tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34597613433860681932024-03-13T11:37:53.600-07:00Roses and RibbonsDebbie Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042965500172248825noreply@blogger.comBlogger269125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459761343386068193.post-89680204018031097202015-03-23T02:27:00.001-07:002015-03-23T02:27:25.408-07:00SAYING GOODBYE<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had to say goodbye to my sister-in-law, Judy, this past week. She was the strength of her large family and will truly be missed. Judy was just a few months older than me and she and her husband, Bill, were married the year before us. Although they lived in Illinois, we stayed connected by emailing each other almost everyday.....that was the way we kept connected to the family in Illinois and Arkansas. She was here for me dthrough the loss of my daughter, husband and home due to fire. I will be there for her husband, children and grandchildren, doing what I can to help them through this difficult time. Life is so short, we never know when our last day will be......tell your loved ones how much you love them!</span>Debbie Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042965500172248825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459761343386068193.post-3331985993776523632014-08-08T04:43:00.002-07:002014-08-08T04:43:27.204-07:00TIME!!!Where does the time go? It is so hard to believe that it is already August! My Dad used to say that the older you get, the faster the time goes by. He was so right about that! <br />
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I love that my flowers are doing well. I am not getting as many tomatoes as I had hoped for....but grateful for the ones I have. This summer has been one for the records. We have had plenty of rain and the cool weather we have had is just unheard of in the summer in Arkansas! It has been wonderful!<br />
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I miss Pete so much! We loved this time of year with the flowers and garden and of course, watching all the hummingbirds! It still just doesn't seem real that he and Jennifer are both gone. I will miss them always.....am so grateful for the promise of seeing them again!<br />
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Mom and Dad loved this time of year too. I have so many good memories of them! People that still have their parents are so blessed!<br />
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I got my shots again yesterday.....makes me feel bad for about a week, but still so much better than chemo!<br />
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Kimberly has been a sewing maniac.....making so many wonderful quilts and gifts! She is amazing! Her talent amazes me! She is so creative. She is the best sister ever....always there for me. Of course, she won't let up on the idea of me moving to Little Rock. She just can't understand that I love it here and am happy here.<br />
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I have the pleasure of keeping my neighbor's beautiful baby girl.....Rylee...she is four months old today and she is such a joy to me! She is the sweetest and happiest baby....always smiling! Children are the best medicine ever.....for mental and physical health! <br />
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Our great-niece, Abbi, is pregnant and expecting in the Spring! We keep her close in our prayers....praying she will have a healthy baby. She is very excited about the baby....I just don't think she really realizes the responsibility she now has. <br />
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I still love my card making.....truly the best therapy ever for me! I can go into the craft room and lose my worries. <br />
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Although I have sad and down days at times, I am very grateful for what I have! God is good and He is good ALL the time!<br />
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Debbie Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042965500172248825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459761343386068193.post-19772389370963213312014-05-11T04:35:00.000-07:002014-05-11T04:35:12.461-07:00MOTHER'S DAY 2014!I miss my Mom each and everyday....always will until that wonderful day, when I see her again! I don't know why this year seems like it has pulled on my heart strings more than in previous years....Kimberly said this year has been harder for her too. You just never get over the void in your life without your Mother. I called her every morning.....always! Loved hearing her sweet voice answering me when I asked her what she was going to do that day....saying, same ole, same ole! She was so sweet, funny and loving. She loved cooking for others and she loved this time of year, planting flowers and watching them grow! She loved me unconditonally and was always there for me! <br />
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I hope that everyone that is still blessed with having their Mother, will ket them know how much they love them....not just today on Mother's Day....but everyday!Debbie Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042965500172248825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459761343386068193.post-40967824935666427072014-04-21T03:01:00.000-07:002014-04-21T03:01:31.107-07:00EIGHT YEARS!!It doesn't seem possible that my precious Jennifer has been gone eight years today! Sometimes, it feels like it was yesterday. I miss her so much! I miss her beautiful smile, the sound of her laugh, cooking for her, listening to her hopes and dreams.....I miss everything about her. I learned so much from her in her 28 short years here....she was so compassionate and never judged others. She was my light and joy. I would never want her back here....knowing now that she is healthy and happy and with her Dad and other loved ones. I will always miss her and will always try to keep her memory alive. She touched the hearts of many. I am so grateful for the promise that I will be with her again!Debbie Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042965500172248825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459761343386068193.post-6431461495513627162014-03-28T03:22:00.001-07:002014-03-28T03:22:46.593-07:00HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JENNIFER!It is so hard to believe that my baby would have been 36 years old today, harder to believe that she has been gone for eight years. I miss her every second of every day! She was truly the light of my life and she touched so many lives of others. <br />
