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This one is amazing

August 23, 2011 in family, Love between Tommy & I, Ourselves And Family with 0 Comments

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Have I mentioned lately how completely thankful I am for my husband?

It’s not our anniversary.  It’s not Tommy’s birthday. Hey- it’s not even Friday!

Yet, occasionally it needs to be publicly proclaimed when someone is so loyal and genuinely selfless and kind.

Wow!  Words cannot express my utter joy.

I love this man.

Growing with him has increased my faith in God.  Because he’s such a “religious” man?   No, he’s the furthest from “religious” I know.   His faith is simple and sincere.

His concern for others never ceases to amaze me.  He never looks for fault in others; instead he continually looks for ways to encourage them.

I love this man.

His legacy will be that of one who brought joy into the lives of people with his honesty and simple heart.

So often during his busy work week he’ll call and ask: “Have I told you that I love you today”.

Have I told you lately how much I love him?

 

 

Who finds real love at 13?

June 9, 2011 in Love between Tommy & I, Ourselves And Family with 8 Comments

I sure did!  He was sitting in front of me in my 8th grade science class.  I was drawn to Tommy 1st because he was so exceptionally handsome. No other boys in our class had hair on their chests! He was so funny and so kind. He also had an unusual amount of “worldly wisdom” compared to other boys my age. But what really caused me to love him was finding out that this sweet, street smart guy was unable to read. It broke my heart.

His life had been so much different from mine up until that point. I’d been in a family that was stable and  financially comfortable. He had been raised in a family that was continually breaking apart and had no idea of where he would be living in the next year.

Initially I think I loved him more than he loved me. Of course everyone thought this was puppy love.  He on the other hand  was simply  delighted with the attention of all the girls in our class.

The day he turned 16 years old  he joined the Merchant Marines.  My heart was broken. I didn’t know if I’d ever see Tommy Garrett again.

I began my pursuit by purchasing his freshman pictures and sending the package to his Mother.  She  was delighted and encouraged him to write to me and thank me while away at the Merchant Marines school of seamanship. This ploy began our communication. He did write me back and I still have this letter today:

It said “Marthe- you dot how mug I thing a bit you. Love Tommy”

Thankfully there was a man on board Tommy’s 1st ship that told him this is not the life for you and if you have a young girl back home who love you go home and pursue that relationship. You would be happier working at a gas station and having a family that loves you.  This life is no good.

Tommy took this man’s advice and left the merchant marines.  Easter Sunday of my Sophomore year I ran away with him.  We weren’t sure where we were going.  We tried to go to New Orleans (where he had some family), but soon found out that our gas and the fact that the station wagon he had took more oil than gas would cost us too much to get there. We spent our first night together pulled over on the highway by a trash stop.

We were soon encouraged to try Shawnee Town, Ilinois because it was a known fact that anyone could get married in Shawnee Town.

Well- the judge in the Shawnee Town court house literally laughed and said “Kids go back home!”  We couldn’t go back home -we’d already committed to spending the rest of our lives together.  We moved to Shawnee National Forest.  It rained for a week straight. Tommy’s car leaked. So we ultimately found our way into a cave under High Knob for cover and to hide from my Dad who surely had helicopters hunting for me.

We sold our spare tire for $5.oo which allowed us enough money to buy and share a bologna sandwich a day.  When that ran out we knew we needed to come back to town and get Tommy a job and get myself back into high school. Ultimately these things happened. And my parents reluctantly signed for us to get married.  We had our 1st son 3 years later and a second just 14 months after.

Can’t say it’s all been easy but I can say that I have no regrets!  I married the kindest man in the world. And yes, real lasting love can be found at the tender age of 13! And by God’s divine grace our love has continued and grown as the years have passed by.

Happy 38th Anniversary to my best friend and the love of my life!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is so hard :(

May 26, 2011 in family, Love between Tommy & I, My Story, SparklesGlitter, SwitchingGranny's Stuff with 3 Comments

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Still shedding some tears. I just can’t imagine that I am writing about loosing our beloved Golden Retriever just 6 weeks after posting about the loss of our 18 year old Kitty.

Blog post I wrote then:

Just two weeks after burying Tommy’s Dad. But here I am typing and crying at the same time.

Initially we thought “Bus” was grieving the loss of her lifetime companion “Kitty”. Yet in hindsight I see that she too was dying. A couple of times in the past few weeks I’ve thought “Oh No, not my dog too”! So I think in the back of my mind I knew she was going all the while attributing her decline to her own grief, her allergies and her advancing age.

