Thanks Marilyn, now my Memorial Day is complete. Frances ----- Original Message ----- From: marilyn E B To: gen-newbie ; Genealogy-Computers-Chat ; Internet Genealogy ; AN-INTERNET-FAMILY@GOOGLEGROUPS.COM ; Memory Lane Sent: Sunday, May 29, 2011 8:49 PM Subject: [AIF] Years Past - "In Flander's Field" In years gone by we would often post memories and information of the veterans both fallen and alive. Not seeing any of that this year. Another tradition has been the post by Val concerning memorizing "In Flander's Field" with Val's permission I am reposting it for those of us who would not find the day complete without it. Also, those who are new may find this moving. I am including more information from Val concerning the author. ****************************************** Tho i know that the Memorial Day weekend in the USA is arriving shortly, in our family it will always be May 30th... Not May 20th or May 31st or May 21st...but May 30th. And, with it comes the vision of the valentine standing in the doorway between our dining room and the kitchen. Hands at my sides with mother at the kitchen sink, listening to my recital.... and every once in a while, she would turn to face me, dishcloth in hand and voice and act out the proper inflection, stress the importance of the poem, the importance of the GIFT. ....In Flanders fields the poppies blow NO VALENTINE, FIRST YOU SAY THE TITLE "IN FLANDERS FIELDS' THEN YOU PAUSE JUST EVER SO SLIGHT AND T-H-E-N YOU START THE POEM.... NOW YOU TRY......... In Flanders Fields......pause... In Flanders fields the poppies blow..... VALENTINE, DO YOU KNOW WHAT THEY MEAN BY THAT? POPPIES BLOW? WELL, IT IS BECAUSE THE POPPIES, JUST LIKE THE ONES THAT WE GET FROM THE VETERANS AT THE STREET CORNERS on Memorial Day ARE THROUGHOUT THE FIELDS ALL OVER IN FLANDERS.... FLANDERS? THAT IS IN BELGIUM... ACTUALLY, FLANDERS is BELGIUM..... YOU CAN FIND IT ON THE MAP LATER THIS AFTERNOON..... OKAY, GO...... Between the crosses, row on row VALENTINE.... PICTURE IT, WHITE CROSSES IN STRAIGHT, PERFECT ROWS, ALL EXACTLY THE SAME...... LINED UP PERFECTLY IN WHATEVER DIRECTION YOU LOOK.... HUGE CEMETERIES, NOT ONE, BUT MANY, THE ONLY THING WE EVER TOOK FROM ANY COUNTRY WE FOUGHT IN, LAND FOR OUR SOLDIERS......... NOW GO AHEAD..... That mark our place; and in the sky DO YOU UNDERSTAND THIS? THE MEN DIED... THEY ARE BURIED ON THIS GROUND WHERE THERE WERE MASSES FIGHTING.... AND NOW THE LARKS, THE BIRDS, ARE FLYING AND SINGING OVERHEAD AS IF NOTHING TERRIBLE HAPPENED AT ALL..... THAT THE GUNS, THE FIGHTING IS BUT A SLICE OF TIME.... AND THE SONDS OF THESE BIRDS IS LOST TO THOSE THAT HAVE FALLEN.... The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago V, THIS IS WHERE THE POEM CONFIRMS TO YOU THAT THE SOLDIERS HAVE DIED, FIGHTING AND DYING.... BUT WERE ONCE YOUTHFUL AND HAD LOVING PARENTS AND LOVING FRIENDS AND LOVED OTHERS AND LIVED IN DIFFERENT WORLDS AND SAW THE BEAUTY OF LIFE..... NOW, THAT IS ALL LOST TO THEM.... AND THEY ARE FOREVER NOW IN BELGIUM - IN FLANDERS FIELDS. We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: NO VALENTINE! TAKE UP OUR QUARREL WITH THE FOE... SAY IT WITH SUCH STRESS, ALMOST ANGER, WITH A PASSION THAT YOU JUST CANNOT LOSE THE BATTLE...YOU MUST WIN!... NOW YOU TRY IT.... Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; NAH, TRY IT AGAIN..... SAY IT AS ONE LONG SENTENCE ALMOST AS IF YOU WILL RUN OUT OF BREATHE SAYING THE SENTENCE....... TAKE UP OUR QUARREL WITH THE FOE, TO YOU FROM FAILING HANDS WE THROW THE TORCH!!!! AND THEN VERY SERIOUSLY AND DELIBERATELY SAY .... ......BE YOURS TO HOLD IT HIGH..... LIKE YOU HAVE BUT A SLIGHT BREATHE TO TELL A HELPING SOLDIER BENDING OVER A FALLEN COMRADE THAT THEY MUST CARRY ON THE MISSION..... YOUR TURN..... Take up our quarrel with the foe; To you our failing hands we throw the torch; be yours to hold it high.... V, THESE NEXT LINES... YOU HAVE TO SPEAK TO YOUR AUDIENCE WITH THE INTENT THAT IF THE PEOPLE DO NOT LEARN FROM THEIR LOSS, THEN WAR WILL HAVE BEEN WORTHLESS, THAT THE FALLEN WILL HAVE FOUGHT FOR NOTHING... THAT THEY GAVE UP BEAUTIFUL LOVE AND BEAUTIFUL DAYS FOR NAUGHT....THAT THEY SUFFERED AND NOTHING HAS BEEN GAINED....AND AT THE SAME TIME, YOUR SPEECH MUST SOMEHOW HAVE JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF SOFTNESS THAT IS RESPECTFUL... GIVE IT A TRY..... If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. This poem has always been a tether to my mother... not because of the conversation, the instruction, the whysNwherefores, because there were many poems that we practiced together and recited to each other... but because her father was in World War I and tho not in Belgium was in the Argonne.... and returned a very saddened man, very much affected by post traumatic stress, but with not a single source for help..... At the time, i knew nothing of my alcoholic grandfather... I did not learn about his efforts in World War I until well after his mal-nutrition death in the 1950's... and tho i know my mother knew he was in the war,- which is why i think she had a special feeling for this poem - she did not know about his efforts until only a few days before her own death... So, you can all know, that when i reach for the several poppies on those street corners this coming weekend, i will be reciting this poem, OUT LOUD with inflection and the words of my mother will be playing in the background.... In Flanders Fields In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. The name of John McCrae (1872-1918) may seem out of place in the distinguished company of World War I poets, but he is remembered for what is probably the single best-known and popular poem from the war, "In Flanders Fields." He was a Canadian physician and fought on the Western Front in 1914, but was then transferred to the medical corps and assigned to a hospital in France. He died of pneumonia while on active duty in 1918. His volume of poetry, In Flanders Fields and Other Poems, was published in 1919. http://www.emory.edu/ENGLISH/LostPoets/McCrae.html<http://www.emory.edu/ENGLISH/LostPoets/McCrae.html> ****************************** he was 45 when he died a few years after this was written of a pneumonia never returning to Canada walking. it took him about 20 mintues to write and was originally to be called "We are the dead". He wrote it a day after a student of his 22 years old, had been blown to bits, his pieces collected by others and brought back to the field hospital in a pinned up blanket. He was sitting on the back on an ambulance after a day in surgery....Crumpled it up and tossed it...... In flanders Ffields, the cemetery, was far from where the Lt Coll wrote this poem. That cemetery still does exist but is surrpounded by buildings and factories and streets and is not very large. Based on images now being added to the web, we can understand that even in the trenches, poppies, were blooming. In places where the seeds were just seeing the light of day since being buried a jazillion of years earlier..... Everywhere and in the least likely of places...... I have the Memorial Day poppies i get each year. They are adding up and to the flag I wave each day, I will add another ribbon with monday's date on it. ...People should understand that McCrae was not a pacifist, not against war. He wrote a poem that captured his feelings about the people who were dying in the war in a place far from their home.....He was however, dedicated to the opinion that if a war is being fought, fight it with everything you've got and fight it to win until the idea that started it all prevails. I think, most in wars think this way..If there needs to be a war, dont skimp on the tools, orf the maneuvering or the war intelligence. Fight it to win it. I suppose that most people fight wars thinking that their idea/ideal is the right way. So, on that premise, even for the enemy soldiers who fight for their leaders, I give Memorial but there is only One Land of the Free and Home of the Brave and for those of this country who fought to protect that, came home and tried to make a life without the interference of war and war's terror, and for those who did not return as they had left, or cam home under the red white and blue, I thank you.... ******************************** All of the above is from Val. I just wish each and every one of you a Happy Memorial Day. Marilyn -- "

