Old Family Prayer

September 2014

Camp Reunion

 

 

This is the time of year for our family reunion.

What I love about reunions is all of us coming together.

Sharing new stories.

Telling old stories.

Meeting new family members

and remembering those who has gone before us.

We share our history.

We reconnect with each other.

 

A prayer is always said before our meal.

The speaker has changed through the years.

Over the years the group has become smaller.

And it has somehow fallen upon me to say the prayer.

 

As I leave Friends Creek to go pick up my mom for the reunion I start to pray.

I ask God to guide me with the words to say.

Not too long...not to short.

Put on my heart words to say.

And a clear voice to speak.

 

It is at that time that God speaks to me.

He brings to my mind that just one week ago

my mom told me she found a notebook of Dad's

in which he had wrote prayers.

 

I called her up and ask her to bring the notebook with her.

I am thinking there must be a part of the prayer I can read.

 

When I open up the notebook and read it

I realize it is a prayer that Dad had wrote

for his family reunion.

This reunion.

The Camp reunion.

 

There are pages of the same prayer,

dated 1990 to 1992.

The words are perfected as time went by.

 

It was put upon my heart

that this daughter is to read a prayer

wrote by her dad 14 years ago.

His words are spoken to his family through me on this day.

 

Heavenly Father

It feels good to be able to come before you in prayer as a family on this special occasion to give you the praise and glory for the many many blessings we have received.

Lord, we thank you for your ever present love and the blessings of family, friends, health and jobs that we enjoy each day.

And Lord, we ask you teach us what we need to know.

Bless each and everyone here today with a generous portion of strength and wisdom that we need in our every day struggles.

As we come before with bowed heads let us not forget family members and friends that have walked us and shared their lives with us but have passed threw the pearly gates before us into your promised kingdom.

We ask your blessings on the bountiful table set before us, that is might be used as nourishment to our minds and body for your glory.

We pray each one here today will have a safe journey home.

In Jesus' precious name we pray.

Amen.

 

 

And so..

at this family reunion of 2014

we not only connected with those around us

but

with words written

14 years ago

we are

 still

 connected with those above us.

(note....Marvin T. Sowers wrote this before he became really sick)

 

 





Tag for Dad

 

Explanation of geocaching.

Searching for hidden containers with a piece of paper inside that you write your choosen geo-name on.
You log it on-line and the one who hid the container recieves an e-mail that it was found.
 You place the container back excatly where you found it for the next person to find.
 You search for these container (caches) with a gps (we use smartphones). The information for caches around the world are found on-line at geocaching.com. This has been going on for 11 years. You would be surprised how close you are right now to a geocache that is hidden. They are ALL over the world.
In the woods
In the city
On the beach
In the ocean (scuba)
In the mountains and deserts
On fence posts
On signs
Even in EVERY Walmart parking lot.
They are everywhere!!!!

Scavenger hunting with a gps.

You can place a dog tag with a coded number on it that belongs to you and attach whatever you like to it, these are called travel bugs. You place it in a cache and the next person to find the container can take it and put it into another cache. That is how the TB (travel bug) moves all over the world. Whenever anyone moves it they log it on-line and the owner of the TB gets an e-mail where it is. That is how we know the story of our travel bug, Tag for Dad. 
 

The following story was wrote by Marvin L. Sowers
(my brother)
and published in FTF, a geocaching magazine.

 February 2013

 

 Do you
see it?
We are
the story
listed at
the top!

TAG
FOR
DAD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 






We started geocaching in August of 2010 and it wasn't long before the caching bug spread through four generations of our family. Although we all love geocaching,we all keep talking about how another member of our family would have really loved this sport-Dad. Dad was an outdoor enthusiast and he loved puzzles and gadgets, a perfect combination for geocaching. Sadly, he passed in 2008, before any of us  had started geocaching.

 

My sister, 5-bears, (Sheryl) wanted to included Dad in geocaching, somehow, someway. She ended up creating a Travel Bug in his honor and named it Tag for Dad. 5-bears wanted me to be the first to find this special bug so she created a special cache just for me and sent me the coordinates specifying that I had to find it at night.

Turns out the cache was hidden in a cemetery-in fact, the cemetery where Dad is resting. This was difintely a spooky place for a cache, but I made the find, in a flower urn on Dad's stone. Creepy, but Dad would have loved it!