By the end of last week we pretty much had no doubt. We’d hoped to wait until the end of the weekend to get her to the vet knowing we’d be hearing news we didn’t want to have to accept. By Sunday morning there was no option of waiting. We took her to the emergency care Veterinarian. They were so compassionate and so kind.

I have a lot more to share about our Sweet Bus yet I’m not ready to offer up her tribute yet. So I’ll share some favorite pictures as a sort of obituary and work on a more fitting post about her life later.

RIP Bus 2000-2011

 




 

 

Today from tears to praise

March 20, 2011 in Chronic Illness, family, Inspiration, Love between Tommy & I, Multiple Sclerosis, Scripture, SparklesGlitter with 0 Comments

Today I woke knowing I was still exceptionally down physically.  And I’d even fallen asleep pretty much when Tommy did that’s unusual as he goes to sleep and I stay in bed watching podcasts, reading facebook or watching Netflix.  Tommy is one of those guys who shuts his eyes and is snoring sweetly within minutes. He has kindly allowed gadgets and laptops in bed with us. As long as I turn down the brightness and use ear buds.  ((there have been occasions when I’ve laughed so hard that it has kept him awake)) but that’s not my story tonight.

After falling asleep earlier than usual I’d hoped to wake feeling well enough to enjoy doing some things around the house with Tommy today.  If you only knew how selflessly good he is to me you might also know why I desire to feel my best to make the time we’re able to spend together blessed.

Yet, when I awoke I was very sore and achy.The lower backache that so often goes along with a urinary tract infection. And if I had a uti that would explain my serious fatigue of recent. Also would be the explanation for the night up with bladder spasms earlier this week. Sadly this morning things were worse. The fatigue, the pain, the lack of ability.  The sun shining outside only caused me more disappointment regarding my inabilities.   Tommy is so kind, he just wants me to be happy. Even propped up on the sofa with my mac or my ipad.  If he knows I’m enjoying myself in any way and content- he’s happy.   He was working in the back yard with a project he’s desired to begin working on since its begun to get warm.  He needs to tear down much of the deck work my Father did maybe 40 years ago so it can be replaced w/ wood that is not rotting and buckling making it very treacherous  for my dragging feet to walk over. Today was the beginning of that project for him and he was taking down the lattice work rails. I wanted to either be out there with him or inside accomplishing some things to help our house seem tidied up.

But I soon found myself laying on my bed crying. I don’t cry! {Seriously it’s just not my normal response} Yet I was and needed to quickly get over it, knowing that Tommy finding me crying would break his heart.  (of course he knows me all to well and would later see that I had been) I prayed, I ask God to please please help me focus on others and gain the strength I needed just to enjoy some home time w/ my wonderful husband.  I took some meds that I am prescribed for MS fatigue- this I apparently don’t do enough.. somehow thinking that taking the drugs is going to turn into something I have to do to get through the day, and THIS I DON’T WANT.  But I knew I needed the help today.

Because of your prayers, my prayers and the meds, things began to come together.  I was able to send a card to a dear sister who has recently lost her Mother.  I was able to reach out to some online who I know are hurting and needed prayer and a kind word.  I was able to make Tommy some nice ice tea and prepare him some food.  Several things got done.  I laid down thinking I would now be exhausted for the afternoon/evening. Right away  our niece and her precious son stopped in. He’s so cute see the pictures below:

Our precious Great Nephew Eli

After they left  I said to Tommy “put your shoes back on.. we’re going to get the groceries we need”  This was something Tommy had wanted me to do last night and I was unable.

While at the store Breanna (Granddaughter) telephoned to see if we wanted her to come over to spend the night before church tomorrow. Initially I told her that Granny was just not feeling so well and that we’d try to pick her up on the way to church tomorrow. Well she then reminded me with the sweetest voice “Remember- before you call the Dr. Call me because I’m your good medicine”

"Remember before you call the Dr. Call me- I'm good medicine"

 

Oh how we love that child. We called and picked her up on the way home from the grocery.  She’s tucked in beside me sound to sleep. And you know what? I’m at the moment feeling better and very thankful that I was able to accomplish some things today.

Many people who deal w/ chronic illness find that even talking on the phone is too much effort. I’ve heard people say that it’s way easier for them to type than to talk, and sometimes that is my situation. I cannot explain the fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis…. Except to say that the air itself is heavy.  Every movement even thought is done through weighted air.  So it’s not that one is tired or sleepy.. but just unable to move through that heavy thick air to do the things I want to do. And when I’m having a particularly rough time due to fever or the heat outside then it is even hard for me to sit upright.  That’s when I’m horizontal or sideways surfing.

