Saying good- bye is never easy but when it involves letting go of those we love it makes it terribly hard. Death has claimed Delora Hilmanowski, a long time friend of mine.
I first met Delora while working as a nursing assistant at the Dassel Lakeside Nursing Home. I started working their in 1990. Delora's mother' Mary Hawkins, was a resident there and so I took care of her. One of Mary's daughters was also a nurse there. One time when I was taking care of her mother, Ava, the nurse, came in to see her mom. She saw how gentle I was with Mary and the level of care that I gave and Ava told me to never stop caring. Mary was very grateful for my gentleness as she was crippled up with Rheumatoid Arthritis and that is a very painful disease. I became one of Mary's favorite care givers and it also earned me the love of her family. I stood beside Delora and her family as they let go of their mom and I have stood beside Delora as she has let go of some of her siblings; it was not easy for any of them to let go.
Today I stood beside Delora as I prepared her body for for the last Farewell of her family. It was not easy but it was at her husband's request that I prepare her for the final reviewal. As she was an endowed member of the church, I along with four other sisters, removed the hospital gown and the items that she last wore in this life and replaced them with her temple clothing. I brushed her hair and braided it, she is part Cherokee by heritage, then I placed her veil on her. I folded her hands across her chest and she looked so peaceful. She is not being embalmed and as such is being cremated so she still had her natural coloring but more than anything else was the beautiful smile that she had on her face. She is home with our Heavenly parents, with Jesus and with her family that has gone on before her. She has been released from her pain and suffering and she is at rest.
This good-bye has been hard but having a knowledge of the Gospel and of Heavenly Father's plan for us has made it so much easier to bear. Rest in peace my dear friend!
We shall meet again someday!
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Sunday, June 23, 2013
June 23, 2013
I noticed today that I have not posted anything this year. That is really sad and unfortunate as there have been many noteworthy events.
In February we found out that our oldest son, Steve and his wife Diane were planning on moving back to Minnesota. I never thought that any of our children would ever consider moving back to Minnesota but it has been a blessing to have Steve home with us and we are eagerly awaiting the time when Diane will be able to join us. As I write this blog, she is on her way back here from Idaho. They will be looking for a place to live this week. I hope they will find a place that will serve them well and will be comfortable and warm in the winter.
Clark Andrew Yerka , our tenth grandchild,was born on March 21st, which also happens to be our son, Jason's birthday.
In April, Steve and I drove down to Lincoln, Nebraska to spend some time with Melinda, Jordan and Melia. Melinda purchased a cute little house and is busy with her job with the USDA. Melia and Jordan were busy with school but we still managed to spend some time with them as well. It is good to have them back in the Mid- West after their short stint in Athens, GA.
In May Brian and I drove out to Utah to be to Clark Andrew's baby blessing.
It was a blessing to be able to spend some time with our family out in Utah and Idaho.
We were able to go to Diane's graduation from Idaho State as well. Why do I always get so choked up when one of my family members graduate from college? I think it is because I am just so proud of them for all their hard work. Anyone who can make it through college deserves an applause and a hearty congratulations! I never made it that far in school. Raising my children was my career.
Winter took a long time leaving us this year and our last big snow storm came just the day after we left to go to Utah for our visit. Since we have been home the weather has been fluctuating a lot between mild and hot. The last couple of weeks it has finally warmed up and now we are getting thunderstorms with a lot of rain. The night before last we got 1.6 inches of rain and last night we received an additional 1.7 inches. I worry about the big, old Cottonwood tree on our South lawn. It's roots are shallow and with the ground so saturated with moisture and the high winds whipping it around It could come crashing down. I had the tree trimmed a couple of years ago to hopefully keep it from crashing into the house but you just never really know which direction the wind might take it if the roots were to let go.
Brian and I and Steve have managed to squeeze in some distance on our bikes since it has warmed up. We took a four mile run around Lake Ripley and tonight Brian and I took a five mile ride on the bike path between Dassel and the high school. It was a good ride and after it was over I could feel the blood coursing through my body. The downside was that my allergies flared up and so my face and eyes became inflamed and itchy. It feels good to be able to have time with Brian as our schedules do not always agree and except for some brief time here and there we do not get to see each other. Tonight bike ride was awesome! Thank you for the date Brian!
