Anecdotes, Antidotes, and Anodes

Watermelon Memories...Then and Now

Watermelon is a plant species in the family Cucurbitaceae, (gourd) a vine-like flowering plant originally  domesticated in West Africa

Its a staple summer fruit and a low-carb way to help satisfy a sweet tooth, especially on the Keto diet. Each 1/2 cup of diced watermelon has 5.4 grams of net carbs. It's also an acceptable choice when dieting because of its high water content. 

But, we aren't here to talk about the health benefits or from where watermelons originated, we're here to talk about who wins a watermelon growing contest. 

First we'll reminisce about the time a strange looking vine started growing in our beautiful, well-manicured lawn in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. 

I'm not sure exactly how old Brooke was when the above photos were taken, but judging by the missing front teeth, I'm thinking she's in about the first grade.  It all started when we noticed a strange looking plant growing in the middle of our front yard. There had been lots of rain, so the yard couldn't be mowed until things dried out. By this time, the 'vine-looking' thing had grown to enormous proportions. I mean we're talking 'Jumanji, Welcome to the Jungle,' could have been filmed here. 

Upon closer inspection, we realized that what we had growing were watermelon vines and were perplexed as to how this might have happened.

Enter: Brooke.

She explained that one evening after enjoying a picnic in the backyard, she saved some watermelon seeds and planted them. 

IN. THE. MIDDLE. OF. THE. FRONT. YARD!

So, for the entire summer our front yard was enveloped with a healthy, hearty jungle of vines. Watermelon vines. Everywhere. I think they may have even 'vined-up' the tree.

Looking back, I'm surprised the Friendly Neighborhood Keep Your Lawn Looking Nice and Neat Committee didn't come knocking on our front door. Of course, they would have needed machetes in hand to get there. 

Lo and behold, that six-year old harvested a crop of watermelon as documented with the above photos depicting two of them.  

Who knew that a few years later that little watermelon-seed-planting-munchkin would graduate with a double major in Landscape Architecture and Landscape Contracting from Oklahoma State University and earned a Masters Degree from Oklahoma University in Urban Architectural Studies..  She also owns Florascape Designs, a landscape design company in Bartlesville. I'm interested in knowing how many of her designs might contain a watermelon feature.

This is where you just have to trust me. I promise the story above and the photos and stories below will connect at some point. Somewhere. 

There is a common denominator: Watermelons

Rewind several decades.

I was about 10 years old and Cousin Randy was a few weeks old. Notice the smile on my face !  I had a real live baby doll to play with. Dress up. And. Feed.

I was not into the diaper changing bit. 

I was probably 14 and Cousin Randy was 4. He was still a lot of fun but harder to 'control.'

And yes, that's a real live aluminum Christmas tree.We had just finished putting it together and were getting ready to decorate it. 

Now, Fast-Forward several decades . . . to this weekend. 

Watermelons are still the topic of discussion. Stay with me. 

Cousin Randy is now older than I am.  Here we are on Friday at Two Rivers Winery with some grape juice to sample. 

He came over that big hill that's in the middle of Colorado by way of Monarch Pass to visit. 

It was a weekend full of laughs and reminiscing and comparing watermelons as chronicled with the two video clips below. 

 

 

So there. I win. He said so.

Probably because of my learning experience umpteen years ago when I was tutored by a little toothless first-grader on how to grown watermelons.

See. I told you there was a convoluted connection with all this. 

Stella and PeekaBoo saying good-bye to Cousin Randy after a wonderful weekend of making more watermelon memories. 

Morals of this story . . .

Cousins are those childhood playmates who grow up to be forever friends.

AND. . .

Never doubt the horticulture abilities of a six-year old named Brooke. 

 

 

 

 

 

HansMan and Dr. Alvarez

For many who have been reading here for the past several years, HansMan (pronounced 'Hans Mahn') has entertained us with his antics... everything from climbing trees and attacking web worms to using our vacumn cleaner to eradicate fruit flies from hovering over his wine glass. The side bar category, "Anode Man Adventures" has documentation of about ten years worth of these type of antics. 