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When you lose a child, you think that you will never be able to breathe again....you think that your world has just stopped.....which it seems like it did. With the love and grace of God, you get the strength to go on....knowing that it comes from Him! You are so grateful for the promise that you will be with them again.<br />
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I do my best to keep her memory alive. We still have the Jennifer Project in her honor. I know that she would be pleased that we are doing this. ACH was such a huge part of her life....she would love knowing that we are trying to make hospital stays a little brighter for the kids. I am still sending sunflower seeds each year to be planted in her memory.....I cannot see a sunflower, without thinking of her.<br />
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Happy Birthday, Jennifer!Debbie Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042965500172248825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459761343386068193.post-87731952605947472502014-02-27T04:48:00.000-08:002014-02-27T04:48:16.676-08:00WINTER IS NOT OVER!We were teased with a taste of Spring! You could just feel it and hear it! It didn't last long, and we are having another round of cold weather. I know after talking to my relatives in Illinois, I have nothing to complain about....they are still having single digit temperatures.....can't imagine having that kind of weather for an extended period of time!<br />
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Spring was one of mine and Pete's favorite times of the year! We could sit on the porch for hours and talk about our dreams for the garden and flowers and of course, the anticipation of the return of our beloved hummingbirds....those little guys kept us entertained for hours.<br />
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I miss him so much....always....but there are certain times, it just hits you like you have been run over by a truck.....and you never know for sure what triggers those feelings or when they are going to come. With Jennifer's birthday and the anniversary of her death coming up, these feelings just seem to be stronger. I always had Pete to help get me through the bad days. I just take it day by day and do what I can to keep their memory alive and to do something for others. Kimberly and I have been working hard on items for the Jennifer Project bags....so glad that we are still keeping this project alive after eight years. Jennifer spent so much time in the hospital, I know that she would love this project. I will choose a bush or tree and plant it in her memory. <br />
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Spring will soon be here and I am looking forward to the dark and dreary days of winter turning into beautiful colors and sounds. God is good and He is good ALL the time!Debbie Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042965500172248825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459761343386068193.post-71317404220853927212014-02-12T06:33:00.000-08:002014-02-12T06:33:18.240-08:002 of #48 WALKSSince my first walk on this challenge, I have been pretty much homebound because of the ice and snow! My driveway going up the hill is still ice and snow covered.<br />
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I still have to walk using a cane. When I go grocery shopping, I always ride in one of the electric carts. I hate doing this, but get tired easily when walking, and don't want to take a chance of falling! Yesterday, my sweet nephew...Bobby...came over and took me to the grocery store and to do some errands. When I got to the grocery store, I decided that I would not use the electric cart, choosing to walk and push the buggy instead. I know that this doesn't sound like a big deal to most people, but it has been a couple of years since I have walked while grocery shopping. These are baby steps for sure, but thanks to Alison's inspiration and encouragement, I walked! YAY ME!<br />
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Our weather is going to be gorgeous and warm this weekend. I will be under the bridge after church, helping feed the homeless. I hope to get in another walk while there. <br />
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Taking baby steps, but trying!Debbie Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042965500172248825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459761343386068193.post-17423801162977113642014-02-02T03:24:00.000-08:002014-02-02T03:24:51.494-08:00ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!<br />
It is hard to believe that it has been a year since I lost Pete! At times, it seems like it was yesterday, then at other times, it seems so much longer. The days turn into weeks and then before you know it, a year has gone by. I miss him everyday.....when I get up in the morning, all day long and when I go to bed at night. 42 years is a long time to share your life with someone, and I am so grateful for those years....there were good times, as well as bad times....but we got through them. I will cherish those memories forever and be ever so grateful that I will see him again. I have peace in knowing that he is no longer miserable trying to get through the days, feeling so bad...but he kept trying. He is now healthy and happy and is with our precious Jennifer and other loved ones. How could I not feel at peace knowing that?<br />