In February we found out that our oldest son, Steve and his wife Diane were planning on moving back to Minnesota. I never thought that any of our children would ever consider moving back to Minnesota but it has been a blessing to have Steve home with us and we are eagerly awaiting the time when Diane will be able to join us. As I write this blog, she is on her way back here from Idaho. They will be looking for a place to live this week. I hope they will find a place that will serve them well and will be comfortable and warm in the winter.
Clark Andrew Yerka , our tenth grandchild,was born on March 21st, which also happens to be our son, Jason's birthday.
In April, Steve and I drove down to Lincoln, Nebraska to spend some time with Melinda, Jordan and Melia. Melinda purchased a cute little house and is busy with her job with the USDA. Melia and Jordan were busy with school but we still managed to spend some time with them as well. It is good to have them back in the Mid- West after their short stint in Athens, GA.
In May Brian and I drove out to Utah to be to Clark Andrew's baby blessing.
It was a blessing to be able to spend some time with our family out in Utah and Idaho.
We were able to go to Diane's graduation from Idaho State as well. Why do I always get so choked up when one of my family members graduate from college? I think it is because I am just so proud of them for all their hard work. Anyone who can make it through college deserves an applause and a hearty congratulations! I never made it that far in school. Raising my children was my career.
Winter took a long time leaving us this year and our last big snow storm came just the day after we left to go to Utah for our visit. Since we have been home the weather has been fluctuating a lot between mild and hot. The last couple of weeks it has finally warmed up and now we are getting thunderstorms with a lot of rain. The night before last we got 1.6 inches of rain and last night we received an additional 1.7 inches. I worry about the big, old Cottonwood tree on our South lawn. It's roots are shallow and with the ground so saturated with moisture and the high winds whipping it around It could come crashing down. I had the tree trimmed a couple of years ago to hopefully keep it from crashing into the house but you just never really know which direction the wind might take it if the roots were to let go.
Brian and I and Steve have managed to squeeze in some distance on our bikes since it has warmed up. We took a four mile run around Lake Ripley and tonight Brian and I took a five mile ride on the bike path between Dassel and the high school. It was a good ride and after it was over I could feel the blood coursing through my body. The downside was that my allergies flared up and so my face and eyes became inflamed and itchy. It feels good to be able to have time with Brian as our schedules do not always agree and except for some brief time here and there we do not get to see each other. Tonight bike ride was awesome! Thank you for the date Brian!
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Missionary Moment
This afternoon the Elders called me and asked if I would like to go out with them to teach the gospel to an investigator. I have often thought about being a missionary and this will give me a chance to see and feel the Holy Spirit in action. I am so excited and honored to have this opportunity to talk about keeping the Sabbath Day Holy!
I will be meeting with them and Dora Lopez at 7:30 tonight in Litchfield.
I will be meeting with them and Dora Lopez at 7:30 tonight in Litchfield.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Lasting Impression
What do you remember the most about your childhood?
As a parent you hope that your children will remember the good times they had growing up. These cherished memories are what make them feel connected to the family and what eventually draws them back for visits to home. As grandparents we hope to help our grandchildren feel loved and welcomed so that they too might have fond memories of grandpa and grandma. I hope that as they grow up they will always feel welcome to come for a visit.
This spring and summer we have been very fortunate to have been able to spend time with family. Special moments for me have been: Attending Melinda's graduation from her PhD program in Madison, WI and then helping her to move to Athens, GA. That one needs a post of its own ; LOL, Andy's graduation from Utah State with his Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Caleb's baby blessing, meeting three new grand-babies; Evelyn, Kenzie and Caleb, welcoming two very special young ladies to our family; hugs to Taylor and Kaitlyn, spending time with each of our grandchildren, Jordan, Kaitlyn, Melia, Taylor, Jacob, Kaitlyn, Nathan, Elijah, Evelyn, Kenzie, and Caleb. How lucky we are to have been blessed with such a great family!
I hope that those special moments we have spent with each of you will create fond memories so that you will always know that you are loved and welcomed in our home.
As a parent you hope that your children will remember the good times they had growing up. These cherished memories are what make them feel connected to the family and what eventually draws them back for visits to home. As grandparents we hope to help our grandchildren feel loved and welcomed so that they too might have fond memories of grandpa and grandma. I hope that as they grow up they will always feel welcome to come for a visit.