This is more of an informational post and his step-by-step adventure of having his stomach sleeved.

Yes, you read that correctly.  Stomach !  Sleeved !

HansMan has battled continuous weight gain for the past twenty years. He didn't lose five pounds and gain back ten.  He never lost any weight. He just kept on gaining weight.

 One. Pound. At. A. Time.

HansMan has been a part of helping write this post. These are some of the reasons he had for having the procedure:

1) My blood pressure, sleep apnea, and acid reflux...plus some lesser physical discomforts were all due to eating and drinking too much.  I just enjoyed the 'good life' for too long.

2) I didn't like my appearance and steadily having to buy larger clothes.  One wake-up call was when I had to buy an XXL shirt at Christmas.

3) I wanted to avert future health problems associated with diabetes, heart, ankle, and hip.  I had both knees replaced several years ago.

4) All of my existing health issues centered around my stomach.  Other issues were in the future.

5) One of our friends had the sleeve performed by Dr. Alvarez four years ago. Ever since, she has been the perfect weight. For four years she hasn't felt the hunger sensation and is full after a few bites.  She is very healthy ! 

6) I have seen many before and after photos on Dr. A's website and the Facebook page of other patients a year or less out. The difference in their appearances is miraculous.

7) Dr. Alvarez's clinic is staffed with a team of professionals who specialize in just this one procedure. To date, the team has performed about 10,000 endobariatic sleeve procedures. In my opinion, this makes them the most experienced and qualified team in the Americas. 

8) My goal is to lose 50 pounds from my January 1 weight of 244 pounds in six months.

9) My second goal is to compete in a punt, pass, and kick contest in November.

10) My third goal is to fit into my clothes that I have not been able to wear for years. 
(This note from Kathy: Dear Hans...You will NOT be wearing your 'double knit-wide lapeled-John Travolta-Grease-Lightning-leisure-suits!') 

"I believe that this is the closest thing to the 'Fountain of Youth' that I'll find. Losing weight and reversing the effects of being overweight in a matter of weeks or months is like going back in time twenty years to when I was in better shape."

For those of you who knew he was having this procedure but that's about all you knew, and are interested in the process . . . here's more than you probably ever need to know from the git-go.  There are a few of our friends who asked for every detail. 

So, grab a cup of coffee or glass of tea (no alcohol allowed) and join us for HansMan's newest adventure...

Last December, he informed me he was going to have his stomach sleeved.

My response was, "You're going to do what?"

He continued, "I said, I'm going to have my stomach sleeved.  In Mexico."

After I got up off the floor and started breathing again, I wheezed "Are you crazy?"  I may or may not have used an adjective beginning with the letter f-  and ending with -ing in front of the word crazy.  Okay. So, I did definitely use that word.

We have a very good friend who had this procedure done four years ago . . . in Mexico. . . by Dr. Alvarez and was the reason HansMan made the decision to proceed. 

Before I continue, let me assure you, my initial feelings about having surgery done 'in Mexico' has changed.  You will understand why if you continue to read. 

Our friend had thoroughly researched this procedure in U.S. hospitals and Mexico. She came to the conclusion that Dr. Guillermo Alvarez was the best in the  world.  Evidently, there are thousands of others who feel the same.  To date, Dr. Alvarez has performed about 10,000 stomach sleeve surgeries. 

We'll continue with me getting up off the floor and heading to my computer to read more about the Restrictive Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy procedure.  Dr. Alvarez is one of only 11 bariatric surgeons WORLD WIDE with the "Surgeon of Excellence" designation. 

To quote Dr. A, "This isn't magic and there isn't a given certainty that you will lose your weight. In order to be successful with your weight loss, it will be entirely up to you to make good dietary choices and making sure you are doing some kind of daily physical activity." 

