......................out on a limb

OK, I’m going to go out on a limb and set the date and locale for the next reunion.

In view of the fact that, if you have kids, or have a work or school schedule that you must consider, or if you don’t need to deal with the previous two reasons and you fall into the category of just like to do something memorable on three-day weekends (like who doesn't?)it seems that taking advantage of holidays would be an important consideration. It appears that Labor Day falls on Monday, September 7 this year. I think school starts for us on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

I checked out Florence Keller Park near Crescent City and found out other than the fact that it’s really dark there (duh, it is in the Redwoods), and there are only two spaces with full hookups (and you’d have to wrestle the park host for one of them), and the restroom facilities are like those you may find at an old gas station on I5 somewhere between Sacramento and LA, it’s a great location. Even with all that said, I think that instead of there we should have the reunion at the local KOA. If you follow some of the links on the KOA website you may find yourself coming early and staying longer. There are a ton of things to do around here. OK, you were warned.

The local KOA is just a ½ mile north on 101 and I think it would be a better location. Here’s a link: http://www.koa.com/where/ca/05102/

Here’s a link to a motel on the south side of Crescent City. I know Ben and Illa stayed there in the past. I’ll defer any questions to Illa, but I think it’s a pretty neat and quiet place, unless I’m on the beach cutting wood there. http://www.crescentbeachmotel.com/

Here’s another link to another place on the coast right in Crescent City. http://www.hamptoninn.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=CECCAHX

So, let it be written, so let it be said. It will be Friday, Sept. 4 thru Monday, Sept. 7…………......unless Suzi wants it at a different time.

Jim
2009 Reunion Coordinator-elect (we're still going through the vetting process)

St. Helens

We come home with the showing power was lost, also, the back roof over the patio, came down and part of the wood shed roof came down..... cat's in the RV ok, but out of food, though those outside, had to garage to go for food. Many tracks going into the garage, big and small. Can not go up the driveway as the snow is still deep, and have 2 feet at least in the back. We took pictures so we can put on the blog., but need to figure out to download it, as it's short on memory at this time.

We had so much fun at Suzy with her kids, they had a great Christmas, though the boy's did not make it in. Broke my glasses, snow was soft to fall into, laugh. I have had fun in it, and love to see it.

Our Border Collies we glad to see us home, as or washer and drier are knocked over with the roof coming down, what a life, laugh. We think we had three feet of snow in the back, it's great, deep to take down a roof, OK. Love to all

Go ahead, let out that inner child!

Just like the Phoenix, the snowman will rise again!





Actually, I don't think that it really snowed up in Portland. Yes, I do watch Northwest News channel 69. I think that it's just a conspiracy of the news media to make us stay away from the shopping malls. It worked for me. If indeed it had snowed there would have more evidence. Real evidence like snow men and snow women and snow children. All is not lost though, here's evidence that it snowed in Crescent City, or at least within 20 minutes of here. Sandi, Ohmah, and I went up to the snow today. I have to get into shape for "grandpa mode." I have to practice long-forgotten skills like snow man making, making hot chocolate on the tailgate of the pickup, and important stuff like practice pulling socks up without getting your feet wet, oh yeh, and chasing the dog.

I didn't really want to leave but Sandi convinced me that it was time to go by telling me what she was going to cook for our dinner when we got home. She always says that, "I'm always the last monkey out of the tree," but that's not really true. I beat Ohmah into the pickup.

So, all of you that have snow in your front yards (or rear yards), prove it. Unleash your inner child and show that you're not old by building a snow person. You better hurry though before the rain comes and turns the snow into a flood. By the way, I didn't see anyone rolling around in the snow "neked." It must be a rural legend.
Jim

SUSH !!!!!

GEE, everyone is quiet!! Is it the snow?? Or is it that Santa is on his way?? I'll bet he has trouble navigating in this stuff. He might even slide off a roof. The kids are quiet and in bed!! Yeah. All of them, big ones too. Even the TV is going quiet. Too much snow on the dish. Darn!! Means that I have to go scrape it off. BRRRRRR.

At least we finally got full water back. Will see how the outside is when it warms up a bit more out there.

Well, everyone have a good time tomorrow. I am going to miss having left overs. Oh well, the fridge is too full already to put anything more in.

Have fun everyone. Love from all of us.

Illa

so this was monday morning. after the first time i cleared the windshield. more snow expected tonight.
Jim, did you catch anything? sorry we lost connection. it was really nice talking to you.
Dick

...and the hits keep on coming.

We had another 3 inches of the white stuff last night. that is on top of the already existing 8 inches. DOT and the city has restricted all roads to vehicles with chains or 4x4s with studs.

Everyone Home

As far as I know, everyone made it home safe and sound. Got a text message from Joe and family that they had made it a little after midnight. I guess they spent some time in Redding after leaving here. It was like 8 pm when they left Redding. Don't know the road they took but made it in 4 hours. I am glad that everyone came that could. It was a big help to me to have others there. I slept better after I knew they were home. Got to get ready for work as it is almost time to leave. have good holidays and give our love to everyone. I miss you all.

Take care and much love from all of us.

Illa and our families.

that is a very cool plaq and something to be proud of.
thought i would try to help you out a little. if you click on it it show up as the same size as the above pic, but its horizontal.

Ben's Service Plaque

I wanted to rotate the pic but the program said I might ruin the pic if I did that. So here it is. At least you can see it.

Love to all.

Illa

Back to Redding from Memorial

Dear Family, Karen and I met Glenda Saturday morning, she parked her car and we headed up to the memorial together. The weather was perfect, but the forecast was for snow in the early evening. We drove 1.5 hours into the mountains to a quaint little town, with snow about 12" deep. Our first impression of Ben's church was altogether good. Very loving and giving folk.

The Pastor, who is new, and didn't know Ben asked us many questions about the family. He had already talked to Teressa and Illa. When it came time to give his (short) message, he commented on how God had brought the family back together, and used our unique experiences in his message. He did a wonderful job.

There were some touching moments as the service went on. There were many who took up the Pastor's offer to share things about their relationship with Ben. The thing that touched me the most is when little Athena walked up to the front and took the microphone, and appeared almost the most relaxed of us all! I really wish I had a recording to share with you. What a wonderfully special girl Athena is.

Another highlight for me is when Joe got up to share how much he appreciated Ben being just like a father to him. Joe is the son of Ben's foster brother who died at a young age. Joe is a precious soul and a real asset to our family.

Illa, Teressa did remarkably well holding it together as they spoke, but ultimately they couldn't get everything out what they wanted to say.

Illa knows about the weather in Oregon and knows how hard the trip would have been for everyone. By the way, Karen and I cheated in this trip and left two days early, making the pass between storms. We could do this because I don't have a lot of work at this time.

One last note; we're at an age where most of us have lots of things going on. Health is a big thing. Marriage problems is another. Glenda is immersed in a school curriculum better matched for teen. Some people have jobs that are super taxing emotionally. Then they may have other things going on too. Some are lonely, some suffering with broken hearts. Let's always think the best of each other. Let's be praying for one another. And be especially praying for Illa and family as they adjust to Ben being gone. We love you very much, Peter and Karen

For Jim and everyone else

this was this evening. we have about 5 inches and suppose to get another 5 or so. plus freezing rain. its been snowing all day since about 5am.

