christmas tree, where she continued to coo and look up at the twinkling lights.

Soon, Peter (age 2 1/2) came over and laid beside her. He rubbed her tummy, her arms and her face and talked to her, telling her all about Christmas. Then, they both were laying side by side looking up at the lights.

Kerry and I sat there with tears in our eyes. We didn't have much money. There weren't many presents under the tree. But, we felt like the richest people on earth with the two best presents we could have that year.
Harmony - just a few weeks old
He helped me out
No, my teeth weren't black. Peter told me he always wanted to have kids

es, my little family has been my greatest treasure...