A Revisit to Where it All Began

George and I took his mother and father back to southern Indiana in October of 2006 --to re-visit the small town of Winslow, which is Mom's hometown. Mom grew up in the area and graduated from high school there. Dad Adams was in Winslow working in a CCC camp, with a group of young men who were building a new park in that area. Mom and her good friend, Virginia, met their future husbands when the young men came to Winslow to work. You can only imagine how the people in town felt about their home-town girls dating those 'outsiders.' Oh My!!!!!


Nevertheless, Mom and Dad did fall in love---and Dad would walk miles and miles just to see her. When we were in Winslow and Arthur (nearby town), they showed us how far the walk was from his workplace and/or camp to Mom's house. That was true love I'm sure!!!!


Mom's father and mother had ONE rule. She couldn't get married until she was 20... SO, on May 2, 1940, she turned 20 and they were married on May 5, 1940. We visited the church Mom and her family attended and where she and Dad got married. The church is the Winslow Christian Church --and the sign out front was dedicated in memory of Mom's parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Cassiday.


This next May, these two wonderful people will have been married for 70 years. Dad Adams is 97 and Mom is 89. They are such an inspiration to me. Here are some pictures from our visit to Winslow, Indiana in 2006 plus a couple of extra pictures. Above is a picture taken the week of Dad's 95th birthday --in 2007. I wanted to include it so that you can see Mom's gorgeous smile. Below are more!!!







This is the home in Winslow, Indiana, where Mom lived when she and Dad got married.







The sign in front of the church is in memory of Mom's parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Cassiday. Mom and her family were very active in the Winslow Christian Church.







Winslow Christian Church was built in 1923 and is in immaculate condition, inside and out.





Mom played the piano in this church many years ago. She played for us again on this day. Dad joined in as we sang "The Church in the Wildwood".









George even remembered the layout of this church--since he visited here as a young child. There were some gorgeous stained-glass windows in this sanctuary.









Dad and Mom got married in this church on May 5, 1940. These two lovebirds are as much in love today as they were in 1940.




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Since there are no wedding pictures, I'll close with this portrait of Mom and Dad Adams and their firstborn, George, who was born on March 9, 1942. This picture was taken about 1943 when the family lived in Crown Point, Indiana. Isn't my Georgie a cutie pie????


Taking Mom and Dad back to Winslow and being there to relive their wedding was just awesome. When I married George, I found the most wonderful family one could ever have!!!


Hugs,

Getting Through the "Storms" of Life

After going through a couple of days of sadness (due to the tragedies at Fort Hood and Orlando), I found the neatest story to share today---a story about unconditional love. I hope this story will have meaning for you in your life today.




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HOW TO DANCE IN THE RAIN


It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.


I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would be able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.


While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.! The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health.


He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.


I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?'


He smiled as he patted my hand and said,
'She doesn't know me, but I STILL KNOW WHO SHE IS.'


I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, 'That is the kind of love I want in my life.'


True love is neither physical, nor romantic.
True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.




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All of my adult life, I have tried to live by the statement which is printed at the top of my blog. Here it is for you to read again: "Life is all about choices and attitude. Make the right choices, keep a positive attitude-- and you will find joy through all of your ups and downs. "


How do you get through the 'storms' of life? Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.


Hugs,