We have dad

We have my dad, and I tell you... It's about time! The main urn and the smaller keepsakes were well cared for (a worry of mine, most everything was antique), and I had a surprise when the young gentleman bringing in father's main urn had that very nicely stowed in a green velvet bag.

Very respectful, did my heart good at any rate, and we received dad's remains in the same room that we dressed him in, so there was a bit of a cyclic feel about that. After receiving the main urn, I carried that over to mom. I wouldn't have wanted to try prying that away from her...

We also received dad's flag, and the memorial book and cards turned out very nice. I'm very pleased with how well dad's picture turned out.

On the way out of the city, we stopped at a place called "The Yogurt Shoppe" on Lake Blvd, on the north side right across from the ShopKo shopping center. Clay Tikker, dad's foster/adopt sister's son, owns and runs that... makes the yogurt for the frozen yogurt himself. Very good place, and we had a nice visit.

Well... I've run out of stuff to say, bit shaky and waiting for my kids and their dad, Joe and his family, and my brother and his family to arrive.

~Teresa

YEAH!!!!!! We finally have water!!!

We have been frozen for 2 days. I knew that as soon as I started melting snow for the necessities that it would probably thaw out. So now I have about 7 5 gallon buckets of water it starts to dribble. Goes good in the rest of the house but the master bath is just a trickle. Hope it gets along as I need a bath. Oh, well. Way it goes. but at least so far I only had to invest in a heat tape and a higher powered heat light.

Illa

Lisi & Lili

I would love to be with you Illa. But I need to see that Lisi is safe, and with the cold and her legs, she needs to be close to her medical team. She is having problems with her legs, so I don't think the drive would be good. I know we don't wish to have you worry trying to come. We will be there in our hearts. But, know if we could we'd be there. Ben, would dish to have his special sister safe, and also he would know I would see to this. Love Lili

happy birthday PETER

and your not old!!!! just my older Brother.
you still have 11 more years. then you will be old. now Enoch, hes OLD. but not really because there is no age in heaven.

Family

It is so wonderful the snow, it is like a cleansing and covering the ugly we see, it's reminds me of how God must see us. All the hurts that we carry, and scares of the world. The blanket of beauty, like the snow, covering us and hiding the scares of this world. The crispness of the air, reminds me of how clear the breath of the clean air in the new world.

Also all the joy of seeing us, as a family, without the hurts, and no worry that our words will not hurt any of us,... as all that was is past. We also will share an understanding of the hardships of sin, that other worlds have never had to go through. How blessed we will be to raise our voices in praise and song, as Faith's are united in song to God and His Blessed Son.

What a time to look forwards in song, with all that are saved and in Heaven, singing songs to he angels in praise, and thanksgiving. We will be all one in Spirit and song. The hug's of those we love that have gone on before us... Also the time to share the love of a special family, and all hurts aside.

We are all one Faith, in God's eye's. I see the Sabbith, as a time, that God set aside to meet with us. When you think of time on the earth, and time in other lands.
He has set an appointment, like we set to see other's or our Dr.s, to reserve this time so that we can meet. Also that set's the time in the other times of this world so that he can have His time with each area of the world. As He created the world, and rested on the Sabbith, God also set a time for this world, in our time slot, so he could have this special time of creation, on our world.

I love each of you and am wanting o paint the ceiling with the star's, of the day when Christ ws born or what they think is the time. With the programs now in place we can back track this. Haven't had time to do so, as I have been busy, but this is one of the projects.

Also around it I am putting each of us and our children in the painting in a circle. I am going to use what I do have in pictures for this.

Love and Happy holidays I love you all Lili

looks like we are snowed in with kids, sorry

I hate to brake the bad news but we can't make it. We need to go over the mountains and with the 4 kids and no studs I don't like the idea. Please forgive me but my momma voice doesn't want to chance it. I have seen 5 cars hit each other today. So please forgive me. I love you all and its a hard decision but Rich and I have talked today about it. Unless it warms alot by friday It looks like i'm stuck at home. Love you all.

Lueria

blurry pics, but you get the idea. these were a couple of weeks ago. just an awesome sunset.

the weather out side is frightful

as of about 4am weve gotten about 4" of the white stuff. AND ITS STILL COMING DOWN and its 22 deg out. I have not seen it like this in years. usually its just an overnight event and thats it. Lost power for about an hour.

Two of my favorite pictures.

 

Jim

Ben with Suzie

I like this photo of Ben. I don't know what he and Suzie were talking about, but my guess is he is giving her a hard time for showing WAY too much cleavage!

Before Ben Passed

A week before Ben passed away I was preparing to teach at our church youth group. This is one of the scriptures, in paraphrase, that I was going to share (2Cor.5.4):

"For we who are in this body groan, being burdened, not because we want to be released from our body, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life".

Our perspective of death is entirely different from God's. As he see us, we are in a type of death while on this earth. Remember at the Garden of Eden? God told Adam and Eve, "in the day you eat of the (forbidden) fruit, in that day you will surely die". On the surface it appeared that God was wrong, Adam and Eve went on living for hundreds of years! But in reality, they did die. It was a death of the spirit.

I once saw a documentary about a man who had a head injury shortly after becoming newly married. He was struck in the forehead and was injured in the frontal lobe of the brain, the place where emotions are contained. Physically, from appearances, he recovered from his injuries, but he had lost the ability to feel emotion. He felt absolutely nothing for his new wife. No love, no affection, no feeling for the things that had brought them together. The young wife was doing her best to cope with her new husbands condition, but it was very hard.

I think this is a good example of what mankind is without God. Without God we are as an animal, an automaton; eating, drinking, indulging our fleshly appetites. But never fully experiencing the joy of our true identity in relationship with God. But then when we come to know God through Jesus, it's like a flame of life starts to burn brighter and brighter every day. New parts of our hearts are opened, we feel and realize things that we never knew before. Things like loving our enemies, or a new respect for our mates. There is a problem however: in this life, we can never completely experience what God has for us.

This is what it means when the scripture above says, "swallowed up by life". You see, death is more than a doorway. As the Apostle says in the scripture, 'death is really the process of being overwhelmed by life'.

You know me, I've never considered Ben as a "sweet guy", but I have to tell you a few days before Ben left us, we talked on the phone. I asked him about his relationship with someone with whom he had some conflict, he said, 'it was alright, they had talked'. I have to tell you, the rascal Ben, that rough prison guard, the biker, that fellow that was about as strong willed as anyone I've ever known, was so sweet sounding as we spoke. I wept because I could sense he was being swallowed up by life.

By the way, when I spoke to the youth group, I had to cover a different subject. I continue to weep with joy when I think of the end of Ben's suffering, and the joys he is experiencing now.

Ben's Obituary

Well, I think this is it except i still need to put in Peter and Glenda's ages. I also need the name of the town where Bonnie lives. Please let me know if there is anything more I need to put in, or to take out. Thank you. Illa


Obituary and Funeral Notice of
Benjamin Gordon Garcia (1952-2008)

In Loving Memory of Benjamin Gordon Garcia, born April 30th, 1952 who crossed over into his Father’s Loving Care on December 1, 2008.