First, Hans had to figure out his BMI (Body Mass Index). There is a condition known as 'fatty liver.'  which is a direct relationship between the patient's weight and the liver size. If the liver is too large and heavy, this could possibly prevent Dr. A from being able to see the part of the anatomy he needs to work on. 

This is the link from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to calculate BMI. 

If the BMI is too high, it is mandatory to begin a pre-operative diet to lose enough weight and be in a favorable condition for the surgery. 

Here's the 'chart' for the length of the pre-op diet:

BMI:
lower than 36:        diet not required 
37-41:                        7 day diet
42-47:                       10 day diet
higher than 47:      14 days
over 300 pounds: 21 days
over 400 pounds: 28 days

The diet consists of full liquids:  shakes, coffee, tea, sports drinks, broths, some juices, and protein supplements.  The daily intake should be between 800 and 1,000 calories. The complete list is on the website which will be posted below. 

HansMan's BMI registered in at 34.26.  Yippee!  No pre-op diet !

It was time to make the pre-surgery shopping list. (Have I mentioned I love to make lists?)  All the details of brands and types are also on the website.

Shopping List 1:

Vitamins - gummies, chewable, or liquid (for the first 4-6 months post-op, pills should not be any larger than an M&M.):
Multi-Vitamin - 100% recommended RDA
Vitamin B-12 - sublingual
CO-Q10 Enyme - 100 mg soft gel
Omega 3 - 900-1,360 mg soft gels
Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D - 600 mg
Biotin - 5,000 - 10,000 mcg

Liquid Protein (clear liquid):
Genepro
Chicken Soup or Unflavored Protein Powder
Isopure - 40 grams protein in clear product
Liquid New Whey Protein Shots

Miscellaneous:
Gaviscon - chewable or liquid
Gas X Strips
Dramamine - chewable
Tylenol - liquid
Dulcolax, Phillips Tablets, Miralax, Senokot, or Metamucil
Squishy pillow
Mederma or Scar Guard - 4 weeks after surgery
Chapstick
Acid blocker
High Protein Shake Powders
Flavored water
Gatorade - (not red)
Juice - apple or cranberry  (not acidic like orange, tomato, grapefruit)
Canned broth or bouillon cubes/granules
Popsicles
Jello
Crystal Light
Tea bags - mild like Chamomile, Green (no cinnamon)
Blender or Nutra Bullet or something similar
Small plates/saucers/measuring cups/baby spoons to take small bites

Food Arsenal

Shopping List 2 for second week's allowed foods:

Creamy soups
Cottage cheese
Applesauce
Yogurt
Chicken/Beef/Veggie Broth (low sodium)
Carnation Instant Breakfast
Frozen Fruit (no seeds for first few weeks)

Success Tips:
Get rid of all the foods in the house you are not to eat before leaving for surgery
(Not totally possible if someone else is living in the house)
Make sure to have lots of fluids on hand to drink after arriving home
Buy all groceries needed for at least two weeks after surgery before leaving home

The past week's schedule:
Sunday:  flew to San Antonio - stayed at La Quinta on Halm
Monday: was picked up by Rosy in the van and driven to Eagle Pass, TX
Tuesday: was picked up by Rosy and driven to Piedras Negras - day of surgery
Wednesday: hospital
Thursday: driven to San Antonio by Rosy to La Quinta
Friday: flew home
Saturday:  HansMan walked in the Lions Club parade (14 blocks) Yes! He did!
Sunday: HansMan cleaned off his desk.  
Monday:  TEN pounds lighter and at work

Here's the next list (Yes, another list)
Be sure to pack: 
Passport
Slippers
Robe or easy pull on elastic pants
Loose tops
Personal hygiene products
Medications
C-Pap Machine if using one
Book, Magazine, Kindle, Laptop, etc.  (Rooms have WiFi. Phone provided to call home on.
I just put my phone on Airplane Mode so there are no roaming charges and use e-mail or Facebook messenger to communicate with family/friends. There is a TV in the room with 3 English channels. )
Powder mixes: Crystal Light, Broth cubes/granules, Gas X Strips, Dramamine-chewable, Chapstick, Snacks for companion if someone goes with you.
Small bills - most every place takes dollars but change is usually given back in pesos. Although, every place at the market gave change back in dollars. 