I asked 5-bears if she wanted me to keep the Bug or release it into the wild. She answered "Let's see where Dad goes". Soon after I took Tag for Dad to St. Louis and dropped him in a cache to get him started on his journey. It wasn't long before "Dad" visited several places in southern IL, quite possibly his favorite place in the world. That is where he spent many weekends fishing, 4-wheeling and exploring the Shawnee National Forest. Everyone in the family thought it was so cool the Travel Bug landed here!

 

"Dad" continued his journeys, visiting Kentucky and Massachusetts, but it  wasn't long before he made his way to Florida, another of Dad's favorite places. Florida is where Dad loved to take us for family vacations, looking for alligators, shelling and enjoying incredible sunsets. Wow, what a coincidence that "Dad" visited two of his favorite places in just a short time.

 

Now "Dad" traveled north, making his way to Minnesota and finally to Chicago, Illinois. Dad lived here for several years and loved Chicago. He especially loved the Sears Tower (now named the Willis Tower) and wonder of wonders-the cache was near there!

This was too much for 5-bears! She had always hoped "Dad" would find his way back home and now it was time! She enlisted the help of our geo-uncle, wes37, (Wayne) and together they drove to Chicago and found "Dad" in the cache. "Dad" was back in the family again!

 

5-bears and wes37 celebrated the reunion by visiting the top of Willis Towers, where 5-bears took "Dad" out onto one of the enclosed glass boxes hanging off the side of the building. This was a quite a feat for 5-bears as she has a fear of heights, but she wanted to do it in Dad's honor. Dad would have been so proud!

 

Our family is still amazed at where "Dad" visited. What a coincidence that in just a year and a half that this travel bug was taken to 3 of Dad's favorite places in the world, even though none of them were mentioned in the travel bugs goal!

Or maybe,

 just maybe....

Dad got to go geocaching after all! 

P.S. Tag for Dad has now been moved to 5-bears collection, so no more traveling for "Dad". But who knows, maybe he'll be put out into the wild again to revisit a few more of his favorite places!

 

 

Tag for Dad traveled 1 1/2 years.

Was placed in 41 caches by other geocachers.

Went over 5000 miles.

And visited 10 states.

 

5-bears (grandma of the 5-bears Sheryl)

 holding Tag for Dad in Willis Towers sky box.

Tag for Dad now is at Sheryl's home in place of honor.

What an adventure to watch on-line as "Dad" traveled.

 

Information on Geocaching:

http://www.geocaching.com/videos/#cat=cat:newbies&vid=-4VFeYZTTYs

We like the geocaching app on our iphones

Geocaching by groundspeak Inc.

There is an intro app and if you find it is a game you are really interested in then the $10 app is well worth it. There are more free geocaching apps that you could try too.

Our family has had lots of great outdoor experiences because of geocaching.

 

A Snickering Spirit

In August 2012 I saw an article in the paper about Peck Cemetary, well known for the haunted tales told about it.

 

Peck Cemetery Group Reading by Medium Michelle Ollis.

 August 25th, 2012. 6pm to 9pm.

 A night of mystical beliefs with psychic Michelle Ollis.

 Michelle has donated all her proceeds back to the

 restoration project for the cemetery. Cost $20.

Must be 18 to enter.

 Bring a lawn chair, drinks, snacks, flashlight, and insect repellent.

 No alcohol, photographs, or recording allowed.

 Park along Donovan Road where hayrides will be offered to the cemetery.

 Proceeds benefit Peck Cemetery restoration

That is something that Vicky and I would be interested in. We had been there before on a midnight ghost hunt. (We didn't see a ghost) You have to sign up for these special events even to see this cemetery. If you are caught in there without permission you get a $1000 fine. It is a very guarded place because of all the damage that has taken place over the years. We were surprised to find a very peaceful, nice looking cemetery.

 

We rode the hayride down the long gravel drive to the gates of the cemetery. As we paid our money to enter there was a lady watching everyone come in. Later she introduced herself as Michelle, the medium. She told the 40 or more people there she hoped to give each of us a brief reading that night.

 

We started off with a walk around the cemetery where they told us about things that had happened there and about all the work they were doing to put everything back into place and to clean it up. The medium said this was an active cemetery and there were several spirits watching us. But they were keeping their distance.