Ben was born of 4-30-1952 in San Francisco, California to Benjamin Gordon Pedro Chavez Garcia & Glenna O’Brien Garcia. When Ben was approximately 2 ½ years old, and his parents were no longer able to care for him and his siblings, his family was split apart and the children taken in and adopted by different families. Ben was taken in by Wayne Kenneth & Elizabeth Ross of Redding, California and renamed Benjamin Kenneth Ross.

Ben joined the Army at the age of 17 in July 1969 after the passing of his adopted brother Joseph Wayne Ross and finding out that the adoption had not been completed where upon he resumed his birth name of Garcia. He served in the Army from July 1969 to February 1972 and served in Okinawa and Vietnam, achieving the highest rank of Sergeant. Ben achieved the “Excellent Marksmanship” Medal and served in the 82nd Engineers and 101st Airborne Units. He was shot in the right leg while on a mission in Vietnam. He was Court Martialed twice for in-subordination regarding the in-justices done to several of his fellow soldiers and his practice of trying to correct those issues, where he earned the nickname of “Blue”. He left the service with the rank of PFC-Sp 4 with an Honorable Discharge.

After leaving the service he rode around the country on a motorcycle finally ending up in Portland Oregon and starting work with Portland Security in 1973. He met his wife of 34 years on a blind date in April of 1974. They were married May 18th, 1975 in Redding, California on the ranch where he grew up. Ben left Portland in July 1975 and moved his new family to Redding where he started College at Shasta College earning an AA in Criminal Justice in 1978. He worked Security for Shasta College while going to school leaving with the Rank of Lieutenant. After graduating he worked for different Security Companies like North State Security (now Nor-Cal Security), and Western Intelligence at different stores like Pay-N-Save, Safeway, and J.C. Penny’s as well as joining Anderson Police Department from 1978-1982. On January 18, 1982, Ben was hired by California Department of Corrections and worked at California Correctional Center of Susanville, California. In March of 1983 Ben transferred to a Fire Camp, Intermountain Camp #22 at Bieber, California. Ben retired from this Fire Camp October 1, 2006 as a Correctional Officer and a Job Steward of the Northern Camps Division after 24.75 years of service to the Department.

Ben was diagnosed with Colon Cancer May 31st of 2005. Ben had planned to retire after 30 years but I guess God had other ideas. Ben decided to go ahead and retire after being told that the cancer had returned and had spread and that he would have to be on Chemotherapy for the rest of his life. He felt it would not be fair to his Co-worker’s and friends to put their lives in jeopardy if there should come a time when he was unable to respond to a situation.

Ben was so happy and pleased when approximately 10-12 years ago that his siblings started trying to re-connect. It was great to watch this family that had been ripped apart, grow together and learn about each other as brothers and sister and come together at this last stage instead of growing up together and then drifting apart as they all grew older and had other family commitments which took their time.

Ben went into the hospital on August 13th, 2008 with a blocked colon and survived 2 surgeries. I brought him home on November 4th, 2008 after the Doctors told us that they would not do the final re-connection surgery or remove the tumor that caused the blockage as neither one would increase his survival chances.

Ben did get his wish of “One Last Trip” to see the ocean and his family “out of the hospital setting”. He did get to talk one last time on the phone to his adopted sister, Nancy Tikker and see his nephew “Little Joe” Joseph Wayne Ross. He received his most important wish and that was to spend what time he had left, to live and to die peacefully at home. He left this earth quietly at 3 pm on a cold but sunny day. His wife, children, brothers, sisters and extended family will sorely miss him.

Ben is survived by his wife of 34 years, Illa Louise Blomgren Garcia, Bieber, Ca. born 1954 in Glenwood Springs, Colorado; his daughter, Teresa Louise Huddleston-Garcia, Weed, Ca. born March 16,1980 in Redding, Ca. (and her husband Adam Huddleston); his son, Benjamin Joseph Garcia, Mc Cloud, Ca., born July 29,1983 in Fall River Mills, Ca. (and his wife April Buckley).

Ben also has 9 brothers and sisters; Peter Whitney Rouzaud, Dallas, Ore. (and his wife Karen) ; Glenda Ferrar, San Francisco, Ca.; Bonnie Lange age 58 (and her husband Rick), Johnsbough, Tennessee; Twin sister’s: Alilia Joy Nelson-Lange (Lilisa Felicia Garcia), and her husband Jess) St. Helens, Ore.; Alisia (Alicia) Jo Lange-Davis (Alicia Therese Garcia) age 57, Portland, Ore.; Suzanne Barbara Lange (Susan Barbara Garcia) age 54 (and her husband Darryl Pace) adopted by Emil William Lange & June Ermilia Hooper-Lange), Eugene, Ore.; Charles A. (Chuck) Hooper age 55, Sacramento, Ca.; James (Jim) Hooper age 53, (and his wife Sandi) adopted by Peter & Helen Hooper, Crescent City, Ca.; Richard Lee (Dick) Garcia age 52, Beaverton, Ore.; and adopted sister, Nancy Tikker, Napa, Ca.

He is also survived by grandchildren, Athena Japhia Huddleston-Garcia; Merlin Orion Huddleston; and Step-grandchildren Samantha Buckley and Elizabeth Buckley.

Ben left a host of nieces and nephews and cousins who will miss him and his odd sense of humor. Some of these are Joseph Wayne Ross (Father, Joseph Wayne Ross); Teisha Ferrar, Julie Ferrar, Whitney Ferrar, Lydia Ferrar (Mother, Glenda Ferrar); Lueria Davis Miller (Mother, Alicia Davis); Peter Rouzaud, Nathan Rouzaud (Father, Peter Rouzaud); Richardo Schell, Judith Schell, Michael Schell, Kara Schell (Mother, Suzanne Lange); Randy Hooper, Andrew Hooper (Father, Jim Hooper); Janey Tikker, Blair Tikker, Stacy Tikker, Clay Tikker (Mother Nancy Tikker).

Ben was preceded in passing by his parents Benjamin & Glenna Garcia, adopted parents Wayne & Elizabeth Ross and his adopted brother Joseph Wayne Ross.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service at the Seventh Day Adventist church in Fall River Mills, Ca. on December 20th, 2008 at 2 pm. There will be a Potluck afterwards. There will also be a Private Family Ceremony at a later date.

Services Arranged

Well, it is done. The services are definitely arranged for 12-20-08 at 2 pm. at the SDA church in Fall River Mills. There will be a potluck afterwards.

We went to the Mortuary today. Got all the paperwork started, and got Ben dressed in his clothes. We put him in his Class A's. They have never been worn. They still have the tags on them. We left them on. We also put his new tennis shoes on his feet and his ball cap that he wanted to take on the coast trip that we could not find for that. We placed his rosary that Teresa made for him in his right hand and a twinkie that a friend had gotten him that he couldn't eat in his left hand. I almost forgot, I put his glasses in his inside pocket along with the Key Chit that Little Joe gave him when we saw him at the coast. That was for you Joe as you had given it to Ben and it would mean the most to him. We figured that he can give it to your father when he sees him or at least tell him about it. After we had put him in his uniform he looked more natural to us as that was how we had seen him most of the time. We put the ball cap on and tennis shoes as when he crossed over it was at change of shift. It seemed like he was just going home.

