Tag Archives: Family

Let it Go

28 Feb

From the Heart

Louise Gibson

author of Window Wonders

What is it that’s bothering you?
Something you should have done,
but failed to do?

Or-

You forgave someone
when they didn’t seem to care?
Perhaps of the pain you felt at the time
they were totally unaware.

If we harbor our resentments,
we can cause an internal traffic jam.
Be kind to yourself and “let it go”-
Say “That’s just not who I am”.

Don’t be like the old man with bended head,
carrying a bag of feathers that he thinks is lead.
Take it to the Lord in prayer-
He is faithful, and He does care.

“I will be your helper, says the Lord, even He who takes up your cause”. Isaiah 41:4

“I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4

 

It's hard to be happy

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Daddy

2 Feb

SUNDAY MEMORIES

 Judy Wills

Judy Wills

My Daddy was quite a guy.  As I’ve said before, he was born in 1892, and was 20 years older than my Mother.  But he was a good Daddy, and really was a “Daddy” rather than a stiff “Father.”  I was, occasionally, exasperated with him in my teenage years – I guess as all teenagers are with their parents – but loved him dearly.  He died when I was 25 and pregnant with my first child.  I always regretted that neither of our children got to know their grandpa, and I miss him still.

 

But he could be really funny.  I remember that, when Mother was working in accounting at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, she would quite often invite some of the single, lonely, homesick airmen to church with us on Sundays, then to our house for Sunday dinner.  Around the table, one of Daddy’s favorite things to tell these guys was that he was from a large family.  He would state that there were eight boys, and each of them had five sisters.  Then he would pose the question: “How many of us children were there in the family?”  You could almost see the steam coming out of their ears as the wheels turned as they computed the numbers.  While most got the joke within a reasonable time, I remember one young man staring at Daddy, eyes bulging out, and said “58?!!”  Then Daddy would howl with delight and inform them that all eight boys had the SAME five sisters!  There were only 13 children in the family.

Since Daddy was older when he and Mom married (45), they started their family rather quickly.  When my brother was born, Daddy was so proud that he sent off a telegram to his parents.  Mom told me that his dad sent back a nice, long, newsy letter about everything going on in Louisiana.  Then he ended the letter with:  “Son, we are happy to hear about the birth of your son.  But you must realize – it just RAINS grandchildren down here.”  Mom said Daddy’s balloon just deflated at that!

 

T.J. & Mattie Lites with 10 of their children. Daddy is back row, 4th from left

T.J. & Mattie Lites with 10 of their children.
Daddy is back row, 4th from left

Being the farm boy that he was, he loved to finish the meal with a slice or two of a tomato, rather than dessert.  He loved the desserts, as well, but….

He had some “sayings” that we always enjoyed.  Well, enjoyed MOST of the time.

  •    The traffic will eventually all run by (sometime eventually took longer than others – and Fred always said, “well, Daddy was right again”
  •    This roast is just no good – it just falls off the bone!
  •      As you know, breakfast (lunch/dinner) is one of my three main meals of the dayGranny, Aunt Jessie, Daddy - in his p.j.'s - Mom, Dora Bowers, DiVoran Lites - 1961          Granny, Aunt Jessie, Daddy – in his p.j.’s – Mom, Dora Bowers, DiVoran Lites – 1961 

Once, when Fred and I were visiting Albuquerque, Fred had gone out driving with Daddy.  That evening, Fred related this story of the day, but could hardly get it out for all his giggling.  They were driving along – Fred driving – and Daddy cleared his throat, turned his head, and spit.  Unfortunately, he had forgotten that the window was still closed!  Fred said Daddy cleaned off the window then turned his head back to Fred and sheepishly said, “that’s only the second time in my life I’ve done that.”  Fred said he had to “bite his tongue” to keep from laughing out loud!

Bill Lites in Albuquerque, NM

Bill Lites in Albuquerque, NM

It’s such fun to remember my Daddy.  But the best part is knowing that some day I will be reunited with him and won’t ever have to leave him again.

Bill Lites in the stocks - Williamsburg, VA

Bill Lites in the stocks – Williamsburg, VA

Bill Lites with daughter, Judy Wills, and granddaughter, Charlene Lites

Bill Lites with daughter, Judy Wills, and granddaughter, Charlene Lites

                    

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Before and After War

20 Jan

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Author, Poet and Artist

Before and After War

Before Daddy went away to war

He worked in a tomato plant.

Working hard, that’s what dads are for.