That’s my story for today and I know some who will surely relate.

“Remember your word to your servant

in which you have made me hope.

This is my comfort in my affliction,that your promise gives me life.

Before I was afflicted I went astray,

but now I keep your word.

You are good and do good;

teach me your statutes, with my whole heart I keep your precepts;but I delight in your law.

It is good for me that I was afflicted,
that I might learn your statutes.
The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

Your hands have made and fashioned me;

give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.

Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
because I have hoped in your word.
I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
Let your steadfast love comfort me
according to your promise to your servant.
Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
for your law is my delight.

Forever, O Lord, your word
is firmly fixed in the heavens.
Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
By your appointment they stand this day,
for all things are your servants.
If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have given me life.
I am yours; save me,
for I have sought your precepts.

I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O Lord, according to your word!
Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord,
and teach me your rules.
I hold my life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget your law.

I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I hope in your words.
My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promise.
Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;
O Lord, according to your justice give me life.”

Verses Quoted from Psalm 119 ESV

 

 

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Beware the walls crumble

February 23, 2011 in Chronic Illness, Friends, Inspiration, Love between Tommy & I, SwitchingGranny's Stuff with 1 Comment

A couple of years ago I was blessed to meet a twitter friend @GailHyatt IRL (in real life). She came bearing gifts.
One of the gifts, a book titled “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young has continued to minister to me because it is book of daily devotions.

Todays devotion was  powerful for me: 

“Be on guard against the pit of self-pity. When you are weary or unwell, this demonic trap is the greatest danger you face. Don’t even go near the edge of the pit. Its edges crumble easily, and before you know it you are on the way down.  It is ever so much harder to get out of the pit than to keep a safe distance from it. That is why I tell you to be on guard.

There are several ways to protect yourself from self-pity.  When you are occupied with praising and thanking Me, it is impossible to feel sorry for yourself. Also, the  closer you live to Me, the more distance there is between you and the pit. Live in the Light of My Presence by fixing your eyes on Me.  Then you will be able to run with endurance the race that is set before you, without stumbling or falling.”

Wow, powerful truth here.  It is especially easy to get all to close to the edge  of the pit of self pity when you are dealing with chronic illness.  Who would want to add being trapped in a nasty pit with crumbling walls on top of being weary or unwell?   Not this Granny! And I hope not you!

Immediately after reading today’s devotion I prayed and thanked God for this warning and ask Him just what I should do to move myself even further from the edge.  In His faithfulness He brought to my mind many who were lonely and hurting today.  I prayed for them then made telephone calls to a couple of those that He brought to my mind.

What do you do to keep from nearing the crumbling walls of the pit of self pity?

Thank You for my Husband

October 5, 2009 in Inspiration, Love between Tommy & I, Ourselves And Family, SwitchingGranny's Stuff with 2 Comments

I fell in love with this man when I was in 8th grade. Really! He was from a close knit family who literally lived on the other side of the rail road tracks. My parents weren’t happy. #1 because I was too young for love and #2 because of his social economic class– concerned I could never be happy without a fellow who would have lots of money to care for me.

He left town the day he turned 16 to join the Merchant Marines. My heart was broken. But while he was away I did all l could to help him remember me. I bought his high school pictures and sent them to his Mother. (always good to get on the Mom’s good side)

I wrote him letters regularly. (not even realizing that he was pretty much unable to read.. a fellow friend in the Merchant Marines seamanship school read my letters to Tommy and wrote letters back to me that Tommy copied and sent)

Tommy Merchant Marine73

Ultimately he returned home before shipping out. I will always be grateful for an older man (maybe he was 30 LOL) who told Tommy that this was not the life he should peruse. He told Tommy that if there was a girl back home who loved him to return and make the most of it.

I was a sophomore in high school when Tommy came back. And he suddenly looked so mature and grown up.

Young Love

We ran away to be married on Easter Sunday of 1973. Of course no judge in his right mind would marry us. We ended up hiding out in a cave under High Knob at Shawnee National Forest. We slept in his car at night and finally had to sell his spare tire to get $5.00 for gas and the oil that his car seemed to use more of than gas.

When we ran completely out of money… (about 3 weeks) we returned to our home town. I called my parents and boy was I in trouble. They said they would not sign for us to be married ever. And my Mother being the director of Planned Parenthood at the time only wanted to get me on the birth control pill.

