Goodbye Dear Auntie Esther

Today was the funeral of Betty's dear aunt.  She was a wonderful person and she will be missed.

Esther May Freed Garten, age 89, passed away, October 13, 2011 in Colorado Springs. She was born August 9, 1922, daughter of the late Walter Hiram and Grace Elizabeth Freed. Esther was a master seamstress and loved to spend her time crocheting afghans for her children and grandchildren. Esther became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in February of 1975 while living in Security, Colorado. She served a mission and worked in the Denver temple 14 years. Esther is survived by two sons, Walter Garten and Steven (Diane) Garten; a sister, Naomi Noble; half sister, Eilene Clay; daughter-in-law, Jodie Garten; 14 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by 4 children; Robin Garten, Jeannette Garten, Loretta Garten and Alan Garten.

Her obituary from the Gazette is available online.  It is also available from Evergreen funeral home here.

Old photos

I have finally found a way to scan and share some of our old family photographs in the form of slides that have been in boxes for years.  If you are interested in seeing them and sharing them, just let me know. 

Betty's special day / Father's Day Visit

Betty had a special day this past week. 

It was so nice to see Andrea and her family when they came to visit.

Luke is getting as tall as I am and his voice is deepening.  I cherish every moment that we have to spend with him before he grows too "mature" for his grandparents.

I enjoy being with my daughter.  The white hair you see on me was earned by the two of us, that is the hair that I didn't pull out worrying about her.  She's my sweetheart.

In an effort to keep from boring the kids to death at our house watching old movies, we took the kids to Bear Creek park for a stroll in nature.

Ashleigh and Betty were catching up on their girl talk while the rest of us were stepping it out and setting a bit faster pace.  They didn't even notice that they were getting left behind.

I got to try out my camera on some of the wild flowers in the park.  They were beautiful, but this is one time that I was glad that I didn't get the point.

No treck on the west side would be complete without a stop at Old Colorado City Creamery Ice Cream Parlor.

You would never know it by looking at this innocent looking face, but Andrea enjoyed her ice cream too.

Luke is a man of a few words, but me thinks he is savoring the last bite of ambrosia.

Betty is already anticipating their next visit and the treats afterwards.

A new trail buddy

 Twelve years ago, Betty and I bought a Sheltie puppy at a pet store.  Many told us that it was a horrible mistake, but we named him Brewster Dogburn and showered our love on him.  Once we took him though obedience training and got him the medical attention he needed, he was a wonderful pet.  For over ten years, he was a member of our family and we loved him.  When he died, he left a hole in our hearts and we swore that one day we would replace him.

The opportunity finally came.  We got news that this cute little guy was available from an animal rescue.  We picked him up Monday, and the adventure begins.

Since he's not a puppy, he comes with some challenges, and we have some serious training to do.  He knows his name, but he doesn't always respond as I would like.  This little guy eats like a horse and his manners are almost absent.  He barks at every dog or person that  he sees.  He is persistent with his need to play and isn't as affectionate as we would hope. We just might find that Caesar Milan's programs just might prove useful after all.

Today was our third day.  He has been walking with me at least once a day.  He keeps me moving.  He's good for my heart in more ways than I anticipated.

July is going to be a busy month for us.  We need to get this little fellow ready to meet our family.  He's sweet, but rebellious; playful but determined.  

He comes pre-named and he knows his name well, so that's the name we will use with him as well.  His name is Corin.  We were told that is the name of one of the characters from Tales of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. 

Week two of retirement

Today was the end of week two and I thought I would be able to sit back and chill out.  That hasn't been the case.  I've been busy with yard work, medical appointments, insurance appointments, and the honey-do list.  I find that at the end of each day, I have items on my daily to-do list that I haven't gotten accomplished. 

The lawn is mowed, the flower beds have been weeded and I have spread fertilizer.  There is still a long list of tasks that need to be done in the yard and in the house. 

I have enjoyed spending time with Betty.  I've also enjoyed the looser schedule.  I have enjoyed taking longer for lunches. long walks and an occasional phone conversation with a more relaxed tone.

I have rededicated myself to my weight loss program, and it is already showing up at the scale. 

I think that the thing that I enjoy most is being able to work and live by my own schedule.  I enjoy sleeping late and I enjoy staying up late if I want to watch an old movie.