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I have learned so much this past year, and am cetainly still in the learning phase with so much more to learn. I have learned to do things for myself, that I never thought I could learn to do. I have learned to be able to be alone and not let that upset me (I know that with God, I am never alone)....I am ever so grateful for my sister, Kimberly, who is my rock and my precious friends that help me get through the rough times. I am grateful to have my sister-in-law, Barb....she became a member of this widow's club just two months before me. It is good to be able to cry on the shoulders of each other and understand how it is. I am trying hard to strenghten my relationship with God and to study His word more and have a better understanding. I have taken on a challenge to get out and walk a little...which isn't easy, but as I have learned most things worth doing are not easy. I am sure that with each walk, it will get easier.<br />
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Yes, today is a sad day to remember, but I am grateful for the memories.....they can't be taken away. Pete was such a good hearted and caring person. <br />
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Tell your loved ones that you love them and make sure they know that you mean it!Debbie Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042965500172248825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459761343386068193.post-73238194683890102432014-02-01T18:17:00.003-08:002014-02-01T18:17:44.131-08:00My First of #48 WalksI finally did it! My first walk of #48 walks! Thank you once again, Alison. You are so inspiring. I went to Gulph Gorge National Park....such a beautiful park in all seasons. My walk was short, but sweet! I wanted to go before the rain and winter weather that is predicted got here. I am determined to go a little further with each one and since I started late, I have some catching up to do. I am happy that I finally got out and began! Baby steps.....but steps! LOL!Debbie Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042965500172248825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459761343386068193.post-84165372048437204062014-01-28T04:09:00.001-08:002014-01-28T04:09:34.213-08:00#48 WALKSMy friend, Alison Chino, is so inspiring! I love her writing, her recipes and her beautiful photography. She and her family are in Scotland for the next three years. Her husband, Taido, is one of the pastors of our church and he is going to school there for the next three years....they are such an amazing family and so inspiring!<br />
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Alison has started a group called #48 Walks....she is inviting people to take 48 walks this year. They can be anywhere you choose. She has a wonderful blog....Chino House. I have been thinking about this since the first day I read her post about it. I have decided to make the committment to do it! I am still pretty shaky walking and must use my cane when out of the house.....but I am going to do it. I will have short walks, but hopefully, I will build up my stamina and be able to increase them. There are so many beautiful places here in Hot Springs to walk and such gorgeous scenery. I could probably do all my walking right down the road from me in Gulpha Gorge National Park, and see something different with each walk. Like I said, I will starrt out slow....even if I can just park a little further away from the door at the grocery store. I know that the benefit of the fresh air and the beautiful scenery will be good for me emotionally and physically. I am sure the dogs will love going with me at times and getting out of the house. Anyone want to join me?Debbie Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042965500172248825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459761343386068193.post-9883045256605959222014-01-17T02:10:00.001-08:002014-01-17T02:10:07.321-08:00JANUARY 17th!Two years ago today, Pete and I had to stand and watch our home and 41 years of our lives go up in smoke, as we lost everything in the fire. I remember feeling so helpless and wondering what we would do to start to rebuild our lives. <br />
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Yes, we lost all our posessions and personal things like pictures, scrapbooks and special things that were Jennifer's and my parents. We lost our two precious dogs....we had thought they had gotten out of the house, but had run to hide in the bedroom closet. You can eventually replace material things and you learn to be grateful for the memories of the things you cannot replace. <br />
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I have always believed that every hard struggle makes you come out a little bit stronger....this has proven to be true with my three battles with cancer. The fire has certainly strenghtened my faith in people and the love of God. I could never express the outpouring of love and support from friends, family and many strangers after the fire. We even received our home from a wonderful family that had seen our story on the news....what an awesome family and angels from God. We had many people that came and worked for weeks, helping us clean up after the fire and get moved in to start to rebuild our lives.....it was amazing. We were given clothing, furniture and all the household items we needed. It still amazes me the outpouring of love....increases my desire to serve God and help people everyday. I am so blessed that this horrible experience left me with new friendships.... friends that were there for me when I lost Pete last year. God's love is so awesome....there really are angels among us and I will always stand by....God is good and He is good ALL the time!! I don't know why things happen in life, but I do know that God is always in control and He has the plan for each of us. He is always there with us, and for that, I could not be more grateful!Debbie Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042965500172248825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459761343386068193.post-7433264733208338312014-01-14T06:01:00.000-08:002014-01-14T06:01:11.846-08:002014!I can hardly believe it is already 2014! We started off the New Year with extremely cold weather....got down to 9 degrees one night. I survived the cold spell with only a brief period of no power and thankfully no busted pipes....that is always a big concern for me. Being by myself, I sure don't need to have to deal with that...very grateful.<br />
