Prayer request

During the month of August my father started having trouble eating. As time passed, it got worse. He never knew from one day to the next whether he would be able to eat. Usually, each bite was painful going down. Within the past month the food started coming back up again. It has taken weeks and weeks to get through all the appointments and tests. On Monday, November 30th Dad had a scope put down his throat to check things out. The doctor found a growth in his esophagus and did a biopsy. This morning we found out those results. My father has cancer. We don't know the extent of it yet. He has another test done tomorrow and he sees a cancer doctor for the first time next Friday. We just got through my mother's illness, now here we go again. My prayer is for my father to be healed, for the cancer not to win. I don't know what he'll have to go through to beat this, I just hope he can. Your prayers for my father, Rufus Wagner are greatly appreciated.

Priest/Laurel Conference

On November 20th and 21st I had the opportunity to attend the Priest/Laurel Conference with Kassie, two of our young men and our Bishop. (Priests are young men ages 16 to 18 and Laurels are young women ages 16 to 18.) Bishop Burton drove our big red van (a.k.a. Clifford!) to the Northumberland area for the conference. Our weekend started with dinner and a dance on Friday night. During the dance I met the woman whose home we would be staying in. She was in charge of our service project for the next day and still needed to finish preparing for it. I spent most of my evening helping her to get ready. Before the night was over Kassie joined me along with Bishop Burton and another member of our ward that had traveled up separately. We had a nice time chatting while we worked. That night Kassie and I stayed at a member's home in Bloomsburg, PA. I got the single bed in the room and Kassie got the floor! Before finding out where we would be staying Kassie said, "I hope we stay with a family that has a hot son!" As it turned out, we did!! He was 15 years old, reminded us of Edward from the Twilight movie, and was a real sweetheart! Kassie and I got a laugh out of that!
Saturday morning after breakfast the youth made pre-reading skill games for underprivileged children. The Church will send these overseas.
After the service projects were complete we were blessed to hear from Coach Larry Gelwix as our keynote speaker. Coach Gelwix is the winningest coach in America. In his 34 years of coaching he has 392 wins and only 9 losses. That's a 98% winning record. In the 25 years since the high school national tournament was implemented, his rugby team won the title 19 times, coming in second 5 times and in third place only once. He is a member of the church, and uses coaching principles and techniques that incorporate church standards. A movie was made based on the high school rugby team that he coaches. Forever Strong is a great movie, I highly recommend it!

Nick and Kassie meet and talk with Coach Gelwix.

Following Coach Gelwix's talk we had lunch and another dance. During Saturday's dance Kassie had a character drawing done by a young man studying art. I believe he studies out at BYU.

The trip there and back was long, but well worth it! It was a real honor to meet Coach Gelwix and hear his inspiring talk.

Finger update

Brady had his pin removed on November 24th. The next day he started physical therapy. He'll be going three times a week to Gentile Hand Clinic in Hanover. They are all so very nice there. The receptionist behind the counter reached out through the window and shook my hand saying how nice it was to meet me. Never had a receptionist do that before. We were then offered drinks. I had water, Brady had a Coke. I don't even think we waited one minute before the therapist took us back to a small room and began Brady's therapy. Brady now has exercises to do three to five times a day, is wearing a much smaller splint and can still not participate in gym class.
I must be toughening up in my old age. I photographed Brady's finger without getting sick! I did feel a little queasy though while massaging cream onto his scar!

Surgery over and done, now the recovery

Brady had his surgery yesterday. We arrived at the hospital at 5:20 am. We didn't wait long before he was taken back to a room. I waited there with him while they did pre-op procedures and all the different doctors and their assistants came to talk to us. Surgery was scheduled for 7:15 am. I waited in the waiting room watching The Today Show until the surgeon came out to talk to me at 8:30. They did have to cut him open after all. One pin was placed straight down the center of his pinkie finger after the bones were lined back up. Brady was in recovery for about an hour. During that time Dale brought in Kaden, just before 9 am. Now I had company to wait with me! By 9:40 we were able to see Brady in one of the same day surgery rooms. He was doing well. The nurse gave both he and Kaden a Popsicle. When the nurse asked Kaden his name he said, "KadenMichaelEyler", as if all one word! The nurse got a kick out of that. It wasn't long before Brady was getting anxious to go home. He was able to leave by 10:40. We then had to stop at Wal-Mart to get his antibiotic and pain medications. We were home shortly after 12 noon. Brady laid around the rest of the day watching TV and movies. (He didn't want his face shown in these pictures, having a bad hair day after surgery!)

Brady is having some pain. His main complaint is that it throbs. He went to early morning Seminary today, but won't be going to school. It takes 24 hours for the anesthesia to get out of your system, plus he needs a full day of antibiotics today and I don't want to have to deal with that if he were at school. Brady sees the doctor in 8 days, the pin should come out in 4 weeks, healed by 6 weeks, physical therapy after that, knuckles/joints swollen for months afterward. You know how men are when they're sick or injured... hope he and I can deal with this for the next several months! LOL!!