Tommy found a job at a tire shop. I slept in his car (hiding) in the tire shop parking lot during his working hours. Sometimes I ventured to a “head shop” called Folz City in downtown Evansville. (walking.. remember I was too young to drive)

Tommy’s boss gave him a couple weeks pay in advance. So we found an apartment. I remember well it was $25.00 per week yet we paid $30.00 for 5 weeks to get our required deposit paid for.

Once settled (it was a furnished apt) I wanted to get back to my high school. I walked there one day and they told me that unless I was in school the following week they would arrest my parents for child neglect. I had to be in school either living at home with my legal guardians or married.

So I called my Mother and with the legal action coming down on them and their seeing how determined I was they decided to go and sign a waver for us to be married.

We had a wedding at Tommy’s Grand Mother’s house. I have no pictures as the only one who brought a camera forgot her film!!

My parents showed up quite upset.

Long story short.. our love has continued and grown. My parents ultimately feel in love with Tommy as well. After three years we had our first son and just a year later our second.

Tommy has been my best friend and closest family for my entire life.

I do not regret our early marriage. Because had I waited he may have not been available.

And now 38 years later.. and dealing with chronic illness, I’ve found this dear man to be so selfless and giving that I am just falling in love with him more.

When I was twenty one years old I got saved after reading a book titled “666″ by Salem Kirban. It wasn’t for a couple of decades that Tommy also was born again. And it is just recently that he is beginning to desire even a closer walk with Jesus.

“The rich and poor meet together; the Lord is the maker of them all” Proverbs 22:2

“Let thy mercies come unto me, O Lord, even thy salvation, according to thy word.” Psalm 119:41

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Romans 15:13

I want to leave memories of great joy

July 9, 2009 in Inspiration, Love between Tommy & I, Ourselves And Family, Scripture, SparklesGlitter, SwitchingGranny's Stuff with 4 Comments


There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

You don’t know what will happen tomorrow. What is life? You are a mist that is seen for a moment and then disappears. James 4:14

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
2 Tim 4:6-8

A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth. Ecclesiastes 7:1

Whom having not seen, you love; in whom, though now you see him not, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 1 Peter 1:8

I’m not sure why I am consumed with the knowledge as of recent that my time is at hand. But if my Maker is allowing me the ability to be aware of my departure from this clay; I must say with a pure heart that it is only by His grace that I will be counted worthy to stand in that day.

May my short time on this earth allow for some eternal weight of glory.
And may the memories I leave bring glory to His Name and assurance to those who are yet lost and seeking to be found.

I desire to be with Him… but He may have work for me yet here. My days are in His hands and my salvation is sure. Because of what He has done- All is well with my soul.

Even so Come Quickly Lord Jesus

This is love

March 5, 2009 in Love between Tommy & I, Scripture, SwitchingGranny's Stuff with 0 Comments

Having married the love of my life at the age of 15, you can imagine how important this person is to me. I honestly can not imagine living without him. We’ve had our ups and downs as any marriage that has lasted 38 years has. During the past few years my love for how very dear and precious my husband is has increased. Yes love has grown and matured. And today a profound revelation.

I was attending the funeral of an 89 year old woman from our church today. Because she had lived with her daughter during the final years of her life I was considering grief and my own recent loss of my Mother.

For some reason my thoughts wandered to the cry I’ve always had before the Lord regarding my husband. It was: “Lord please please please don’t take my husband away from me- don’t let him die while I am still alive for I could not survive alone, I could not endure the grief!”

But today as I pondered my hearts cry a new deeper thought approached. And it was this:

Love.. deep enduring love.. places the heart to always wish the best for the one who is loved. And I cannot selfishly continue to ask God to protect me from the pain of loosing my best friend. No.. my prayer has changed because of love.

Now my prayer is: “Lord .. I ask You in Your mercy to take this man home before me- I don’t want him to suffer the loss or the pain of grief and life apart. I know that with Your grace I’ll survive. Please spare him the heartache of this loss. Take him first Lord”

Wow.. This is love and I’ve just come to realize it.

Even so Come quickly Lord Jesus!

Early Christmas Family V-Card

November 22, 2008 in All Things Tech, Home Made Creations by Tommy & I, Love between Tommy & I, Ourselves And Family, SparklesGlitter with 0 Comments

Hurricane winds on the way home from conference

September 14, 2008 in Home Made Creations by Tommy & I, Love between Tommy & I with 1 Comment

Wow.. our ride home was eventful. We’ve never experienced a hurricane in Indiana. This was remnants from Ike… but man oh man we couldn’t believe it. We took a side ride to the overlook at Leavenworth, Indiana. And I shot this video of Tommy during a huge gust. We later saw that the eye held together all the way into Michigan! WOW: