Thanks again, Dad!!

I just finished an evening of firearm cleaning...

2 pistols

3 rifles

2 shotguns.

Included in these, was my Dad's Mossberg 20 gauge that was bought for him in 1957, shortly after I arrived in this world.

He gave it to me Christmas of 2005. Dad passed away January 23. 2006.

Dad called me just before Mom passed away, October 20, 2005. He asked me for my SS# and he didn't really give me a reason why he need it. But I knew it was for a good reason. Shortly thereafter he broke his right wrist.

I plan to do some shooting with my son-in-law over the Thanksgiving weekend - therefore the marathon cleaning session. I took the butt-plate off of the stock just to be sure everything was clean. As I removed the butt-plate, I noticed something in the wood.

I put on my reading glasses - two sets of 9 digit numbers.

One is my Social Security number. A quick check of my Dad's DD-214 (I put a copy in the back of Funeral Flag case), confirmed the other set of numbers was my Dad's Social. In the grain of this 50+ year old wood is preserved our Social Security numbers, engraved most likely with his Case XX pocket knife. This, for sure, would been one of the last time he "wrote".

Thanks again, Dad!!

Veterans' Day 2008

On behalf of the President of the United States, a grateful nation and the United States Army please accept this flag as a token of our appreciation for your Father's honorable and faithful service.

God bless you and this family, and God bless the United States of America.

Flowering Crab Apple

As we drove on the golfcart Saturday afternoon, I was taken back some 40 years and around 300 miles to the north. The pair of Flowering Crab Apple trees were planted to the east side of the house in Daylight. Oscar Womack had given Dad the trees when they were just skinny sticks. They served as the outfielders when I would toss a ball into the air and strike it with the bat that Uncle James turned for me on his lathe. Their scent would fill the yard as bees would gather pollen and nectar. The sweet/sour marble sized apples of fall give me my taste for lip puckering foods today. And the jelly... buckets of Crab Apples stewed down with enough sugar to give you an instant case of insulin shock, place into pint jars and placed into the kitchen cabinet for spreading onto a hot biscuit.

I wonder if they are still standing?!?!

Two Years Ago...

I was struggling with writing this post since last night. I started and deleted so many times, that I had just about given up on what to write. Then I get an email from Sherry when I get back from lunch and a doctor's appointment!

Thanks, Sis! I couldn't have said it better!!!

I know we haven’t talked yet today and I really don’t want to dwell on what day it is. I know that both of us have thought about the 2 year mark all week, and especially today. Instead of thinking that Daddy has been gone from us for 2 years and making today a sad event; I have been trying to think that this is a 2 year anniversary that we have become closer together as a brother and sister-sharing the memories we have of both Mom and Dad. Also Dad’s passing took him away from his earthly pains and illness; and moved him onto his next journey toward heaven. We both know that dad lived a wonderful Christian life, both as a devoted husband and father to us, along with a very caring person that was loved by many. So smile with me and say a prayer, and thank God for His love and allowing us to be stronger today because He gave us Dad and the memories to share.

I love you.

Amen!!!


Sherry, I love you, too!!!

And be a simple kind of man.
Be something you love and understand.
Be a simple kind of man.
Wont you do this for me son,
If you can?

Chorus to Lynyrd Skynyrd's Simple Man
(by Gary Rossington - Ronnie Van Zant)

Remember Mom on her birthday

Happy Birthday, Mom!!!

January 12, 1932 - October 20, 2005

Franklin, Tennessee

My sister, Sherry, works in downtown Franklin.


Veterans Day Dedication Ceremony (from the Williamson County website)
Date: November 12, 2007
Description: Please plan to attend the dedication of our restored cannon on November 12, 2007 at approximately 10:15 a.m. at the Williamson County Veteran’s Park, at Five Points, in downtown Franklin, TN. This dedication will be prior to the City of Franklin’s Veteran’s Day parade which begins at 11:00 a.m.

Our rare cannon is a 3.2 inch Field Gun Model. The muzzle was manufactured in 1892 at the Watervliet Arsenal in Albany, New York and weighs 832 pounds. The carriage was built in 1887 at the National Armory in Springfield, MA. Both were recently restored by Mr. J.T. Leathers of Murfreesboro, TN.

With her office located just across the street from the Veteran's Park, the High School band assembled and lined up just outside her door. After all the festivities, she took a lunch time walk toward the post office and ran into a trio of older Veterans still milling around. She told them about Dad and his services to our country.

"Well, I see you miss him very much. And since you are not able to give him a hug today, do you mind I give you one?"



If you can read this, thank a teacher...
If you are reading this in English, thank a Vet!!!

Metro Monday

An email from my sister Sherry:

I don't know if you have a picture of Metro and Daddy, but Metro Monday needs to talk about their relationship. Dad loves both our pets, and I know every time he got on the phone with you, he would ask about his "boy".

Sadly, I don't have a photo of Dad and Metro together... And yes, Dad always asked about Metro when we talked on phone. Dad and Mom both loved animals. CoCo, their mixed terrier, was one of the best loved little dogs ever. He moved with Mom and Dad from our home in Daylight. Loved by a constant stream of foster children at Sunny Acres in Morrison. And then to the three houses that they called home in Smyrna. If Sherry and I remember correctly, Coco was nearly 15 years old when he died five years ago. I don't think I ever heard any more sadness in their voices as I did the day that CoCo went to wait at Rainbow Bridge.

• Sherry's cat, Midnight
• Her Siberian Huskies, Sha and Katie
• Our Yorkshire Terrier, Metro

All our pets were dearly loved by Dad and Mom. So on this Veteran's Day Weekend, Metro salutes the special Veteran in our lives.