I took several projects as there is ample time both days to work on them.

Here's our Journal: 

Sunday: We flew from Grand Junction to Dallas and from Dallas to San Antonio. (Must arrive before noon the day BEFORE surgery) So, just in case there was a cancelled flight or missed connection, we added a 'buffer' day. We rode the shuttle from the airport to La Quinta, dropped our luggage, rode the shuttle to the car rental, and drove to downtown San Antonio to walk around downtown to see the Alamo and have dinner on the Riverwalk. This was pretty much HansMan's 'last supper' for several weeks. Anyway, the last time he would have a nice glass of wine with dinner for a looooong time !  

Entrance to La Quinta

 

Riverwalk


Monday:  We had a leisurely breakfast provided by La Quinta and was ready to be picked up by Rosy, the chauffeur, in the van by 11:15 a.m.  We met a young lady who was also having the surgery and her parents in the lobby. There was one other gentleman and his wife, but because of a delayed flight, they did not make it in time to ride down with us in the van. Once they arrived in San Antonio, they rented a car and drove to Eagle Pass to catch up with us to cross the border the next day. It's about a two-hour drive to Eagle Pass and Rosy stops along the way to stretch, buy snacks, and have a potty break. Once we arrived at the Holiday Inn Express, we just hung out in the room and took short walks. Later, we had a light meal at the Jade Palace next to the hotel. (No food or drink after 11:30 p.m. and NO alcohol !) This room is included in the Dr. A's fee. 

     
Holiday Inn Express Lobby                                                                                                                                 

Tuesday:  Rosy arrived bright and early and we were all loaded in the van by 7:30 a.m.  The other couple joined us that morning. The hospital is in Piedras Negras (black stones) and only about ten minutes from Eagle Pass. (For companions, you can take food from breakfast with you over the border, but fruit and specific other items cannot be brought back into the U.S.) We arrived at Dr. A's office which adjoins the private hospital and each patient had a private consultation with him. We met Anali, one of his very proficient, English speaking nurses. (Anali was sleeved by Dr. A in 2014. The day after her surgery, she was back at work discharging patients.) After the consultations, all three patients had blood work done and chest x-rays before being taken to their private rooms. Dr. A gave his patients the choice of what order they wanted to be taken into surgery. True-to-form, HansMan let the other two decide, so he went last. At some point, my need for coffee kicked in, so Anali gave me a quick lesson on how to get out of the hospital and not stay lost for any length of time. She walked me outside, showed me a great restaurant across the street,  the farmacia on the corner, and then...drum roll please...the coffee/pastry shop where they brew an Italian coffee . . . "Illy" . . . I was thrilled. HansMan went into surgery about 11:30ish and Dr. A was back in the room to let me know everything went well about 90 minutes later. 
HansMan was out of recovery and back in his room very soon after that.  I'll not go into detail about the 'conversation' between Anali and Hans as the anesthetic was wearing off, but she did look at me and ask, "Is he always like this?"  To which I replied, "Yes. Why yes he is. With or without the anesthetic."  
He was not too fond of his oxygen mask, the little clip on his forefinger, or the IV in his arm. Not too long afterwards, his oxygen level was good enough, he was able to take the mask and clip off.  That allowed him to watch "Patton" on his iPad and the latest dog-and-pony-show-reports about the Presidential candidates. Anali was relieved by Jessica and Brenda, both English-speaking nurses. I walked across the street to a restaurant for lunch and Jessica delivered dinner to me later that evening. (Just let her know what you would like to eat.) I slept in the room with HansMan on a quite comfortable couch. All four doctors, Dr. A., Dr. Garza, Dr. Rosales, and Dr. Salinas came in during the day to check on him. We had to press the little call-buzzer a couple of times, and the nurses were in his room in a flash !  He sat on the edge of his bed several times but did not walk around yet. His private room had a nice-sized bathroom with a large shower and lots of hot water. 