He looked peaceful and at rest. He did not look like the night that he left. His face was relaxed and had a smile on it the way he smiles. It was not a forced or fixed smile.

We were going to get a big Urn and 3 small keepsake ones for the remains but it was almost $900 so we went to several different stores until we found something that we thought that Ben would be happy in. Then on the way home we stopped at a second hand store in Fall River Mills called "Hidden Treasures" and lo and behold we all found Keepsake Urns for us that just "called to us" as being the right ones for us and each was different. It was awesome as they were just getting ready to close up for the night. Everything just seemed to work out right. I am tired but not the exhausted tired. There were a lot of strange things that has happened in the last three days that just can't be explained.

So now most everything is paid for. It had to be paid for up front. Thank God that in a couple of weeks the last of the money in the savings account will come in to pay the bills that won't be covered with having to do this up front. God works in mysterious ways and I have no fear on how the rest of this will work out. I am afraid of facing the future without the Rock somewhere around. I know that I will survive but I am still scared.

So, all in all, with everything, today was a good day. I am more at peace and I know that Teresa is too and I just hope that BJ is also as he seemed more relaxed tonight when he left to go to his new home and family.

With Love from All of US.

Illa

holiday

I hope that all make this holiday time special with your families and friends. Knowing how busy life can be to spend time creating wonderful memories and treasure you family. It is not the gifts but the time spent as family. God shared His Son, with us. This was His gift, to have time on this Earth, sharing time with Jesus, how wonderful when we will have the time to share time with God and Jesus, knowing we can share the birth with God, when His Son was born. With those that were their at Jesus birth, with this special family of God. All of our families in the new world. Such a special Christmas on the date of Christ true BIRTH with united families.

Dad's Service

The time for dad's service is set.

December 20, 2008 at 2 PM. The location is the S.D.A. church in Fall River. You can't miss it, the church is right across from Mayers Memorial Hospital right there on 299. Big building... brown if I remember, really stands out.

Mom says if you come, wear bright colors. This service will be the public one. Family service will be at a later date.

~Teresa

Bonnie

My dear brothers and sisters,
Losing one of us is like losing a link in a chain. Ben made that chain complete, now there is such a feeling of lose.
We have been so blessed to have reconnected after years of being separate and being forced to grow up so scattered.
There have been words said that have hurt feeling and separated a few of us again. I know I was responsible for hurting you Suzy. We should know by now that what is said is said in love not in any spirit of putting someone down. I have my own faults that I have to work on daily.
We have a chance to continue to grow closer but we have to make the effort and making a effort literally mean, it does not come easy, it is work.
I know also that Ben loved each and every one of us and he would want us to make that chain even stronger. He was a strong person and a stubborn person fighting for life. We need to take some of those qualities and use them to fight for our relationships. We do matter to each other. We have so much that we can learn from each other and so much that we can do to hold each other up when we are going through tough times, and these are tough time we are living in both with Ben dying and the conditions of this world right now. I believe we are in the last days and we are going to have to draw strength more than ever from God. But we also have to let go of any pride and bitterness and learn what REAL LOVE means. I don't know about some of you but getting to know my brothers and sisters more has really opened my eyes to who I am and why I do some of the things I do.
I can be very prideful and take things wrong so easy and then I run and hide and try to tell myself I am better off without that person, I have other people and (things) to keep my busy. But everyone is important in our lives and losing just one of us makes that so clear to me. I LOVE YOU ALL

Dad's gone Home

Dad's time came today. Today felt like a weird day on waking up, I was writing in my journal wondering what was going on and about the "odd" things I'd been noticing. God talks, the problem is noticing and remembering it's not always like one expects... the little things... Anyway, when mom called me to come in, I went in, and I'm glad she let me know.

I held mom and dad for a while, then crawled up onto the bed onto the opposite side as mom... laid there next to him and held his hand like he'd held mine when I was birthing little Merlin... Dad sobbed after I told him that it was his decision to stay or go, he'd been holding back and holding on...

He left after that, after I promised him that we'd be ok...

I came out and made a note of the time... 3:00 PM. The nurse and the Sheriff arrived VERY quickly for way out here in the boonies... 40 minutes later... and made the official call. Then we had to wait for the morgue to come pick him up, and the nurses and the Sheriff stayed with us.

Meanwhile, I attempted to cook dinner and attempted to get people to drink coffee... slipping into the Hostess role and also making sure that there would be something for mom to eat for dinner... even though my concentration resulted in EPICALLY TERRIBLE COOKING. Over cooked meat, mushy zucchini, and undercooked rice... Yup 0 for 3. I struck out on meal prep.

Interesting... When dad was wheeled out, my computer played Sonorus Sanctum by Beltana... The song mentions having the night moon in our hearts until the return... Looking up following dad out, there was the moon. You could see not only the crescent, but the light purple of the less lighted part... and two planets below to 5 o'clock and 4 o'clock positions.

I don't know when the services will be, but he will be cremated.
~Teresa

Ben

I got the call from illa at 3:00 this afternoon.
She let me know that our brother has gone to be with the Lord.
I tried to call all the Brothers and sisters and let them know. i couldnt get ahold of lili and lisi, i dont have their number.
please give illa a call later and let her know your praying for her and the kids.

Jesus, be with Illa and all their children at this time. give them supernatural comfort and peace as they go thru this time of grieving. Cover them with your mercy and grace and give them peace to know that you love them.
As we all grieve in our own way, be with us in letting our sister know that we are there for her.

Trying to burn back field

Well, I have no fear of being picked up as an arsonist. I have been trying to burn the back field for 2 days now. It just doesn't want to burn. It really should have been done a month ago to burn off right. Oh well, will just have to keep at it. Needs a bit more wind and I have the edges done now so I don't have to worry about setting off the neighbors fields.

Ben is still hanging on. He hasn't had any more siezures since taking his medication. His breathing is really shallow and is only conscious once in a while now. He sleeps most of the time even with the TV on. He is seeing things now. He rarely eats and drinks only when I prod him. He prefers ice to anything else. At least if he doesn't eat he doesn't get nauseaous. He is so weak now that he can't pull himself up in bed. I hate to see him this way. I pray the Lord takes him home soon so that he doesn't have to suffer anymore. I am so glad that you all got to see him out of the hospital. He hated to have you see him that way. He wants you to remember him as the person who was always doing things, physically active.

Well, I had better go and get dinner. I love you all

Love Ben and Illa

Thanksgiving at the Garcia's and most importantly BJ's and April's WEDDING DAY

We had a great day. Ben was not able to come to the table but we set a place for him anyway. the whole family was there. At least Ben was able to see all the kids and visit for a while. BJ and April told Ben their news in that they are Engaged. As we know that Ben most likely will not make a Civil Service, we had a Celtic Handfasting so that he would be able to be present at their Union. It was quick and spur of the moment but at least he was able to see it and be included. They will do the Civil Ceremony at a later date when we are all able to be present.

