You Raise Me Up! "

"You Raise Me Up"

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

There is no life - no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up... To more than I can be.

Amen!

Three times' a charm!

It's true! Three times were a charm...I got to see Mom and Dad three times this past week! Monday they were in Austin, Thursday I spent the afternoon with Mom while Dad went to the deer camp to visit with the guys and Sunday Ollie, grandson Austin and I went to have lunch with them and to pick up a piece of furniture that we had been storing in their back garage! I wish I could go every day, but, alas, that's not possible! In fact, to see them so much in one week is a rarity, but one that I sincerely enjoyed!

Sunday, Mom was at Church and Dad was still asleep when we arrived. Dad wasn't up to going with Mom and was still in bed when she left. We took Austin's bicycle so he could ride on their nice, long driveway while Ollie and I loaded the piece of furniture. By the time Mom arrived, we had the chest of drawers loaded and tied down. so we went to the house while she changed clothes to go eat. Dad had gotten up and was dressed and in his chair when we all went in the house! He'd even shaved himself! Mom bought him an electric razor and he finally has given in and started using it! Hooray for him! That takes one little task off Mom's hands!

Dad did not want to go into Marble Falls to eat with us (he hasn't wanted to go out much I'm noticing), so Mom, Ollie, Austin and I went to the River City Grill for lunch. Mom and Dad love to go there on Sundays after Mass and treat themselves to a Bloody Mary! They're the best in town! Mom was so cute...she put her hand up to her mouth as if to hide what she was saying from me and whispered to Ollie, "Let's you and me have a Bloody Mary!" How could he say no?! Of course, the you know who had to drive home! Lucky for them that I was willing to be the designated driver! LOL!

We went right back to the house after lunch so we'd have a little time to visit with Dad. We didn't stay long because I was hoping that Mom would get in her chair and have a Bloody Mary-induced nap! Also. there was a chance of rain and we wanted to get the chest of drawers to our antique mall booth before it hit! It's good that we left when we did, because the rain caught up with us just as we were exiting off I-35 in Round Rock to go to the mall!

Praise God for the wonderful rain we got during the night! Mom and Dad had 4 inches, Jean and Jimmie had 3, Danny and Lisa had 4 and we had 2.6 inches! Today's been one of the loveliest days of the year! Everything looks fresh from the rain, the sun is shining gloriously and the temperature is perfect! I am one who loves the rain! I always use a good rain as an excuse to post one of my favorite poems. Bear with me because I am certain I have posted it at least once before...

Who Loves The Rain

Who loves the rain,
And loves his home,
And looks on life with quiet eyes,,
Him I will follow through the storm;
And at his hearth-fire keep me warm;
Nor heaven shall that soul surprise,
Who loves the rain,
And loves his home with quiet eyes.
~Frances Shaw

Beginning Monday, Ollie and I will be setting up for our big show at Cole's in Warrenton, TX. We will be there March 26 - April 7. I will miss posting to you for that duration! If you get a chance, come see us! Cole's is at the corner of Hwy 237 and Fm 954 in Warrenton. Our aisles are named and we are on "Waco Dr". We're there every day, Thursday, March 29 through Saturday, April 7th, from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., but be sure to call me at 512/934-3641 if you're coming so I am sure to be there! Sometimes I sneak away and shop!!! SHHHH! Don't tell Ollie!!!

Bell well and happy! Love, Sandi

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Decision is made...

As I told you when I last wrote, Mom and Dad had made the decision to pursue finding a house in Austin. We did find a newer beautiful 1-story house that was 3 minutes from mine and Ollie's, with a lovely view and plenty of floor space for Mom's furniture. The floor plan was great and we all thought this was the one! Mom and Dad came to look at it and they, too, thought it may be the one. It sat up on a big hill with very little around it. Mom's one concern was that, because of where it sat, it may be more conducive to getting struck by lightning. Other than that, the house was ready for them to move right in...no barriers for Dad and Mom wouldn't have to get rid of any of her furniture. We all prayed and prayed that this was the right place and the right thing for Mom and Dad to do. There were so many things to consider...would we find someone like Jerry that they both would really like and who is so much help to Mom (when she lets him come), would they recover from the loss of their place, would their place sell, and on and on.