Thank you for sharing your last moments with us. My heart goes out to you. I lost my husband of only 24 years nearly 4 years ago and the wound is still raw. I will remember you in my prayers. We belong to a special club. One I would rather not be a part of. "the widows club" I've had a rough week, I live near Joplin, Mo., We have lost so many, heaven has to be full by now. But we have special angels. Men that have and love us dearly. You are in my prayers. On Sun, May 29, 2011 at 12:38 PM, <wallace80@comcast.net> wrote: > > > > It is with a very heavy heart that I report that my husband of almost 64 years passed Friday about 9:45 at home with all of his family around his bed. He has been going down hill from CHF and renal failure for about six months and lately had not been able to do much besides take care of himself-with a lot of help from me. I have been his full time nurse for about the last 4 months. We went to his nephrologist the previous Friday and he told him to think about diaysis. He was very weak Sat and Sunday and Monday , with my son we made the decision to call 911. He was in the hospital 3 days, came home to hospice and had a peaceful death in about 36 hours. I had to call my daugher to come home from Germany where she was on a very belated honeymoon, my wonderful gandson in law who is a computor whiz with Apple got all the family back. I am blessed with a very loving caring family. Three children, four grand children and their spouses. We are having a memorial service next Sat at! our church where he gave and gave and spent some of the happiest hours of his retirement. > >   My birthday was the 25th, and I put my ear down to his mouth and he sang happy birthday to me. I had asked God to let him live though that day, and He gave me 2 more days. I will be reading the list, and post when I get my head on straight. I told him I was going to bed on Thursday night and that I loved him, and whispered "I love you" His last words on earth. Lots of wonderful memories. For Richard O. Gathman 2-10-26 to 5-27-11. Thanks to all of you e-mail friends. Grace > > > > > > http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~mbousman1/memory.htm > > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to MEMORY-LANE-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

SALUTE ! I have several military folks stashed in my family tree....My Grandfather and his two brothers were in the War of Northern Aggression..as some folks say..... My Uncle Albert fought under Black jack Pershing..his son, with Patton...and HE is still alive to tell about it..If he would...Got his legs frozen and damaged at the Battle of the Bulge, and refuses to discuss the War....Suffered every since then..but managed to raise a family and enjoy his retirement.....Dad's brother Shirley { Weird name for a man, huh ? } was in World War 2, the only one in that generation of close kin....My own Dad's family...Four brothers out of 4 got drafted...only ones in THAT generation ! One went to Korea, one to Viet Nam ,one to Germany, one stayed in the states....Hubby's nephew is serving his umpteenth tour in Afghanistan, his only two sons there also...a fist cousins son just served out 20 years....etc. We're a fighting bunch, alright ! Jeannie T ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~` On Sun, 29 May 2011 22:42:33 -0500 "**** LANA ****" <mizylana@gmail.com> writes: > Thank you to all for all your loved ones that have gone before. > ____________________________________________________________ Get Free Email with Video Mail & Video Chat! http://www.juno.com/freeemail?refcd=JUTAGOUT1FREM0210

Buzz has been waving his nice new American flag up and down the street all day long...and we have talked about the meaning of tomorrow..He must have waved that flag one time too many though ,because it is no longer among us.......Jeannie T ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ On Sun, 29 May 2011 22:42:33 -0500 "**** LANA ****" <mizylana@gmail.com> writes: > Thank you to all for all your loved ones that have gone before. ____________________________________________________________ Get Free Email with Video Mail & Video Chat! http://www.juno.com/freeemail?refcd=JUTAGOUT1FREM0210