Pictures to follow as soon as I can figure this stupid thing out.

With LOVe from ALL of us.

Ben, Illa,
Teresa, Adam, Athena, Merlin,
BJ, April, Sam, Liz

Bigfoot stopped in for breakfast!

Click on the title to see more pics.

Things really aren't bigger in Texas.

From 11-27-08 Thanksgiving Day with HB

See, it was like this. I returned from looking for some firewood and there he was. I quietly walked up behind him and took his picture. I was going to tap him on the shoulder and say "BOO," but I didn't want to scare him.

Sandi and I spent the day up taking a hike and driving around in the hills for Thanksgiving. We even cut some wood! The guys had plans so we won't have dinner with them until Saturday. We wanted to hike to one of our favorite summer places but there was a gate across the road for the winter. Sandi woke me up at 5:00.....a.m..... and I got up. She wanted to be cooking breakfast with the sun coming up over the mountain....and we were.
Jim

having fun at Judy Schell, with family

Havin Suzt put my picture on the blog.....hope you like I, as Peter asked me to put my picture on the family blog.

Rick Says

Hi everyone. It is good to be home with my snuggle bug for a week. The road has been very long road. We have been to California and back about six times and to Chicago once. I really miss all of you and hope we can be at the next family reunion this next year. Ben, we are pulling for you and praying for you. Hang in there.

Our home is such a cozy place and Bonnie keeps it looking really nice. It is great to be home.

As you know, this nation is going through some wild and crazy times. I hope all of you are surviving OK. Better set aside some beans and rice for a rainy day. It may take some time to get out of this present slump.

Love to all of you and God Bless. Rick

Ben 11-25-08

Ben had a bad night last night at 4:40 am. He had another seizure which effects lasted for an hour and a half. I called the Hospice nurse and she came and checked Ben out. She had a hard time finding the place and Teresa and I watched her turn up and down the road several times looking for the road to turn onto. Ben came too while she was checking him out. I thought that as he was out so long that he had slipped into a coma as he didn't respond to any stimuli. He is resting quietly right now.

BJ and everyone will definitely be here for Thanksgiving. BJ has news for us. So waiting to hear everything. The house is fairly clean, not as clean and spotless as Sandi's, (wouldn't eat off the floor here tho), but at least you can see the table top and you can walk around without running into piles of junk. Main thing is the pool table is cleared off so the kids can play pool and we can clear of the rest of the stuff that collects on the table for FOOD. Yeah!!! Me and counters and tables don't get along very well. I have a tendency to just put things down on them instead of putting them up or throwing it away. I can't seem to throw anything away. Who knows, might need it someday and if you throw it away, then you will just have to go get another one of what ever it is, was.

Hope all have a good Thanksgiving day.

Love and Light,
Ben, Illa, Teresa, BJ and all

Hello family! I thought that I'd take the time to let you know that I'm only a few chapters away from finishing my current manuscript, then I can go through it for final editing before release, which has been pushed back to hopefully early 2009.

My good friend, Victoria Davis, has kindly done the cover for me so that I can concentrate more on the writing, editing, and the family stuff going on right now. I thought that you might like to see it (and yes, this and the rest of the novel series will come out under my maiden name).



~Teresa

Not going to Redding

Well, it doesn't look like we will be going to Redding today. Ben is so weak that he can't get out of bed and I am not going to submit him to that long journey which would still take 2 days even to make it more comfortable for him. He is throwing up more often and not taking in enough fluids to compensate.

Ben talked to Nancy Ross Tikker on Saturday evening. It was a surprise that she called. I had called her son, Clay, on Friday and left a message. Not really thinking that he would pass on the message to her. I didn't get to talk to her long but it was nice that she called.

I still haven't figured out what you all were talking to Ben about for February. The only place that I can think of is Burney Falls and it is a State Park. There are cabins there I do believe. It is 1 hour west of us. There are only a few motels around us. One in Adin and one in Bieber. Feb. is a bad time to camp due to the temps unless you have an electric heater to put in the trailer or tent. It could be -35 degrees then. That is usually when we have the long cold snaps. Sometimes lasting 2-3 weeks. It is about time for one of those to hit as we haven't had one that bad for a long time. But looking at the Farmer's Almanac I don't think it will get that cold this year but I could be wrong. That only happens once in a Blue Moon but it does happen.

So untill later. Love to ALL.

Ben, Illa, Teresa, BJ and extended family.

all kids

it would be great if all of you kids of our group would put in a picture of yourself and your family, with names and who is your mom and dad, how you are with us, the crazy 10, as us old geezers, love ya all!!!! Aunty Lili and all the children and their children what a wonderful. Gift to all, we love a all.

Any resident mushroom experts out there????

Ben and Illa, thanks for the news. We hope that you have a good trip to Redding and Thanksgiving is a great time with family. As Peter said, let us know of a good place to stay around there when we come over the first part of February.

Sandi and I went on a hike today to one of our favorite places. We were to go to Cave Junction, another of our favorite places, but we decided not too. We came back by way of another favorite place and did one of my favorite things to do, cut some firewood. Yeh, it's the weekend and I'm trying to avoid some unfavorite things that I don't want to do.

On another note, and I even sent this comment in to Anderson Cooper at CNN, do you think that the Big 3 automakers would have had a different reception when in front of the members of Congress if they had driven to Washington, D.C in an electric vehicle or a hybrid that they're developing, rather than flown in on private jets? If I were a congressman listening to them it sure would have made me listen to them.
Jim

Hey!! Where is everyone????

Just because we went underground doesn't mean that everyone else should.

Ben is really tired and having trouble getting around. We are going to Redding on Monday as he has several Dr. appts. and tests on Tuesday. He is hanging in there.

We are having the kids (all extended family) here for Thanksgiving. It will be a full house and hopefully a great time. Thank heavens we have room for them all. Some may be sleeping out in the trailer but that will be ok. Will put a TV and DVD player out there so the girls can watch videos as long as they want and not keep us all up.

It is partly cloudy here today. Cool. Looks like it wants to rain and I hope if it does, it does it and snow before going over the hill and coming back. At least I know that I won't have any trouble with the Suburban.

So, just because we are hiding, somebody else post so that we know that you are still here.

Love and Light to ALL

Ben, Illa, Teresa, BJ and the rest of the families.

GAS IS SO CHEAP THAT.........

cheap gas

Heard Reno sells at some places for $1.99.00 (this was on the news tonight. Also, we toped off in Redding at $ 1.00 !! What a surprise.

We found Bigfoot too!

Here are some pictures of our feet also. Hope these come thru. The kids had fun rying to do this. Try the link to see all our pictures of the trip. Still trying to figure this out. Click on the title.

Illa

Yeh, Bigfoot, we saw him too!!!!!!

This is a pic I took of Andrew and Rachael when we stopped there in October.