 

As it grew dark we went back to our circle of chairs and Michelle started speaking to those in the crowd. One young man had several guardians around him. Another lady had a little girl with long dark hair next to her. One after another she talked to people and it was nearing the end of the time for this event. It was interesting to hear the comments to others but I had payed my $20 and I wanted to know what she would tell me.

 

Finally she came toward us. Looking at me she said

 

You have an elderly man next to you

He is a relative.

Passed not that long ago

He is standing next to you....

snickering

(I can see my dad snickering)

that you are even here.

He is like....What are you doing here??

In his life he needed help...

He needed a LOT of help...

I mean he needed help with EVERYTHING.

(We had a lift in the house to even move him)

Even though it was hard for him

 he accepted help with a joking attitude.

You and him have a very strong connection

that has been there from the beginning.

And the cord that connects you to him brings you

together in the next life.

( for me that is heaven....

 he told everyone he would meet us at the gate)

And that was the end of the reading for me.

I thought it was correct.

I didnt really know if she would get my dad around

me because I know where he is.

 

But...

 I do think....

 that sometimes.....

 he comes to check on us....

And I guess....

he still snickers.

 

A Very  Special addition to this story

After my cousin Jeff read this story he contacted me.

Jeff’s Aunt Edith had passed away. One day Jeff was riding with his friend, who is a medium. His friend started talking about Aunt Edith. He described the church where her services were held. He talked about special things the family had done after her passing. Jeff knew he was right.

And then…

He started describing someone who was with her.

He was in a military uniform.

They were not related to each other but they were both related to Jeff.

There were other things said about the military man that Jeff couldn't recall now, but Jeff knew at once who it was.

The medium told him Aunt Edith said that he was helping her find her way.

Jeff knew it was his Uncle Marvin. 
 

Jeff said “Uncle Marvin was always fond of Uncle Ronald, Edith’s husband, and I am sure Uncle Marvin was there for Aunt Edith when she arrived. It was a great feeling to know that he is in heaven doing what he has always done best…making sure the people he cares about are taken care of. He will always be with us.”

 

 



With Each Passing

This has been on my mind for a while and I think it is appropriate that I finally have the time to write this. It is Father's Day and my dad has been gone for 2 1/2 years. Of course, I think of him often and know I was so blessed to have had him as my father...from strong grumpy young dad to older loving kinder dad (something happens to them when they become grandfathers).

There is a time that really brings him to my mind.

Each time I hear of someone's loved one passing

I relive the last moments with my dad.

Dad choose to go off dialysis after 10 years.
He had fought a long and hard battle against diabetes
with Mom at his side.
We would ask him each day if he was sure of his decision

and

 He Was Sure.

He knew where he was going.

And said he would hold the gates open for us when we join him.

For one week we had a party at the house.

Family and friends came from all over

to share their stories for the last time with him

and to tell him they loved him.

For me it was an amazing time.

He had peace..he had strength.

Each day he would say

"I hope this is the day the Lord takes me home.

I am ready"

How amazing to be that sure.

I guess there is "Blessed Assurance"

I saw it in my dad.

My dad passed as we layed him back down one morning, 

a few more breaths and he was gone.

He saw the face of Jesus at 7:30 am.

It is what we had prayed for.

Now...when I hear others tell

how they watched their loved ones die...

gasping, crying for help, bodies wracked with pain,

or even peacefully,

I relive that time with my dad.

And I am grateful

that the memories I have been left with are good.

We got to say goodbye.

We got to say I love you.

We got to be by his side

as he passed from this life to glory.

So every time someone elses loved one passes

My mind takes me back to

 relive those last moments with my dad.

And

 I know

We Were Blessed.

In Memory and In Honor

Today we honored the life of my uncle
 Ross Sowers.

My Dad's brother

He was invloved with Live Steamers.

(Small Trains.)

The last song for his service was

Life is Like a Mountain Railway (click to hear)

Perfect song for him.

And just as the song ended

A train in the distance could be

heard blowing its whistle as it came into Lincoln.

A sign that brought smiles and giggles

to loved ones sitting there.

Perfect timing..perfect ending.

Love sent from above.

We came back to Decatur

And the family gathered around

to honor the second one to have passed.

Roses were handed to the loved ones there.

And a thought was mentioned

to honor the oldest brother

who had passed 2 years 2 months before.

And with that thought,

a quick trip was made

to place a rose

upon the others grave.

