Sunday, January 13, 2008

Ellis Ray Heair

Today, January 13, 2008 has been one year since my grandfather went home to be with the Lord. In October, 2006 he underwent surgery for mouth cancer. He stayed for a while in the VA in Memphis and was later transferred to a nursing facility in Starkville, MS. Early Saturday morning, January 13, 2007, I got a call to say he had passed away. I did get to see for Christmas 2006 and knew his days were become fewer. He never was able to really speak again and was still being fed through a feeding tube. I am grateful that before after his surgery I was able to spend a day with him in the hospital.

At his funeral on January 15, 2007, I shared a tribute I wrote about him. Only the Lord gave me the courage and the words to say. I wanted to offer a memorial to him. My childhood was greatly enriched having him as a "Grandpa". I am thankful he is now in heaven, free from pain, but miss his voice and face.

New to the blogging world...

Okay, I am going to give this a try and start blogging. Today is Sunday afternoon and we have decided to stay in WLR versus driving back in to church tonight. My hubby is busy on a computer checking emails, etc. and my 2 children are having a Webkinz Board Meeting with Princess and Nick.

We celebrated the holidays this year with both sets of family. On Christmas Eve we travelled to Maumelle to have Christmas with the Cain family. We enjoyed a nice lunch and then of course opened presents. The kids received a PS2 from Pepaw and Mawmaw - that was the highlight. Tim got a docking station for his ipod and I received Ann Taylor gift certificates.

That afternoon, we travelled to Marion to have the Harrell Christmas. We stayed the night at my parents' home - which we haven't done in a while. On Christmas morning, we looked in our stockings and opened our gifts to one another. We started a few years ago only getting the kids 3 gifts and this year a friend of mine gave me an even better idea. They get one spiritual gift, one needed gift and one wanted gift. This is very easy for us and cuts down on all the stuff. Nathan received 2 PS2 games - High School Musical Sing it & Meet the Robinsons and Natalie received some American Girl clothing and clothes.

Tim and I returned home on Wednesday, leaving the kids there for a few days. I then went back on Saturday and we drove to Mississippi for the Heair Family Christmas. We stayed at my grandmother's house - a little crowded, but okay. This is the first Christmas without my grandfather and I really missed him. He would always be sitting in his recliner and greeted us as soon as we came in the door. I know he is heaven, but I miss seeing his sweet face. On Sunday, we went to my aunt's house and had lunch and then shared gifts with one another.

The holidays were busy as usual, but enjoyable for the most part.