This spring and summer we have been very fortunate to have been able to spend time with family. Special moments for me have been: Attending Melinda's graduation from her PhD program in Madison, WI and then helping her to move to Athens, GA. That one needs a post of its own ; LOL, Andy's graduation from Utah State with his Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Caleb's baby blessing, meeting three new grand-babies; Evelyn, Kenzie and Caleb, welcoming two very special young ladies to our family; hugs to Taylor and Kaitlyn, spending time with each of our grandchildren, Jordan, Kaitlyn, Melia, Taylor, Jacob, Kaitlyn, Nathan, Elijah, Evelyn, Kenzie, and Caleb. How lucky we are to have been blessed with such a great family!
I hope that those special moments we have spent with each of you will create fond memories so that you will always know that you are loved and welcomed in our home.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Connected
I wonder if any other mother's stalk their children? Sounds kind of creepy; I know. The truth is; I check facebook and all of my e-mail accounts a minimum of three times a day just to see what all of my children are doing. What is sad is that my children are all adults now and have families of their own. They are very capable individuals and do not need me hovering over them or helping them to make good choices. In reality I am not stalking them even though it may seem like it. The reality of it all is that I use to spend a tremendous amount of time with them and I use to enjoy listening to them talk and watching them interact with each other. Yes, there were times when things were rough but the times that I found joy in being in their presence and watching them learn, grow and accomplish new skills far out weigh those hectic, stressful moments.
Tonight I am wishing that I had them near me again so that we could sit outside and enjoy this gorgeous night together. It is lonely being on this farm all by myself. I need to extend myself and form some good friendships so that I don't have to sit here by myself.
Does anyone enjoy watching birds?
Tonight I am wishing that I had them near me again so that we could sit outside and enjoy this gorgeous night together. It is lonely being on this farm all by myself. I need to extend myself and form some good friendships so that I don't have to sit here by myself.
Does anyone enjoy watching birds?
Friday, June 1, 2012
Remember the song,"Take Me Out to the Ball Game"?
Tonight I went to my first " D-C Saints ball game. Sue and Ron; our neighbors invited me to go with them. I have never been to a ball game so this was fun.
The Saints lost by one point, which was sad but I have to say that the other team from Green Isle was much better and their pitcher was on fire! I don't know how fast that ball flew across the plate but I do know there was no time to think about do I hit that ball or don't I? It had to be split second timing because that ball smoked across the base. Final score was 3-2 with Green Isle winning the game.
The Saints lost by one point, which was sad but I have to say that the other team from Green Isle was much better and their pitcher was on fire! I don't know how fast that ball flew across the plate but I do know there was no time to think about do I hit that ball or don't I? It had to be split second timing because that ball smoked across the base. Final score was 3-2 with Green Isle winning the game.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
40 years and counting
40 years ago I was a member of the 1972 class graduating from Litchfield Senior High. High school was tough for me because I was battling demons from my younger years. I had very little self-esteem but more than that I was terribly uncomfortable around men/ boys. Because of this, I have never attended a class reunion and, from what I have heard,I have not missed out on anything.
Push forward 39 years to December 7th of 2010. I received an invitation in the mail from a class mate to join some of them at a quaint little restaurant in town. I figured why not. I went and there were only a handful of girls that showed up. We had a great time catching up with each others lives and what we are doing now. I was glad that I went. We set another date to meet again. That was today. Again there were just a handful of us. This time there were the three of us and three different ladies to show up. I brought my annual with so that we could look at who we were talking about- fun times that we had in school- sadly also, those that we have lost from our class. We talked for a long time before we ordered our meals and once we were finished we talked some more. There was no crude language, no swearing, no noses in the air, just genuine care and concern for each other. It was a wonderful time. We visited for 3 1/2 hours!!! Time just flew by. Before we left we agreed to meet again in April. This time each one of us is to bring another classmate with us! I look forward to our group growing and sharing in life's experiences.
Push forward 39 years to December 7th of 2010. I received an invitation in the mail from a class mate to join some of them at a quaint little restaurant in town. I figured why not. I went and there were only a handful of girls that showed up. We had a great time catching up with each others lives and what we are doing now. I was glad that I went. We set another date to meet again. That was today. Again there were just a handful of us. This time there were the three of us and three different ladies to show up. I brought my annual with so that we could look at who we were talking about- fun times that we had in school- sadly also, those that we have lost from our class. We talked for a long time before we ordered our meals and once we were finished we talked some more. There was no crude language, no swearing, no noses in the air, just genuine care and concern for each other. It was a wonderful time. We visited for 3 1/2 hours!!! Time just flew by. Before we left we agreed to meet again in April. This time each one of us is to bring another classmate with us! I look forward to our group growing and sharing in life's experiences.
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