It was hardly a surprise to me

as we drove into the cemetary 

 to see before us

a red tail hawk

circling against the blue sky.

Perfect timing...perfect ending.

Love sent from above.

(My sign for Dad is the red tail hawk)

I Remember When.....

For years I had thought of writing a few of my favorite memories in a card to give to Mom and Dad. I wanted to let them know that simple times held the best memories for me.

I decided to involve the whole family with a perfect gift for Mom and Dad that came from this idea.

I found an unusual jar and labeled it Memories, Smiles and Treasures. I sent several slips of paper to each family member with instructions to write "I remember..." moments with Marv and Evelyn and sign their name to each slip. Some wrote out a lot of memory slips, others wrote out one of two.

Both of my parents birthdays are in July so we picked a day in between and set it up for a family get together. I gave them the empty jar and told them they needed to fill it with special memories. Mom and Dad took a few moments thinking of what in the world they could put into this jar. Then I told them we would help them fill it. Each one of us put our "I remember" slips in the jar. We had nearly 200 memory slips!

That day a few slips were pulled out and read. There were smiles and laughter. There was astonishment at events that were remembered. There were tears as love was recognized. Memories read brought renewed memories for others or a new memory to be wrote out and shared later on. Everyone enjoyed this time of sharing  memories of Marv and Evelyn...
                              of Mom and Dad....
                                     of Grandma and Grandpa.

 Mom and Dad were instructed to take a couple of "I remember" slips out to read every day. It took them 3 months to go through the jar. And then they started all over again. Sometimes they would come across a new memory that someone had secretly added. It was a continuing joy.

When Kayla was 2 she joined us in this tradition.

Every Wednesday when she was at "Sowers" and Grandma's she would pass out the I remember when's. Everyone would read one and then Kayla in her sweet little girl voice would read hers...."I remember all the time" (Ah..I can hear her sweet voice now)

Some of our memories:
Marvin (son)" I remember... Dad coming back from Florida with oranges and teaching everyone a dance called the Twist."

Sheryl (daughter) "I remember...all the stars at Tall Tree Lake where we camped. I'm so glad Mom and Dad took me there."

Stephen (grandson)" I remember...Grandpa and Grandma's last jeep. I hated to see it sold. I remember Grandpa saying we would have visitation rights."

Cindy (granddaughter)" I remember...my first plane ride. Mom and I went up in a small plane with Grandpa. We got to see our house and all around Decatur."

Keri (granddaughter)" I remember...going to the state fair every year with Grandma and Grandpa. We got to ride the Skyline and spend $5."

Crisite (granddaughter) "I remember....that I love my grandparents so much and I always will."

With the grandkids there was one memory that they each wrote.

"I remember...Grandpa taking us to the donut shop. After we ate our donut we could buy a piece of bubble gum. Sometimes Grandpa would buy a donut to take home to Grandma. But when we would get home we would sneak downstairs and eat her donut. "

It truly was a gift that kept on giving

for years and years.

A wonderful gift of memories.

I'd Wish I Could (1985)

When I was 5 I got bit by my dog.

Dad tried to make me feel all better.

I'd wish I could but

I didn't tell him then.

When I was 7 Dad took us to

Tall Tree Lake to camp.

I'd wish I could but

I didn't tell him then.

When I was 13 I heard Dad get up in

the middle of the night for a drink.

I'd wish I could but

I didn't tell him then.

When I was 16 I watched as Dad

protected us from unknown noises.

I'd wish I could but

I didn't tell him then.

When I was 18 Dad walked me down

the isle of the church to be married.

I'd wish I could but

I didn't tell him then.

When I was 20 I had a beautiful

baby girl to show my Dad.

I wished I could and

Then I did...

Tell him..

"I LOVE YOU"

Now I am older and so is he

and I'm so glad I can't say

"I wish I had told Dad"

Because I did tell him and

I tell him again today,

"I love you, Dad."

The Christmas Present

Dad liked giving gifts to Mom. In the last years when he was unable to go out anymore it was my job to search for the gift that he had in mind. I would also pick out birthday, anniversary and Christmas cards for him to give to her. I would read cards until my heart......
                                    my intuition.....
                                            my spirit....
                 would tell me this is the one he wants.

For their 50 anniversary Dad wanted to buy Mom a diamond ring and a watch. But with her condition her fingers swell and are painful so instead I found a tiny diamond ring charm to go on a gold watch necklace. 