Kassie's compliment

Last week one day Kassie was called down to the office. She had no idea why she was being summoned. When she arrived she was told that she had mail from the Superintendent of the Littlestown School District. This is was the note said, "Kassandra, I enjoyed your drawing titled, "Chaos." The written explanation was also good." Apparently the Superintendent saw Kassie's art work on display and liked it enough to tell her so in a written note. Her art work is a depiction of her siblings, thus the title "Chaos"! LOL! When she brings it home I'll have to post a picture of it.

Surgery

Brady had his second visit to the orthopaedics's office yesterday. This time we saw a different doctor, one that specializes in hands/fingers. Brady will need to have surgery on his finger tomorrow morning, Wednesday October 28th. The doctor said this is a very delicate and tricky surgery. You're doing a lot of procedure in a very small space. The doctor will attempt to place a pin in Brady's finger without having to actually make an incision, to put the chipped off piece of bone back in place. If this doesn't work, the doctor will have to cut open the finger to make the repair. The finger has three bone sections. It is the tip of the middle bone section that is chipped off and off to the side. It was very obvious on the x-rays. Brady needs to keep his finger elevated at all times to alleviate the selling. The less swelling, the better the surgery. When we left the doctor's office we went over to the hospital for pre-op blood work. Brady had never had blood drawn before and he was very nervous. Turned out to be a cinch, lets hope the surgery is the same way!!
These picture were all taken yesterday, five days after the missed football pass, and after the first doctor attempted to reposition the bone. Brady's finger looks much better here then it did five days earlier!

Avery and Bryson are both being inducted into the Littlestown Thunderbolt Society again this year for good character, citizenship and academic performance. Each month their school chooses four fourth graders and five fifth graders for this honor. When I found out, my first question was, "Why can't you behave like that at home?" LOL!! I notified the school that I would be able to attend the induction, but now unfortunately I won't be able to due to Brady's surgery. Avery and Bryson completely understand and don't seem bothered by it. I'm the only one feeling guilty that I won't be there! I'm thinking of sending along a camera with them that day and asking the teacher to photograph them with their principal. Oh, a mother's guilt! I just can't be two places at once, or I would be!

Pappy's birthday

A couple of weeks ago Dad ran across a picture of he and Mom at Kaden's blessing. Dad told me it was such a good picture of Mother that he would like to have the picture in a 8 x 10. Great! Now I had an idea for the perfect birthday gift for him!This past Saturday Dad turned 73. I called to wish him a happy birthday and to arrange a time to get his gift to him. He was leaving soon for a day of shopping in Hanover and said he would stop in on the way.

I had a hard time getting Kaden to cooperate for a picture of Pappy with my seven children. I finally got him to sit in on the photograph, but I couldn't convince him to open his eyes. I even tried bribing with candy, but that didn't work!

Hope your day was a happy one, Dad!

Brady's visit to the orthopedic surgeon

I tried to upload a picture of Brady's finger, but Blogger isn't allowing that to happen right now. (UGH!) I took Brady to the orthopedic surgeon yesterday. The doctor took one look and said, "When did this happen?" Brady told him yesterday, to which the doctor replied, "Why didn't anyone call us? You should have been seen yesterday. I can't understand why the doctor you went to didn't call us. We are usually always available, especially in cases like this where the finger is bent." I don't know what happened, but we were told to go home after the hospital x-rays, that they would get us an appointment to see the orthopedic the next day. The top part of the bone was completely off to the side of where it broke off from. Because of waiting a day, tissue had now formed under the broken bone. Brady was given three shots to numb the side of his hand/finger. The nurse then held down Brady's arm while the doctor pulled, twisted and tugged trying to get the broken bone back in place. No, I didn't watch, but I did glance over once or twice... that was enough for me. Brady said he couldn't watch either. More x-rays were taken. The doctor then put a splint on Brady's finger, put it in a bent position, and taped it for further stability. The tendons in his finger are pulling the bones apart. Keeping it in a bent position helps relieve the pull of the tendons. We go back Monday for another appointment and more x-rays. If this is working, great. If not, Brady will have to have surgery. In the meantime, the doctor will be consulting with a hand/finger specialist. The orthopedic surgeon told us,"What I did was very difficult, it was very hard. I don't know if it will work." Following this procedure Brady was in a great deal of pain. Shortly after coming home Dale and Brother Art Reid gave him a Priesthood Blessing. Regardless whether or not Brady has to have surgery, I just pray the outcome is a completely healed finger with normal functioning.

