For those who do not know, my grandfather, Harold Jordan, passed away last Friday. I thought all week about blogging the news, but every time I thought about it, it made me so sad. Unbelievably sad. Surprisingly sad. The tears still creep in as I type this.
My grandfather has been sick for quite some time. This week as we greeted people at the funeral home, the question came up quite a lot "how long had he been sick?" The answer: longer than any of us realized. Grandad started forgetting things about 6-7 years ago. Then the things he would forget got more important (like how to get to Red Lobster!) I think he was really good at fooling all of us. But slowly, everyone realized that his forgetfulness was becoming a problem. Eventually he had to quit driving. Then earlier this year, my grandmother could no longer handle his care on her own and we were faced with the decision to move him into a nursing home. Last week, he suffered a stroke and just never recovered. I felt like I had greived him all I could over the last few years. I felt like I would be ready when he passed away. But the sadness is still there. There is just no way around it.
At 2pm on Friday, March 20, 2009 my Grandaddy passed away surrounded by his children and grandchildren. It was very peaceful. There is no doubt, he is in a better place with no pain, no forgetfulness and he can HEAR!!!
We were able to honor him with a full military honors at the funeral service. Grandad was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II who participated in the 1943 landing at Anzio and the liberation of Rome. He was a soldier of the 1st Ranger Battalion, “Darby’s Rangers,” and the 1st Special Service Force, the “Devil’s Brigade,”. He won the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Combat Infantry Badge. As a kid, I certainly never understood how important all of that was, but as I got older, I became so proud. The soldiers who performed the military honors at the service came in to talk to my uncle and grandmother before it started. They went over and looked at Grandad's medals and badges and they were really impressed. Grandad was a hero.
But he was a hero for more reasons than his service to our country. He was a great dad and grandfather. He taught me to fish and camp. He taught me to bait my own hook and snipe hunt (HA HA HA!). He was a great cook! He had a strong moral fiber that he passed on to all of us. I will always remember two stories that my mom has shared with me about her childhood:
#1 When mom was about 5 or 6, she and grandad went to the grocery store down the road from their house. While they were there, mom noticed a pile of trash that had been swept up on the floor. Right in the middle of that pile was a gumball. Mom picked it up, brushed it off and popped it in her mouth. Grandad finished the shopping and they got in the car to go home. When they got in the car, grandad noticed she was chewing gum and he asked where she'd gotten it. When she told him she got it off the floor, he scolded her. He told her that it was not her gum to take. It was in the store and just because it was on the floor did not mean she could just take it. He made her go back in and tell the store manager what she had done. Lesson #1: If it's not yours, don't take it!
#2 In the Jordan household (and the Pemberton household many years later) there was a rule: When the streetlights come on, you better be inside. Well, Judy liked to play outside in the summer. She noticed it was getting darker but she wanted to play just a bit longer. The street lights started to come on and she pushed just a few more minutes but finally went on home. She got to the side door and it was LOCKED. She knocked. No answer. Knocked again. Grandad came to the door and said "Hmm, I think I hear a knock at this door but I don't know who would be knocking on my door. It certainly wouldn't be Judy because the street lights are on so I'm sure she's inside." Mom is outside yelling "Daddy, it's me! It's Judy!" He still pretended to ignore her but did finally let her in. Lesson #2: Jennifer's butt was inside when those street lights came on!
There are many many more stories like these. And many many more ways that Grandad influenced my life both directly and through my mom. He leaves a wonderful legacy. While we all sat around him after he had passed last Friday, my grandmother said "You are all wonderful children and we are so lucky to have you." My aunt Susan told her "You and Daddy made us who we are!" So true.
In case you wondered, Ellie is handling things better than any of us. I was worried about telling her, but Brandon and I are very honest in our parenting and I didn't want to keep it from her. She said "Grandaddy is in heaven with God and Jesus and Rose (the cow)!" Later, she asked Biz if Grandad would feed Rose. I told Ellie that Nana was very sad that Grandad had died because he was her Daddy and she will miss him. Ellie looked at me and said "She doesn't have to be sad. Grandad can still be her Daddy in heaven." So made it so simple.
We are all doing well. Tim's birthday is today and Biz's is tomorrow. Tim's sister Nicole and her family are coming tonight and I think we will do some birthday celebrating. Of course, Biz doesn't like to combine birthdays because her life motto is "It's all about Elizabeth" so I think we will party tomorrow for Tim and Sunday for Biz. (insert eye roll) Have a great weekend!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Dohsdee Dohsdee Dohsdee!
