Doris

Old Photos 1949-1965

2009-02-22T05:51:00.009-05:00

These are photos from the Slides Years, roughly, 1949 through 1965, when we came back to the States.

Grandchildren

2008-10-09T20:39:00.002-04:00

I had this made for Mom a number of years ago, maybe about 2001 or 2002. She really liked it, and it hung in the den, and then in Mom's room until she left. I brought it back with me, and now I look at it every day when I wash dishes. I see the names of all those grandchildren, and I think, "NINE grandchildren! What a blessing that must have been! I have only one (and a half!) and I can scarcely imagine multiplying that joy by 9!"

Description of a mother by Demetrius

2008-09-21T16:23:00.002-04:00

When I was a very little boy and had fallen down and hurt myself, I would run into the house and find my mother. She would not bother to ask me what in the world I had been doing to bruise myself that way; or scold me for not being more careful. She would take me in her arms and hold me until I was through with my weeping, and everything was all right again. Perhaps my skinned knee still hurt, but I could bear it now. You see, my mother was always definitely on my side, no matter how I came by my mishaps.

Of course, Demetrius was drawing a similarity between his mom's love, and that of Jesus. But still, I think it's a rather fitting description of a mother's love. Don't you?

50th Anniversary

2008-09-07T17:24:00.001-04:00

Mom 1985 - 1998

2008-09-07T17:15:00.004-04:00

This was Cabbage Patch Christmas. I don't know how long Mom had to wait in line to make sure her granddaughters had Cabbage Patch dolls. Mom loved Precious Moments figurines, especially the nativity scene.

Going to Sea World
Nancy and Jack's wedding
When we lived in Albuquerque, Mom and Dad went to the Balloon Fiesta with us.

Mom 1983 - 1985

2008-09-07T17:10:00.004-04:00

Easter of 1984
Several times, Mom and Dad joined us for a weekend in northern New Mexico to enjoy the fall colors.
Mom let Michelle and EB help her fry chicken. She didn't even seem to mind the mess; she just enjoyed their pleasure so much.

For EB's 4th birthday, Mom helped me make this Care Bears cake. We didn't read the instructions very closely, and did not see the line on the pan, the "do not fill above this line." The cake overflowed in the oven and made a tremendous mess. I now know she probably felt like crying, but what I remember is the two of us laughing ourselves silly. (I wish I could say I remember cleaning up the oven so she wouldn't have to, but the truth is I remember no such thing!)
The cake is decorated with countless little stars. I remember helping, but I think Mom did most of them.

The picture below was taken during the brief time we lived in San Antonio.

Mom 1978 - 1983

2008-09-07T16:52:00.005-04:00

I don't remember thinking much about Mom on our wedding day. I guess my thoughts were elsewhere! But I can see in her eyes that this day gave her great joy too. Mom and Dad came to see us in Lubbock many times. This was perhaps the first. We went up to Palo Duro Canyon to see the play "Texas."

Mom loved being a grandmother!
Four Anns - Mom was pleased to see the tradition continue. (And now there are 5!)

No one could fry chicken like Mom.

The following pictures are from a vacation Mom & Dad took to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons in 1982.

Bright Spots on the Journey

2008-08-19T15:47:00.009-04:00

Mom and I were driving to Austin (2003) to see Nancy. I helped her out of hte car on NacoPerrin where we saw this lovely patch of bluebonnets. It was really hard for her to get up from sitting on the curb by the side of the road!!!
Below, in 2004, who enjoys a Grandmother cake more than Mom?

Enjoying hot chocolate on a cold day in Austin

What woman was ever adored more?

For a very long time, Mom enjoyed looking at pictures of days gone by. This album is from their early marriage, but she also liked the 50th anniversary album, and all the pictures of children and grandchildren that were sent to her.

I am not much of a pianist, but Mom never seemed to notice. She loved to hear music, especially the old hymns.

Who likes banana pudding? I loved how Mom could so thoroughly enjoy simple things, even as her illness progressed.