Thanks, Dad!!!

Dad's Medals and Badges: Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea War Service Medal, Army/Air Force Presidential Unit Citation, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Infantry Badge, Cold War Recognition Certificate and Medal

When we had to opportunity to visit Mom and Dad, Metro would be always make the trip with us. Not since Sam, the white Poodle (circa 1973), was a dog allowed inside their home. But Metro was greeted with welcomed arms...

Two years

The phone call hit me like a ton of bricks. The "in the middle of the night" ringing that everyone dreads. But Sherry made it as easy and gentle as possible... For that, I will bealways thankful.

She also made sure that Mom and Dad were seen after and cared for. She was there for them when I couldn't be there physically. Over the last few years, you have been there for me also.

Thanks, Sherry... I think I will keep you around - even though you are 350 miles away. You make a pretty good sister!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Seventy eight years ago, Linnie and Joe Stembridge welcome their first son to their family. His twin sisters had a baby brother to spoil. The humble home was little more than a four wall and a roof, but it was full of love!

So on what would be your birthday - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD!!!

Another Year

On a Friday afternoon, 55 years ago today, in the living room of Ruth Higgins...

Mom and Dad said their vows!!!

Happy Father's Day

Walks in the woods on Sunday afternoons.

The sock drawer of the dresser that held medals from the Korean War.

A Mountain Cur puppy that we named Laddie.

Working in the garden way past twilight.

BBQ sandwiches - half pork/half beef.

Learning to drive in the old Ford station wagon.

One of the wisest man I have ever known, and that your formal eduction was only to the 8th grade.

I remember these things. I remember you, Dad!

Happy Mother's Day

The Touch-me-Nots planted on the west wall of the house.

The black iron skillet that was used three times a day.

The crocheting needle that twisted countless yards of yarn.

The African Violets that sat on every flat surface

The many children that called you and Dad:
Granny and Pa.

Chewing Gum that tasted like the press powder of the compact in your purse

The hardwood floors that were so shiny that it hurt your eyes. (they were also the prefect “sock skating” surface).

The worn pages of your Bible on the end table next to the couch

I remember these things. I remember you, Mom!

Another Milestone

A year has passed since I got the call from Sherry that Dad had passed away on that Monday morning.

Freddie and Eletha have four sons. As the Minister delivered the eulogy last Thursday, he said to the boys, “There will be times in the future, when you will want to ask your Dad just one more question.”

Nope. I wouldn't have any questions for Mom and Dad. But I would love to be able to speak to them, or rather, listen to them. I would soak up their words like a sponge. As I sit here at my desk today, finished with my lunch, this would be the time of day I would pick up the phone and give them a call. This is when it really hits me!!!

Mom and Dad, I miss you so much!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

On what would have been your 75th Birthday!

365 days

Has it been a year already? When I talked to Sherry today, we both couldn't bring ourselves to the believe that it has.

Mom, we miss you!

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

As I stood writing the check for dinner tonight, it dawned on me:

It would have been Mom and Dad's 54 anniversary. I remember calling a year ago, asking if the received the gift and card in the mail and wishing them both a Happy Day!

This year I can't call, phone lines don't reach that high!
This year I can't mail anything to them, the post office don't have routes in Heaven!
This year I can't visit with them, but some day - I will!

So until then, Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!





From the 50th Anniversary Celebration, 4 years ago

Mom and Dad

Wow, has it really been 5 months since Mom passed away and 2 months for Dad?

I still find myself wanting to pick up the cell phone while driving home in the afternoon to call them. The other time that is tough is after finishing lunch at my desk. I want to reach over and start dialing their number. :(

Healing is slow but sure. Sarah has been so supportive, she has allowed me to pour my heart out to her in words and tears. Thank you, Sarah...

Sarah goes to the doctor next week to see if the fusing of the L4 and L5 vertebral have advance on their own. If so, an additional surgery may not be needed.

Sherry is the best sister in the world!!! We talk to each other nearly every day. And if we don't get to communicate via the phone - we will instant message or email each other. We are talking about me going to visit her in Symrna soon... Of course, caching will be included!

Vent for a Pressure Cooker

Per the "gentlemen's agreement" with my boss...

Today is Sunday, December 11, 2005... One of the Sundays that I jbex-ed/traveled while I was in Asia...

I have been a blubbering mess and was not ready to face people... With all that I have gone through with the passing of both my parents - Metro's injuries has made me stop and realize that my over-boiling point was reached a long time ago. The pressure has built to a point that a release had to come.

I took day to reflect. Walking in the woods back towards Big Branch, it was a beautiful day...and I had time to unwind, recoup and refresh. I left some sadness in those woods. And I took some great photos!!!

Reaching New Heights

With the Hiding of "Reaching New Heights" - Sherry and I have provided a way to share some of the memories of Mom and Dad with the world of Geocachers.



Reaching New Heights

First to Find

GeoNuttz ~
1/28/2006


The first day that it was searchable, four cachers found and logged the Cache!

Taps

The bugler from the Tennessee Army National Guard couldn't have known. As he stood at attention with the cold wind blowing in his face, the spot which he had chosen to stand this afternoon was most appropriate: Right in front of Granny and Pa Woods' tombstone.

Wayne read scriptures and said a prayer. From where and what he said is lost.

Then Taps began to echo amongst the granite monuments. The Flag was folded..

On behalf of the President of the United States, a grateful nation and the United States Army please accept this flag as a token of our appreciation for your Father's honorable and faithful service.

God bless you and this family, and God bless the United States of America.