He didn’t rave and he didn’t rant.

When Dad got home, he laid down to rest

I sat on the end of the couch each night

To us that part of the day was best.

I stroked his hair, I did it right.

But while he was away at war

He got hurt inside, I guess

He was different, bruised and sore.

And he doesn’t lay on the couch anymore.

 

I’d still like to stroke his hair,

And make him feel all better.

But I guess that I can’t help him

He’s now an old war vetter.

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Surprising Relatives~Part 1

19 Jan

SUNDAY MEMORIES

 Judy Wills

Judy Wills

                                                     

After meeting Fred – my  husband – and then his parents and siblings, the next part of the Wills family I learned about was his Uncle Bob and Aunt Eleanor Eby.  Such an interesting family.

1

Aunt Eleanor was middle sister to Fred’s Mother.  She and Bob lived in the Pasadena area of California, and were very special to Fred.  On his return trip to the U.S. after high school graduation in Japan, he stayed with them before heading to Albuquerque and the University of New Mexico.  Even though I hadn’t met them, after we were married, they sent us a Christmas gift each year for many years.  Like I said, just special people.

Uncle Bob was not only a great musician/pianist/organist – one of his greatest accomplishments was to build an electronic organ that produced sounds so like an actual pipe organ, you would have thought you were in a great cathedral.  Please notice that there is a tremendous difference between an electric organ and an electronic organ.  We even have a recording of someone playing on his electronic organ – and it sounds exactly like a pipe organ.  Magnificent!

Another interesting fact in all this is that Fred’s parents met at Wheaton College in Chicago.  Bob and Eleanor met at Wheaton College.  Bob’s brother, Dick and his wife, Maybelle, met at Wheaton College.  Oh, and just a small tidbit here – Billy Graham was a graduate of Wheaton College – just a few years after these guys.

2

Billy Graham with Fred’s dad, far right

Okay, all that to say that we all learned about Dick and Maybelle kind of by the “back door” a few years ago.  You see, Fred’s middle sister and her husband live in Washington state, not far from the Oregon border.  For as long as I can remember, they have been fans of square dancing.

Hold on…….I’m getting to the story….it really does all connect.

Fred’s sister (Emily) and her husband (Ron) had been square dancing with a dancing club for many years, and some of their favorite people are a couple named Walt and Pauline Eby.  Emily said that even though Eby isn’t that common of a name, she really didn’t think anything about it.  After having been dancing about 10 years together, they began to talk more about their families.  In passing, Walt mentioned that he had an Uncle Bob.  Emily perked up and announced that she, ALSO, had an Uncle Bob.  Turns out – it’s the SAME Uncle Bob Eby!  Walt is the son of Dick and Maybelle Eby.

3

Pauline and Walt Eby

 Amazing!

Bob & Eleanor Eby, Kitty Wills, Maybelle & Dick Eby

Bob & Eleanor Eby, Kitty Wills, Maybelle & Dick Eby

 **********To Be Continued**********

 

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Karen and the Optometrist

12 Jan

 

SUNDAY MEMORIES

 Judy Wills

Judy Wills

                                                     

Unfortunately, Fred and I both wear glasses – or contact lenses at this point in time.  And also unfortunately, our oldest daughter, Karen, has needed glasses for a very long time – since she was in first grade.

When we were in Germany, and Karen was about 14 years old, the base optometrist thought contacts might slow down the rate of her astigmatism, and suggested contact lenses.  She wasn’t so sure at first, but after she got the hang of it, she was pleased with the results – no more glasses!!

After we returned Stateside, we were living a bit away from the base, but still did most of our “doctor stuff” at the Air Force base nearby.  When it was time to have the girls’ eyes checked, we went to the base optometrist.  Karen went in first for her exam, then sat with me while Janet had her exam.

When Karen came out of the exam room, she sat down and I could tell she was holding something in – she REALLY wanted to break out in laughter.  After Janet left us, she just let it out.  She said the doctor did the exam and told her that she might “eventually need to get glasses or contacts.”  When she told him that, not only did she have contacts already – but that they were in her eyes at the moment – he was dumbfounded!  She said she really had to “bite her tongue” to keep from laughing in his face!

After Janet finished up her exam the doctor came out to talk to me.  He looked really chagrined and said, “she really fooled me there.”  He had the most sheepish look on his face, and it made me grin at him.

I suspect that he was just a touch more careful with his examinations after that!

Just one of those hilarious memories that stay with us – and we laugh about over and over

.