To follow Elaine's lead; My ancestors were among the men who fought against "taxation" at the Boston Tea Party and in every war or battles there after. Three of my 7xg grandfathers were in the Revolutionary War. Many have fought in various Indian wars to keep the land the U.S was claiming-in New England and out in the Great Basin of Ohio. My g.g.grandfather who had not been in the USA long from Ireland fought in the U.S. Navy in the Civil War-a coal tender on several ships--he was wounded and lost use of one leg. The Spanish American War took the left eye from another g.grandfather My two grand fathers were in WW1 and one was taken Prisoner of War in Darmstadt Germany after he was wounded by the enemy-he however escaped and hid out at a farm of nice German people and he found his Unit and got home safely! Several served abroad in WW2 and one lost his life in the Battle of Bougainville-he was killed in action. Korea saw my uncle serving in the Navy proudly. My son was in the Navy aboard the Fort Fisher but it was not during wartime. Many friends served in Viet Naam and four lost their lives----a dear friends husband is in Afghanistan now-he was on two tours in Iraq also-he is a medic and lifer in the Army. My cousins son just left for basic training last week in the Marines--God bless and keep all of our brave men safe. Our freedom sure has not been free over all the years!

Thank you so much for sharing, Valentine gave so much to all of of us, and is missed.. I have been studying WWI and WWII. All of this have added to my understanding and sorrow of such a sad time for our world!! On Sun, May 29, 2011 at 8:49 PM, marilyn E B <marilyneb@gmail.com> wrote: > In years gone by we would often post memories and information of the > veterans both fallen and alive. Not seeing any of that this year. > > Another tradition has been the post by Val concerning memorizing "In > Flander's Field" with Val's permission I am reposting it for those of us who > would not find the day complete without it. Also, those who are new may find > this moving. I am including more information from Val concerning the > author. > > ****************************************** > > Tho i know that the Memorial Day weekend in the USA is arriving shortly, > in our family it will always be May 30th... > Not May 20th or May 31st or May 21st...but May 30th. > > And, > with it comes the vision of the valentine standing in the doorway between > our dining room and the kitchen. > Hands at my sides with mother at the kitchen sink, listening to my > recital... > and every once in a while, > she would turn to face me, dishcloth in hand and > voice and act out the proper inflection, > stress the importance of the poem, > the importance of the GIFT. > > ....In Flanders fields the poppies blow > > NO VALENTINE, FIRST  YOU SAY THE TITLE "IN FLANDERS FIELDS' > THEN YOU PAUSE JUST EVER SO SLIGHT > AND T-H-E-N YOU START THE POEM.... > NOW YOU TRY......... > > In Flanders Fields......pause... > In Flanders fields the poppies blow..... > > VALENTINE, DO YOU KNOW WHAT THEY MEAN BY THAT? > POPPIES BLOW? > WELL, IT IS BECAUSE THE POPPIES, > JUST LIKE THE ONES THAT WE GET FROM THE VETERANS AT THE STREET CORNERS  on > Memorial Day ARE THROUGHOUT THE FIELDS ALL OVER IN FLANDERS.... > FLANDERS?  THAT IS IN BELGIUM... > ACTUALLY, FLANDERS is BELGIUM..... > YOU CAN FIND IT ON THE MAP LATER THIS AFTERNOON..... > OKAY, GO...... > > Between the crosses, row on row > > VALENTINE.... PICTURE IT, > WHITE CROSSES IN STRAIGHT, > PERFECT ROWS, > ALL EXACTLY THE SAME..... > LINED UP PERFECTLY IN WHATEVER DIRECTION YOU LOOK.... > HUGE CEMETERIES, NOT ONE, BUT MANY, THE ONLY THING WE EVER TOOK FROM ANY > COUNTRY WE FOUGHT IN, LAND FOR OUR SOLDIERS......... > NOW GO AHEAD..... > > That mark our place; and in the sky > > DO YOU UNDERSTAND THIS? THE MEN DIED... > THEY ARE BURIED ON THIS GROUND WHERE THERE WERE MASSES FIGHTING.... > AND NOW > THE LARKS, THE BIRDS, > ARE FLYING AND SINGING OVERHEAD AS IF NOTHING TERRIBLE HAPPENED AT ALL..... > THAT THE GUNS, THE FIGHTING IS BUT A SLICE OF TIME.... > AND THE SONDS OF THESE BIRDS IS LOST TO THOSE THAT HAVE FALLEN.... > > The larks, still bravely singing, fly > Scarce heard amid the guns below. > We are the Dead. Short days ago > > V, THIS IS WHERE THE POEM CONFIRMS TO YOU THAT THE SOLDIERS HAVE DIED, > FIGHTING AND DYING.... > BUT WERE ONCE YOUTHFUL > AND HAD LOVING PARENTS AND > LOVING FRIENDS AND > LOVED OTHERS > AND LIVED IN DIFFERENT WORLDS AND SAW THE BEAUTY OF LIFE..... > NOW, THAT IS ALL LOST TO THEM.... > AND THEY ARE FOREVER NOW IN BELGIUM - IN FLANDERS FIELDS. > > We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, > Loved and were loved, and now we lie > In Flanders fields. > > Take up our quarrel with the foe: > > NO VALENTINE!  TAKE UP OUR QUARREL WITH THE FOE... > SAY IT WITH SUCH STRESS, ALMOST ANGER, WITH A PASSION THAT YOU JUST CANNOT > LOSE THE BATTLE...YOU MUST WIN!... NOW YOU TRY IT.... > > Take up our quarrel with the foe: > To you from failing hands we throw > The torch; > > NAH, TRY IT AGAIN..... > SAY IT AS ONE LONG SENTENCE ALMOST AS IF  YOU WILL RUN OUT OF BREATHE SAYING > THE SENTENCE...... > TAKE UP OUR QUARREL WITH THE FOE, TO YOU FROM FAILING HANDS WE THROW THE > TORCH!!!! > AND THEN VERY SERIOUSLY AND DELIBERATELY SAY .... > ......BE YOURS TO HOLD IT HIGH..... > LIKE YOU HAVE BUT A SLIGHT BREATHE TO TELL A HELPING SOLDIER BENDING OVER A > FALLEN COMRADE THAT THEY MUST CARRY ON THE MISSION..... > YOUR TURN..... > > Take up our quarrel with the foe; > To you our failing hands we throw > the torch; be yours to hold it high.... > > V, THESE NEXT LINES... YOU