I stayed home with Mason yesterday and took him to the doctor. He's had the crud coming on for a little over a week and his cough had just gotten so bad. Dr K said his lungs are clear, to up his breathing treatments and he went on and gave him an antibiotic since it'd been lingerining so long. I think Mason already sounded better this morning so hopefully he is on the mend.
The plumber came and roughed in the plumbing yesterday and so when Brandon got home, he wanted to check it out. He took Ellie and Mason and walked up to the house while I got dinner ready. When they came back in, we sat Mason in his chair and I started to feed him. He took a few bites and then started saying "Dohs-dee. Dohs-dee. DOHS-DEEEE!!!!!" At first, I was irritated. "OK, Mason, THIS is what I fixed and I am not a short order cook!" But then I started to be concerned. What the hell is DOHS-DEE???? Brandon and I looked at each other. Then to ELLIE because she can often translate. Finally! Brandon said "Thirsty? Are you thirsty???" We handed him his cup and he CHUGGED his milk. Once his thirst was quenched, he was happy to continue eating.
The plumber came and roughed in the plumbing yesterday and so when Brandon got home, he wanted to check it out. He took Ellie and Mason and walked up to the house while I got dinner ready. When they came back in, we sat Mason in his chair and I started to feed him. He took a few bites and then started saying "Dohs-dee. Dohs-dee. DOHS-DEEEE!!!!!" At first, I was irritated. "OK, Mason, THIS is what I fixed and I am not a short order cook!" But then I started to be concerned. What the hell is DOHS-DEE???? Brandon and I looked at each other. Then to ELLIE because she can often translate. Finally! Brandon said "Thirsty? Are you thirsty???" We handed him his cup and he CHUGGED his milk. Once his thirst was quenched, he was happy to continue eating.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Happy Weekend!
Well, they say if you don't like the weather in Ken Tuck, stick around and it will change soon. Or something along those lines...Anyway..we have run the gamut this week. I dressed the kids in short sleeves Monday and Tuesday. I actually had to dig out short sleeve shirts and found that Mason has pretty much outgrown everything. But the weather was a gorgeous 70 degrees. Wednesday, things started to cool off and when I went to lunch it was SLEETING. Last night, we got about an inch of wet SNOW. It melted quickly and the roads only got wet. But still! It was such a mean trick from old Mother Nature. Hag!
I had a check-up with my cardiologist today. I have switched to a doctor who specializes in adults with congenital issues. The specialization is rather new, but my doc was telling me that this is a good thing that they need adult congenital specialist because it means lots of people like me are living longer and need cardiac care. I really like this new dr.His name is Dr. Markham and he reminds me a lot of my pediatric cardiologist in Birmingham who was my dr for about 12 years, Dr. Colvin. Mr. M is quiet, but super super nice and down to earth. He took a VERY long time with Brandon and I and made sure that we really understood everything. Brandon had more questions that I did. Anyone who knows Brandon completely understands this. Brandon asks a lot of questions. But, I often forget..I have been doing this heart thing for almost 34 years and Brandon is new to the game.
So the results...Dr. Markham said that in a nutshell, I DO have a leaky pulmonary valve. It is a significant leakage. However, I am not currently having any symptoms (shortness of breath, fatigue, numbness, tingling, headaches). I did a stress test last September and had a cardiac MRI at that time as well. He said the results for my stress tests were perfectly average and indicated absolutely no concerns. The cardiac MRI did indicate some issues with pressure in the right ventricle. Today, I had an EKG, echo cardiogram and I am currently wearing a Holter Monitor that I will wear for 24 hours and mail back to Vandy. He said he likes to look at the big picture. None of my pressures (as in pressures within the chambers of my heart) are off the charts and the leaky valve is moderate to severe. He said I WILL need surgery, but it could be in another 10 years. (My other doc said it would be within 2 years so this is a BIG difference) He said right now, he is totally ok with yearly check-ups and just watching it. He said that diet and exercise will have no significant effect for the better or worse. He said there is pretty much nothing I can do to speed up or slow down the progression. It is what it is. He said that if I were to lose some weight within the next few years before I have surgery, I would be ahead of the curve in that I will be in better shape for such a major surgery. He also said that this is not something that will progress so much within 6 months that I will need surgery right away. He went back and looked at an echo cardiogram report from when I was pregnant with Ellie and he said without actually seeing the echo, he thinks the results are pretty much the same as the echo I had today. That is very encouraging news because that means I have pretty much maintained over the last 4 years and two pregnancies.