In 2005, when M&D moved to Merrill Gardens, Mom's illness seemed to begin to settle into a confused contentment. If I must be confused someday, I pray it will be a confused contentment!

A fancy, new walker increased Mom's mobility. Again here, I can see the pleasure in simple things.

Dad's faithfulness and undying affection spoke volumes. Here is Mom during her brief stay at Barton House.

And how in the world did we find the blessing of Grace House? Mom and Dad together again, no worries about how much care Mom would need. She would not need to move again, and they could be together. Below, Mom still enjoys the family albums, though she no longer talks.

In 2006, we went took M&D to the other Grace House, and Michelle played piano while we all sang. Mom had been mostly silent at that point, but she tried to sing along on "Jesus Loves Me." We knew we had connected with something deep within!

Letter from Sue & Charles

2008-08-16T07:28:00.001-04:00

Dear Girls:

Sue and I had a fine visit with all of you and drew much comfort from the graveside service.

Having been through the loss of my mother, I can relate to your sense of loss and how I have dealt with it all these years. My Mom dies fifty-two years ago and I have missed her every day. You know we have dealt with a loss of one granddaughter, Michael's daughter Elizabeth Marie and his oldest Son, William, is cystic fibrosis at age fourteen and having a rather tough time.

In all this, I often find myself slipping into the area of doubt and despair. When I do, I sing the lines of a great hymn of faith. What a Friend We Have In Jesus. The words just lift the burdens away and a calm falls over me that mere words cannot describe. Diving down the road, in the rest room or kitchen or especially at night when sleep seems to evade the tired body while the mind races away.

What a Friend we have in Jesus.
All our sins and grief to bear.
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer.

Oh, what Peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear.

All because we do not carry,
Everything to God in Prayer.

Try it. Before you finish the verse you will feel the burdens lift away and a calm peace settles upon you and, you will be able to deal with it all because HE is holding you in HIS arms flooding your soul with HIS healing Grace from HIS vast storehouse of Grace.

I don't have David's e-mail address so share this with him for me.

Aunt Sue and I love you all.
Uncle Charles

Grace in the Valley

2008-08-01T07:03:00.003-04:00

I am aware of grace in the valley. Here are some examples:

I spent all Saturday taking care of Little Carolyn. When I learned that Mom had left us, there was a certain emptiness. But thoughts of my little granddaughter and the good day we had just shared, these thoughts were a balm to my soul. And I knew that Mom would be pleased that it was so.

Early Sunday morning, as the news is still settling in, I didn't have the good sense to allow enough time to get to the airport. As I argued and insisted that I could drive myself, EB gathered LMC and ordered me to the car. As it was, I had to run to the gate to make the plane. On my own, I would certainly have watched the plane take off as I parked the car.

On Monday, Mom's birthday, EB had a doctor appointment which included an ultrasound of the tiniest Irving. What nice timing!

I was not surprised that all the grandchildren wanted to come and were able. I did not expect a son-in-law who just started a new job. Uncle Bry was helpful guiding LMC around the cemetery nearby during the service.

Who would have planned a hymn sing after a graveside service? For me, this was a time to sing the things we know are true, as well as to laugh and have fun together.

I was amazed when I returned at the number of sympathy cards I'd received. I didn't know anyone even sent them anymore. I also didn't realize how touched I would be by people's kind words. (I think I'll start sending sympathy cards now!)

Mom and the Bluebonnets

2008-07-25T08:19:00.001-04:00

The Collage

2008-07-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

Just a Closer Walk with Thee

2008-07-25T04:51:00.000-04:00

I am weak, but Thou art strong;
Jesus, keep me from all wrong;
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

Refrain:
Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

Through this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.

When my feeble life is o’er,
Time for me will be no more;
Guide me gently, safely o’er
To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.

Precious Lord, Take My Hand

2008-07-25T04:46:00.000-04:00

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I'm tired, I’m weak, I’m lone
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

When my way grows drear precious Lord linger near
When my life is almost gone
Hear my cry, hear my call
Hold my hand lest I fall
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I'm tired, I’m weak, Lord I’m worn
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

Because He Lives

2008-07-25T04:44:00.000-04:00

God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!

