Next Family Gathering: April 19, 2009
The details have yet to be determined but the date has been set. Thank you for ALL of your prayers and concern while we waited to hear from Mom and Dad. Praise GOD that they were okay. While they definitely felt the earthquake and had to hang on to each other for dear life not to fall off the bed, they were spared any injury and were able to continue their tour of Italy without missing a beat via planes, boats, cars, trains, etc. :) If you think about it, they were no further than Houston from Galveston, that makes it all too close to home for me. Thanks again. Prayers were heard and answered.
February 21, 2008
So for whatever reason I stopped by Grandma's site tonight and just got all choked up. I sure miss her. And I miss knowing that we would all see each other at the next holiday... or else! And the occasional overlap on Sunday duty! So, I know that my dad has a guitar for Uncle Harold and one for Aunt Phyllis. Grandma's birthday is coming up. David is coming home. Then it's Dad's birthday. Then Todd's. Then Leighton's. The list could go on. What better reason to get everyone together?! Any thoughts or ideas on what would work best for everyone? On a separate note, can you all jog your memory and send me some more of her sayings and memories? I'd like to add them to the website. For some reason I really enjoy going back and looking at it from time to time. Love you all!!! Jaree & Summer :)
PS - How cool is it that Summer was born on Grandpa's birthday?! Ah, the circle of life!
One year anniversary...
Yes, today is a very sad day. It's hard to believe that Mom has been gone a year. Officially it was 3:05 CDT this afternoon. I'm proud that all of us as well as several of her grandkids were with her. I'm sure she really appreciated that. I remember several of the ladies that bathed her said she told them all about her kids and grandkids. I might have told you guys that the nurses also commented to me how unusual it was that one of their patients had so many children and grandchildren visiting at the hospital. We received a sympathy card signed by all the nurses on Mom's floor after she died. I don't know if they do that for everyone who passes away but I thought it was really nice. I talked to Harold Sat. and he asked about buying a small concrete bench to put at Mom and Dad's graves. I thought that sounded really nice. At Jaree's shower yesterday, he showed me the bench. I think it is perfect - not very big. Mom would've really liked it. Harold is going to Midway today. Wish I could go. Love you all ~ Phyllis
I just wanted to add my thoughts on this sad day for the web page. Every time I watch Mom's video on the web I get all choked up. Thanks Jaree, that is really something special. We were all so close before Mom passed. She really kept the family together. Things are so different now, it's kind of sad. As I sit here 1000's miles away I would rather spend my weekends going to see Mom. Taking her out to eat, riding out on the dike, stopping by Don & Pat's to see what's going on. I know it's difficult to stay close after she's gone but this website is a good reminder when we were all so close. (and younger) :) I remember she told me several times that after she was gone she wanted Harold and I to remain close and look out for each other. I know I haven't been there for you bro lately, but I will return. Love yall, Jerr
Hey All,
Sorry I'm so late in returning you're e-mails! We're like everybody...a little busy. Well, to begin, I didn't go to Palestine on Monday the 17th. I got up late ( I'm on vacation but that's another story ) and my feelings were real mixed about getting on the road by myself on that particular day. Anyway, I went on on Thursday.and I was past Huntsville when it dawned on me that it was the 21st....a year since the funeral. That kept me thinking the whole rest of the trip...there and back! But, the grave site looks real good. The grass is looking good and runners from Dad's is started over to Mom's....I liked that. I really didn't know where to put the little bench but I tell you theirs is the prettiest and nicest spots in the cemetery. I'd like to be there eternally...(Phyllis, did you talk to Mac?).
Also, on a side note, for those that don't know already, Keli and Nathan have been living with us since the end of August while we try to finish up the house on Fairdale. We're close, maybe a week or two at the most. It sure has been "great" us all under the same roof!! Kinda crowded but I couldn't ask for greater kids! When Anna's "BOYZ" are here I think we get a feeling of what Mom and Dad felt like when we all showed up. You just sit back and watch!
A side note to Jerr...we all miss ya little brother!! Can't wait till you're home! Looking forward to Summer's arrival, Jaree "the MOM", playin' some tunes, and eventually Keli and Nathan's wedding! ( He's a good kid!)
Love all y'all
H & A
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It really is hard to believe it has been a year.I really wish I could go to Midway and visit. I know she's looking over everything that's going on and she's probably got her arms crossed, but I know she'd be so happy. For some reason it just seems like it would be nice to go and tell her everything, about the baby, and David... ::Prego tears :):: Just as she fiercely loved her family, we all fiercely loved her. Things just haven't been the same without her. I really can't tell you how good it was to see everyone yesterday. It made Dad feel that much closer. We all miss you Dad, I can't tell you how many times I heard it and saw it in everyone's faces. We are all counting down the days until October the 12th and I think everyone has scheduled your time for you!! :) It just felt really good to have some of the Johnson's together. Grandma used to make sure we did that regularly, I hope we can keep that up. I love you all! Uncle Cleo, Uncle Don, & Aunt Pat, & Lisa we missed you yesterday and I am really looking forward to seeing you guys soon!! I think the bench is a wonderful idea and I think Grandma would have loved it.Once again, I love you all. I miss Grandma dearly but I know she's got a close eye on everything that is going on with all of us, and what better angel and protector to have than her! She won't let ANYTHING happen! With Love - Jaree & Summer :)
Click here to read the obituary that was published in the Galveston Daily News.
Sayings:
"Oh Foot", "Well, I oughtta take you down a button hole or two!", "Oh Big Deal","Look! It's rainin crosslegged!", "He's as handy as a pocket on a shirt!", "What's the matter with you?", "I don't want you swimmin in that soup.", "I'm gonna have a running fit right outta this place!", more to come...
Funny Things She Did:
After going out for lunch, Mom would pick her teeth while riding in your car and forget to roll the window down before she spit. ~ Jerry
Mom would stomp her feet to disguise her breaking wind. ~Jerry
Once you gave Mom a gift, it became your responsibility to install it and maintain it from then on. "Jerry, those yard lights aren't working!"~Jerry
Occasionally Mom would crank up Chubby Checker on the stereo and dance around the house. ~Jerry