Exercising in a chair.

For several years now, Betty has been taking classes from Silver Sneakers.  It just didn't make sense to me because I just couldn't imagine getting good exercise in a chair.  Lucky for me, I thought, the classes were offered during the day and my work schedule did not allow attending with her.  Well, I am now retired and have run out of excuses.  Today was the first class, and I found that I enjoyed myself.   We will be attending regularly, and I believe I am looking forward to it.

The Window

Three friends stood at the classroom window
One saw light, two saw only shadow.
One seeing beauty shared his view
Two listened, but chose to feel blue.

Burdened then with impending gloom,
Two paid attention to darkness in the room.
Two lent an ear to their dear friend
Hoping their burdens ere long would end.

Three returned to the window another day
Eager to hear what the others would say.
Two saw hope in the blossoms of spring.
One saw the weeds that summer would bring.

Seasons quickly came and so they went.
In different ways each friends' time was spent.
Til three friends at the classroom window,
Again shared views of the city below.

Colored by experiences each one would know;
Experiences that helped each friend grow,
Three saw the beauty in the landscape below
As each talked of their view through the old window.

Kent

Beginning my last month.

The branches of the weeping willow sway in the breeze. Their flexibility allows them to move and adapt as atmospheric changes come. More rigid trees snap and break under the pressure of winds.

I too am being the given an opportunity. My life is changing and I can either flex with change of employment opportunities. What are the things that I need to do to prepare for life after my life with the same employer for over a quarter of a century?

I am facing the future with eager anticipation and with some trepidation. What things will remain and which will be discarded to lighten the load? What things are wants, and what are necessities. Time will tell.

Aubrey

Our precious Aubrey passed away today at 11:41am.  Her struggle on this earth is over.  Although we will miss her,  we still celebrate for her.  Surrounded by her parents, sister and Grandma, she died peacefully.  She passed quitely, without fear or pain.  Thank you all so much for your devotion and prayers. 

When life seems overwhelming

I've always been easily discouraged when faced with situations that are difficult and out of the ordinary.  Many times in life, I have found myself quitting when the going got difficult.  This last two years, I have gained a new perspective as I have watched my family adjust and grow with some challenging situations.  My granddaughter, Aubrey, was diagnosed with a rare tumor in her brain stem.  Although there have been difficult times, I have watched her, her parents and my wife face difficult situations with amazing courage.  One such time was our trip recently to the local library.

Aubrey has consistently gotten sicker.  As she has faced new situations, she and her parents have done it with courage and with a sense of determination that is to be admired.  One day, after being confined to her bedroom for months, she announced that she was tired of being shut up and wanted to get out.  She wanted to go to the library and get a new book to read.

Her parents took hours to prepare her for the trip and make arrangements to get transportation arranged for her as it has been too difficult to take her in the family car.  The weather was cold, but she was determined.  Tim lifted her from her bed and got her situated in a specialized wheel chair.

She posed with Grandma and me for a photo while we waited for the Bus with a lift to arrive.  Her voice was weak, but her determination was strong.

When our little party reached the Library, the staff treated us well.  They knew Aubrey well because of the many hours she had spent in the library before her illness.  The welcomed her back and offered assistance. 

When we got to the library, she asked the librarian if she could visit the special historical collection.  She wanted to know about a hotel erected in 1899. 

We all got busy searching what for we could find, but to no avail.  Aubrey was having the time of her life.  She was doing something that she enjoyed doing.


The library staff brought an armful of books and showed them to Aubrey one by one.

She was delighted when she found a book that she was interested in.

Our visit to the library was short, but Aubrey had done something she wanted to do.

Her dad packed up in her wheel chair, wrapped her up in a blanket and took her for a two block walk to a Chinese Restaurant to end the excursion.  She was out of her bedroom for a time and enjoying it. When when got to the restaurant and took one bite, she was ill and needed to be taken home.

Over and over again, I have watched this young lady be faced with difficult situations.  For the most part, she adapts and handles the situation with courage and a good attitude.

Life isn't always fair.  Sometimes we have to deal with things that seem impossible.  By watching Aubrey, I have learned, and am determined that I will face those situations with a positive attitude and determination to make the best of the situation.