HAVE TO SPEAK TO YOUR AUDIENCE WITH THE INTENT > THAT IF THE PEOPLE DO NOT LEARN FROM THEIR LOSS, THEN WAR WILL HAVE BEEN > WORTHLESS, THAT THE FALLEN WILL HAVE FOUGHT FOR NOTHING... THAT THEY GAVE UP > BEAUTIFUL LOVE AND BEAUTIFUL DAYS FOR NAUGHT....THAT THEY SUFFERED AND > NOTHING HAS BEEN GAINED....AND AT THE SAME TIME, YOUR SPEECH MUST SOMEHOW > HAVE JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF SOFTNESS THAT IS RESPECTFUL... > GIVE IT A TRY..... > > If ye break faith with us who die > We shall not sleep, though poppies grow > In Flanders fields. > This poem has always been a tether to my mother... > > not because of the conversation, the instruction, the whysNwherefores, > because there were many poems that we practiced together and recited to each > other... > > but because her father was in World War I and tho not in Belgium was in the > Argonne.... > > and returned a very saddened man, > > very much affected by post traumatic stress, but with not a single source > for help.... > > At the time, i knew nothing of my alcoholic grandfather... > > I did not learn about his efforts in World War I until well after his > mal-nutrition death in the 1950's... > > and tho i know my mother knew he was in the war,- > > which is why i think she had a special feeling for this poem - > > she did not know about his efforts until only a few days before her own > death... > > So, you can all know, that when i reach for the several poppies on those > street corners this coming weekend, > > i will be reciting this poem, > > OUT LOUD > > with inflection and the words of my mother will be playing in the > background... > > In Flanders Fields > In Flanders fields the poppies blow > Between the crosses, row on row > That mark our place; and in the sky > The larks, still bravely singing, fly > Scarce heard amid the guns below. > > We are the Dead. Short days ago > We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, > Loved and were loved, and now we lie > In Flanders fields. > > Take up our quarrel with the foe: > To you from failing hands we throw > The torch; be yours to hold it high. > If ye break faith with us who die > We shall not sleep, though poppies grow > In Flanders fields. > > The name of John McCrae (1872-1918) may seem out of place in the > distinguished company of World War I poets, but he is remembered for what is > probably the single best-known and popular poem from the war, "In Flanders > Fields." He was a Canadian physician and fought on the Western Front in > 1914, but was then transferred to the medical corps and assigned to a > hospital in France. He died of pneumonia while on active duty in 1918. His > volume of poetry, In Flanders Fields and Other Poems, was published in > 1919.   http://www.emory.edu/ENGLISH/LostPoets/McCrae.html< > http://www.emory.edu/ENGLISH/LostPoets/McCrae.html> > > ****************************** > he was 45 when he died a few years after this was written of a pneumonia > never returning to Canada walking. it took him about 20 mintues to write and > was originally to be called "We are the dead". He wrote it a day after a > student of his 22 years old, had been blown to bits, his pieces collected by > others and brought back to the field hospital in a pinned up blanket. He was > sitting on the back on an ambulance after a day in surgery....Crumpled it up > and tossed it...... In flanders Ffields, the cemetery, was far from where > the Lt Coll wrote this poem. That cemetery still does exist but is > surrpounded by buildings and factories and streets and is not very large. > Based on images now being added to the web, we can understand that even in > the trenches, poppies, were blooming. In places where the seeds were just > seeing the light of day since being buried a jazillion of years earlier..... > Everywhere and in the least likely of places...... I have the Memorial Day > poppies i get each year. They are adding up and to the flag I wave each day, > I will add another ribbon with monday's date on it. ...People should > understand that McCrae was not a pacifist, not against war. He wrote a poem > that captured his feelings about the people who were dying in the war in a > place far from their home.....He was however, dedicated to the opinion that > if a war is being fought, fight it with everything you've got and fight it > to win until the idea that started it all prevails. I think, most in wars > think this way..If there needs to be a war, dont skimp on the tools, orf the > maneuvering or the war intelligence. Fight it to win it.  I suppose that > most people fight wars thinking that their idea/ideal is the right way. So, > on that premise, even for the enemy soldiers who fight for their leaders, I > give Memorial but there is only One Land of the Free and Home of the Brave > and for those of this country who fought to protect that, came home and > tried to make a life without the interference of war and war's terror, and > for those who did not return as they had left, or cam home under the red > white and blue, I thank you.... > > ******************************** > > All of the above is from Val. > > I just wish each and every one of you a Happy Memorial Day. > > Marilyn > > -- > "If you don't get outside every day, even for a minute, you have not > appreciated what God has done. It makes you grateful for our surroundings, > and it starts your day differently." > > Johnny Cash > > > > > > http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~mbousman1/memory.htm > > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to MEMORY-LANE-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message >