I was not sleeping well with all my concerns, nor were Mom and Dad. One morning I woke and knew I had to go talk to them immediately and face to face. I got in the car as soon as I got dressed and headed to their house. I was on the phone with Danny much of the way. It's amazing how supportive my siblings and I are of each other and how emotional we all are, especially when it comes to Mom and Dad! In fact, Mom and Dad marvel at how the four of us, Jean, Glenda, Danny and I, communicate with each other, especially when there is something going on with them! We have a very tight network! Danny and I, at that time, were distraught over whether moving Mom and Dad to Austin was the right answer. As I was on the phone and driving, there was a huge billboard between Liberty Hill and Bertram that I had never seen. It simply read, "I WILL GIVE YOU STRENGTH IN EVERYTHING YOU DO. I LOVE YOU! JESUS" I bawled when I read that sign! Of course, I told Danny that had to be a message to us! No matter what, God was with us and He would guide us! And, of course, that is what happened! Was there any doubt?!!

I continued on my way to Mom and Dad's, knowing in my heart that God would put the right words in my mouth to convince them that moving was the right thing to do. See, I was still thinking selfishly that the best thing for Mom and Dad was to move to be near me. As I parked my car, I could see my Mom standing in the kitchen in her robe. I called her so that I wouldn't scare her when I went to the door! I said, "Hi Mom! I'm in your driveway!" She went right to the window to see for herself! She laughed and couldn't believe I really was out there! I went in and was very emotional about my concern for them. Mom was so precious and grateful for my concern. She went right down the hall and woke Daddy so he, too, could hear my concerns. The three of us were tearful together, I for wanting so badly for them to be closer to me and they for their uncertainty. Now I know that their tears were because they didn't know, at that point, what they wanted to do.

That morning, Mom and Dad agreed that they would pursue buying the house near me. Through electronic documentation, they made an offer on the house, and after some negotiating, came up with a price and signed a contract. The next step was to have the house inspected. I met the inspector at 8:00 on Monday, the 16th, and he spent over 3 hours looking it over from roof to slab. Mom and Dad, Leslie and Kim, Glenda, Clint, Mollie, Jean and I met for lunch that same day and then most of us went to the house. What I had to tell them all, however, wasn't good news. There were two major problems with the house, one that was repairable and one that wasn't. There were french doors that led outside from the den that needed to be completely replaced because of water damage. That was repairable. However, Mom's fears about lightning striking the house were valid. The inspector had mentioned that there was a problem with the electrical panel outside. Leslie helped me take the door off the electrical panel. There were clear signs that there had been a major electrical issue...some of the wires looked burned and, once the cover on the breakers was removed, the inside of the panel was charred...most likely from a lightning strike! That, in itself, was enough for us to know that we indeed did not have the best house for Mom and Dad. Mother also said that she did get the feeling of being at home in that house and that it was really too big and more money than they wanted to spend.

Danny talked to Mom a long time on the phone that night, the final decision was made and the contract was cancelled. She was so afraid to disappoint me and the rest of us by deciding against the house. Danny assured her that we all just wanted them to be happy and okay and that we all knew that wasn't the house for them. So as not to overwhelm her with conversation about the house that night, I waited and called her the next morning to make sure she knew that I wasn't upset with her and to make sure she knew that I supported her and Dad in any decision they made... I just wanted them to be happy and safe. Danny and I both told Mom that, if they were happiest in their home, then just stay there and we won't talk any more about moving. Mom was relieved and elated! She and Dad both slept better Monday night than they had since they started the conversation again about moving! So, for now, Mom and Dad's lives will remain status-quo! Yes, Mom loved the idea of her and Dad being closer to her kids and having more options for food delivery or restaurants, but, for them, there's no place like home!

I went there yesterday and spent the day. Mom and I had a little time to ourselves before Dad woke up. She seemed totally happy with their decision. A bit later Dad got up, got dressed and came into the breakfast room. I went to him and hugged him and he held onto me for a good while with the most loving hug. I knew what he was telling me! He appreciated what I had done in helping them with the house and he was thanking me for accepting their decision. They are perfectly capable of making that decision and any decisions concerning their well-being. I sure don't blame them for wanting to stay in the home they so dearly love. So...the subject of them moving is officially closed!!!

There are a few things that Mom wants to do for their house now that she knows they will be there, hopefully, for a long time!. The carpet in their bedroom is deep-plush and it is very difficult for Dad to maneuver his wheelchair in there and very hard for her to push him in the wheelchair. She wants to have the carpet removed, have hardwoods put in there and a very low-pile carpet in the master bathroom. She and Dad also want a split-king bed that has separate controls t raise and lower the head and foot of the bed.

