Posted 9:15 pm Sunday, January 20, 2013
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Reader gives thanks for support during trying time
ROSES: Losing your spouse is the test of a lifetime. No other word comes to mind — this is not a drill, this is a test. It's not a pass or fail test. You're not going to get a score for your test and you're not going to graduate after the test.
But like most tests, you get to prepare for it. You can have a study group. You can find study partners for this test. Even though my test has just started, I want to thank my “study group” for their support, help, love and time.
First and foremost I want to thank my brother-in-law, Monty Small. For six weeks we crammed for this test. He supplied the nourishment (Peanut M&Ms, Almond Joys, assorted granola bars) for our study times. He took calls early in the morning, stayed late, came early and skipped lunch a few times. He was there during the “midterm exam” — the second heart valve replacement.
Next, I want to thank my stepdaughter, Kelly Small. She was the study group reference guide. This study topic brought lots of new medical terms and procedures and her medical background was most valuable. Then she supplied the world's softest blanket. During tense moments of study, sometimes you need a break and the blanket became our distraction. Everyone that saw it or touched it wanted it and that was a great distraction. The distraction was a twinkle in my husband's eye. He didn't have just any ol' regular hospital blanket. He had the world's softest and his daughter had given it to him.
During most tests you are on your own. But it's almost like I got to see the questions that were going to be on the test, almost like cheating. I get to cheat off my Rug Hooking sisters. The Tyler-area Rug Hookers are my ace in the hole for this test. Their e-mails, texts, letters, notes, cards and prayers are part of the hands-on training for this test. And just like any “sewing circle” we can solve most problems whenever we get our heads together.
But like most tests, you get to prepare for it. You can have a study group. You can find study partners for this test. Even though my test has just started, I want to thank my “study group” for their support, help, love and time.
First and foremost I want to thank my brother-in-law, Monty Small. For six weeks we crammed for this test. He supplied the nourishment (Peanut M&Ms, Almond Joys, assorted granola bars) for our study times. He took calls early in the morning, stayed late, came early and skipped lunch a few times. He was there during the “midterm exam” — the second heart valve replacement.
Next, I want to thank my stepdaughter, Kelly Small. She was the study group reference guide. This study topic brought lots of new medical terms and procedures and her medical background was most valuable. Then she supplied the world's softest blanket. During tense moments of study, sometimes you need a break and the blanket became our distraction. Everyone that saw it or touched it wanted it and that was a great distraction. The distraction was a twinkle in my husband's eye. He didn't have just any ol' regular hospital blanket. He had the world's softest and his daughter had given it to him.
During most tests you are on your own. But it's almost like I got to see the questions that were going to be on the test, almost like cheating. I get to cheat off my Rug Hooking sisters. The Tyler-area Rug Hookers are my ace in the hole for this test. Their e-mails, texts, letters, notes, cards and prayers are part of the hands-on training for this test. And just like any “sewing circle” we can solve most problems whenever we get our heads together.
There are other friends and family to thank for their study efforts — O.D., Brett, Tony, Tammi, Jeremy, Lindsey, Elwood, brother Jeff, Janice, Daphne, and my mom, Joann, to name a few.
Now comes the real test — saying goodbye to my soul-mate and BFF, Don Small.
Cindi McCullough-Small
Whitehouse
Now comes the real test — saying goodbye to my soul-mate and BFF, Don Small.
Cindi McCullough-Small
Whitehouse
GREAT SHOW
ROSES: To the Kiwanis Club of Tyler for sponsoring the annual antique show and sale at the Harvey Convention Center the last weekend in January.
For most people this is just a show featuring vintage collectables and antiques, but to me it's almost like a “family reunion.” I know several of the participants from shows over the years in other towns. Visiting with them at the Tyler show is like “going home.”
Thanks, Tyler Kiwanis Club.
Mary Ann Lanthium
Tyler
For most people this is just a show featuring vintage collectables and antiques, but to me it's almost like a “family reunion.” I know several of the participants from shows over the years in other towns. Visiting with them at the Tyler show is like “going home.”
Thanks, Tyler Kiwanis Club.
Mary Ann Lanthium
Tyler