Sounds like you all had a great trip. It was good to see everyone. I think that someone brought some great weather with them. Whoever it was, you're welcome anytime!!! When I went to Medford on Friday it was overcast and when I left on Saturday it was still overcast. I got back to CC it was sunny and warm. 78* on Sunday.
Jim

Back from Coast

Well, we are back!!! It was a great trip. I think we all needed the trip. I feel so refreshed when at Patrick's point. On the way back we stopped at Willow Creek and took pictures of Bigfoot. Then at the Joss House in Weaverville. Got the grandkids back home. We got in about 8:30 or so last night. Long trip. We are resting today. So pictures will follow as soon as I get them downloaded. We had a great time visiting everyone and thank you ALL for everything. Will write more later. You all have a good day.

Love Ben, Illa, and Teresa!!!!

Sandi and Athena

Did you know - Jesus REALLY liked kids. Think about it. Kids can be a real nuisance. They can be loud, demanding, discourteous; they take tons of time and energy; you gotta tell them just about everything, then you have later remind them (about a 1000 times). But Jesus really, really loved kids. I think one of the reasons is demonstrated in the pic of Athena. Full of faith, hope and love; Pure, innocent, non-prideful, simple believing and wholly real. In fact, Jesus said we have to be like a kid to enter into his kingdom (Matt.18.3). God, make me more like a kid. Peter

some pics. and Ben without a hat

From crescent city 11.11.08

when it takes you to the source. click slideshow at the top of the page/

Beautiful and Peaceful Day

Friday was an incredibly beautiful day at the coast while visiting with Ben and family. Lili, Lisi and Jess brought up a walker. Ben and Dick took off with it for a walk to the docks, I came later, drove and I figure Ben had walked about a 1/4 mile! Then we hopped in the pickup and checked out some of the other views. It was really a wonderful day, I wish everyone could have been there to enjoy it.

Friday

Please what did you all do, called Karen, sounded from the background she was having fun with her sister!!!! Glad to see you all spending time and hope taking pictures, put on the blog. Suzy sends her love, she would have liked to have come down also.

Thursday, Nov. 13

seven feathers

6:30 pm, just left, had to stop for good luck!!! We saw some great area's, Jim your pulled in on this, laugh! Just looked and coming back, we picked up some matches, for good luck!!!! Lisi is so happy and so loved see Ben and you all, life is wonderful, with having our brother's and sister's in our life, this also goes for the spouses, what a wonderful nutty group!! And what plan's,.... In each of our future for each as we shared this special time, hugs and kisses......

How's this?

you losers

it's 6:30 pm.
Why hasn't anyone posted. What is up with that.

Ben, Illa, Teresa, Athena, and Merlin are in CC

We met them at Battery Point Lighthouse this morning. They're parked in our driveway for tonight at least and Ben and Illa are staying in the apartment.

Jim

on our way

on hwy 30 going to pick up Lisi and heading down, first stop Suzy then heading over towards Cresent Ciy will let you know where we stop, have chains if needed. Jesse and Lili oxox

I heard from Ben.......part II

Of course, just when we went to town this evening Teresa called to let us know that they arrived in Crescent City and are at the KOA. I called and talked to Ben. He sounded good but tired. He said that they drove up the coast about 40 miles and realized that where they wanted to go was quite a ways north so they turned around and came to Crescent City.

We're going to meet them at the Battery Point Lighthouse parking lot at 11:00 tomorrow morning. We'll keep you posted as soon as we find out anything new.

Jim

I heard from Ben

I thought everyone might like to know that Ben had made it to our last reunion site at the Rogue river and spent the night. They left there this morning (Monday) to go to Crescent City. It's 5:30pm now and I still haven't heard if he got there.

Dick and I will be heading South Wednesday AM and joining them down there. Ben said he's planning on staying on the coast for a week or so. Keep praying for strength for all of them. Peter

Bonnie

Ben and Illa. I know you are on your way to Jims and Sandi' and don't have your lap top but I'm sure Jim and Sandi will be checking theirs. My stepson told me about this product that a scientist discovered that has awesome affects on cancers. You can look it up and order it on the internet and ready different peoples comments on the results they have had with it. It is from the Rainforest and is called: Graviola from the Raintree company. I guess you can order a bottle of capsules for about $20.00. It may be worth trying. People with extreme advanced cancers have had remarkable results. You can punch in either Raintree.com or Graviola for cancers. It is also highly affective for a lot of other illnesses. LOL

westward hooo

Well,here it it sun 1030 and we are packing packing and ready for the oceans perfumes. With luck we should hear part of the sympathy !! Very cool LOL!!! We will not have the laptops put should hear the music with no problems. We won't help
Thanx for the prayers. I am certain without them things wound have been worse. xox bg

Raging Storm last night

We had a raging storm here last night. hail, rain in buckets, lightning and thunder. It was awesome. I love storms like that. We really needed the rain tho. Will play havoc in trying to burn the field in a few weeks tho. Unless it dries out good. At least it didn't snow. Not ready for that yet. And no, I didn't think to take any pictures. Probably good thing as some of the strikes were really close.

Don't know if I posted it or not, but BJ finally got a job last week. He had his first training day yesterday and another today. He will be working at the local Chevron station in Mc Cloud. Not far from their house which is good. He will be opening and closing. I am sure he will be trained for the other positions too. This is good news as he had been out of work for so long. He is pretty happy. Not too happy about having to get up at 5 am to open at 6 am but oh well. We all have to do things like that to get to work. We are so happy for him. I guess he had to pass quite a few regulations and tests.

Ben is doing ok today. He had a good day yesterday. Teresa is sick today. Hope it doesn't last too long. She was finally getting some rest since being at home. Hope I got the leak fixed in the trailer. Will have to check today to make sure. I really hope so. It has had several good days to dry.

So hope to talk to all of you later.

Love Ben and Illa

Norman Nelson

had a wonderful gathering with his friends, his father has never meet them as Norman cut off his connection with his father. Is was wonderful seeing the kids. They are close to Jess and myself and we know that he was loved. His friends are a wonderful group and it was wonderful to share the memory of his life. Jesse and Lili

I said, "Get in the truck, not the trunk!"

life is full of joy for me, thinking possitive, thank God I'm in my 50's, and don't have to go threw my youth again. I've learned a lot in my life. My team wants me to work in mental health because I am so positive and learned so much. They want me to teach recovery, in drug and alcohal with mental health as I worked with it in Longview, for 10 years. That is called the duelling program, that is called DVR. Put it in my way of life that I walked in my younger years working in the bars and other jobs, I've walked the walk, and can talk the talk, as I've experenced it with the people and friends that I have incountered in my personal and work. Plan on going back to school, with the support of my pack team. Have so much more to learn and share.

Renewed my license

So i went to the dmv. walked in and realize i forgot my Social Security info. went home and got it.
went back to the DMV and they told me i had to have a copy of my birth certificate. it has to be an original and stamped.
I go home and get it.
So i made my 3rd trip back and finally got renewed.
So i must be getting that thing that you get when you cant remember that thing that you forgot. :)
and so since Ben cant say it...
maybe its time for another colonoscopy.