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2013 was a hard year for many friends and family members. I still can't believe that I lost Pete....it jsut doesn't seem real....after 42 years! I am praying that all loved ones will have a great year. I will make my commitment to serving others stronger and try to increase my closer walk with God. I know that He has the plan for each of us and He is always in control. I will try to be more patient and wait and listen to Him!<br />
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I am hoping to declutter my life...working on it a little at a time, until I reach that goal. I want to spend more time with friends and loved ones, and let them know how much they mean to me. I want to try to find ways to improve my health and be more active. This will take baby steps....but I will do it.....while I wait patiently to be the first candidate for a right side body transplant....LOL! I will give thanks for what I have and for the people in my life. I will try not to worry so much about the things I have no control over and cannot change. I will try to smile more and lend a helping hand to those in need.<br />
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Happy New Year to all!<br />
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Debbie Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042965500172248825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459761343386068193.post-24675942917691018712013-12-30T03:32:00.001-08:002013-12-30T03:40:43.311-08:00CHRISTMAS 2013!!This will surely be a CHRISTmas I will never forget. I have always thought that I would always want to be at home on CHRISTmas....could never even imagine being gone at CHRISTmas! My life has changed so much since losing my husband in February. This time of year has been so hard for me since losing Jennifer in 2006. I always had my husband to get me through those hard times. This year I knew that I didn't want to be at home. My sister and I through the gracious gift of our special friend, Michelle, spent this year in Destin, Florida. It was such a wonderful trip....we enjoyed every second of everyday! How awesome to wake up each morning to the sights and sounds of the ocean. Jennifer and I always said how close we felt to God while on the beach,,,,,witnessing His wonders! It is just amazing!<br />
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While there, we went to church with Stephanie Parker and her beautiful family. They moved there two years ago and it was wonderful visiting with them.....they have four beautiful daughters...they are just precious.<br />
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We ate lots of wonderful seafood while there and visited many of the surrounding beaches in the area. We went to a great quilt shop in Panama City....Kimberly was in awe at all the beautiful fabric...while at the quilt store, one of the ladies that works at Kimberly's favorite fabric store in Little Rock, came in with her daughter....small world, for sure.<br />
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We attended a CHRISTmas Eve service at a church in Destin. While going to the service, we saw several homeless people. Since we are involved in the homeless ministry here, this really tugged at our heart strings. On CHRISTmas morning....unable to find many places open...we went to a convenience store and bought sandwiches, chips and crackers. We made bags to give to the homeless. We had to drive around for a bit before we found them, but we did find them. It felt good to spread a little CHRISTmas cheer.<br />
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A family of a former ACH patient of mine, saw on fb that we were in Destin....she sent me a message and we had lunch with them in Hattiesburg on our way home....another great blessing. They have three beautiful children and are such a sweet family!<br />
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It rained most of the way home. We so enjoyed this wonderful week, but it was good to be back home. I missed my fur babies terribly, but they and the house were cared for by my brother-in-law, George. I was so grateful for him.<br />
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2013 has been a hard year for many friends and family members. I am wishing all a Happy and Healthy New Year! God is good and He is good ALL time!Debbie Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042965500172248825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459761343386068193.post-12376632668752839242013-12-17T04:37:00.000-08:002013-12-17T04:37:10.205-08:00NEW TRADITIONS!Sometimes we are forced to start new traditions. I was just fine with my former CHRISTmas traditions....changed before seven years ago with the loss of my daughter. Somehow, my hubby and I had adjusted our lives and made it through, without having our precious Jennifer here to celebrate the best of all days....the birth of Jesus! The 28 CHRISTmases that I was able to celebrate with her will always live in my heart! I cherish all those memories. For the past 42 years, I had celebrated CHRISTmas with my husband, Pete. I would have never dreamed that last CHRISTmas would have been our last one together. <br />