Hans loading up for 10 minute drive from Eagle Pass to Piedras Negras

HansMan just hours later after surgery and back in his room

Wednesday:  HansMan did not complain about much. Maybe just about one of the incisions and a slight pain in his shoulder because he 'slept wrong.' His biggest complaint was that he couldn't drink anything. The nurses did allow him to swish his mouth out which made him feel a lot better. No swallowing !  Later that day, he was allowed to have ice chips to suck on. Not to crunch, but to just let melt in his mouth. He was given anti-biotics, anti-nausea, and acid reducing meds through his IV. His legs were wrapped to keep the blood in his lower legs circulating, but were taken off later in the day. He never had much nausea or any vomiting. He walked around with his IV pole a few times, but it was capped off in the afternoon allowing him to walk freely up and down the hallway. Both Dr. A and Dr. Garza visited with him several times during the day. About 4:00, the family members were able to ride in the van, accompanied by Eric and Jessica, to the market. Guess who loaded up and went with us? Yup.  HansMan was not going to miss out on a shopping experience. He had walked for several blocks up and down the street earlier in the day. Later in the evening, all the patients and their companions met with Jessica, Brenda, and Dr. A to receive their discharge instructions and medications to take home. Dr. A gave each patient his personal e-mail and direct phone number. (When have you ever had that happen?)

  
HansMan's private room in the private hospital

HansMan in his room, multi-tasking, reading the Wall Street Journal and checking e-mails on his phone the morning after surgery.

 Thursday:  The very first thing was breakfast in the the form of a juice box! Because HansMan was not familiar with the workings of a juice box, the first thing he did was squeeze it. The juice shot out and drenched his shirt. The main rule:  Sip. Sip. Sip. No big swallows or gulping.  Once again, Dr. A met with him for an examination and to discuss what to expect. He reiterated with him:  No lifting anything over FIVE pounds for a week and only adding five pounds per week after surgery. Rosy showed up with the van, we loaded up, and headed back to San Antonio where she dropped us off at the same La Quinta we stayed in Sunday. The room charge is included in Dr. A's fee. We arrived mid-morning, so because it was a beautiful, warm day, we headed to the swimming pool and sat in the sun/shade for the rest of the day. (No swimming or hot tub for several weeks!) The hotel shuttle took us to Quarry Market where we had dinner at P.F. Chang's.  He had several sips of egg drop soup and we took the rest back to the room with us. Had I known this place was a shopping mecca, we would have arrived there much earlier. There is ample time to head back downtown, but since we did that on Sunday, we opted not to go back. 

 

 
                                                     

 

 

 

This morning in the hospital

 

 

This afternoon by the pool

Friday:  The airport shuttle runs every thirty minutes. We were headed to the airport by 9:00 a.m. and arrived home at 4:30 p.m.  HansMan had no problems traveling. I lifted our carry-ons because of the NO LIFT rule. He did have a low-grade fever both nights after arriving home, but it didn't last long either time. 

Saturday:  HansMan walked 14 blocks in the Lions Club parade.  He came home, napped, and sipped, sipped, sipped.

Sunday:  He cleaned off his desk !  Amazing fringe benefits from this surgery. 

Monday: It's almost been one week since HansMan's surgery and this is what he has to say:
"I weighed this morning and had lost ten pounds.  I'm wearing slacks I haven't had on in almost two years. Only one of the small five incisions is still a bit sensitive. It's just over one inch and is certainly a minor 'feeling' compared to other incisions I have had. It is just a bit sensitive when I cough or hit a bump in the road. There is a 'knot' that I feel in my throat and proceeds down to my stomach, especially if I swallow too much or too quickly. I feel a little lethargic due to the drastic diet change. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst, my discomfort is a 2 or less. Any pain or discomfort is gradually subsiding. It's important to have a positive attitude and educate yourself with all the information Dr. A has provided. I made up my mind to to do this because of all the reasons I mentioned earlier. There was no shortage of people who tried to talk me out of this, but they were all uninformed. The reason Kathy has created this blog post is to put the experience in our own words. Everyone will have a different experience. Mine has been 100% positive."