Thank you to all for all your loved ones that have gone before. I also thank my Great-Grandfathers that fought in Scotland to keep Scotland free. I'm proud to be a Stewart!!. They fled Scotland to become among the first settlers of Jamestown.. They also served in the Revolutionary War. and every conflict that followed there after. I'm very proud of the 22 years that my husband served including 5 tours of Viet Nam. My stepson, his youngest son, has served for 15 years as a medic in the US Navy, including tours of Afghanistan and Iraq. My father served in Korea. a Great-Grandson of the Stewarts that fought in Scotland, and every American war. thank you to all that have gone before. Freedom isn't free!! We fight for it. On Sun, May 29, 2011 at 10:01 PM, helenware <helenware@comcast.net> wrote: > To follow Elaine's lead; > My ancestors were among the men who fought against "taxation" at the Boston > Tea Party and in every war or battles there after. > Three of my 7xg grandfathers were in the Revolutionary War. > Many have fought in various Indian wars to keep the land the U.S was > claiming-in New England and out in the Great Basin of Ohio. > My g.g.grandfather who had not been in the USA long from Ireland fought in > the U.S. Navy in the Civil War-a coal tender on several ships--he was > wounded and lost use of one leg. > The Spanish American War took the left eye from another g.grandfather > My two grand fathers were in WW1 and one was taken Prisoner of War in > Darmstadt Germany after he was wounded by the enemy-he however escaped and > hid out at a farm of nice German people and he found his Unit and got home > safely! > Several served abroad in WW2 and one lost his life in the Battle of > Bougainville-he was killed in action. > Korea saw my uncle serving in the Navy proudly. > My son was in the Navy aboard the Fort Fisher but it was not during wartime. > Many friends served in Viet Naam and four lost their lives----a dear friends > husband is in Afghanistan now-he was on two tours in Iraq also-he is a medic > and lifer in the Army. > My cousins son just left for basic training last week in the Marines--God > bless and keep all of our brave men safe. > Our freedom sure has not been free over all the years! > > > > > > > http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~mbousman1/memory.htm > > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to MEMORY-LANE-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message >

This is a forwarded message On Memorial Day I remember all those that I love (the living and the dead) who served our country, not just those who died in war. My four great-grandfathers who fought in the Civil War My aunt and two uncles who served in the South Pacific during WWII (she was a Navy nurse--one of the "angels of Guadalcanal") My father-in-law who fought in the Battle of the Bulge in WWII My brother and my best friend's husband, both of whom served in Vietnam My brother's best friend, West Point grad, Green Beret, who was killed less than a week after he arrived in Vietnam A dear friend's husband--career Army, three tours in Vietnam, whose death five years ago was caused by his exposure to Agent Orange Another dear friend's sons--career Air Force, both pilots, both majors, veterans of countless numbers of tours in Iraq My niece's husband, a pilot--four tours in Iraq I pray for those who are gone, and I have emailed or phoned the living to say "Thank you."

