Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving day was spent in Columbus with my sister Carolyn and her family. Each year they invite us to share their Thanksgiving feast. So, with minimal effort on my part - 2 pies and a cheese ball - we enjoyed a fabulous dinner of Turkey, Mom's stuffing, cornbread stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, deviled eggs, green bean casserole, asparagus, and dinner rolls. We also had the odd tradition - the shrieking of the smoke detector.

Carolyn wanted to get their family Christmas picture.

And I snapped this lovely one of her "children".

Thankfulness - Day 4

For each new morning with its light,

For rest and shelter of the night,

For health and food,

For love and friends,

For everything Thy goodness sends.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

Thankfulness - Day 3

Today I would like to acknowledge my gratitude for my family - for the love of my parents,
for my siblings, and for my family in law.

Thankfulness - Day 2

Today I want to express my gratitude for my children and grandchildren. They support me, and lift me up. My children are all hard working, wonderful adults. I love them all, and as I have told them, I will always do what I can to help them.

I Had a Dream about Mom

Yesterday Julie, Tyler, Leah, Carolyn, Emily and I had breakfast at Cracker Barrel and then went to the cemetery to visit Mom's grave site. It was my fist trip since the funeral. Last night, I dreamed of Mom and Dad. They were much younger, and were in New York for New Year's eve, not on Times Square, but definitely New York City. It was a wonderful dream, and I didn't want to wake up from it. I want to snuggle down and enjoy my "visit" from Mom.

--Update
I spoke to Dad and asked him if he and Mom ever spent New Year's Eve in New York. The answer - no. The spent it in downtown Cincinnati one year - at the Terrace Hilton. Not quite what my dream was about.
When I asked Dad about the nine months he worked in NYC, he said he wasn't there over the holidays - his last day of working in the city was the day Kennedy was shot. When we picked him up at the airport that day, Mom told him that Kennedy had been shot. So we know where Dad was on November 22, 1963.

Thankfulness - Day 1

During this week of Thanksgiving, I an focusing on the things for which I am the most thankful. First and foremost, I am thankful for my fabulous husband. He is a man with a big heart and big dreams. He loves me, supports me, and puts up with me. Joe faces challenges head on. He figures out a solution, and he handles it. Joe is a man of integrity. He isn't afraid to grow and learn, and he continually strives to improve himself. I thank God that we found each other, and that we have had 28 years together.

The Feast of Christ the King

Today we went to mass and celebrated the Feast of Christ the King. We are reminded that Christ is really both the powerful King that we expect in this life and the quiet, gentle, loving shepherd that we need both now and in the next life.
Today's gospel made me start thinking. It's from Matthew 25
Jesus said to his disciples:"When the Son of Man comes in his glory,and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the king will say to those on his right,'Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.'Then the righteous will answer him and say,'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you,or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you,or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?' And the king will say to them in reply,'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.'
What I was thinking is this - in the past year what have I done to feed the hungry, clothe the needy, care for the infirm, visit the imprisoned? This is what we are directed to do - What have I done for others?

YaYa

This is the talk Elaine gave at Mom's memorial service:
After my mom's funeral Mass on Wednesday and after some of my siblings got on the road to head home and then back here to Cincinnati, I sat down to think about what I could say about my mom that you who are here today may not already know.
As I thought about it, a lot of things we all know about mom come to mind. Mom was a beautiful woman. Last Saturday night as I sat with her in the hospital, I kept looking at her small hands and fingers and thinking how beautiful they were. I kept looking at her eyes and cheek bones and wishing I had those traits – instead, I look like Dad -- sorry Dad!!
Those of you who played bridge with my mom know she was a fierce competitor and hated to lose at any game, but especially at cards. Just so you know even in a game of rummy with the grandkids my mom showed no mercy.
She was a caring, loving generous person -- to Dad, her friends, her family, her kids and her grandkids. She would try and help all of us in her way – but maybe not the way we had in mind. To all her grandchildren, each of you held a special place in your grandma's heart. You may not know that, she may not have told you or showed you in a way you would understand, but believe me, you did. Whatever you do, where ever you go, keep her close in your heart and she will be there for you.
As I thought some more, I realized there is one thing that those outside the immediate family probably don't know about my Mom. Rita Perzel was the founding member and leader of an exclusive club my family affectionately calls the Perzel Women -- although my Dad likes to call us his YA YA girls. I don't think mom set out to form this club, but because of her, we did organize, expanded our membership and developed a strong voice.
There are no written rules for our group; we just watched our mom, grandma and mother in law to learn. Here is a sample of what she taught us, the rules we follow, and the rules we must pass on to our children and our children's children:
1. have faith in God. Always turn to Him for strength, patience, wisdom and thanksgiving.
2. think of others before yourself- give to your friends and family
3. always work your hardest, do your best and then some.
4. don't be afraid of life and the trouble it sometimes brings. In all things face your fears, be strong through prayer - show no weakness
5. never stop learning - read, learn, listen to others and pass along your wisdom
6. Lastly above all – one of my favorites --- have fun. Enjoy Life to the fullest.
All of you here today have been touched by this beautiful woman and the leader of our club, because if you know any of its members, you know my mom. I'd like to ask my chapter of the Perzel women to come forward -- from the youngest to the oldest so you can see its members and see the strength and beauty that is my Mom -- the founder of this club we call the Perzel women!!