Sooo...all in all, it was a good appointment. And the only bit of not so great news, in addition to the fact that I WILL have to have a replacement valve at some point: These replacement valves only last 10-15 years. So say I hold out for 8 more years and have the surgery at 42. Then I'd have to have it again between 55 and 60. ICK! But he also said that there is TONS of research and technology with these valves and they are making advances daily so something really big is likely to happen within the next 5 years. There is even a possibility that a new valve could be placed with a less invasive procedure like a catherization.
It is scary stuff, but I will take it as it comes and not worry about what might happen. It is what it is. I have a beautiful family and I am so incredibly blessed. There is no need to wallow in worry over the future. And when I do have surgery, I already know what to expect! So I am ahead of the game in that respect!
So that's it. More info that you ever cared to know! We have a good weekend planned. The kids started a little early and stayed home with mom today. She is still convalescing (but much improved) from her surgery. Brandon and I had to leave to be in Nashville at 6:30 so it just worked out for her to keep them home. Ellie has dance tomorrow and then both kids have our friend Kenzie's First Birthday. After church on Sunday, I start the second phase of YOJ (Year of Jennifer) workout plan and I am going to the YMCA with Biz. YOJ hasn't worked out quite as I had planned, but we are only in March so I still have some time to work it all out.
I had a check-up with my cardiologist today. I have switched to a doctor who specializes in adults with congenital issues. The specialization is rather new, but my doc was telling me that this is a good thing that they need adult congenital specialist because it means lots of people like me are living longer and need cardiac care. I really like this new dr.His name is Dr. Markham and he reminds me a lot of my pediatric cardiologist in Birmingham who was my dr for about 12 years, Dr. Colvin. Mr. M is quiet, but super super nice and down to earth. He took a VERY long time with Brandon and I and made sure that we really understood everything. Brandon had more questions that I did. Anyone who knows Brandon completely understands this. Brandon asks a lot of questions. But, I often forget..I have been doing this heart thing for almost 34 years and Brandon is new to the game.
So the results...Dr. Markham said that in a nutshell, I DO have a leaky pulmonary valve. It is a significant leakage. However, I am not currently having any symptoms (shortness of breath, fatigue, numbness, tingling, headaches). I did a stress test last September and had a cardiac MRI at that time as well. He said the results for my stress tests were perfectly average and indicated absolutely no concerns. The cardiac MRI did indicate some issues with pressure in the right ventricle. Today, I had an EKG, echo cardiogram and I am currently wearing a Holter Monitor that I will wear for 24 hours and mail back to Vandy. He said he likes to look at the big picture. None of my pressures (as in pressures within the chambers of my heart) are off the charts and the leaky valve is moderate to severe. He said I WILL need surgery, but it could be in another 10 years. (My other doc said it would be within 2 years so this is a BIG difference) He said right now, he is totally ok with yearly check-ups and just watching it. He said that diet and exercise will have no significant effect for the better or worse. He said there is pretty much nothing I can do to speed up or slow down the progression. It is what it is. He said that if I were to lose some weight within the next few years before I have surgery, I would be ahead of the curve in that I will be in better shape for such a major surgery. He also said that this is not something that will progress so much within 6 months that I will need surgery right away. He went back and looked at an echo cardiogram report from when I was pregnant with Ellie and he said without actually seeing the echo, he thinks the results are pretty much the same as the echo I had today. That is very encouraging news because that means I have pretty much maintained over the last 4 years and two pregnancies.
Sooo...all in all, it was a good appointment. And the only bit of not so great news, in addition to the fact that I WILL have to have a replacement valve at some point: These replacement valves only last 10-15 years. So say I hold out for 8 more years and have the surgery at 42. Then I'd have to have it again between 55 and 60. ICK! But he also said that there is TONS of research and technology with these valves and they are making advances daily so something really big is likely to happen within the next 5 years. There is even a possibility that a new valve could be placed with a less invasive procedure like a catherization.
It is scary stuff, but I will take it as it comes and not worry about what might happen. It is what it is. I have a beautiful family and I am so incredibly blessed. There is no need to wallow in worry over the future. And when I do have surgery, I already know what to expect! So I am ahead of the game in that respect!