In years gone by we would often post memories and information of the veterans both fallen and alive. Not seeing any of that this year. Another tradition has been the post by Val concerning memorizing "In Flander's Field" with Val's permission I am reposting it for those of us who would not find the day complete without it. Also, those who are new may find this moving. I am including more information from Val concerning the author. ****************************************** Tho i know that the Memorial Day weekend in the USA is arriving shortly, in our family it will always be May 30th... Not May 20th or May 31st or May 21st...but May 30th. And, with it comes the vision of the valentine standing in the doorway between our dining room and the kitchen. Hands at my sides with mother at the kitchen sink, listening to my recital... and every once in a while, she would turn to face me, dishcloth in hand and voice and act out the proper inflection, stress the importance of the poem, the importance of the GIFT. ....In Flanders fields the poppies blow NO VALENTINE, FIRST YOU SAY THE TITLE "IN FLANDERS FIELDS' THEN YOU PAUSE JUST EVER SO SLIGHT AND T-H-E-N YOU START THE POEM.... NOW YOU TRY......... In Flanders Fields......pause... In Flanders fields the poppies blow..... VALENTINE, DO YOU KNOW WHAT THEY MEAN BY THAT? POPPIES BLOW? WELL, IT IS BECAUSE THE POPPIES, JUST LIKE THE ONES THAT WE GET FROM THE VETERANS AT THE STREET CORNERS on Memorial Day ARE THROUGHOUT THE FIELDS ALL OVER IN FLANDERS.... FLANDERS? THAT IS IN BELGIUM... ACTUALLY, FLANDERS is BELGIUM..... YOU CAN FIND IT ON THE MAP LATER THIS AFTERNOON..... OKAY, GO...... Between the crosses, row on row VALENTINE.... PICTURE IT, WHITE CROSSES IN STRAIGHT, PERFECT ROWS, ALL EXACTLY THE SAME..... LINED UP PERFECTLY IN WHATEVER DIRECTION YOU LOOK.... HUGE CEMETERIES, NOT ONE, BUT MANY, THE ONLY THING WE EVER TOOK FROM ANY COUNTRY WE FOUGHT IN, LAND FOR OUR SOLDIERS......... NOW GO AHEAD..... That mark our place; and in the sky DO YOU UNDERSTAND THIS? THE MEN DIED... THEY ARE BURIED ON THIS GROUND WHERE THERE WERE MASSES FIGHTING.... AND NOW THE LARKS, THE BIRDS, ARE FLYING AND SINGING OVERHEAD AS IF NOTHING TERRIBLE HAPPENED AT ALL..... THAT THE GUNS, THE FIGHTING IS BUT A SLICE OF TIME.... AND THE SONDS OF THESE BIRDS IS LOST TO THOSE THAT HAVE FALLEN.... The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago V, THIS IS WHERE THE POEM CONFIRMS TO YOU THAT THE SOLDIERS HAVE DIED, FIGHTING AND DYING.... BUT WERE ONCE YOUTHFUL AND HAD LOVING PARENTS AND LOVING FRIENDS AND LOVED OTHERS AND LIVED IN DIFFERENT WORLDS AND SAW THE BEAUTY OF LIFE..... NOW, THAT IS ALL LOST TO THEM.... AND THEY ARE FOREVER NOW IN BELGIUM - IN FLANDERS FIELDS. We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: NO VALENTINE! TAKE UP OUR QUARREL WITH THE FOE... SAY IT WITH SUCH STRESS, ALMOST ANGER, WITH A PASSION THAT YOU JUST CANNOT LOSE THE BATTLE...YOU MUST WIN!... NOW YOU TRY IT.... Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; NAH, TRY IT AGAIN..... SAY IT AS ONE LONG SENTENCE ALMOST AS IF YOU WILL RUN OUT OF BREATHE SAYING THE SENTENCE...... TAKE UP OUR QUARREL WITH THE FOE, TO YOU FROM FAILING HANDS WE THROW THE TORCH!!!! AND THEN VERY SERIOUSLY AND DELIBERATELY SAY .... ......BE YOURS TO HOLD IT HIGH..... LIKE YOU HAVE BUT A SLIGHT BREATHE TO TELL A HELPING SOLDIER BENDING OVER A FALLEN COMRADE THAT THEY MUST CARRY ON THE MISSION..... YOUR TURN..... Take up our quarrel with the foe; To you our failing hands we throw the torch; be yours to hold it high.... V, THESE NEXT LINES... YOU HAVE TO SPEAK TO YOUR AUDIENCE WITH THE INTENT THAT IF THE PEOPLE DO NOT LEARN FROM THEIR LOSS, THEN WAR WILL HAVE BEEN WORTHLESS, THAT THE FALLEN WILL HAVE FOUGHT FOR NOTHING... THAT THEY GAVE UP BEAUTIFUL LOVE AND BEAUTIFUL DAYS FOR NAUGHT....THAT THEY SUFFERED AND NOTHING HAS BEEN GAINED....AND AT THE SAME TIME, YOUR SPEECH MUST SOMEHOW HAVE JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF SOFTNESS THAT IS RESPECTFUL... GIVE IT A TRY..... If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. This poem has always been a tether to my mother... not because of the conversation, the instruction, the whysNwherefores, because there were many poems that we practiced together and recited to each other... but because her father was in World War I and tho not in Belgium was in the Argonne.... and returned a very saddened man, very much affected by post traumatic stress, but with not a single source for help.... At the time, i knew nothing of my alcoholic grandfather... I did not learn about his efforts in World War I until well after his mal-nutrition death in the 1950's... and tho i know my mother knew he was in the war,- which is why i think she had a special feeling for this poem - she did not know about his efforts until only a few days before her own death... So, you can all know, that when i reach for the several poppies on those street corners this coming weekend, i will be reciting this poem, OUT LOUD with inflection and the words of my mother will be playing in the background... In Flanders Fields In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. The name of John McCrae (1872-1918) may seem out of place in the distinguished company of World War I poets, but he is remembered for what is probably the single best-known and popular poem from the war, "In Flanders Fields." He was a Canadian physician and fought on the Western Front in 1914, but was then transferred to the medical corps and assigned to a hospital in France. He died of pneumonia while on active duty in 1918. His volume of poetry, In Flanders Fields and Other Poems, was published in 1919. http://www.emory.edu/ENGLISH/LostPoets/McCrae.html< http://www.emory.edu/ENGLISH/LostPoets/McCrae.html> ****************************** he was 45 when he died a few years after this was written of a pneumonia never returning to Canada walking. it took him about 20 mintues to write and was originally to be called "We are the dead". He wrote it a day after a student of his 22 years old, had been blown to bits, his pieces collected by others and brought back to the field hospital in a pinned up blanket. He was sitting on the back on an ambulance after a day in surgery....Crumpled it up and tossed it...... In flanders Ffields, the cemetery, was far from where the Lt Coll wrote this poem. That cemetery still does exist but is surrpounded by buildings and factories and streets and is not very large. Based on images now being added to the web, we can understand that even in the trenches, poppies, were blooming. In places where the seeds were just seeing the light of day since being buried a jazillion of years earlier..... Everywhere and in the least likely of places...... I have the Memorial Day poppies i get each year. They are adding up and to the flag I wave each day, I will add another ribbon with monday's date on it. ...People should understand that McCrae was not a pacifist, not against war. He wrote a poem that captured his feelings about the people who were dying in the war in a place far from their home.....He was however, dedicated to the opinion that if a war is being fought, fight it with everything you've got and fight it to win until the idea that started it all prevails. I think, most in wars think this way..If there needs to be a war, dont skimp on the tools, orf the maneuvering or the war intelligence. Fight it to win it. I suppose that most people fight wars thinking that their idea/ideal is the right way. So, on that premise, even for the enemy soldiers who fight for their leaders, I give Memorial but there is only One Land of the Free and Home of the Brave and for those of this country who fought to protect that, came home and tried to make a life without the interference of war and war's terror, and for those who did not return as they had left, or cam home under the red white and blue, I thank you.... ******************************** All of the above is from Val. I just wish each and every one of you a Happy Memorial Day. Marilyn -- "If you don't get outside every day, even for a minute, you have not appreciated what God has done. It makes you grateful for our surroundings, and it starts your day differently." Johnny Cash

My dear Grace, I haven't been on the list much lately, but am so sorry to hear of your husband's passing. 64 Years!!! My word, that is so special. It will definitely leave a hole in your life. Take care. Love and Hugs, Jerrian -----Original Message----- From: memory-lane-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:memory-lane-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of wallace80@comcast.net Sent: Sunday, May 29, 2011 12:39 PM To: memory-lane@rootsweb.com Subject: [ML] Dick's passing It is with a very heavy heart that I report that my husband of almost 64 years passed Friday about 9:45 at home with all of his family around his bed. He has been going down hill from CHF and renal failure for about six months and lately had not been able to do much besides take care of himself-with a lot of help from me. I have been his full time nurse for about the last 4 months. We went to his nephrologist the previous Friday and he told him to think about diaysis. He was very weak Sat and Sunday and Monday , with my son we made the decision to call 911. He was in the hospital 3 days, came home to hospice and had a peaceful death in about 36 hours. I had to call my daugher to come home from Germany where she was on a very belated honeymoon, my wonderful gandson in law who is a computor whiz with Apple got all the family back. I am blessed with a very loving caring family. Three children, four grand children and their spouses. We are having a memorial service next Sat at our church where he gave and gave and spent some of the happiest hours of his retirement.   My birthday was the 25th, and I put my ear down to his mouth and he sang happy birthday to me. I had asked God to let him live though that day, and He gave me 2 more days. I will be reading the list, and post when I get my head on straight. I told him I was going to bed on Thursday night and that I loved him, and whispered "I love you" His last words on earth. Lots of wonderful memories. For Richard O. Gathman 2-10-26 to 5-27-11. Thanks to all of you e-mail friends. Grace http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~mbousman1/memory.htm ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to MEMORY-LANE-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

