A Wonderful Time with Mom and Sisters

My wife and I have spent the last week with my Mom and my sisters.  We had a great time talking and finding out about each other.  The first day was awesome.  I met my sister Sharon first.  When I saw my Mom we both hugged and said I love you.  I know it had been a very long time since she last saw me.

The azaleas are starting to bloom and we had some good weather while there.  The restaurants we ate at were all outstanding.  I am very surprised I didn't gain 10 pounds or more.  We went to Ft Moultrie and visited the Naval base that is now closed but is used for the set of "Army Wives".  Mt Dad was a Navy man and put in his 20 or so years to retirement.  We had a lot in common.

The hardest thing of all was leaving.  I hated to leave and put it off a few days but we had to come home to catch up here at home.  I just look forward to when I can go back for another stay.  I love ya MOM and Sis's.  I hope too come back really soon.

Family Lost, Family Found.

I have always had a sense of loss.  It seemed that I needed something, someone.  I just couldn't put my finger on it.  I wanted to find my Mother.  She gave me life.  I didn't know if she would want to know me.  I wanted to know her.  I prayed for help and I really didn't know how to go about the task of finding someone from so long ago.  I liked genealogy and tracing peoples roots.  It was kinda odd I couldn't do the same for myself.  I would try but it was like there was a brick wall.  No leads no past.  When God was ready He let me find her.  I was so afraid.  I called and got a recording so I left a message.  I told her who I was.  I used my birth name she gave me so she would know it was really me and not just a wild prank or something.  It was the most wonderful day when she called back.  I found I had 5 sisters and I was the only boy.  In one days time I went from no family other than my immediate one to a very large family.  I was so overwhelmed.   My mind was reeling.  It was so uncanny how much we were all alike.  I love my lost family with all my heart and I can't stop thinking about them.  I do hope that I can get to go and see them all.  It's gonna be a great homecoming.  I love talking to Mom and my sister.  There is no gift that has ever been as precious as finding my family.  I really just sit and wonder.....I get choked up and have no words to explain what I feel.  I walk around and I feel like I have a confidence I never had before.  I look forward to a life with my family talking and laughing and sharing each others love.  Miracles do happen and this one is mine.

More cold and rain.  It will be nice to see spring arrive.  It's just around the corner.  I always love to see the new sprouts and blooms.  I want to feel the warm sun on my face.  Sherry wants to plant a garden and that's a good idea.  I just don't know if I can get it done.

I have had some trouble with my old Chevy truck.  I first had a flat and then it needed a water pump. My son Mike fixed it for me and I love him for it.  I love my boys and daughter.  they are good to me and Sherry.

Healing

I have had my cast taken off.  I have a "boot " to wear for about 6 more weeks.  It will be great to finally be out of all this.  I have to say I am better than I was before all this.  I have pain and I know I still have some healing to do.  I will be happy to get all this over.  My right foot has had a bad outbreak of arthritis and I wonder if I might not end up having the same thing done to that one too.  I have outbreaks of arthritis in my shoulder on the left and knees alot.

I am concerned with all the things taking place around the country and especially the things happening at the Capitol.  I wish we had smarter people making decisions and not a bunch of knee jerking liberals.  This is going to get bad before it gets any better.  I hope the American people will rise up and be heard.  Sometimes I feel so useless.  I am glad I am getting old so I won't have to see a lifetime of what is to come.  I fear for our young kids and what kind of Americaa they will have when they grow up.

Recovery

I had my left ankle replaced on the 19th of Nov.  I am on the road to recovery and everything that goes with it,  I had a cast on this same leg as a young man the first time it was injured.  I remember being able to get around a lot better back in those days.  I have indured physical therapy and the fact that things that used to be so easy are now hard or unable to do.  I use a walker in the house and crutches when I go out.  I have 3 more weeks with the cast and then a boot for...I don't know for how long. 

The pain I endured all the time is gone.  I couldn't walk much before.  I want to thank the Dr's and Nurses of the Durham VA for a great job.  The VA hospital is a good hospital.

180 Degrees True South: Another book trailer video...

180 Degrees True South: Another book trailer video...: ...that I produced and edited for globe-trotting author Kate Benzin....

Sharing with my Son

My son and I attended the monthly meeting of the Sons of Confederate Veterans which I am a member.  We had our annual auction and it was great.  There was a lot of things to bid on.  The items were donated by Camp members and the bids went to the Camp.  There was some spirited bidding.  I really enjoyed seeing old friends.  I don't attend every meeting because of health issues and of being away.  I enjoyed the company of me youngest son.  We have been talking more and I am glad that our bond has become stronger as of late.  He lost a wife and daughter in 1999 due to illness.  I feel he has had his fair share of tragedy.  I guess we all worry about our children.