For exact and complete information from Dr. Alvarez, visit his website. (Links and info below):

Dr. Guillermo Alvarez    866-697-5338

Susan George is his LVN/Patient Coordinator. She is basically on call 24/7, and her e-mail, a toll free number, and her cell number are provided to all his patients. 

Endobariatric Facebook Wall  This is a closed group, but just click on "join" to be approved.
This is where you can read testimonials, see before and after photos, post questions, receive support from those who've been there, get great tips about what tastes best, talk about the 'loser's bench,' etc. 

Subscribe to Dr. Alvarez's You Tube videos. 

Piedras Negras -  is the capital city of the Mexican state of Coahuila. It is on the U.S.-Mexico border, across the Rio Grand from Eagle Pass, Texas.  It is in the Central Time Zone. The climate is semi-arid and hot with the hottest months being May-September. The average temperature is between 79-88 degrees. Be sure to ask Anali, Jessica, or Brenda about taking the van to the market. While there, enjoy one of the fruit smoothies.  And no, the patients don't get to enjoy one. 

Peso to Dollar Conversion



In Dr. A's office

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Alvarez & Hans the day after surgery


Only fair that I had my picture taken with him, too.

Thanks to Susan Irizarry for the following photos of the facility . . . inside and out.

 

A Letter to Benjamin

A Letter to Benjamin

An Account of Ellen Sue Crumpton
as seen through the eyes of
her student, co-worker, admirer, and friend
Traci Marich Sneed

 Some things in our lives are constants, somewhat like the moon.  While the moon isn't always visible and sometimes only seen in parts, we know it is there.  No matter what stage we see, we know for sure that before long we will view it in its complete splendor:  full, round, bright, and beautiful.  Your grandmother has been a constant in your life since your birth.  Sometimes you only heard her voice on the phone or only saw her image in a picture or on a screen, but you knew you would actually be with her again before too long, whether you traveled to her house or she made a trip to visit you.  Sue Crumpton has been a beautiful constant in my life for 45 years.  However, life as we know it is not a constant.  To use the math teacher's term, it is a variable.  There will always be change.  Change became a reality for us with her passing last week.  (So do not lose heart...for the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Cor. 4:16-18)

 Right now everything about Sue is vivid and crisp in our minds, but in time, memories lose a little focus, and maybe the colors fade a bit.  For that reason, I thought I could honor her best by writing down and sharing with you things - facts, details, effects, etc.- about her that you might not know or that will let you see and know the person I call my hero.  Perhaps in the future these things will trigger your own memory and help you recall and picture her more vividly.  (I thank my God every time I remember you. Phil. 1:3;  The memory of the righteous is a blessing... Prov. 10:7. )

 When I was in 7th grade at Jackson Junior High, our math teacher announced that her schedule had been changed and we would be getting a different teacher.  (Once again, things change.) Panic set in! Change? I never liked change.  I was comfortable. The day of transition arrived and standing behind the desk was the new teacher.  She plopped her briefcase on the desk, clicked it open, and with a grand smile said, "Ta Da!"  That was it:  a simple interjection, a non-word, merely "Ta Da!" but I was put at ease and at peace.  That introduction is seared in my brain and heart, probably because that day I met the remarkable Mrs. Crumpton, a woman I would grow to respect, admire, love, and call friend. 