So that's it. More info that you ever cared to know! We have a good weekend planned. The kids started a little early and stayed home with mom today. She is still convalescing (but much improved) from her surgery. Brandon and I had to leave to be in Nashville at 6:30 so it just worked out for her to keep them home. Ellie has dance tomorrow and then both kids have our friend Kenzie's First Birthday. After church on Sunday, I start the second phase of YOJ (Year of Jennifer) workout plan and I am going to the YMCA with Biz. YOJ hasn't worked out quite as I had planned, but we are only in March so I still have some time to work it all out.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
What makes a house a home?
Basement walls certainly will help make our house a home! And they are in progress. Here is the album: http://picasaweb.google.com/jennfields75/HOUSE?feat=directlink
The trucks with the walls arrived first thing this morning. Then around noon, more trucks and equipment arrived and they got to work. Unfortunately, they did not finish today. The forecast is calling for rain for all of eternity. Ok, not all of eternity, but certainly for a good part of the next week. The good news is that they will work unless it is actually raining. Wet ground will not keep them from working since they have everything prepared for the walls, so that is hopeful.
All of his teachers report that Mason is talking up a storm. I guess we don't notice it as much since we are with him all the time. He does talk A LOT. And he is actually starting to use action words and not just label everything. So I have talky kids. What does that say about me??? Well, I always got bad grades in conduct in school because I couldn't keep my mouth shut! Mason does have a bit of a cough but I am in hopes that he will kick it. I am giving it until Thursday and if I don't feel like it's better, we'll be making a trip to the doctor.
Ellie is wonderful. She informed me this morning that Bob had to stay home with the baby because the baby had an ear infection. So Bob is still around. But she has also told me that she no longer lives with Bob because she lives with me. I'm not really sure on the joint custody thing. It seems perhaps she let Bob have one baby and she kept another. She occasionally calls Bob on our way home from school. The conversations are always brief. And in case you are wondering, I cannot WAIT to tell her all about this when she is about 15!
The weather has been really wonderful. Although as I said, I think it is coming to an end and it will be cooling off. If you haven't already heard, I LOVE DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME! I'm not even sure why. I guess I just like having so much daylight in the evenings. We have at least a 40 minute drive home from school every day. Most days, we leave at 4:30, but about once a month, I have to work until 5:30. That means we do not even get home until after 6. It is sooo nice not having to come in in the dark! It agrees with the kids too! They go to bed at the same time but sleep later!
The trucks with the walls arrived first thing this morning. Then around noon, more trucks and equipment arrived and they got to work. Unfortunately, they did not finish today. The forecast is calling for rain for all of eternity. Ok, not all of eternity, but certainly for a good part of the next week. The good news is that they will work unless it is actually raining. Wet ground will not keep them from working since they have everything prepared for the walls, so that is hopeful.
All of his teachers report that Mason is talking up a storm. I guess we don't notice it as much since we are with him all the time. He does talk A LOT. And he is actually starting to use action words and not just label everything. So I have talky kids. What does that say about me??? Well, I always got bad grades in conduct in school because I couldn't keep my mouth shut! Mason does have a bit of a cough but I am in hopes that he will kick it. I am giving it until Thursday and if I don't feel like it's better, we'll be making a trip to the doctor.
Ellie is wonderful. She informed me this morning that Bob had to stay home with the baby because the baby had an ear infection. So Bob is still around. But she has also told me that she no longer lives with Bob because she lives with me. I'm not really sure on the joint custody thing. It seems perhaps she let Bob have one baby and she kept another. She occasionally calls Bob on our way home from school. The conversations are always brief. And in case you are wondering, I cannot WAIT to tell her all about this when she is about 15!
The weather has been really wonderful. Although as I said, I think it is coming to an end and it will be cooling off. If you haven't already heard, I LOVE DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME! I'm not even sure why. I guess I just like having so much daylight in the evenings. We have at least a 40 minute drive home from school every day. Most days, we leave at 4:30, but about once a month, I have to work until 5:30. That means we do not even get home until after 6. It is sooo nice not having to come in in the dark! It agrees with the kids too! They go to bed at the same time but sleep later!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Is Today Tomorrow?