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Starting the New Year Face to Face

8 Jan

Last night the bloggers for Old Things R New met face to face for the first time in our history. It was an incredible and laughter filled evening.

photo

From left to right, Judy Wills, Divoran Lites, Onisha Ellis, Lynn Shepherd (web genius and daughter of Louise) Louise Gibson, Janet Peres Eckles. Back row, Bill Lites

I created the blog January 13, 2012 and my first post was to announce my daughter, Rebekah Lyn’s debut novel. I had no idea what I was doing, but knew I needed a platform to help promote her work.

In Febrauary 2012,  DiVoran Lites, my long time friend and mentor, brought her fun and inspiring wrting to our blog. She has now published three novels which you can find here.  Her husband Bill, loves travel and vintage WWII airplanes and we were pleased to add him on April 19,2012. In September of 2012  we welcomed Judy Wills, a talented pianist,  whose life as a military spouse brought us an inside look at family life both in and out of the military. In 2013 we were blessed with two new bloggers, Louise Gibson, whose poetry about nature, feline friends and life touches many hearts and brings smiles to the readers face, and last but certainly not least is Janet Perez Eckles, a dynamo of energy and faith, who shares her life experiences with us through weekly posts that encourage us to dig deep into our own faith and challenges.

Janet was recently interviewed on Emotional Mojo   a nationally syndicated show that  combines the best of Psychology, personal development, life coaching, and daily inspiration in a single Mojo brand.

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Aunt Jessie

17 Nov

SUNDAY MEMORIES

 Judy Wills

JUDY

 My mother’s only sibling, a sister, was my Aunt Jessie.  She never married, and was what we might consider an “old maid.”  My Granny lived with her.

They lived in San Antonio, Texas for many years, and moved to Albuquerque in 1952.  They moved into

2a neat old house that I loved.  It had a sunken living room – with an even more sunken fireplace.  It had what is known as “cove” ceilings – where the wall joins the ceiling in a smooth curve – no sharp angles.  Makes for a really nice effect.

Because she never married, and was responsible for herself as well as her mother, she worked all her life.  She was an accountant/bookkeeper – and a very good one.

Interestingly enough, that’s not all she ever did.  While living in San 3Antonio, she owned and operated a small diner in downtown San Antonio, called The White House Lunch. She had a cook, but I know that Granny made the pies – I still have some of her recipes.  They were so good that people would come in just for a slice of pie – or to purchase the entire pie to take home!

That little diner was even written up in the newspaper 4as the place to go for some of the “best beef stew what am.” While working the diner, Jessie met an Army Nurse, stationed at Fort Sam Houston, and they became very close friends.  This nurse would work the counter at the diner in her off-times.  This same nurse was stationed in Korea and was the one who brought a pearl ring back for me.  They remained life-long friends.

Also while in San Antonio, Jessie, Granny, and my mother all worked at the Rochester Handkerchief Factory.  The owner of the company found that she could make more profit if she purchased the fabric in Ireland, and had the “cut work” done in China, than if she did it all in the U.S.  In order to do that, she traveled to those countries to set up all she needed.  She brought back Chinese mementoes for Jessie – a China doll (which I was NOT allowed to play with!),and three camphor chests.

5Two of the chests are what we would call “foot locker” size, and the larger one is “steamer trunk” size.  All are ornately hand-carved with Chinese scenes on them.  And the inside wood is camphor wood, which is deliciously aromatic, and guaranteed to keep critters away from woolens and other fabrics.

I was always intrigued by those chests, but never had the nerve to look in them – until after Jessie died.  But when we opened them up – we were in for quite a surprise!

 

 

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What Is Your Legacy

16 Nov

“Do you remember how Joe would make us laugh with his silly comments?” I said to my sons at the dinner table the other day. They affirmed. And we all laughed remembering his wit, his unique insights and his gusto for life.

As I relish on my son Joe’s sweet memories, I reflected on the memories I, myself would leave behind. How about you? Do you ever wonder what will people remember you by? What will your children’s children talk about when your name comes up? Will they know what you wanted them to know?

In good times and bad, we’re subtly creating a legacy, weaving memories and painting strokes on the portrait our family will hold in their hearts. The portrait will display the life we lived, the values we held, the dreams we made come true, and the answers to these questions:

  • did we choose to see life beyond circumstances, or did circumstances see us to despair?
  • did we face challenges with determination, or did we allow them to determine our destiny?
  • did we look for tomorrow with passion, or did momentary trials rob the passion for today?
  • did we reach out to others to encourage them, or did our own discouragement reach out to hold us back?
  • did we live life rich with God’s reassurance, or did we look to insure our own way?
  • did fear steal our joy, or did God’s joy erase all fear?
  • did we do things for our own interest, or did we first take interest in God’s ways?
  • did we follow our plans, or did we first plan to follow God’s path.
  • did we fret over petty things, or find the power of God’s precepts?