 I have often referred to Sue as God's teacher.  She didn't just relate subject matter, she taught life lessons.  By example, her students learned how to treat others, how to behave, how to live.  She not only loved teaching, she loved her students.  She got to know us.  I vividly recall standing at her desk one day when she took me aside and said that since I was such a good math student, she wanted to show me another kind of math - algebra.  She worked a few problems for me and then asked me what I thought.  Truthfully, I didn't take well to the algebra, but the life lesson stuck with me.  She had let me know she saw value in me, ordinary Traci, and that I mattered.  (The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.  Prov. 16:21)

 Before long she asked me if I would babysit her daughter.  She trusted me with her most precious possession!  The first time I kept Christi we went outside for a bit.  I didn't realize that the door locked automatically.  We couldn't get back in. (Panic again!)  A neighbor tried to open a window for us, but he broke it instead.  Upon returning home, there was no harsh word or disappointment in her eyes.  Typical Sue.  She always took things in stride and in a loving perspective.  She was more concerned with my feelings.  More important for me, she continued to have me babysit Christi and referred me to her friends.  From her I learned how to react (and how not to react) to life's little disruptions as well as the value of trust in a relationship.  (Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice.  And the God of peace will be with you. Phil. 4:9)

 In 1979 I got my first teaching job at Jackson Middle School.  What a blessing to be placed in such a nurturing environment surrounded by amazing teachers and administrators.  And especially, what a gift to become a colleague of Mrs. Crumpton - it took me a while to start calling her Sue.  She became a mentor to me.  She was an ideal co-worker who set the standard by which an effective teacher should be measured.  Working with her, I learned that she was filled with incredible knowledge, and not just math and educational pedagogy.  She was a great conversationalist.  Proverbs 15:4 says "the discerning heart seeks knowledge," and that was Sue's heart.  It was evident that she was always reading and learning and then sharing that wealth.  If I had a concern or needed advice, she had a thought or suggestion to address it.  When I quit teaching English and started working with at-risk students, she asked me all about my new assignment.  The next time I saw her, she had a book in hand that she thought would be helpful.  It was filled with yellow sticky notes marking passages she found especially pertinent to my new task.  Of course it was a perfect resource for valuable information.  (The lips of the wise spread knowledge. Prov. 15:7; Lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel. Prov. 20:15)

 In 1987, I shared with Sue and mutual friends that I was getting married.  Mine would be a rather simple affair with a cake and punch reception.  Before long, Sue called me at home and asked what she could do to help.  I've never been good at asking for help, but she questioned and prodded and figured out just what to do.  She and Joe picked up the rented dishes for the reception, took them to the church, enlisted the help of several other teacher friends and their spouses, washed up the dishes after the reception, and returned them to the rental business.  That was amazing to me.  Who else would do such a thing- especially a teacher on the first day of Spring Break?  (For I know your eagerness to help...and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action. 2 Cor. 9:2; Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Cor. 16:14)

 While I could never measure up or consider myself her equal, we did have some common ties.  We both had Oklahoma roots and went to the same college, our beloved Southeastern Oklahoma State University.  In fact, we discovered we had both been students in Dr. Carl Ball's English class.  Quirky, odd, brilliant Dr. Ball.  We laughed and shared experiences and agreed that he was the type of professor only understood and truly loved and appreciated by us word-loving bookish types.  That discovery led to a day trip to our alma mater along with fellow teacher and friend Monica Rogers Dubisky.  We attended a reception for a retiring office worker, walked around campus, and ate lunch at the old George's drive-in.  I cherish the memory of that adventure.

 Another dear-to-my-heart action concerns my baby sister Tiffani.  Tiffani had not had the good fortune of being one of Sue's students.  Tiffani told me that when she got her first teaching job, Sue sent her a card wishing her well and encouraging her in her new profession.  Several years later when Tiffani was chosen Elementary Teacher of the Year for Grand Prairie, she again received a touching congratulatory card from dear Mrs. Crumpton.  Many of us think about doing things like that, but those thoughts usually lie dormant and become no more than good intentions.  Sue followed through.  What a way to let someone feel loved and appreciated.  (A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.  Prov 25:11;  A person finds joy in giving an apt reply- and how good is a timely word!  Prov 15:23)