                               
She was very pleased with the necklace knowing the thought that went into it from my dad. She loved her 50th anniversary present. 
 
Years later as Dad needed more and more help we had nurses, care givers, and others who came into the house to help. It was at this time that Mom's favorite Anniversary necklace disappeared. We searched and searched for it...in the bedroom...in the frontroom...in every room...in every place. But we had no luck in finding it. The thought came that someone may have taken the necklace. It was no where to be found.

 Six years after their 50th Anniversary Dad passed. There was so much to do as we got the house ready to sell. In that time we thought about the necklace and looked for it as each drawer was cleaned out...as each piece of furniture was moved. But the Anniversary necklace was never found.

             *************************************
One of things that I have had to adjust to is that I no longer search for that perfect present that Dad wanted to give Mom. Except this year it was especially on my mind.....

 (Here I go again...with talk of wonders and signs)
Rainbows are Kayla's sign for my dad. For me...hawks are my sign for him. When I took Dad to Springfield to the doctors he would always point out the hawks.

Tuesday as I driving near the lake a hawk flew along beside my van. It was so close I could count its red tail feathers. I was in wonder...I thought of my dad....I thought of the Anniversary necklace and I thought maybe I should look for another one.

                                           
30 minutes later I turned onto my road and then another hawk soared directly toward my van...it was so close I could count it tail feathers. It made me wonder...was this a sign from Dad that I needed to get Mom a Christmas present...another necklace. Why is that necklace on my mind...on my heart?
I thought sometimes signs come in 3's. If I saw another hawk then that was it...I had to go find a necklace for Mom. I went into my house and was talking to Stan. Then I noticed the show he was watching on TV was about a......you guessed it, didn't you? It was about a red tail hawk! That was it....Mom was going to get a Christmas present from Dad this year.

 The next morning was Wednesday and Mom, Triece and I always go out to eat. I went and picked up Mom. And before I could even say a word she said "I found my Anniversary necklace!". All I could say was "WHAT?".  She said she couldn't believe it when she opened her jewelry box of pins and it was right on top.

 I know..I know...I know...it was not there before. 
 I remember looking in that box when it was lost

 I remember looking in that box through the years.

 I remember looking in that box when we moved her.

She has been in her apartment for almost 2 years.

                 How could it be right on top?

I said "Mom, I think you got a Christmas miracle." And I told her the story about the hawks and how I knew she was to get an Anniversary necklace for Christmas. I just thought I was supposed to go buy her another one. I didn't realize that hers was going to show up in her jewelry box....right on top!

                           

Merry Christmas Eveyln...
     With Love From Heaven

Little Mule

In 1978 Mom and Dad had Marvin and I write down the things we would want when either of them died. I was surprised because I think my brother and I are so different and yet we both choose the same things. We have no problems dealing with things like that and easily made the decision of who got what.

There was one thing that reminded both of us of Dad. It was a strange thing for each of to have noticed this among all of Dad's things. From the time we were little this item was in Dad's garage way up high on a shelf in a dark corner. It was a hood ornament...a little mule with eyes that used to light up.

After Dad passed I knew that Marvin was to get the little mule hood ornament. I cleaned it all up, taking off years of dirt and grease, for my brother. I took pictures of it to place in my memory book. And then as I cleaned the attic out I even found a photo of my dad with his old truck with Little Mule on it! I made a copy of that photo and placed it in frame to present with Little Mule to my brother. I had the surprise all set up for him, clean mule and framed photo to be put in a place of honor in Marvin's home.

Marvin was at Mom's when I got there and I expected him to tell me thank you for finding the photo and cleaning up the little mule. But to my surprise he pulled the little mule from his pocket and put it in my hands. He said it was mine. I did not want to take what was his. But he explained that it had always been mine. I did not believe him until he pulled the paper out of his pocket from 1978 when it had all been decided.

I had been planning a surprise for my brother and instead I was surprised. Now Little Mule is in a place of honor in my home and I am happy about that.

As we cleaned up the house after Dad was gone there were a few things that I placed in a bag to bring home.

These items remind me of my dad.

His date planner, index card and mechanical pencil..he always had those things in his shirt pocket.

A pocket knife.

Little screw drivers.

A very small clamp...I just thought that was neat.

He kept a metal file beside his chair.

He had bowls of keys.

There were lots of marbles....this one felt cool in my hand.