Prayer of a Lonely Heart

Will there be a friend in heaven, Someone my heart to share? Someone to walk side by side. And to say "I love you". Will no one come to see me, Because I am different then they; And have an excuse to pass me by. Forever day after day? Will I be lonely in heaven, With always. Longing heart? And see good friends go hand in hand, while others stand apart? This it is here Father, And that they are going with thee, To that glorious place called heaven, But, Father, how about me? Maybe I don'd want to go there, With always a longing heart? And see their faces, averted and proud. I know that two is company; And know that thee is a crowd. If I were in heaven I'd find someone Or two or three or more. As lonely as I am in my heart. As lonely as I am in my heart. And open wide my door. We'd have a feast of friendship. And all, alone and apart. Would find the pathway to that door. And a welcome on my heart. But my Father said to me kindly, " you may make your home on earth, A friendly place to the sad and lone, With a welcome at your hearth". "You will never again be lonely, If to Them, your lift to be, A beacon that shines on that open door. That leads to Heaven and Me". Oh, I learn the lession Fsther. As I talk to thee up there. It's not "they" or "them" but me, oh Lord. That's really in need of Prayer.---June. Please family this why Jess and me have always had our home, as we found with our own family, the dis-connection we knew how we were treated. This spoke so much our heartfelt hearts and our love to God. Also the doors of our Chapel,....it's open to all, no one will be turned away.....

Jesse nephew

just want you to know that the brother of jess, lost the life of his son. It happened Saturday night, with a self inflected gun shot, he could not get work, three months behind on his house and other issues. We just found out and it's hit Jess and me hard. Wish we would have known, he was a wonderful person and had a beauiful soul. Aunty Lili

Illa

I just want you to know how much we, and i think im talking for the whole family, appreciate you. your commitment and dedication to taking care of your husband and our brother. I also appreciate the time you take, after a long day of working and taking care of Ben, to stop and let us know what is going on. Days must seem so short after all you do. I am glad that the kids are there to help you around the house and give you some relief.
In the short time that i have gotten to know Ben I believe that he is overwhelmed by the love and compassion and the sacrifice that you are making for him. I think that Bens heart is just pumping with pride over his wife.
I believe that if the roles were reversed that he would be doing the same for you.
Dick

Ben is finally home

Well, we are here. Tired, grumpy but clean now. Ben is finally asleep so now maybe I can get something done. Teresa had the house clean except for all the crap we have laying around. Dont know what we want to keep or throw away. Or where to put it for that matter. But she did a great job. Still have to put away all the stuff we brought home that is needed and decide what is junk and get rid of it. Left some stuff. Now to order stuff and they are supposed to provide it. I still believe that they charge our insurance for the supplies. Hospice was here and hooked Ben back up to his pain pump. Having to change his bandages more often again. He is at least eating something. Sherbet.

We have to let them know when we plan to head to the coast so that they can send up with enough meds and will probably have to check in with Hospice over there in case we need anything and it sounds to have them change the drug cassette. Pain in the butt thing but i guess they do have their policies to follow also regarding narcotics. None of us was too impressed with the ladies today. But they brought the stuff needed so I will keep my mouth shut as long as they provide the supplies. I still have to get a prescription for Ben for sleep as I didn't want him to have to sit for very long in the car. The 2 hour trip was bad enough even tho he took it pretty well. Only a little spitting of snow. boy was I glad about that. The day before it snowed good on Hatchet. Melted mostly by the time we came thru but you could tell it was there.

Well, I am going to close for now and see what I can do before going to bed. I know I am not going to get much sleep if the past 2 night are anything to go by. Talk to you all later. We still monitor the phone. I am sure glad that this election stuff in done. Now hopefully they will quit calling.

Love Ben and Illa

Bonnie

Hi everyone, I was also getting concerned about Ben. I am so glad is is going home. Let us know how things go when you can Illa.
Amy is here spending a week with me, it is so awesome. First time in 15 years.
Glenda, I am off the road for good, about a month now. Rick has a new partner and will be home about the 24th, he will have been gone 1 1/2 months. He hope to get off the when he turn 62 next October. Love ya all. Amy says hi to everyone.

Glenda

Wheres your pictures? Do I have to come down there and do it for you? :)
Boy with your education (and age) i would think that you could figure it out.
Love ya

Dick

family of Love

Oh, what a family, a family of love. Oh, what a story we could tell this special family that shines. The joys and the sorrows and the journey we each have walked. Though we've lived in different families, how much we to share. We have been enriched through the spices of life, that each have walked. Oh, how blessed we are in our golden years, the love of the families, added with the sisters and the brothers, from the branches in twined with other members, how special we are. We DO fight and bicker just as brothers and sisters, in the world. So, don't doubt the love we share, as we hug and we live. How Blessed I am knowing my sisters and brothers as I walk the path of life. No more apart, when we see the heavenly gates,.... How I look to the day, when we are re-uninted, the the families that raised us, to see the joy on their face, as we hug them and love them, and show them this family of children, that are all re-united, added with hugs to their child en... now let's see them keep up with the group, and they'll say, WHAT HAVE WE CREATED IN THIS FAMILY OF CHILDREN,... WILL WE BE ABLE TO KEEP UP WITH THIS GROUP OF CHILDREN, LET'S COUNT ALL THEIR HEADS, As they refer as brothers and sisters, how many children do we have?

I Love the fall too!

It's a beautiful Saturday morning and I am sitting with a great cup of coffee watching the storm move in from the ocean. My most favorite weather has finally arrived in the bay area. The clouds have so many different shades of gray, that I find it hard to believe. The wind is singing in gusts at high octaves that whistle thru the cracks in my windows and harmonizes with the low sounds through the trees and bushes.

I am thrilled to have this weekend at home without the worry of preparing for a study group for the first time in many weeks...the only thing missing is a fireplace with all of you right here with me. However, it has been fun catching up on the blog and it is almost like you are here. You know what I find fun? Reading a post and being able to know who wrote it without having to read the name! Isn't it amazing how different we are in how we express ourselves?! I think that is very kool!! I like to think of this blog as similar to a beautiful fabric that we are weaving. Each one of us add a different color or thread to the tapestry, creating a dimension and depth that would not be possible without the touch of that special individual that we each of been created to be. I am grateful for each of you and feel very blessed that we have had this opportunity at this place in time to get to know each other.

Oh, wow, the storm is getting really good!!! I am going to get out in it while I can and see if I can take a couple of pictures to put up a little later today. More later.

Ben going home

Well, Ben is definitely going home on Tuesday come Hell or High Water. The Case Manager is ordering us the stuff to take with us. Hospice is going to set us up with what ever else we need. He still isn't eating much but he wants to go home. So we will go. Plan is still to make it to the coast but have to set things up for that. So will let you all know when we get it figured out.

He did eat a little better today when I told him we were going to go home. He also walked out to the trailer 3 times today to watch the rain. He still has his back pain and the migraines but just the thought of going home is cheering him up. So we are off like a herd of turtles. Slow going but we will get there eventually.