so sorry about your husbands passing. Will keep you and your family in my prayers. ----- Original Message ----- From: "juanita" <juanita2@cox.net> To: <wallace80@comcast.net> Cc: <memory-lane@rootsweb.com> Sent: Sunday, May 29, 2011 12:47 PM Subject: [ML] Dick's passing My sincerest sympathy, Grace. May God give you peace knowing your husband loved you and that you have many good memories of your life together. juanita ks > > It is with a very heavy heart that I report that my husband of almost > 64 years passed Friday about 9:45 at home with all of his family > around his bed. He has been going down hill from CHF and renal failure > for about six months and lately had not been able to do much besides > take care of himself-with a lot of help from me. I have been his full > time nurse for about the last 4 months. We went to his nephrologist > the previous Friday and he told him to think about diaysis. He was > very weak Sat and Sunday and Monday , with my son we made the decision > to call 911. He was in the hospital 3 days, came home to hospice and > had a peaceful death in about 36 hours. I had to call my daugher to > come home from Germany where she was on a very belated honeymoon, my > wonderful gandson in law who is a computor whiz with Apple got all the > family back. I am blessed with a very loving caring family. Three > children, four grand children and their spouses. We are having a > memorial service next Sat at our church where he gave and gave and > spent some of the happiest hours of his retirement. > > My birthday was the 25th, and I put my ear down to his mouth and he > sang happy birthday to me. I had asked God to let him live though that > day, and He gave me 2 more days. I will be reading the list, and post > when I get my head on straight. I told him I was going to bed on > Thursday night and that I loved him, and whispered "I love you" His > last words on earth. Lots of wonderful memories. For Richard O. > Gathman 2-10-26 to 5-27-11. Thanks to all of you e-mail friends. Grace http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~mbousman1/memory.htm ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to MEMORY-LANE-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1375 / Virus Database: 1509/3668 - Release Date: 05/29/11

Grace, I am so sorry . There aren't any words. Just, I am sorry.

Grace, I am so very, very sorry for you and for your family. You all will certainly be in my prayers for the strength to get through these next days and weeks, and for the comfort to persevere with getting through them. I am so happy you have nearly 64 years of wonderful and precious memories with Dick to sustain you when things get especially difficult. All my love, my thoughts, and my prayers are with you. Donna Peachtree City, GA From: wallace80@comcast.net Sent: Sunday, May 29, 2011 1:38 PM To: memory-lane@rootsweb.com Subject: [ML] Dick's passing It is with a very heavy heart that I report that my husband of almost 64 years passed Friday about 9:45 at home with all of his family around his bed. He has been going down hill from CHF and renal failure for about six months and lately had not been able to do much besides take care of himself-with a lot of help from me. I have been his full time nurse for about the last 4 months. We went to his nephrologist the previous Friday and he told him to think about diaysis. He was very weak Sat and Sunday and Monday , with my son we made the decision to call 911. He was in the hospital 3 days, came home to hospice and had a peaceful death in about 36 hours. I had to call my daugher to come home from Germany where she was on a very belated honeymoon, my wonderful gandson in law who is a computor whiz with Apple got all the family back. I am blessed with a very loving caring family. Three children, four grand children and their spouses. We are having a memorial service next Sat at our church where he gave and gave and spent some of the happiest hours of his retirement. My birthday was the 25th, and I put my ear down to his mouth and he sang happy birthday to me. I had asked God to let him live though that day, and He gave me 2 more days. I will be reading the list, and post when I get my head on straight. I told him I was going to bed on Thursday night and that I loved him, and whispered "I love you" His last words on earth. Lots of wonderful memories. For Richard O. Gathman 2-10-26 to 5-27-11. Thanks to all of you e-mail friends. Grace http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~mbousman1/memory.htm ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to MEMORY-LANE-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

It is with a very heavy heart that I report that my husband of almost 64 years passed Friday about 9:45 at home with all of his family around his bed. He has been going down hill from CHF and renal failure for about six months and lately had not been able to do much besides take care of himself-with a lot of help from me. I have been his full time nurse for about the last 4 months. We went to his nephrologist the previous Friday and he told him to think about diaysis. He was very weak Sat and Sunday and Monday , with my son we made the decision to call 911. He was in the hospital 3 days, came home to hospice and had a peaceful death in about 36 hours. I had to call my daugher to come home from Germany where she was on a very belated honeymoon, my wonderful gandson in law who is a computor whiz with Apple got all the family back. I am blessed with a very loving caring family. Three children, four grand children and their spouses. We are having a memorial service next Sat at our church where he gave and gave and spent some of the happiest hours of his retirement.   My birthday was the 25th, and I put my ear down to his mouth and he sang happy birthday to me. I had asked God to let him live though that day, and He gave me 2 more days. I will be reading the list, and post when I get my head on straight. I told him I was going to bed on Thursday night and that I loved him, and whispered "I love you" His last words on earth. Lots of wonderful memories. For Richard O. Gathman 2-10-26 to 5-27-11. Thanks to all of you e-mail friends. Grace