In the photo is a bullet casing....that is from the 21 gun salute at his funeral. That was a perfect ending to honor my dad's life.

The flag was at half mast next door at my uncles house

 in honor of the oldest brother.

The Angel of Comfort

                                                                Paintng by Sheryl
In 2003 my mom, Evelyn, was diagnosed with lung cancer. It was found very early and after a bad experience we were thankful when a doctor said she could have surgery. 

20 days later our family was in the DMH waiting room while Mom was having surgery to remove 1/2 of her left lung. As we waited I prayed and listened to one tape over and over again. It was Elvis Inspiritional Music....music that Mom has always turned to when she felt troubled. I have continued that tradition in my life. There was one song that I claimed for my mom while she was in surgery. It was "There Will Be Peace in the Valley" Every time that song would play I would pray that my mom would feel that peace...Peace in Valley. I heard that song many times during the hours she was in surgery and each time I claimed it for her.

At last the call came to the family waiting room that Mom was out of surgery. The doctor came in to tell us that everything had gone very well. They thought they got all of the cancer and there would not even be any need for chemo or radiation. He said Mom was being brought down the hall on the way to recovery.

We stepped out into the hall and we could see her....she was looking around for us...her eyes so bright and filled with excitement. When she saw us the first thing she said was "It was wonderful! I dreamed I was in this beautiful peaceful valley and an angel was walking with me. She was beautiful with long flowing hair. It was so peaceful!" And then Mom was whisked away to recovery.

Oh my gosh...That was the song...That was my prayer!

Peace in the Valley.

Unbelievable!

Each day Mom grew stronger. Then it was time for her to spend a night alone at the hospital. Late in the night she began to feel uneasy and scared. She closed her eyes to pray and then she felt a tug on her toes. She opened her eyes to find her angel standing at the foot of the bed. Mom felt comforted and was able to go to sleep.

Her angel visited one more time. After she came home I spent  nights with mom caring for her and Dad. After a week we decided it was time for mom to spend a night on her own. As she tried to go to sleep she began to worry. She closed her eyes and started to pray. Once again she felt that tug on her toes and when she opened her eyes the same angel was at the foot of her bed. Mom felt comforted. She was able to rest and go to sleep.

Three times this angel came to visit Mom. Seven years later and still cancer free I ask Mom to describe her angel with the flowing hair that she had first met in the peaceful valley and she said she could not remember. But she does remember the feeling of comfort she received.

 What a wonderful angel

 for God to send to my mom.

A beautiful angel of comfort

 with long flowing hair.

My Life's "Aha Moment"

                                    

While browsing through other blogs I found one that caught my attention. It said there is a bus that is traveling around the country, recording people talking about their life's Aha moment. Their definition of an "aha moment" is "a moment of clarity... where you gain real wisdom - wisdom you can use to change your life."

It made me wonder....have I had an "Aha moment"? It did not take me long to remember one that change me.  

I would have been in my thirties when Dad decided to move to Chicago (Addison) and work with his Uncle Frank. Mom was going to stay here in Decatur and Dad would come home on weekends. It seemed like a good plan to both of them.
Dad got things all lined up to go. I think it was even before he left that things began to change. He had always been a gruff man. But the closer it got to the time of his leaving the more sentimental he became. He was finding it hard to leave his home and his wife.
I remember being out in the garage with Dad, he hugged me and said "I love you".  We did not say that much in my family....maybe not at all...until that moment.  My Dad's arms were still around me when his tears started to flow....MY DAD.... was crying on my shoulder. He said "I want to tell your Mom I Love her but I have a hard time. I want her to know that I love her." 
Now usually I am the one crying, especially if I tried to tell anyone how I felt about my dad. But in this moment I did not cry. I was the strong one....for my dad.

It is in that moment that I grew up, I changed, and I knew I could be strong.

As I write this I see that not only was this my "Aha Moment" but that my dad had a BIG "Aha Moment". The move made him realize how much home and his wife meant to him. It did change him forever. He was a much better husband to her after that.

Dad was eventually able to tell Mom...kind of...my strong gruff Dad told her "I want to tell you ..." and then broke down crying. And Mom patted him and said, "I know, Marv, and I love you too."
                              *************************
                                    *******************
                                           *************

     

                                                ********

                                             ***********
                                          **************
                                      *****************
                                            And Yes,
                                                                 After that
                                    Marv did say to Evelyn
                                             "I love you"
                                       For the next 24 years.

