December.
Can you believe it?
Seems like yesterday a contingent of us was enjoying life in Eufaula, Alabama. Now it's December and I'm actually contemplating Eufaula and beloved friends again in Spring. Anyone else up for that?
I want you to stop, take a breath, and study my next words carefully.
I just added the names Cheryl Morris and Stan Thompson to our Memorial.
One of 'em a memory that makes me smile...
Both of 'em gone way too soon.
Are ya enjoying life?
Are ya sucking the last drop of nectar out of all the sweet moments coming your way?
I know... it's impossible to do it all the time. Life throws us curveballs we have to deal with...
Stresses that make us wish for some future date when they'll no longer be a factor in our lives. But more and more I'm realizing I should be taking control of things I truly can, so I have reserves built up and can more easily handle those things that are gonna stress me.
One of our contemporaries talks about being in "Resort Prison". I feel bad every time I think about it... being tied down and unable to get away from something that must make every day like living a bad dream. I know there are lots of folks in today's world that are fearful of the economy and what's just around the corner and are therefore staying in jobs they hate, just so that regular paycheck continues to come in. I know we can't fully perceive another person's life until we've "walked a mile in their shoes".
But I work in a job that is a constant reminder, and I want to insure you never forget it too-
Life is short.
Cancer, cardiac problems, drunk drivers, and other boogies are out there waiting to ambush us.
To the extent you can when you wake in the morning, vow to make it the "BEST" day you possibly can. Then try to make it a day that ends with a smile.
The holidays are coming. Try to make every day a holiday from now on.
And please excuse me...
End of sermon.
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6 comments:
DJ and I went to the 'Celebration of Life' for Cheryl the other evening. Dan and Edna were there as well. The evening had a very warm and nice feel to it. Met and talked with Cheryl's Mom and also her Daughter in Law. Her family will miss her, I'm sure of that. But, the evening was a celebration of life with lots of Cheryl's pictures and mementos that had been gathered and displayed. As you entered the front door - the first thing you see is her Senior Class Picture. Looking at all of the displays and talking with a few of the many friends and family in attendance, it seems that she had a very rich and rewarding life. I'm happy for that.
The location was a grand old house in Greenwood - on the west side of Madison, north of Main Street. The house was decorated for Christmas and it seemed festive. Cheryl's Mom said that is what she would have wanted. I agree. As I was getting ready to leave, Edna reminded me to grab an ornament from the Christmas tree - the family wanted everyone to have one. The ornament was red and shaped like a heart. Attached to it was a note from Cheryl. It reads:
"I love you all dearly but please don't shed a tear, because I get to spend Christmas in Heaven this year."
Cheryl L. (Morris) Jedamzik
1946-2010
Everyone, please enjoy your time with family and friends this Christmas. Our life on earth is short - we would all be smart to make the best of it - as Greybeard has reminded us to do. If there are things you want to do, places you want to go - find a way. There is no better time.
We are looking forward to another gathering this spring if others are up to it. LB is also talking about a dinner cruise on the river from Madison In. She has put in some prelim. exploratory work on it. Too early for any real planning - but I reminded her that we do need to find a replacement for the Fall Mini that Karen so graciously hosted every year. So, stay tuned on this one. It would be nice to get Karen and Larry back up here for that one.
It may be a little early for it - but, I'll say it anyway....
Merry Christmas to all!
I am so sorry that I missed the Celebration of Cheryl's life. I will never forget her. Even though I haven't seen her for years, I considered her a good friend.
Eufala? Anyone know when? You know I want to go. Let me know when you think VK's will be there.
I'll study the maps.
Love and Merry Christmas to all,
Bo
GB As I look back at my Dad and think about the time he spent in a job that he hated. I made the move 32 years ago. My statement is I will work to live and not live to work. We have changed our lives alot. I have learned to enjoy the kids and grandkids. I have learned to txt just "talk" with two of them. It is time to not just smell the rose but pick a few.
I'm sorry to here about Cheryl. It sounds like she did enjoy herself.
As we all age it is a time to look back and take stock. Make changes and patch up lost relation. For some just looking across the table and I Love You.
I'm very lucky I just spent 2 days at the deer camp with a good friend.I spent last spring with friends. I got to marry my best friend. Yes heart trouble, cancers, and deadend jobs will kill us all. I look back at the people I grew up with and the new friends that I have made. What a ride. It is always worth it take time to say hello. H of C&H
Sad about Cheryl. Sharon and her grew up together. Lived about three houses apart on County Line road. Time is getting short for all of us. I'll probably be lucky enough to work until I'm 80. We just got our daughter moved in to our old house this weekend. Now have our new home to ourselves. One granddaughter will still live with us. For the last three months had my daughter and three grandaughters living with us. Been hectic. Sharon and I were sitting around last night it was so quite didn't know how to act. We both finally fell asleep in the lazy boys. We are fortunate to be able and see our granddaughters every day. They will now live 1/2 a mile from us and our son lives three miles away. It gets crazy sometimes but we realize many parents don't get to see their kids or grandkids once or twice a year. So no complaints. Harry we need to get a date in the calander to hunt together next year down in Fl. or Bama. We can always set up a spring or fall mini in Evansville or at the Farm in Spencer. Its always available. The farms only about 1hr 15 min. South of Indy. Everyone have happy Holidays. See you all soon.
More and more folks are having happy "going to heaven" get-togethers like Cheryl and I think that's healthy. If we are lucky to live long enough the machinery begins to show signs of wear and breaks down. Disease and injury inevitably take their toll.
If you, like me, believe in an afterlife, death should surely be celebrated as "slipping the surly bonds of earth".
It sounds as if Cheryl's memorial was upbeat and I wish I could have been there to share with everyone.
H, you hit the nail on the head...
Family and friends. I couldn't be more delighted with the fact that so many of us who spent our formative lives at CG are still together and closer than ever. For me there have been a few... Hawkeye, TPO, Tools, Ron S., that I have stayed in touch with since graduation. With the rest, the now-and-then formal reunions just left me feeling unsatisfied. Our minis have shown me how close most of us are so far as what we consider truly important. Who could have thought from a class the size of ours (which is still adding honorary members!) we could regularly gather 30 or so together to enjoy one another's company, then find it difficult to get in our vehicles and go home?
Amazing.
TC, I got my yearbook out last night and while thumbing through showed the pic of your beautiful bride receiving the "Outstanding Senior" award at the GAA banquet from Mrs. Tumey...
Even our teachers are still involved with us!
Doubly amazing.
Also TC... you start the ball rolling for Spring and let me know how I can help. Eufaula, Evansville, Timbuktu...
If I can adjust my work schedule around it, I'll be there to share.
I'll echo TD's thoughts...
I hope you all know how important you are to Sara Jean and me. You'll all be in our thoughts frequently during this Christmas season.
Been absent for a while, but really couldn't tell you why...winter doldrums, I think.
Stan was a classmate of mine. Heard he had MS. I remember Stan as one of those nice guys in our class--but then again, our class had a lot of nice guys. Rest in peace, Stan.
I didn't know Cheryl, but she's another one whose life ended much too early.
Enjoy the holidays, folks! Get and give lots of really hard hugs...you know, the kind that are reinforced by many pats on the back. That's the way we do it, anyway. Makes you feel the hug even more.
Love you all, and can't wait to see you again...
Helen
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