Let Me Tell You About My Grandchildren

I used to see a car tag that read- “Let Me Tell You About My Grandchildren”. I haven’t seen them around as much as I used to in times past, but on occasion I still see one. I never understood being a grandparent until a little over 4 years ago. In reality, I thought most grandparents had flipped a cog or something. I had an aunt, whom I dearly loved, and she would carry a framed 8X10 photo of her granddaughter in her purse. I thought that was a bit much- but I do understand it more than I used to! I truly adore my grandchildren. Addi, Levi, and Hannah have brought such joy to our lives. I am certain that baby Lila or baby Carter will do the same. Yesterday Addi came home with us after church. Her greatest joy at my house is to watch Dish TV and to see cartoons that are not on PBS. She crawls up on our bed and becomes a literal couch potato for hours. Yesterday David and I both got in the bed with her (we took a Sunday afternoon nap) and I think it made her year. She just smiled from ear to ear at both of us being on either side of her. We got hugs and kisses and “I love you Gramps” and “I love you Granna” until we were about hugged out. Addi is at that age where she asks LOTS of questions. Last night on the way to Jason’s Deli to eat after church, these are some of the questions we were asked:
What is the devil’s last name?
Was the devil ever 4 years old?
Was the devil always bad?
She also thinks that God only made one little girl with “whed, tuly, hair”- interpreted- “red, curly, hair”. She thinks he made kids with red hair, and he made kids with curly hair, but not red, curly hair.” So last night when we got to Jason’s we noticed a little girl with red hair that had a little curl in it (after I looked I discovered the curl was minimum to say the least, but a little on the ends). As we discovered, she was sitting with people that we knew, so we introduced Addi to the little girl. We are going to look for some pictures of red, curly headed kids so that she will know that she is not the only one.
Levi is busy being busy. He is full of hugs and always acts as if though you have been out of the country, even if he has just seen you. He runs with outstretched arms, and pats you on your back. He is talking like a 5 year old. He is very smart, perhaps too smart. He loves his family, and seems to especially love “Henna” as he calls Hannah. He is very sweet with her. Levi has a lot of energy, and his saving grace is that he is a great sleeper! He does not sit still too much, although he likes to watch cartoons.
Hannah is growing daily. Her smile just brightens a room. She is very smart and has an excellent memory (like Addi). She does not forget anything that you are trying to hide from her. She has such a pretty skin tone and is going to be very blonde, it seems. I think she might be an Indian blonde- darker skin and light hair. Her mommy and daddy are taking very good care of her. She pulled up yesterday for the first time, and is also saying “Da Da”. She laughs hysterically at her Daddy’s turkey call and at her cousin’s antics. She is a joy to all around.
Now, have I told you about my Grandchildren, lately?

Being Sequestered

I have had 2 MRI's and during both I thought I was surely going to die. The feeling of confinement was just too great. As I read about the jury for the Winkler trial, I thought- I don't believe I could stand this! I would feel like I was the one in jail, while the criminal is out walking the street. Can you imagine how the nights and weekends will be for these people. Unless you like to sleep- a lot- then some of these people might just flip a gasket. No TV, no telephone, no newspaper, no contact with the outside world. I know these things are necessary, to some degree, but come on- could they not play a video game???? I guess I would catch up on my reading- surely they can do that. Listed below are the rules for the jury. Also, if you will link to my prior post, you can see the jury break-down. This is all too sad.

9PM The jurors, chosen from McNairy County, were sequestered. Their lodging, food and transportation is provided. The Judge ordered them not to watch tv, read the newspaper or get on-line. He told them not to discuss the case and expect to work long days so they can get through the case as quickly as possible. The were also given a Juror Information Sheet, here's what's on it.
Juror Information Sheet
Prepare to stay no less than two weeks.
Provided in each room will be: Iron, coffee pot & hair dryer
All meals will be provided to you
If you have special dietary needs, please let us know.
WHAT TO BRING:
Clothes (enough for two weeks)
Toiletries
Snacks (Snacks will be provided, bring only something specific wanted)
Cigarettes
Money
Games, CardsMedication (enough for two weeks)
YOUR LUGGAGE AND BAGS WILL BE SEARCHED
WHAT *NOT* TO BRING:
CELL PHONESRadio
TV
Videos
Video Games
Computers
Alcohol
Beepers>Jewelry (anything of personal or monetary value should be brought at your own risk.)
Reading material that in any way pertains to the subject matter of this trial. Court officers will review all reading material.
Reminder: You may be away from home for at least two weeks. Arrange for mail pickup and pay any bills during this period.
(end juror information sheet)

The Trial Begins

Only if you have lived on a desert island, would you not know about the murder of Matthew Winkler and the trial of his wife, Mary. It is all so sad. While I was not privy to what went on in the Winkler home, I can hardly believe it included physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Regardless, Matthew is dead, three beautiful children are now parentless, and parents have suffered such a tragic loss. I can already tell from some of the hype that the defense will try to include brainwashing. I am sad that the Church of Christ name is going to be voiced negatively over and over again. I truly believe that Mary Winkler is troubled- obviously more troubled than anyone knew, even those close to her. I can imagine that the financial situation that she had put the family in had probably caused Matthew to be critical, and perhaps she regarded that as emotional abuse- If I wiped out our bank account (what little there is) and gave it to someone in Nigeria, I believe that David might be a little upset with me, as well.
Please pray for all involved. I saw those three precious little girls this weekend, and they do not deserve this. Their lives have been forever changed through no fault of their own. The grandparents lost a son they loved, and have know been left to raise young children- something I know that they are doing willingly, but how hard it must be. I found a link for live updates of the trial-
http://community.myfoxmemphis.com/blogs/MaryWinklerTrial

Happy 100th Birthday, Daddy

If my father were still alive, he would be 100 years old today. I lost my Daddy when I was 18. He has been gone since 1973- almost 34 years ago. Loosing a parent is never easy, but I really felt cheated that I lost my Daddy when I was so young. I wish my husband, my children, my grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, could have known Pat Melton. He was a unique individual. He was quiet, and very smart. He could fix anything. He loved us- a lot. He was a good provider, and he cared for our Mother. While not a man of many words, when Daddy said something, it was usually something worth hearing. Daddy was a hard worker- spending many years as a coal miner. Daddy was very sick from the time I was 14. He had a lung removed the year I was in eighth grade, followed by radiation, and other procedures. For a short time, we thought he might overcome the cancer, and then it came back in his throat. I don’t guess any sickness is a good one, but this was a particularly ugly way to die. I graduated from high school at the end of May in 1973. Daddy was in his last days at that time. He would ask me every week how many more days until graduation- I did not realize that he was using that as a goal to live to- I know now that he felt that seeing me finish high school would mean that he was not leaving a child behind. I understand that mentality now that I have had my own children. There comes a point when you feel that they are no longer your dependents and your role changes. Daddy died on June 29th at the age of 66. Today, 66 seems almost “middle-aged”, and too young to die. But, then again, we don’t choose our time, our place, or our method, do we? I feel sorry for people that do not have good parents- I had 2, and I am thankful they loved, provided and cared for me and Patsy and Charles. Thank you Pat Melton, for loving me.