Good pass, not so good catch

Today toward the end of gym class Brady's teacher threw him the football. Brady attempted to catch it, but instead broke his finger trying. It's the fifth finger on his left hand. The school nurse called at 2:30 pm. She didn't want him to take the bus home, so I went in to get him. First thing he said to me was, "You don't want to see this." My son knows me so well! I think he just didn't want to be embarrassed by his mother passing out in the high school nurse's office! The nurse agreed. She said Brady showed it to one of his teachers, who happens to be pregnant and she backed away and "almost lost it." I called our doctor's office from the van and took him right in to have it examined. Next it was off to the hospital where it was officially declared broken. Tomorrow we see the orthopedic surgeon. We're hoping for a simple fix and quick recovery. I would post pictures, but then I'd have to look at his finger, and that ain't happenin'! Not yet.

Ashton becomes a teenager!

Monday, October 12th was Ashton's 13th birthday. She still hasn't told me what she wants as a gift. Once she decides, we'll have some shopping to do. The only thing I had wrapped to give her was her favorite gum!

Ashton is a straight A student, she loves sports, (especially softball), is artistic like her Nan Nan and is very good in dealing with young children. She would one day like to be a child psychiatrist.
Ashton requested LaBella's pizza, chips, cherry cheese pie and vanilla ice cream for her meal.

Her six siblings each had a gift for her, starting with Kaden -- a box of candy Dots!

Avery and Ashton

Bryson with Ashton

Brady's gift was time on his Mylo.

Gum from Kenzie.

Extra lovin' from Kassie!

I didn't tell the children ahead of time that Pappy would be coming to help celebrate. What a nice surprise!

Happy Birthday my little Ashton Annie!

Has it been twenty years?!

Growing up as a youth in the Church of the Brethren, I attended district youth activities. It was at one of these events that I first met Kelly. We later worked together at our church camp, Camp Eder in the summer of 1982. From there we entered BVS (Brethren Volunteer Service) together in the fall of '82. After a month of training we went our separate ways. I served in Dixon, IL and Kelly served in Kansas. Following BVS Kelly and I got together when we could. I spent some time with her in her Newville, PA apartment, going with her to work at her day care job. We also did some camping together. Kelly then had the opportunity to move to Switzerland to work as a Nanny. It was only to be for one year, but she's still living and working there today! The last time I saw Kelly was after I met Dale, but before I was married -- 20 years ago! Kelly came to the states during fall break from her teaching position in Switzerland a couple of weeks ago and we were able to meet up in York. We had a very nice dinner at an Italian restaurant and later stopped at the local Maple Donut shop! Kelly just had to taste the best donuts ever made before leaving the states! It was so good to see her again! We share some great memories. We're already planning another reunion with another girlfriend of ours who is also living in Switzerland. They'll both be in the US next summer! Can't wait!

Kitchen Keepsake

Yesterday I spent another day at Dad's house going through Mom's things. While I worked in the house, Kaden helped Pappy to mow. Why didn't I have my camera? I was kicking myself for leaving it at home. It was so adorable to watch. At first Kaden just followed Pappy up and down the rows as he mowed. Then Kaden and Pappy both were pushing the mower, up and down the rows. Afterward Pappy had to clean Kaden off with the broom and rub the grass from his hair.

My chore for the day was in the kitchen. Mom did all the cooking. I have one memory of my father cooking. Mom must have been in the hospital having my baby brother. I can still see Dad at the stove making fried eggs! Now that Mom is gone Dad has no use for all her spices, sweeteners, etc. Once I cleaned out the cupboards there were only two seasonings left on the spice rack -- cinnamon and black pepper. Dad mastered fried eggs years ago and does want to learn some other basics -- quick oats, oat bran cereal, jello, frozen pizza, mac and cheese, etc. Anything beyond that and he has no interest. While cleaning out the microwave cupboards I came across a keepsake I was hoping Dad would let me have. Many years ago Mom gave me her pink butter dish. It was always on our table at meal times when I was young. I didn't have a butter dish at the time and gladly accepted the gift. Yesterday I found the creamer to go with it!
Without even first explaining that Mom had already given me the butter dish, Dad told me to take it!

Thanks Dad! I love having the complete set of this kitchen keepsake!

In Honor of Mom

Friends of my mother from her church gave a "Summersweet" bush as a gift to be planted at the church in my mother's honor. The original plant was brought to the church on the day of Mom's funeral, but it died. The Stremmels took it back to the nursery where they bought it and exchanged it for another one. We were suppose to plant it during Sunday School hour on the day of Mom and Dad's wedding anniversary as part of their church service, but it was raining so hard that morning that we had to put it off until the following Wednesday, August 5th. Family that could, gathered at The Gettysburg Church of the Brethren to once again honor my mother.
Mr. Stremmel digs the hole for the bush.

Dad helps fill in dirt around the plant.