Mom and I got a chance to go see about those two things in the afternoon. Thursday night was poker night at the deer camp, so Leslie picked Dad up about 3:00 to go out to the ranch and take Dad for a ride around the ranch in the Kabota, visit with all the guys, eat steaks, and play a little poker. So Mom and I had a little time to go do some things in Marble Falls, She had a 3:15 doctor's appointment and then we went to the furniture store to check out their beds. I suggested that she have the floors done before getting the new bed so they wouldn't have to move it. She agreed and will make an appointment to have the bedroom measured and get the flooring ordered. Glenda is going out there tomorrow and will encourage Mom to keep working on this project! We all know how easy it is to keep putting things like that off! So, it will be my mission to do everything I can to make their lives as easy and comfortable in their home. Please continue to pray for them!

Happy St Patrick's Day to all of you! This Irish blessing is for you!

“May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.”

Amen!!!!!

The hunt is on...

On Friday, Dad had been napping in his chair in the bedroom. When he was ready to get up, Mom went and helped him to his feet and waited until he got his balance, as she routinely does. She went back to the kitchen and, a few minutes later, she heard him call for her. Because of the intensity of his call, she hurried back to the bedroom and found him laying on the floor...he had fallen. She wasn't able to get him up by herself and called Joaquin to come help her. Praise God that he was near enough to quickly drive there. The nearest neighbors on both sides of their place were out of town. If she'd been unable to reach Joaquin, she'd have had to call 911 for help. Dad fell on his already "bad" side. Through God's blessings, he is okay, just very sore. Mom checked with the pharmacist who told her to give him Tylenol for pain, not Ibuprofen, since Dad is on a regimen of aspirin with his Coumadin every day. I know it scared both of them tremendously. Mom called me on Saturday to let me know about the fall and to tell me that it is time for them to move into Austin where they us kids closer.

Now that Mom and Dad have made the decision, I believe that they are at peace with moving. Mom is excited about having quicker access to food delivery and about being able to eat at Luby's more often! We are looking at houses in my neighborhood, not a garden home or independent living. Both made Mom and Dad feel claustrophobic or like they were living in a prison! I have an appointment to see one house today and Jean and Mom are going to spend some time on Thursday or Friday with our realtor, Mike. The change will be so good for them. No doubt, they will both be sad to leave their place that they love so dearly, but, once they get settled, they will see how much more their kids and grandkids, etc., as well as fiends and family, can visit them when they live in Austin. My siblings and I want them to be happy and safe. We pray that this move is the right thing for them and that we are patient and loving throughout this process.

"Blessed Breath of God, of Life, breathe through us now. In this moment, we feel the sweet and merciful fullness of God in us. We have the wisdom, grace and love of God filling our soul.

Precious God, as we watch our aging parents change and move through the cycles of life, we are filled with emotion. Help us to be patient and loving adult children in this experience. Show us how to honor our feelings and how to be aware of all the lessons and gifts you have for us in this experience.

We appreciate our parents and all that they have brought to our lives. We feel the early taste of grief as we realize their mortality….and our own. Fill us with respect, big hearts and giving spirits, Lord. Help us to know the right things to do in each situation; may we always be a Light to them as their journey continues.

Prepare us Lord, for what lies ahead. Only You know the richness of our journey, God. In our Oneness, we know You light the way for them and for my family and me. May sweet and merciful angels be with our family throughout all our days. We give thanks for the many gifts we have already received in this family and the gifts in the days to come. All is well and God is good." * Amen.

*from PrayerGoddess.com

Loving visitors!

Last week on Thursday, Dad's cousins Donnie and Mary Vollette were camping in the Marble Falls area and visited Mom and Dad! Coincidentally, it was my planned day to go, so I got a special treat also! Whitney also joined me, so it was a big day for Mom and Dad! We met Donnie and Mary at the River City Grill for lunch and then they came to Mom and Dad's house. On their way out of town, they stopped and bought Dad a coconut pie from the Bluebonnet Cafe! How lucky for us that Dad was willing to share!!! We put on a pot of coffee and treated ourselves to dessert!! No one can make coconut pie like Grandma Pauly could, but the Bluebonnet comes pretty close! Donnie and Mary are some of our favorite people and Mom and Dad loved their visit!

Saturday, Mom and Dad had more visitors! When my sister Glenda was in college, she had a beau by the name of Joe Averill. He was very close to our family and Mom and Dad sort of adopted him as one of their kids, like they did all of our friends! I think Mom had a secret crush on him!!! Just kidding, of course, but he was a very handsome and charming young man. Fast-forward about 35 years and Joe, Glenda and I have been keeping in touch through our facebook pages. As it turns out, Joe and his wife Nancy, who live in McAllen, had to be in the Marble Falls area on Saturday and took the time to see Mom and Dad! Needless to say, Mom and Dad were thrilled! It took Dad a little time to remember who Joe was, but, once he did, he let out a BIG "Ah" and his face lit up with excitement! Dad took Joe into his office and proudly showed off his prize-winning saddle and buckles from his team-roping days. They laughed and laughed at Joe's great stories about his fun with Glenda and the family at Mom and Dad's ranch at Spicewood. Mom said they had a wonderful visit and hope that Joe and Nancy will visit them again!