Ron's Funeral Ended Today

Today we laid Ron to rest. Alison brought him a purple rosary to hold in his hand, and a Bengal's pin to wear on his lapel. It was great to see him with those things, if we had to see him that way at all.

The funeral home was packed with friends and family who loved Ron. There, supported by each other, holding on to each other, we said goodbye to our brother, cousin, and friend. I wonder if Ron knew how many people loved him, and who were brightened by his wit. Laughter was his gift to us. We had our celebration of Ron's life at Jen's house, following the funeral. It was a fabulous party, where we once again discovered how much we love each other. We dressed in Elder, Bengal, and tied died apparel in honor of Ron, and toasted him, repeated his jokes, and told many stories about him. We let a bunch of helium balloons go - sent the up to Ron. What an absolutely fabulous celebration of Ron!

Ron's Funeral Began Today

There were so many people at Ron's visitation tonight. Ron talked about how many people were at his father's visitation - I think he'd be surprised how many were at his. Many people from his work were there - Barb said from departments all over the building. She said that she spent quite a bit of time laughing, because everyone shared a memory of Ron - and his famous cornball jokes. I met many people that are Joe's distant relatives, friends of Ron, and even the lady who lived across the street from Joe and Ron when they were young boys. I met a woman who worked with Ron who talked to me about several e-mail exchanges they'd had relating to Barb and hoola hoops. We talked about Ron's thimble collection. All people who said that Ron would be sadly missed - and that he had provided them with laughter and joy during their days of being around him.
Ron left a legacy of smiles, and warm thoughts, and caring for others - enough to give the a little bit of Ron sunshine each time he saw them.
We'll miss you, Ron.

Death Is Nothing At All

Death is nothing at all, I have only slipped away into the next room.
I am I, and you are you; whatever we were to each other, that, we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name, speak to me in the easy way which you always used, put no difference in your tone, wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we shared together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.

Let my name ever be the household word that it always was.Let it be spoken without effect, without the trace of a shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.It is the same as it ever was.There is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you,for an interval, somewhere very near,just around the corner.All is well.

Let the Hope of Resurrection Encourage Us

Ron's memorial begins today. I've been thinking about him a lot lately, and what his legacy / contribution was in our lives.

This is a short passage from a letter written by Saint Braulio, Bishop of Saragossa.
“Let the hope of resurrection encourage us, then, because we shall see again those whom we lose here below. Of course, we must continue to believe firmly in Christ; we must continue to obey His commandments. His power is so great that it is easier for Him to raise the dead to life that it is for us to arouse those who are sleeping, As we are saying all these things some unknown feeling causes us to burst into tears; some hidden feeling discourages the mind which tries to trust and to hope. Such is the sad human condition; without Christ all of life is utter emptiness. "

Remembering our beloved deceased is not only helpful to them but also comforting to us. Every time we pray for them, we assist them on their arduous journey to Heaven and we recognize the indescribable compassion of the Almighty.

May the good and merciful Lord grant Ron's soul Everlasting Life in Paradise and unparalleled peace to his grieving family on earth!

A Call out of the Blue

Ron loved his dogs. Everyone knew that. He cared for them as if they were his children, dispensing medicine - and tough love as needed. As a testament to that, the vet called today and expressed her condolences to Joe. She wanted to know when and where the visitation would be, so she could come. She told me they would miss seeing him come through their door. We chuckled about his dry wit. She again expressed her sorrow.
You never know how many lives you are touching.

Ron Collected Thimbles

Tonight we all met at Donna's house to plan the party after Ron's funeral. All of Ron's siblings were there, their spouses, Barb - his girlfriend - and Barb Yenke. We planned a party - and recounted many Ron stories.
Tonight I learned that Ron collected - or had - a thimble collection. Here's how it started. He had to introduce himself at a meeting at work, and tell something about himself. He tried to think of the dumbest thing he could tell people - so he made up a story and told everyone that he collected thimbles. From that point on, people from work and family, brought him thimbles from all over the world. At last count he had almost 200. He loved it. Barb said she thinks he looked at it as proof that someone was thinking of him, wherever they were in the world.
Barb also shared with us that every day Ron would go to lunch and tell the same joke - a three legged dog walked into a bar and said to the bartender "I'm looking for the man who shot my paw...". Followed by - a horse walked into a bar - and the bartender said - "why the long face?"