I am so sorry to read this, I know it was so very hard to write. I lost my Joe eleven years ago, the hurt eases but never goes away. You lost your Right arm, feelings and so many emotions - Sadness, sorrow, hurt and Anger are the many stages of our grief. I will keep you in my Prayers Grace, it will be as his will be done. Lord Bless you thru this trying time in your life. Keep us posted how you are doing . As ever Friend, Ginny D. ( South Ga.) -------------------------------------------------- From: <wallace80@comcast.net> Sent: Sunday, May 29, 2011 1:38 PM To: <memory-lane@rootsweb.com> Subject: [ML] Dick's passing > > > > It is with a very heavy heart that I report that my husband of almost 64 > years passed Friday about 9:45 at home with all of his family around his > bed. He has been going down hill from CHF and renal failure for about six > months and lately had not been able to do much besides take care of > himself-with a lot of help from me. I have been his full time nurse for > about the last 4 months. , with my son we made the decision to call 911. > He was in the hospital 3 days, came home to hospice and had a peaceful > death in about 36 hours. I had to call my daugher to come home from > Germany where she was on a very belated honeymoon, my wonderful gandson in > law who is a computor whiz with Apple got all the family back. I am > blessed with a very loving caring family. Three children, four grand > children and their spouses. > > > > > > http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~mbousman1/memory.htm > > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > MEMORY-LANE-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message

I'm so sorry Grace. He suffered mightily and deserves his rest. Please write when you have time. Again, my condolences. Sharon K.

Dear Grace, My deepest sympathy to you and all of your wonderful family on the passing of your husband. Just keep all the wonderful memories alive in your mind and you will be okay! Love, Helen

My deepest sympathy, I know the lost feeling and you will keep memories but the pain does lessen. and only happy memories will you have. Jeane On Sun, May 29, 2011 at 12:38 PM, <wallace80@comcast.net> wrote: > > > > It is with a very heavy heart that I report that my husband of almost 64 > years passed Friday about 9:45 at home with all of his family around his > bed. He has been going down hill from CHF and renal failure for about six > months and lately had not been able to do much besides take care of > himself-with a lot of help from me. I have been his full time nurse for > about the last 4 months. We went to his nephrologist the previous Friday and > he told him to think about diaysis. He was very weak Sat and Sunday and > Monday , with my son we made the decision to call 911. He was in the > hospital 3 days, came home to hospice and had a peaceful death in about 36 > hours. I had to call my daugher to come home from Germany where she was on a > very belated honeymoon, my wonderful gandson in law who is a computor whiz > with Apple got all the family back. I am blessed with a very loving caring > family. Three children, four grand children and their spouses. We are having > a memorial service next Sat at our church where he gave and gave and spent > some of the happiest hours of his retirement. > > My birthday was the 25th, and I put my ear down to his mouth and he sang > happy birthday to me. I had asked God to let him live though that day, and > He gave me 2 more days. I will be reading the list, and post when I get my > head on straight. I told him I was going to bed on Thursday night and that I > loved him, and whispered "I love you" His last words on earth. Lots of > wonderful memories. For Richard O. Gathman 2-10-26 to 5-27-11. Thanks to all > of you e-mail friends. Grace > > > > > > http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~mbousman1/memory.htm > > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > MEMORY-LANE-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message -- Some people weave burlap into the fabric of our lives and some weave gold thread. Both contribute to make the whole picture beautiful and unique. Anonymous Watch your thoughts: they become words. Watch your words: they become actions.Watch your actions: they become habits. Watch your habits: they become your character. Watch your character: it becomes your destiny.______Francis Outlaw

You have my sincerest sympathy, Grace. Neysa ----- Original Message ----- From: wallace80@comcast.net To: memory-lane@rootsweb.com Sent: Sunday, May 29, 2011 1:38 PM Subject: [ML] Dick's passing It is with a very heavy heart that I report that my husband of almost 64 years passed Friday about 9:45 at home with all of his family around his bed. He has been going down hill from CHF and renal failure for about six months and lately had not been able to do much besides take care of himself-with a lot of help from me. I have been his full time nurse for about the last 4 months. We went to his nephrologist the previous Friday and he told him to think about diaysis. He was very weak Sat and Sunday and Monday , with my son we made the decision to call 911. He was in the hospital 3 days, came home to hospice and had a peaceful death in about 36 hours. I had to call my daugher to come home from Germany where she was on a very belated honeymoon, my wonderful gandson in law who is a computor whiz with Apple got all the family back. I am blessed with a very loving caring family. Three children, four grand children and their spouses. We are having a memorial service next Sat at our church where he gave and gave and spent some of the happiest hours of his retirement. My birthday was the 25th, and I put my ear down to his mouth and he sang happy birthday to me. I had asked God to let him live though that day, and He gave me 2 more days. I will be reading the list, and post when I get my head on straight. I told him I was going to bed on Thursday night and that I loved him, and whispered "I love you" His last words on earth. Lots of wonderful memories. For Richard O. Gathman 2-10-26 to 5-27-11. Thanks to all of you e-mail friends. Grace http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~mbousman1/memory.htm ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to MEMORY-LANE-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

My sincerest sympathy, Grace. May God give you peace knowing your husband loved you and that you have many good memories of your life together. juanita ks > > It is with a very heavy heart that I report that my husband of almost > 64 years passed Friday about 9:45 at home with all of his family > around his bed. He has been going down hill from CHF and renal failure > for about six months and lately had not been able to do much besides > take care of himself-with a lot of help from me. I have been his full > time nurse for about the last 4 months. We went to his nephrologist > the previous Friday and he told him to think about diaysis. He was > very weak Sat and Sunday and Monday , with my son we made the decision > to call 911. He was in the hospital 3 days, came home to hospice and > had a peaceful death in about 36 hours. I had to call my daugher to > come home from Germany where she was on a very belated honeymoon, my > wonderful gandson in law who is a computor whiz with Apple got all the > family back. I am blessed with a very loving caring family. Three > children, four grand children and their spouses. We are having a > memorial service next Sat at our church where he gave and gave and > spent some of the happiest hours of his retirement. > >   My birthday was the 25th, and I put my ear down to his mouth and he > sang happy birthday to me. I had asked God to let him live though that > day, and He gave me 2 more days. I will be reading the list, and post > when I get my head on straight. I told him I was going to bed on > Thursday night and that I loved him, and whispered "I love you" His > last words on earth. Lots of wonderful memories. For Richard O. > Gathman 2-10-26 to 5-27-11. Thanks to all of you e-mail friends. Grace