This is my oldest brother Mike giving it some water.

Dad with Mr. and Mrs. Stremmel.

I emailed this picture to the church secretary and it was then put in their September newsletter. Dad says the plant has already made significant growth since it's planting. We hope to one day place a plaque next to it.

At our little service, Mrs. Stremmel talked about when she first met my mother. They were new at church and Mom was in charge of gathering home baked cookies for a large church event. Mrs. Stremmel approached my mother and asked what kind of cookies were needed. Mom acted so overjoyed that Mrs. Stremmel was willing to help. My mother also invited Mrs. Stremmel to come with our family to the Mother/Daughter Banquets. She just felt like my mother went out of her way to see that Mrs. Stremmel was included and felt loved.

A Celebration, Fifty Years in the Making!

My mother passed away 13 days before her fiftieth wedding anniversary. Oh, so close. Even without Mom being there, we decided there was still much to celebrate. My parents were together more than fifty years, have four children and fourteen grandchildren. We gathered on the day of their anniversary, August 2nd, at my brother Dave's house. We were each to bring some of our favorite recipes that had been handed down from Mom. She was known among family, extended family, church family and friends as being an awesome cook and baker. After the meal we played games, one of them included Mom. I think it was called "Imagine If", or something along those lines. For part of the game we were talking about, "Imagine if Nana..." It was fun reminiscing, laughing, celebrating the union of my parents.Dad with my three brothers. Dave, open your eyes!!
When we attended family reunions, everyone expected Mom's ham potpie. Brenda (Dave's wife) made that and Mom's famous sticky buns.

I just had to make O'Henry bars, a favorite of my children.

Sticky buns... sorry Brenda, not quite like Mom's, but close! No one ever seems to be able to match what Mom could do when it comes to her sticky buns.

Maria (Tim's wife) made Mom's chocolate eclair cake. My nephew CJ calls it "clairity cake", so we now have a new name for an old family favorite.

I also made Mom's zucchini bread recipe.

I can still remember years ago when I asked Mom how she made her cucumber and onion slaw.

When Dale first tasted Mom's pickled red beets, he was hooked. Any time we would see them served at a picnic or in a restaurant Dale would have to have some. He was always disappointed. After tasting someone else's red beets for the last time he declared, "I'm never eating another pickled red beet unless your mother made them!" Dale has eaten other red beets since, ones we made using Mom's recipe!

Ahh... Mom's dill pickles. It doesn't get any better. She gave me that recipe too! Brady loved Mom's pickles so much he used to ask for them for his birthday! One time Mom gave us a jar for no reason. There were only eight people in our family at the time, and there were eight pickles in the jar. After each of us had our pickle the kids started yelling, "I get the garlic! I claim the onion!" Once that was eaten the kids started grabbing for the dill sprig and grape leaf. Finally, there sat the jar completely empty except for the pickle juice. You guessed it... we passed the jar around the table and drank that too!! Now that's a good dill pickle!!

The day we buried Mom

Because Mom's funeral was on a Saturday, and because her burial site is nearly two hours from Gettysburg, in Mohrsville, PA, we had to have the burial on Monday, July 27th. We tried doing everything in one day, but it just wasn't going to work. Unfortunately for Brady, he had to leave for Scout camp the morning of Mom's burial so he wasn't able to help as pallbearer that day, and he missed the service.

The burial service was attending by immediate family, a few friends from Gettysburg who were unable to make the funeral service, and relatives from the Mohrsville area.

The minister at Mom and Dad's church is awesome! He just became their pastor one month before Mom became ill. He was so diligent in visiting Mom, counseled with my father, was always available in whatever capacity he was needed. I know Pastor Karl was sent to the Gettysburg Church of the Brethren at this time, just the right time, just the right man to help my family. Here he is getting ready to start the service.

Dale played two hymns on his fiddle at the burial service, "In the Garden" and "How Great Thou Art". I know Mom was smiling!

Sitting from left to right: My Dad, Mom's sister Mary Lou and Dad's sister Anna.

Kaden holds a rose from Nana's flower arrangement.

Since we traveled so far, we might as well stay and watch the whole process.

The lid to Mom's vault.

This is also the burial site for my Dad's parents, now my mother, and some day my father.

Mitch (My brother Tim's oldest son.)
Some of the grandchildren took the opportunity to shovel ground onto Mom's grave. It's like Dad said, "This is something the grandchildren will always remember."

Kenzie

Bryson

Avery

Kaden, with a little help!

Immediate family that attended the burial, standing in front of my great grandparent's tombstone.

After the service, we stopped on the way home to enjoy a meal together.

Aunt Mary Lou tells stories of Mom and their family.

Avery and Bryson were being themselves and had to act goofy in the restaurant. I think Mom would have laughed along with them!

Another beautiful service for a beautiful person, my mother.