No matter what the answer, “…from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him and his righteousness with their children’s children-with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts” (Psalm 103:17-18).

Father, I pray your everlasting love nourishes my desires, goals and dreams. I ask for wisdom to leave a legacy that honors you, resonates with my children’s children, and reflects my obedience to your precepts. In Jesus’ name, amen.

• What memories will you leave behind?

• What do you want to be remembered by?

• What would you change if you knew tomorrow was your last day on earth?

Janet

Legacy

Janet Perez Eckles,

Grateful for the privilege of inspiring you…

My website in English

En Español

My story (video)

Inspirational video  just for you.

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Our Trip to Maui~Part 5

20 Oct

SUNDAY MEMORIES

 Judy Wills

JUDY

                                                    

We had planned for our next adventure to be to drive to see the Haleakalā 1Crater.  It was a long drive, and we stopped several times along the way just to take in the island beauty. We saw lots of sugar cane fields, and a few pineapple fields, as well.

We stopped at the Visitor’s Center at 6500 feet up.  This most unusual Silver Sword plant grew all around that area.  We were told that the Silver Sword plant only grows in that area near the Haleakalā Crater – nowhere else in the entire world!  Gorgeous!

We stopped again on the way up to get some pictures, and were amazed that the ocean color is really as blue as it is in this picture!  Beautiful!2

The summit of Haleakalā Crater is 10,023′ and the air is thin and 3quite cool.  We were glad to have our sweaters and jackets!  Silver Sword plants were quite abundant there.  Inside the pavilion was a legend telling about “The Life of a Volcano.”  Interesting.

We arrived at the summit about 10:00 a.m. – and the FOG rolled in!  We were told we needed to be there for sunrise to see the crater.  Someone should have told us that before, right?  On our way up, we were passed by a man and his sons on their way down.  His comment as he passed us was, “Best view of the clouds you’ve ever seen, right?”  So we had to content ourselves with pictures of fog – and 4postcards of what we would have seen at sunrise.  A very impressive sight, to be sure. Since we are known for being directionally challenged – we totally missed Kula, so we drove on down to Kahului for lunch.  On our way after that, we stopped and took some gorgeous pictures of Molokai in the near distance.  Really a beautiful island.

When we finally drove into Lahaina, we stopped at the Lahaina Cannery Mall, thinking to have a light supper.  But somehow we found that, if you go through the mall, to the other side, and then outside, across the street is a unique outdoor restaurant, called the Aloha Mixed Plate.  Nothing fancy, but the food was delicious!  As a side note – when we returned to the mainland and told Fred’s sister about this little restaurant, she had never heard of or seen it!  Something for them to explore on their next visit to Maui.

5

~~~~~More to come~~~~~

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Where is Papa?

12 Oct

“Where is Papa?” my sleepy 5-year old granddaughter said the moment she opened her eyes in the morning.

“Papa already left for work,” I said, grinning at her love for her Papa.

“I want to be with him…I just want a hug from him. I love him so much,” she said.

After the sweetness of the moment faded, a not-too-sweet reminder came to mind. What about me? Do I ask for my Father’s presence the first thing in the morning? Rather than my soul longing to be with God, in His presence and to seek His company, my thoughts often turn elsewhere. How different it would be if I did wake up each morning with a yearning to be held by Him. To be reassured by Him. And to be guided by His grace.

God knows that weakness. He knows how we begin our day by letting worry nag. How we allow stress to creep up. And how we give in to restlessness. But because He also knows how deeply we want peace, security and victory at every stage, He gives His direct instruction: “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you” (Matthew 6:33).

Father, I confess that worries fill my head when I wake up. I have been a fool to seek you only when troubles com, when challenges show up or gloom threatens to step in. I ask that you give me wisdom to first choose my thoughts and fill them with you every morning. In Jesus’ name, amen.

  • What fills your mind when you open your eyes in the morning?
  • What longing fills your heart?
  • What is the order of your priorities lately?
Papa

Janet Perez Eckles

Grateful for the privilege of inspiring you…
My website in English
En Español
My story (video)
Inspirational video  just for you.

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