Chorus
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,

Just because He lives!
How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!

Chorus
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

And then one day, I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to vict'ry,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives!

Chorus
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

We've Been Waiting for You

2008-07-25T04:43:00.000-04:00

Let me hold you close, I know you're frightened
Go ahead and cry, I understand
You were safe and you were warm
And then suddenly without a warning
Things began to change
It must have seemed so strange

To all at once be traveling a journey
All the way to this delivery room
But baby you are not alone
Your room is ready, let's go home
You're gonna like it here
Let me make it clear that

We've been waiting for you
We're so glad you came
We've been looking forward
To showing you the place
There's so much in store and
We've been waiting for you

I know it can take some getting used to
But this old world is where you're meant to be
Life is something not to miss
The taste of ice cream, your first kiss
And when love takes your hand
You will understand why

We've been waiting for you
We're so glad you came
We've been looking forward
To showing you the place
There's so much in store and
We've been waiting for you

And watching you come into this world
Baby, you've made me believe
Another journey awaits us
So when I have to leave

I am pretty sure that I'll be frightened
But even if I cry, please understand
I will know I'm not alone
When my room is ready I'll go home
And when I reach the gate
I'm going to hear them saying

We've been waiting for you
We're so glad you came
We've been looking forward
To showing you the place
There's so much in store and
We've been waiting for you

I Can Only Imagine

2008-07-25T04:42:00.000-04:00

I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By your side

I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When your face
Is before me
I can only imagine

I can only imagine

[Chorus:]
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine

I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the Son

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine

I can only imagine

Hymn Number 41

2008-07-25T04:41:00.001-04:00

To God be the glory, great things he hath done!
So loved he the world that he gave us his Son,
who yielded his life an atonement for sin,
and opened the lifegate that all may go in.

Refrain:
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
let the earth hear his voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father thru Jesus the Son,
and give him the glory, great things he hath done!

Great things he hath taught us, great things he hath done,
and great our rejoicing thru Jesus the Son;
but purer, and higher, and greater will be
our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.
(Refrain)

Amazing Grace

2008-07-25T04:41:00.000-04:00

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

How Great Thou Art

2008-07-25T04:39:00.000-04:00

O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Chorus:
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"

I Am a Sheep

2008-07-25T04:38:00.000-04:00

I am a sheep and the Lord is my shepherd
Watching over my soul.
My soul to keep guarding over me ever,
Watching wherever I go.

Chorus
And when the winds blow He is my shelter!
And when I'm lost and alone He rescues me!
And when the Lion comes He is my victory!
Constantly watching over me!
He is constantly watching over me!

We are his children and he is our Father
Watching over our souls.
Great is His love for His sons and His daughters,
Watching wherever we go.

Three things (by Gary)

2008-07-21T07:16:00.005-04:00

3 Things Doris would want us to know today . . .

1. I think Doris would want us to know that she's just fine now. There's no more pain, no more crying, just as Revelation 21:4 says, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain . . . ." I tend to think that this means that Doris can¹t even recall the pain here and if she does, it is nothing compared to the joy she has now, kind of like a mother after giving birth to a child feels.

2. I think Doris would want us to know that everything she learned about God is true (and more.) That there is a Heaven, that God is real, that death isn't the end, that Jesus died but He truly rose from the dead and is sitting at the right hand of God as the Bible tells us. I'm sure she's enjoying the truths of that song "Because He Lives" even today.

3. But thirdly, and finally, I believe Doris would want us all to keep going, to keep the faith every day, to live as God calls us to, knowing in faith what awaits us.

When Death Becomes Birth

2008-07-20T08:07:00.001-04:00

I receive regular emails from Max Lucado. This one arrived in my inbox on July 20.

When Death Becomes Birth by Max Lucado

You live one final breath from your own funeral.