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I know you hear it said all the time....how precious life is and how short. I think some people take life for granted and don't really realize that none of us is promised tomorrow. Please take the time during this busy time of year to tell and show your loved ones that you love them and how much they mean to you. For the past 42 years, Pete and I always told each other we loved each other, at least once a day....except when I was at "sleep" while in the hospital. We knew we loved each other, as did Jennifer and my parents and my sister knows how much I love her!!<br />
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This year new traditions will be started once again....not by choice. I will get through it, because I have faith in God, and I can do anything through Him, who gives me strength. <br />
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Remember the Reason of the Season....Love one another and have a very Merry CHRISTmas!Debbie Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042965500172248825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459761343386068193.post-39575661663661334062013-11-25T02:19:00.001-08:002013-11-25T02:19:39.589-08:00CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS!This time last year, we were so blessed by wonderful friends, bringing us a tree and decorations....helping replace all that was lost during the fire! We were so happy and so grateful for the outpouring of love that day...it will always be remembered! I would have never dreamed last year, that I would have lost my husband of 42 years and be decorating by myself this year! Each and every day is hard without him and my precious Jennifer.....it just seems that these times are exaceberated during the Holidays. We loved CHRISTmas and decorating. I will always love the CHRISTmas Season.....celebrating the birth of Jesus! I have said many times that I wish we could all keep the CHRISTmas Spirit.....the joy, love and giving...everyday of the year! <br />
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I hope everyone will let their loved ones know how much you love them. Life is short and so precious....cherish the time you have together!<br />
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Merry CHRISTmas!Debbie Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042965500172248825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459761343386068193.post-50929367255317870172013-11-05T19:11:00.000-08:002013-11-05T19:11:55.395-08:00HOW CAN IT BE NOVEMBER???It is hard to believe that it is already November. I love this time of year, the beautiful colors of fall and the much welcomed cooler temperatures!<br />
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Last Friday, Kimberly, Missy, Laura and I went to Petit Jean Mountain.....enjoying all the beautiful eye candy that God gives us to enjoy....the colors of the trees were breath taking. We had lunch at the Mather Lodge and all had a good visit. It was a perfect day, allowing us to ride in Kimberly's new car (FiFi), with the top down. <br />
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The coming of the Holiday Season exacerbates my feelings of longing for Pete to still be here with me....it magnifies the loneliness that I feel without him. It is so very had to believe that he has been gone for nine months....42 years with someone is a long time, then for it to just be gone. We loved sitting on the porch every morning with our coffee, even if we were wrapped up in a blanket. I cherish those special memories of us sharing our dreams together and making plans of what we wanted to do in the yard and things. I know that it isn't our plan at all....that God is always in control and that He has the plan for each of us. The Holidays will never be the same, but then again, none of my days will ever be the same. Kimberly is on call this year for Thanksgiving....I always cook a big Thanksgiving dinner here. This year I will cook at Kimberly's and Laura is going to come for dinner. On Christmas, we are blessed that our angel of a friend, Michelle, is going to let us stay at her condo in Destin, Florida! Jennifer and I loved going to Destin....I haven't been since she passed away seven years ago. Again, it will be different not being at home on Christmas.....I have always said that I would want to always be at home on Christmas.....life changes and so does your thinking, I guess. I know that Jennifer and Pete wouldn't want me to stay at home, and they will be happy knowing I will be on the beach. I didn't choose the changes that have been made in my life. I will accept them, because I don't have another choice. I am grateful to have such a wonderful sister to share my life with and so many amazing friends! I get by with a little help from my friends, the love of family and friends, and the unfailing love of Jesus Christ! God is good and He is good ALL the time!Debbie Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042965500172248825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459761343386068193.post-60504265078964589792013-10-24T15:28:00.000-07:002013-10-24T15:28:21.662-07:00HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!How did I get to be 62 years old today? I can remember thinking that 50 was old. It just doesn't seem real. I am blessed to be here, for sure. I am just trying to follow God closer and to live the plan He has for me. I know that He is always in control and that He is good and He is good ALL the time!<br />
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This time last year, I would have never believed that my husband of 42 years would be gone. The past years have been a roller coaster for sure. I have lost my precious Jennifer, have fought and won my third battle with breast cancer (that started in 1999), have lost my home and all my belongings in the house fire and then lost my husband in February of this year. Life will never be the same again. I just have to continue to stand on the promise that I will see my loved ones again. I have to be grateful for all that I have and appreciate and cherish family and friends and realize how precious each day is....each day we are given, is truly a gift. <br />