Ellie is learning about days, weeks and months. She has a favorite new song that they no doubt sing in her class about the months of the year and birthdays. At least once every day we go through when everyone's birthday is and she chants "April stand up. April...sit down. October Stand up....October...sit DOWN." and on and on. Her teacher, Lindsay, had her gallbladder removed last Tuesday (there is obviously some epidemic!) and yesterday, Ellie was told "Lindsay will be back tomorrow." So on the way to school she asked "Is today tomorrow?" To which I thought in my head "GOD I HOPE NOT!" but replied "No, today is Wednesday and tomorrow is Thursday." Then I tired to explain "Yesterday, today was tomorrow. But now it is today." Um, ok, this is even confusing me and I have a fairly decent concept of time. But Lindsay was here when we arrived so all was well.
Biz and Tim are busy with their renovations. At first, I was fearful that they would be unhappy with "walls" and that their house would seem much smaller. But now that things are under way, it actually seems like they have more room. I guess there is a lot of wasted space when you do not have walls to put furniture up against??? Here is the album: http://picasaweb.google.com/elizabethdreadin/Remodel?authkey=Gv1sRgCMeg2YKYt62vkwE&feat=email#5309155839220623602 (I hope Biz doesn't mind!) I admire Elizabeth and Tim's vision and ability to plan. They knew exactly what they wanted and it is happening. Then again, they are both the babies so they always get what they want, right?
We are headed to Harper's tonight for dinner with the Dreadins. I am excited and I think everyone will love it. Harper's is a true DIVE in Scottsvegas. It is in an old house and by house, p[lease do not picture some old victorian style house with wood floors. We are talking an old brick ranch with gross tile floors. What it lacks in charm (and cleanliness), it makes up for in good food! Last time we were there, there was an old man (Mr. Harper???)standing outside with a plate of catfish samples joking to everyone "I fished all day to catch this!" I told Brandon I bet he's made that same joke 9 million times in his life. They have all you can eat fish and fries. They also have a menu but it makes me laugh that anyone would order a steak there. But last time we were there, the lady at the table next to us ordered a steak and got the salad bar (no thanks again!) But this same lady had on a housecoat and slippers. I am not even kidding! So Harper's is sure to provide endless entertainment and plenty of good greasy food! Not surprisingly, Harper's does not have a website but I did find this: http://www.mytravelguide.com/restaurants/profile-58108905-United_States_Kentucky_Scottsville_Harpers_Catfish.html
I am sure Mason will be in hog heaven at Harper's since his favorite foods are fish (sticks) and french fries. His new word at dinner last night: "Tay tah?" translation: tater tot. He is making up for his picky sister! His loves are fried potatoes, macaroni and Italian anything. And he is the sweetest boy I know!
I hope everyone is having a great week!
Biz and Tim are busy with their renovations. At first, I was fearful that they would be unhappy with "walls" and that their house would seem much smaller. But now that things are under way, it actually seems like they have more room. I guess there is a lot of wasted space when you do not have walls to put furniture up against??? Here is the album: http://picasaweb.google.com/elizabethdreadin/Remodel?authkey=Gv1sRgCMeg2YKYt62vkwE&feat=email#5309155839220623602 (I hope Biz doesn't mind!) I admire Elizabeth and Tim's vision and ability to plan. They knew exactly what they wanted and it is happening. Then again, they are both the babies so they always get what they want, right?
We are headed to Harper's tonight for dinner with the Dreadins. I am excited and I think everyone will love it. Harper's is a true DIVE in Scottsvegas. It is in an old house and by house, p[lease do not picture some old victorian style house with wood floors. We are talking an old brick ranch with gross tile floors. What it lacks in charm (and cleanliness), it makes up for in good food! Last time we were there, there was an old man (Mr. Harper???)standing outside with a plate of catfish samples joking to everyone "I fished all day to catch this!" I told Brandon I bet he's made that same joke 9 million times in his life. They have all you can eat fish and fries. They also have a menu but it makes me laugh that anyone would order a steak there. But last time we were there, the lady at the table next to us ordered a steak and got the salad bar (no thanks again!) But this same lady had on a housecoat and slippers. I am not even kidding! So Harper's is sure to provide endless entertainment and plenty of good greasy food! Not surprisingly, Harper's does not have a website but I did find this: http://www.mytravelguide.com/restaurants/profile-58108905-United_States_Kentucky_Scottsville_Harpers_Catfish.html
I am sure Mason will be in hog heaven at Harper's since his favorite foods are fish (sticks) and french fries. His new word at dinner last night: "Tay tah?" translation: tater tot. He is making up for his picky sister! His loves are fried potatoes, macaroni and Italian anything. And he is the sweetest boy I know!
I hope everyone is having a great week!
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