Which, from God’s perspective, is nothing to grieve. He responds to these grave facts with this great news: “The day you die is better than the day you are born” (Eccles. 7:1). Now there is a twist. Heaven enjoys a maternity-ward reaction to funerals. Angels watch body burials the same way grandparents monitor delivery-room doors. “He’ll be coming through any minute!” They can’t wait to see the new arrival. While we’re driving hearses and wearing black, they’re hanging pink and blue streamers and passing out cigars. We don’t grieve when babies enter the world. The hosts of heaven don’t weep when we leave it.

Oh, but many of us weep at the thought of death. Do you? Do you dread your death? And is your dread of death robbing your joy of life?

Jesus came to “deliver those who have lived all their lives as slaves to the fear of dying” (Heb. 2:15).

Your death may surprise you and sadden others, but heaven knows no untimely death: “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed” (Ps. 139:16).

Dread of death ends when you know heaven is your true home. In all my air travels I’ve never seen one passenger weep when the plane landed. Never. No one clings to the armrests and begs, “Don’t make me leave. Don’t make me leave. Let me stay and eat more peanuts.” We’re willing to exit because the plane has no permanent mailing address. Nor does this world. “But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior” (Phil. 3:20).

Why don’t you do this: give God your death. Imagine your last breath, envision your final minutes, and offer them to him. Deliberately. Regularly. “Lord, I receive your work on the cross and in your resurrection. I entrust you with my departure from earth.” With Christ as your friend and heaven as your home, the day of death becomes sweeter than the day of birth.

From Come Thirsty© (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2004) Max Lucado

Current Blessings May 2003

2008-07-20T07:00:00.001-04:00

CURENT BLESSING THAT GOD HAS GIVEN ME TODAY

BY DORIS CHILDRESS
(Dad helped Mom write this)

30 MAY 2003

God has promised to meet my every need in accordance with his will and has proven that He is trustworthy by His care for me throughout my life.

God has given me peace to accept my health problem when I can not understand why these things are happening to me. Because of God’s love for me, I can be happy even in these difficult circumstances.

My husband has promised to take care of me at home for as long as he is physically able to care for me.

I still live at home with my husband who loves me very much.

I can still walk short distances with little or no pain in spite of the serious back problems that I have.

I can still get in and out of bed with little or no help from anyone.

I can still get in and out of the bathtub with little or no help from anyone.

I can still take care of my bathroom needs with little or no help from anyone. I can control my incontinence with pads. I am thankful that I do not have to wear diapers (Depends).

I can still get in and out of the car with little or no help from any one.

I can still brush my teeth, comb my hair and fix my face with little or no help from anyone.

I can still carry on a meaningful conversation with other people some of the time.

I can still work word puzzles slowly. I still enjoy watching TV Musical Videos and listening to musical CDs.

I can still feed my self. I still enjoy eating.

Many of my friends call me on the telephone to see how I am and to tell me they are praying for me.

Many of my friends have sent me get well cards and have told me they are praying for me.

Several friends have offered to run errors for me whenever I need help.

Wearing a back brace helps me to stand up straight and reduces my back pain.

I have 2 doctors who are sincerely concerned about my physical well being.

I have a pastor and many friends who are praying for me every day.

I have 3 children and 9 grandchildren who love me and are concerned about my well being.

"Do I Trust You, Lord?"

2008-07-20T06:03:00.000-04:00

Sometimes my little heart can't understand
What's in Your will, what's in Your plan.
So many times I'm tempted to ask You why,
But I can never forget it for long.
Lord, what You do could not be wrong.
So I believe You, even when I must cry.
Do I trust You, Lord?
Does the river flow?
Do I trust You, Lord?
Does the north wind blow?
You can see my heart,
You can read my mind,
And You got to know
That I would rather die
Than to lose my faith
In the One I love.
Do I trust You, Lord?
Do I trust You?

I know the answers, I've given them all.
But suddenly now, I feel so small.
Shaken down to the cavity in my soul.
I know the doctrine and theology,
But right now they don't mean much to me.
This time there's only one thing I've got to know.