Ron Kessen - R.I.P.

Joe's brother Ron was found dead on Wednesday. He was 55 years old. He had a big heart, loved animals, beer, and the Bengals. He had a dry wit. I remember when I first met him he asked me what my intentions were with his brother. I was so taken aback I was speechless. We laughed about it later. When Joe had the accident with the cue stick, Ron came to the hospital to be with me, and to help me understand all the medical jargon.
When Joe's dad turned 55 he was so certain that he would die soon - he said Kessen men never make it past 55. He made it to 63. Ron didn't.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace. Amen.

Today is Veterans Day

Give thanks to those who defend democracy -for they bear the gift of liberty and pay the price of freedom

-- Anonymous

Final Football Pics

Here are the last pictures from this year's football season.

Halloween Pics - Finally

Finally I can post some Halloween pictures of Ty and Leah. They're not too scary.

And I Will Raise You Up

This was the communion song Saturday afternoon :
I am the bread of life
He who comes to Me shall not hunger
He who believes in Me shall not thirst
No one can come to Me
Unless the Father draw him
And I will raise him up
And I will raise him up
And I will raise him up on the last day

We sang this song at Mom's funeral. It's one of my favorite hymns.

I found this little bit of history about it:
Girl's comment saved 'I Am the Bread of Life' song from trash bin
It was 1966 and Mercy Sr. Suzanne Toolan had been asked to write a song for an event in the San Francisco archdiocese. With the deadline looming, she worked on a song in an unoccupied room next to the infirmary in the Catholic girls’ high school where she taught.
“I worked on it, and I tore it up. I thought, ‘This will not do,’ ” Toolan said. “And this little girl came out of the infirmary and said, ‘What was that? That was beautiful!’ I went right back and Scotch-taped it up.”
That schoolgirl saved “I Am the Bread of Life,” one of the most popular hymns of the Second Vatican Council era.

Tyler and Leah visited today

Tyler and Leah came to visit while Mom was working a craft show. Were worked in the yard - cleaning the weeds off the hill. Then Leah helped make pizza and brownies. While the brownies were baking - she licked the bowl clean - sticking her head into it to get everything.

We had a great time - as you can tell by these pictures.

Sign of the Times

Joe called me at work yesterday afternoon to me that he will be laid off starting Monday. He said he almost felt sorry for Jason (GM) and Liz (HR) who were so emotional about it. I was panicked because of the health insurance - but they are letting us stay on the company's health insurance, and only pay the portion that we would normally pay out of Joe's check - as long as he is on unemployment - or for 4 months. So - there will be some decisions to be made soon.
If my company doesn't get group health insurance at the beginning of the year - I will have to move on. Otherwise, if he isn't back to work in 4 months, we'll have no health insurance at all.
Sigh ...

I Voted Today

I stopped by the precinct at 7:30 to vote. I was amazed that I would have to wait - since we're talking such a rural area. Even though the line didn't appear to be too long - it still took half an hour to get to vote. They had 1 person checking electronic voting ballots, 1 checking paper voting ballots (voter could choose). There were all kinds of rules about what line you had to stand in, and where you had to stand - and even though there was NO ONE in the paper voting line, you were not allowed to encroach on their area. At one point the poll workers chastised us for not standing in line correctly - and then made fun of us when we did line up correctly. Nice huh?

Anyway - here is a picture of the line when I arrived.

On the High School field.

Last Saturday Ty and Leah played and cheered on the high school field. It was very exciting for all of us. Leah is striking her latest cheerleader pose.























Here are Tyler and Leah - as Ty comes on to the field.
Ty is number 99.









Ty plays center most of the time - and needs the occasional rest.

Feast of All Souls

Today is the Feast of all Souls. I went to Mass yesterday at St. Joseph's - Elaine's church. The were doing a remembrance of those who had died since last All Soul's day - and they remembered Mom. Lauren wrote her name in the remembrance book - and I added Joe's dad Bob Kessen and Jake Kercheval. They we'll be remembered in special prayers during the month of November.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And may perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithfully departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.

Halloween - and we're sick

Joe and I are both sick. I missed seeing the kids in their costumes - that makes me sad. I did carve a pumpkin - it looks pretty sick, too.