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I am studying God's word more than I ever have, listening to what He is telling me and trying to do more for others. I truly believe that we are to be Christ followers and to help people in any way that we can. <br />
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Things are so different for me now....but I get with the love of help of my precious sister, friends, and church family! God really is good and He is good ALL the time!<br />
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I feel very blessed and grateful to be celebrating another birthday!Debbie Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042965500172248825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459761343386068193.post-27970057611004181342013-09-23T04:53:00.001-07:002013-09-23T04:53:23.071-07:00FALL IS IN THE AIR!I LOVE this time of year! We are having such nice weather....cool mornings and mild days! I love the anticipation of the trees changing colors and wearing hoodies and breathing cool, brisk non-humid air! I love walking through leaves and hearing the crunch! I love football games and seeing more people outside.<br />
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I am blessed to be a part of a wonderful women's Bible Study.....Breaking Free by Beth Moore and also am taking a new class at church....Mobilize! Mobilize is a five week session designed to get you moving in your relationship with God and His work. Our church believes we don't want to just attend church, but to be the church! Yesterday was the first class....so happy that I signed up! I am certain that this class will strengthen my relationship with God!<br />
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Happy Fall to all!!Debbie Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042965500172248825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459761343386068193.post-72472540127670041522013-08-30T14:23:00.000-07:002013-08-30T14:23:49.748-07:00WOOOOO PIG SOOOOOIE!I can hardly believe that it is FINALLY here! Tomorrow the Razorbacks have their first game of the season! It seemed like waiting for Christmas to come! But today, is Razorback Eve! I love the Hogs and all the excitement! The University of Arkansas has the best fans ever!<br />
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Tomorrow will certainly be a bittersweet day for me. I am happy that the game is televised and I will be calling the Hogs! It will certainly be a hard and sad day also, not having Pete here to watch the game with me. We looked forward to watching college football on Saturdays, especially our Hogs! We were both happy and excited over this season, having a new coach and hopes for a great year! I will so miss him, not being here with me. Saturdays are hard days for me anyway....it was Saturdays, that we always did our errands in the morning, and it was on a Saturday that God called him home! Saturdays will never be the same for me again, but neither will any other day. Life has changed! I just have to know that I will see him again and I cherish the memories of him. I am sure that he and Jennifer, along with my Mom and Dad will be calling the Hogs from Heaven!<br />
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I am grateful that my sweet neighbors are Hog fans too, and that Brandi and Jarod are going to come down and watch the game with me. Kim would have come over, but she would have been miserable....she is NOT a Razorback fan or a sport fan at all. <br />
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Yes, tomorrow will be different, but I will get through it and will be calling the Hogs.....WOOOO PIG SOOOOOIE RAZORBACKS! Debbie Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042965500172248825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459761343386068193.post-20526438156041288672013-08-05T03:20:00.000-07:002013-08-05T03:20:30.077-07:00SO THANKFUL!!!I am so thankful for having such good nephews! Bobby has helped me so much, when I need it...he even knew where the water turn off for the house was, when I didn't know. David and Sherrie came over Saturday morning and worked all day weedeating, weeding the flower beds and cutting brush. I mowed. The yard looks great! Wish that it would stay this way or that I could learn to use the weedeater! I appreciate all their help so much. This is what David and Sherrie do for a living and they sure know how to get the job done! <br />
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I feel bad having to depend on others to help me so much, but I sure do appreciate it. Pete has been gone six months....just doesn't seem possible. Sometimes, it seems like it was just yesterday. I have learned to do a lot and I am still learning. <br />
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Kimberly still gives me a hard time about not moving to Little Rock. I love it here....this is my home! I love having the mowing and things to keep me busy.....I love having my craft room where I can go and lose my worries! I love watching the birds, squirrels, rabbits and other animals that come to visit. I love having my dogs here! I cannot imagine being in an apartment....I guess I have adapted to the country life too well. It is quiet and peaceful here, I have neighbors and am close to town. I feel close to Mom, Dad, Pete and Jennifer here. As long as my health stays good and I can get around, and this is God's plan for me, I plan on staying here! Yes, I have had some challenges....but that would be anywhere I lived. It is good for me to have things to do to occupy my mind and body! I am so grateful for all that I have and appreciate it so much. Had it not been for all the wonderful people that helped us so much after the fire, I know that I wouldn't have been able to stay here. God has the plan for us all and He is always in control. I have my faith and trust in Him and I know that He is good and He is good All the time....and