Will talk to you all tomorrow. Love Ben and Illa

It's my fault...I forgot

Click on the title.
Sorry,
Jim

Update on Ben 10-29

Well, I got Ben to eat more today. Four spoons this morning plus half his milk. lunch kind of got screwed up with the bags changing. Finally got them to stop leaking today. It took me two trys but got it so far. I took over changing the bags and dressing changes today. I didn't ask them, I just did it and they didn't say a word about me not doing it. Now the only things the nurses are doing is the medication. I was watched by the nurses and Ben still had to have the dilaudid push IV both times. He is really a mess around one of the bags. I hate to put the glue back on there but it has to so the stuff won't make it worse. The incision is healing really well. No fistulas there. Only one spot that has new tissue that is really sensitive and that is where the bags leak on too.

He ate 3 spoons at dinner plus some peach juice. So all in all it was better than yesterday. He is really weak now tho. Only got up once today and went down to the trailer area. I washed and braided his hair. The air mattress is helping his back a little but not his migraine. He did not have the strength to walk this evening. He kept trying but couldn't get out of bed so I told him to rest and we would try it again tomorrow. He is also running 99.9 tonight which is up from this morning. I keep thinking of the saying "feed a cold, starve a fever" but I was just getting him to eat. What a quandry. He is also having nose bleeds now. One good thing tho is the bags are working good and his intestines are starting to work right. the stuff coming out looks like baby $%&* yellow and the same consistancy.

The Case worker is still trying to get him home. She has come up with another idea that she is working on. I really hope it works. If it does, sounds like the first few days are going to have to be at home to get things all set up. then we can see what happens.

Well not much more to report. He was sleeping when I left so I am going to get some also. You all have a good night. We Love You All. Love Ben and Illa

DICK, SHAME ON YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Even though I am not a good communicator, I hope you know we all give a crap, a lot of crap. Every time I think of our growing up years, I think of you, we had awesome times. I just wish I could go back and take away all the crap I gave you. I didn't appreciate what I had and what we could have had together as a brother and sister sharing the hurts and pains of being torn away from our other siblings. No we are older and I want to be closer to all of you but distance makes it so hard to feel that closeness I need so much. One reason why Rick and I are still trying to figure out how and if we should make a move back West. whether it be Oregon, Washington or Calif. I told him we could get jobs driving school bus anywhere, and I know they pay alot better out there than here. I told Rick a long time ago that if anything ever happened to him, although it better not, I don't know what I would do without him. He is my soul mate. Anyway if it did, I would be going back to be near my family. You all mean that much to me. Now that we finally have a relationship, I HATE THIS DISTANCE!!!!!!!!!!
Not to go and see Ben and Illa is driving me nuts.
That reminds me, since I am home now, you can reach of me on my home phone better than the cell because of the bad signal here. If you need the # I'll send it to you by email.

Ben still here

Well, they have taken Ben off the discharge list for today. Going to take it one day at a time. He is still not tolerating food. Going to try to start him out on baby food. He is running a low grade temp when I got here last night.

Sometime over the weekend, when changing the bags, one of the nurses managed to glue the two drain holes shut, building stuff up and pushing it out the incision again. They had to be changed again last night and at least I was there to tell them how to do it right. I just hope they were able to get the glue out of the holes.

He is really getting weak and his back hurts him alot. He is now starting to get migraine headaches. Now he says he understands how I feel when I get one. I don't know if they are starting to treat the temperature thing or not. I have a lot of digging to do today and some @$$ kicking to do. I can't believe the incompetence of some of these nurses. I believe that all of them should be trained in the care of colostomies, not just certain ones and I am making sure the Administration gets told that today when I talk to Ben's Case Manager. I like to think I am pretty easy going about things but I really need to speak up about this and tackle it head on. You have to pick your fights in life and I guess this is going to be one of them.

So our travel plans are put on hold for the time being. It will depend on how he is doing how soon we will go. I may just head him over there as soon as he is released instead of taking him home for a few days first. He wants to go to the beach so bad. I have let my Boss know that I may go there first instead of coming to work. She says that is fine. I just have to call her to let her know so she can cover my shift. I told her I may only have 24 or less hours notice and she said that was ok. They have been expecting that I would want some time off when he is released so they are prepared. Which I think is really cool. Cindy lost her mom this summer and even tho they had been expecting it for the last couple of years, she said it was still a shock so she knows how I feel and how things can turn quickly.

So will give more info when I know it. Just know that we love you all and thank you all for your prayers and thoughts and for the help you all have given. I know I don't say it enough but Thank You!!!!!!

Love Ben and Illa

Pumpkin carving time

Does anyone else in the family carve pumpkins? The kids came over and, well, were kids carving pumpkins. I didn't carve a pumpkin. I just enjoyed the moments and pressed some apples into juice.
Click on the title for more pics.

Lili in St. Helens

Just wanted to let family know I miss them and kinda lonely here, been busy. But no where to go and see, alone out here, as Jess is not one for people.

He's doing great, and have the back done but for the storage unit in the back. Will work on that, Monday and start clearing out the garage. Once that is done, then we bring in the unit to trash it all,..... clear out the cars at the same time. Back hoe time, then storage until brought in for the house so that we can clear the house out. It's going good......

I will stay here until this is finished then up the Tacoma where there are people, and I can get out and maybe make some friends. Over to see Bonnie, if they will have me,.... come back for the family reunion, go back with them, and see the area. Jess will be staying at the house in St.Helens. If he wants to he can go back with us, to Ricks and Bonnie, it's up to him.

All I do is work, and see others when we go out for our coffee, otherwise no human contact. Don't have a sole to have fun with here or talk to,...... sorry about this, just truthful. I look forwards to going back to Hawaii, down the road as I do have friends there and they love to have fun with me.

Just havin' fun.

Click on the title. Nope, no more swimming pictures.
Jim

A Dip taking a dip

After getting wood last week Ohmah 'convinced' me that I needed to cleanse myself, so we decided to take a swim. Yes, it was cold...but cleansing. See, there is a fool born every minute. In my case, I'm in the company of 76,320 other fools. At least that's the number of people born after me if it's really true, "There's a fool born every minute."
I love the fall too!
Jim

10-22-08 Additional news

Additional news. Today the Dr. said he is going to put Ben on fluids and soft foods by Friday. Then the plan is to send him home Tuesday. So will see how things go. Then the plan is about a week after he gets home to go to the coast for awhile. So Jim, hope you have room in the driveway for a small trailer. That is the plan anyway.

Love Ben and Illa

Ben 10-21-08

Well, the surgeon came and removed the retention sutures and the penn rose drains. He is going to watch the incision to make sure it is doing ok then in about 2 days start to give Ben something more than ice chips. He says that he thinks his body made his own illiostomy. Says that he will have three bags instead of one. Doesn't sound like he plans to do a reconnection or even try for one anytime in the near future. So will have to wait and see how things go. At least if he had eat something then he will be sending Ben home. He will come home then with Hospice care. So,I don't figure that he will be out for about 2 weeks as he will have to do the food thing slowly and see how things progress.

He was moved to a private room tonight. It is 231. At least it has it's own bathroom which is good for me. He really doesn't have much of a view but at least he can have the room the temp. that he needs. Not sure of his room phone number but If you call the front desk then can tell you the number or Jim can post it as he called just as we were getting moved into the room.

Well that is it for tonight. Talk to you all later. We love you. Ben and Illa