The Old Wooden Bench

As I look around my backyard I am pleased to see things that remind me of my parents home. I have a trellis that I let my pumpkin vines grow up. A bird house that my dad made that wrens currently have a family inside, and two rocking chairs on my patio.
 But my favorite one is a simple old wooden bench. This bench is not much to look at but there is a story that comes with it. 
I will TRY to make a long story short.
In 2003 Mom had an appointment to go to the cancer doctor about a small spot on her lung. As I got to the house to take her to the doctor I found the house in turmoil. Dads port from dialysis had blown and blood was everywhere. It was decided we had to know about Mom, a week of anxiety about cancer was enough. Our friend Triece, a hospice worker, was called and she immediately came and held my dad's arm in a firm grip to stop the bleeding. It was their first meeting. And she became a blood relative in that moment.
(Try to keep it short) 
At the appointment Dr Death said Mom's other lung was full of cancer and she would die soon. WRONG.... ALL WRONG. (Small cancer in left lung, had surgery and doing well 7 years later. )
At the time we left Dr Death all we knew was Mom was going to die. We hurry home to Dad, who can not stop bleeding. We block the news from Moms appointment from our minds as best we could and prepare to take Dad to the hospital. Triece continues to hold his arm so he will not bleed.
The whole time we we're gone Triece had been praying to God for help. She did not know what to do and she begged God to help her and use her to take care of "Mr Sowers".
As we leave the house Triece never let go of Dad's arm. They came down the back steps together. They slid into the car together. They rode to the hospital together. They went into the hospital together.
(Try to keep it short) We got Dad to the Springfield hospital. Still could not stop the bleeding. Cocky young doctor thought he knew the problem, he had Triece release her hold and removed the bloody towel. The doctor was surprised when the blood came out like a 2 foot wide waterfall and splashed all over. We could tell he was shook up. He used a blood pressure cuff to stop the bleeding. And then he left as the nurse held onto Dads arm (Blocking Moms news out) and Triece helped the nurse. That doctor never came back. Hours later we got the right doctor who knew what to do and he stopped the bleeding. Finally 12 hours after Mom's  awful appointment Mom and Marvin went to a hotel to deal with Moms notice of death. I stayed with Dad in the hospital and watched over him. In the night Dad talked to me about coming to at one point with doctors and nurses surrounding him and he thought he had died (probably did) and was at his funeral. Even with the amazing amount of blood he lost, he did not need a transfusion. We could not understand that...until later.
Of course we all talked about this terrible day for weeks and Triece would always say she could not believe how many of our wonderful family came to the house so quickly. The yard was FULL of people as she came out with Dad. 
 3 weeks later I finally I ask her, "Triece, how many people did you see?" She tells me there were 40 or 50 people there. She thought they were relatives of ours.
I have to say "Triece, as I walked out the door behind you I saw a lot of my wonderful family there. But....I saw about 10 people." Triece's eyes opened wide. And she tells me there were groups of people all around the yard. Three here...four there...and they were all praying. There was a group at the edge of the yard...more by the dog pen...some at the end of the sidewalk...huddled in prayer beside the garage. And three at the old wooden bench...2 sitting on it and one standing with one leg propped up on the end...they were in prayer.
They were dressed like the others in yard...they looked like family.
So on that terrible day when Triece was called to help she did not realize that as she prayed and prayed for help from God that He had sent angels that only she could see. Angels that were praying for us.
We made it through that terrible time with Dad and Mom. And as the years went by and Dad got weaker and had more problems we would often think about the angels that were with us that day. We were comforted knowing about them.
In 2008 as Dad made his decision to go off dialysis Triece and I walked around the yard, she pointed out each spot that she saw angels and even though we could not see them now, we knew they were still there....praying.

I almost left that old wooden bench to be sold at auction...but at the last moment I decided to take it home. I am glad I did.
Now when something is worrying me I like to go sit on that old wooden bench and pray. I am hoping that I am joined in prayer ....2 angels sitting beside me and one angel standing with one leg propped up on the end with his elbow resting on his knee.

Thank You God...for family that was always there to help.
 Thank You God...for angels that pray.

This is my old wooden bench where angels have sat.

I placed this little angel under the bench.

Doesn't it look just like my dad as a baby??