Do I trust You, Lord?
Does the robin sing?
Do I trust You, Lord?
Does it rain in spring?
You can see my heart,
You can read my mind,
And You got to know
That I would rather die
Than to lose my faith
In the One I love.
Do I trust You, Lord?
Do I trust You?

I will trust You, Lord, when I don't know why.
I will trust You, Lord, till the day I die.
I will trust You, Lord, when I'm blind with pain!
You were God before, and You'll never change.
I will trust You.
I will trust You.
I will trust You, Lord.
I will trust You.

"After the Last Tear Falls" by Andrew Peterson

2008-07-20T06:02:00.000-04:00

After the last tear falls
After the last secret's told
After the last bullet tears through flesh and bone
After the last child starves
And the last girl walks the boulevard
After the last year that's just too hard

There is love
Love, love, love
There is love
Love, love, love
There is love

After the last disgrace
After the last lie to save some face
After the last brutal jab from a poison tongue
After the last dirty politician
After the last meal down at the mission
After the last lonely night in prison

There is love
Love, love, love
There is love
Love, love, love
There is love

And in the end, the end is
Oceans and oceans
Of love and love again
We'll see how the tears that have fallen
Were caught in the palms
Of the Giver of love and the Lover of all
And we'll look back on these tears as old tales

'Cause after the last plan fails
After the last siren wails
After the last young husband sails off to join the war
After the last "this marriage is over"
After the last young girl's innocence is stolen
After the last years of silence that won't let a heart open

There is love
Love, love, love
There is love

And in the end, the end is
Oceans and oceans
Of love and love again
We'll see how the tears that have fallen
Were caught in the palms
Of the Giver of love and the Lover of all
And we'll look back on these tears as old tales

'Cause after the last tear falls
There is love

"I will Listen" by Twila Paris

2008-07-20T06:01:00.000-04:00

Hard As It Seems
Standing in Dreams
Where Is the Dreamer Now
Wonder If I
Wanted to Try
Would I Remember How
I Don't Know the Way to Go From Here
But I Know That I Have Made My Choice
And This Is Where I Stand
Until He Moves Me On
And I Will Listen to His Voice

This Is the Faith
Patience to Wait
When There Is Nothing Clear
Nothing to See
Still We Believe
Jesus Is Very Near
I Can Not Imagine What Will Come
But I've Already Made My Choice
And This Is Where I Stand
Until He Moves Me On
And I Will Listen to His Voice

Could It Be That He Is Only Waiting There to See
If I Will Learn to Love the Dreams That He Has Dreamed For Me
Can't Imagine What the Future Holds
But I've Already Made My Choice
And This Is Where I Stand
Until He Moves Me On
And I Will Listen to His Voice

Gratitude by Nichole Nordemann

2008-07-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

Send some rain, would You send some rain?
'Cause the earth is dry and needs to drink again
And the sun is high and we are sinking in the shade
Would You send a cloud, thunder long and loud?
Let the sky grow black and send some mercy down
Surely You can see that we are thirsty and afraid
But maybe not, not today
Maybe You'll provide in other ways
And if that's the case ...

We'll give thanks to You with gratitude
For lessons learned in how to thirst for You
How to bless the very sun that warms our face
If You never send us rain

Daily bread, give us daily bread
Bless our bodies, keep our children fed
Fill our cups, then fill them up again tonight
Wrap us up and warm us through
Tucked away beneath our sturdy roofs
Let us slumber safe from danger's view this time
Or maybe not, not today
Maybe You'll provide in other ways
And if that's the case ...

We'll give thanks to You with gratitude
A lesson learned to hunger after You
That a starry sky offers a better view
If no roof is overhead
And if we never taste that bread

Oh, the differences that often are between
Everything we want and what we really need

So grant us peace, Jesus, grant us peace
Move our hearts to hear a single beat
Between alibis and enemies tonight
Or maybe not, not today
Peace might be another world away
And if that's the case ...

We'll give thanks to You with gratitude
For lessons learned in how to trust in You
That we are blessd beyond what we could ever dream
In abundance or in need
And if You never grant us peace ...

But, Jesus, would You please ...