He is good here at the Eagle's Nest! I am so thankful for Him!!Debbie Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042965500172248825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459761343386068193.post-29518699821291299502013-08-02T03:47:00.000-07:002013-08-02T03:47:21.780-07:00KEEPING THE FAITH!As of last week, I have been fighting cancer for fourteen years! It has been a roller coaster for sure. I know that I have become a much stronger person because of it and know how to appreciate and cherish the little things in life. As a friend of mine, who is also a survivor said, I wouldn't give up the pain for the things I have gained through this experience. I trust God's plan for my life and am trying my best to walk closer with Him each day. I try to let my loved ones know how much I love them and how much they mean to me. I try to be a friend to those in need and try to help those that need help. Feeding the homeless once a month, makes me even more aware of how truly blessed that I am. <br />
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Pete has been gone for six months today! It just doesn't seem possible. I miss him so very much. 42 1/2 years is a long time to be with someone, and then it is gone. Like I have said before, when I lost my precious Jennifer, I didn't think that I would even be able to breathe again, much less keep on going. Pete was here with me, and we helped each other through our grief. I miss her so much, just like it was yesterday. I try to keep her memory alive by honoring her in any way that I can, like through the "Jennifer Project" for the kids at the hospital....I know that she would love this. I have really surprised myself about the independence I have gained since losing Pete....it hasn't been easy, but I am getting there. I love mowing...just wish that I wasn't so afraid of mowing the hilly places...still afraid of falling off the mower. This is getting a little better, but have accepted the fact that if I can't do it, I will just have grassy hills LOL! I know that he is proud of me for what I have learned to do for myself. We take for granted all the things that our spouses do. I so wish that I had paid more attention to the things that he always took care of and had learned more....little things like where the cut off for the water to the house is....thank goodness that a call to my nephew, Bobby, solved that mystery for me. I am learning! I thank God for all that I have, for my sister and family, my wonderful friends, my church family and of course, my furry daughters! I have bad days, that is for sure....never know when they are coming or what brings them on....just have to keep on going.<br />
I am glad that Barb and I have such a close relationship....hate that it got closer because of us both being new members to the "widow club", but so grateful to have someone that truly understands. I think that sometimes people just don't understand how hard it is.....and I am glad that they haven't had to lose their loved one.<br />
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I still proclaim that God is good and He is good ALL the time! He hears my prayers, knows my hurt and He is always in control and there for me! He has the plan for each of us. I will continue to have a closer walk with Him and give thanks for what I have!Debbie Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042965500172248825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459761343386068193.post-63633523443102347842013-07-06T04:18:00.001-07:002013-07-06T04:18:55.544-07:00PRICELESS GIFT!!!!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kimberly came over Wednesday to spend the night and celebrate the 4th of July. We grilled chicken kabobs, made a canvas and memory box. I had not been feeling well since getting my shots on Monday....afraid I was a little grumpy, but we still enjoyed our time together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Jennifer had made quite a few videos....she always took a lot of pictures too. Kimberly had the tapes transferred to DVD's, but we couldn't get them to play on the laptop, for some reason. She got a portable DVD player and it worked perfectly. I can't tell you how much it means to me to be able to hear voices of our loved ones who have passed. Most of the time, Jennifer was taking the videos, but every now and then, there would be a glimpse of her. It was so awesome to be able to hear her sweet voice, laugh and even her cough. This is the greatest thing ever. There were a lot of tapes with her godchildren and cousins too. Pete was never a big talker, but his voice was there at times. There was a great day recorded of Kimberly, Pete, Dustin and Jason playing golf and Jennifer was their caddy! It seems like only yesterday, Abbi was the little girl in the videos. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">My heart is aching for them today, but will always cherish these tapes and being able to hear their voices, like it was yesterday!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">God is good and He is good ALL the time!!!</span>Debbie Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042965500172248825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459761343386068193.post-12413006321448633942013-06-18T04:24:00.001-07:002013-06-18T04:24:40.463-07:00STAYING BUSY!I realize that it has only been four months since I had to join the "widow club".... a club that I never wanted to join! Sometimes, it seems like it was a long time ago, and most other days, it seems like only a few hours ago. It is so hard. When I lost Jennifer, I didn't think that I would ever be able to breathe again, much less function in life.....but I did! I had Pete here with me to get through the long days and hard times. I still miss her every minute of everyday. I still try to keep her memory alive with working on the "Jennifer Project" and doing for others. I know that life goes on, despite of the loss of our loved ones....but it doesn't mean it is easy. I am loving working