I am prayerfully thankful and grateful to Donnie and Mary and Joe and Nancy for brightening Mom and Dad's days! Matthew 25:36...I was sick and you visited me. Amen!

What to do, what to do!

Jean spent most of Monday with Mom and Dad this week. She took some of Dad's favorite lemon pound cake, which put a big smile on his face she said!

I went Wednesday and arrived early because Mom and I decided we could get some projects done before Dad got up! He surprised us and got up at 10:00! I had been working in the office and was walking down the hall calling to Mom to answer a question. Dad hear me and hollered out at me! He had a huge smile on his face and hugged me so tightly! Hugs from him and Mom are priceless! Dad's days are pretty laid out...he sleeps late, gets dressed, goes to the table and reads the newspaper while drinking a glass of orange juice, eats breakfast or lunch, depending on how late he slept, then heads to his chair for his first nap! He usually stays in his chair most of the time, but does get up once in a while and walk or go see what Mom is doing.

Mom had a huge pile of papers and envelopes that needed to be shredded. She is very conscientious about putting anything in the trash that has their name and address on it. I sorted through all of that, shredded what need to be and brought it all home to go in my recycle bin. Dad came in there in his wheelchair for a while and supervised! I made her new folders for all the months of 2012 for her bills and receipts and got out her 2011 folders that will need to go to the accountant who does their taxes. I also got to take Mom's car to fill it with gas and picked up prescriptions for her and Dad at Wal-Mart. I wish they lived closer so I could do more for her and Dad! We all wish that!

Mom knows that it, in the long run, she and Dad will need to move to Austin. She and Dad talk about it often, but it is such a difficult decision to make. She and I were on the phone today talking about it. One of her fantasies is to live close to a Luby's Cafeteria! I do believe they would eat there almost daily! She likes it that she and Dad can each pick what they are hungry for. She said that, so often, she will cook something and it's not what Dad had in mind! His appetite isn't what it used to be and I think the stroke affected his taste buds. It's really hard to find something he really enjoys eating. Mom is so patient and tries to do the best she can. She has gotten into the habit of driving into Marble Falls and picking up food from different restaurants. That seems to be working well for them for now. She knows that, in Austin, there are unlimited restaurants that will deliver food to them! I know she'd really enjoy that! We all continue to support them in their conversations about moving. Mainly we tell them that we will help them with what they decide to do.

I make a point, often, to sit with Mom and Dad and tell them how much all of us appreciate and love them and how important they are to us. I am so honored to be able to spend time with them. I told them Wednesday that they are such fine examples for all of us in their loving devotion to each other. They both got teary-eyed. That wasn't my goal...I just need them to know that they aren't taken for granted, nor are they a burden on any of us.

Glenda plans to spend Saturday with Mom and Dad. Danny, Ollie and a bunch of the guys will play poker at the deer camp on the 23rd. Dad looks so forward to the steak, poker and camaraderie!

Leviticus 19:32 “You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the LORD.” Amen!

Thank you for keeping Mildred and Harvey in your thoughts and prayers!

Healthy!

Mom came to Austin yesterday for a doctor's appointment. She came by, picked me up and we headed, first, to lunch at Luby's, her favorite lunch spot! Well, Luby's is actually her second favorite, next to Rosie's Mexican Food! I went with her to the endocrinologist for her 6-month check on her thyroid. Praise God, everything looked normal and healthy! Her doctor even extended her next visit from 6 months to a year! That's always great news! She was relieved and happy!

She didn't stay in town afterwards so she could get home before dark. She doesn't like to drive after dark if she doesn't have to and Dad insists she is home before dark!

Jerry stayed with Dad and had a few chores assigned. Just as Mom drove in, he was leaving. It's a good feeling to walk in the door and have had someone help with the laundry and housekeeping! We are blessed with Jerry's care! Dad is very comfortable with him, and Mom approves of his housekeeping skills! He's also a very nice man, one we are proud to call "friend". May God bless him for his patience and loving care of Mildred and Harvey!

A good deed is never lost: he who sows
courtesy reaps friendship; and he who
plants kindness gathers love.

–Basil

I pray all is well with all of you and your loved ones! God's blessings! Love, Sandi