in the yard and flowers, as Pete and I once did together. I can feel him with me when I am facing hard decisions about doing things. Staying busy is good therapy for me and I now have my craft room which I know that he is so proud that it is finished. My prayer was answered for him to no longer be in pain. He is now pain free and with Jennifer....I could never wish for him to come back the way he was. Once again, I give thanks daily for the promise that I will be with them again! God is good and He is good ALL the time! I will take it one day at a time, and when I look back, I can see that I am making progress....slow, but making progress!Debbie Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042965500172248825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459761343386068193.post-58026085840490513202013-05-28T03:37:00.000-07:002013-05-28T03:37:46.450-07:00A NEW FORM OF THERAPY!Card making has always been good therapy for me, and always will be. I can start making cards and my troubles seem to leave while I concentrate on doing something for others. The past couple of weeks, I have found another outlet for my stress....yard work! I have found that while on the mower, my troubles and sadness leave. It is very relaxing mowing and letting my thoughts go to the good memories, instead of all the sad ones. I have been planting flowers and love to see the fruit of my labor. I am slow at doing it, but it is getting done. I know that by the time I get the whole yard mowed, it will probably be time to mow the first place I started LOL! I am still afraid of tipping over on the hills, but my broter-in-law, George, said that he will mow the hills for me. I don't want to fall off and land in the pond. <br />
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I spent the night with Kimberly after church on Sunday. The dogs were angels and didn't bother her cats, although they didn't come out of the bedroom very much. I think it will get better with each visit. I am happy that it looks like they will get along well. This fall, I will be able to go to Bible Study and spend the night with Kimberly, not having to drive home after dark. I will look forward to being able to doing this. <br />
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I am so thankful for my good neighbors. They have planted the garden here....we should have fresh veggies soon. I am thankful that we have had good weather and rain. They said that they saw a deer by the garden yesterday......hope that he doesn't decide to eat dinner in the garden.<br />
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Debbie Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042965500172248825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3459761343386068193.post-10847119603584774732013-05-12T16:50:00.000-07:002013-05-12T16:50:04.529-07:00HARD COUPLE OF WEEKS!<br />
It seems like all days and weeks are hard now, but some more so. Gracie and Mickie got in a fight over rawhide bones. This resulted in Gracie getting an infection and having to have surgery to put a drain tube in. Just as she was recovering, last Sunday, the big dog that lives on the hill behind us, broke his chain, came in my yard and attacked Lucy. She had to have exploratory surgery Monday morning, but Dr. Brown was unable to save her. She was my baby of the three. She was the Alpha dog for sure....she let the others know when it was time to eat, play, go outside or even get in my lap. She was fiesty for sure....she loved people and especially their feet and shoes. I will miss her always. This same dog injured a friend of mine's dog when they were visiting and killed our little Desi, again in my yard. The owners had promised to keep the dog chained during the day. After this happened with Lucy, they came down and assured me that the dog was given to someone in Benton. I don't know why things like this have to happen! Lucy wouldn't hurt a fly. Gracie is recovering well physically, but I can tell that she and Mickie just don't understand what happened to Lucy. Sometimes, life just doesn't seem fair. I know that we are not supposed to question why things happen, but it sure is hard.<br />
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I went to the card making group at church yesterday. We get together to make cards for the church to send to people on our prayer list....this is close to my heart...this has been my ministry for a few years now. It is good therapy, for sure. Kimberly went with me too. I spent the night with her, went to church this morning, had lunch with her and then came back home. <br />
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I miss my Mom so very much.....it is hard to believe that she has been gone for ten years. I ache for Jennifer, I can't believe that she has been gone seven years now. Sometimes, it seems like they have been gone forever and other times, it seems like only yesterday. I have my memories to cherish of them, I am grateful for that and I know they both knew how very much I loved them. I know that I will be with them again. I miss Pete so much everyday....it still just doesn't seem real! It seems like he should still be here on the porch watching the birds in the morning while we have our coffee. Next month, we would have been married for 43 years! That is a long time to be with someone almost everyday, then it be taken away.<br />
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Aunt Toots, my Dad's sister, will be 90 years old next Sunday. She lives in St, Louis with her daughter now, but we are celebrating her birthday in North Little Rock next Sunday. She is such a strong and amazing woman. She and Kimberly are going to come over here next Saturday for a visit.<br />
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I hope everyone had a great day and if you are fortunate enough to still have your Mom, I hope that you were able to hug her and tell her that you loved her!!Debbie Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042965500172248825noreply@blogger.com0