 As I have said, I learned so much from Sue by watching the examples she set and observing how she handled life and its mountains and valleys, including the dreaded C-word:  Cancer.  That was tough.  Physical life would never be the same.  It was an earthquake whose tremors and after-effects didn't stop.  Yet, she faced it.  She read up on it and didn't complain.  I continued to see the even-tempered serene spirit I had always known.  She talked openly about it and not just about it.  She continued to ask me about myself, my parents, my husband's health, my cousin's same cancer, etc.  You see, to me one of her finest traits was that she inquired and then listened.  She didn't listen out of duty; she listened out of concern and care.  Listeners are so rare in life.  She made me feel loved and special while she herself continued to endure pain and uncertainty.  (Let the wise listen and add to their learning... Prov. 1:5;  Let every person be quick to hear... James 1:19)

 Well, I could go on with more encounters.  As you can see, I adored and loved Sue.  I loved her laugh and sweet voice.  She was one of those people everyone claimed as friend.  To be in her company was like sinking into a favorite comfortable chair.  And while that is such a casual analogy, I also revered her in a more formal way.  One of my favorite passages in To Kill a Mockingbird is in Chapter 21 when Atticus completes his case defending Tom Robinson.  As he begins exiting the courtroom, Scout looks around and sees that everyone in the balcony and all around her is standing.  The Reverend Sykes nudges her and says, "Miss Jean Louise, stand up, your father's passin."  It gives me chills.  They are filled with awe, appreciation and respect.  Those are my feelings today for my Mrs. Crumpton.  After in-depth thought and reflection, I have concluded that the reason Sue stood apart from the rest of us and what made her extraordinary is that she had achieved and projected what we are all told to find:  JOY.  To live as Christ wants, we are to accept our circumstances with thanksgiving and with joy in our hearts.  Sue did that.  She lived in and with joy, and she kept that joy throughout all of her life experiences.  We saw it in her eyes, heard it in her voice, felt it in her presence.  (But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.  Gal. 5:22)

 One of my new favorite Bible verses is, "But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings, and you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall." Mal. 4:2.  Now, I have never thought of Sue as one who did much leaping or skipping, but I like to think that as she was leaving this world and letting go of her recent pain and hurts, that as she passed through those Pearly Gates a broad smile crossed her face and she belted out a loud, "Ta Da!!" in the majestic presence of our Lord.

 Sincerely and with much love,

Traci Marich Sneed

 

My Tribute to My Aunt Sue

One of my favorite pictures of Sue and me.

 

Ellen (Sue) Smith Crumpton, age 73 of Grand Prairie, passed away peacefully at her home July 3, 2015, surrounded by family and friends.

She was born in Antlers, Oklahoma, on January 16, 1942.  Sue’s grade school days began in a one-room school house in southeastern Oklahoma.  She graduated from Antlers High School and then attended Southeastern State College in Durant, Oklahoma, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in less than 3 years.

She was married to Joseph M. Crumpton, III on December 21, 1963 in the First Christian Church in Antlers. Recently, two of her happiest moments were the birth of their grandson, Benjamin and celebrating their 51^st wedding anniversary.

Sue’s school teaching career of 38 years began in Wichita, Kansas where she taught for 5 years.  She and Joe moved to Huntsville, Alabama, and then to Irving, Texas, and finally to Grand Prairie. She retired after teaching another 33 years in the Grand Prairie ISD at Kennedy Middle School and Jackson Middle School. She was awarded Teacher of the Year at both schools on numerous occasions.

One of her greatest joys was to see former students all grown-up with their spouses and babies of their own and hearing about their lives and accomplishments.  One of those stories was about a young man who had graduated from the Naval Academy and is now a doctor, gave his seventh grade teacher credit for his ability to 'do' mental math . . .that teacher, of course, being Mrs. Crumpton.

Going out to eat with Sue was always nice because if the hostess or waiter happened to be one of her students, there was never a wait to be seated or served.

She never threw her magazines away because there was always a chance she would need an article out of it. Most of those magazines had been torn apart and the article mailed to that person who was on her mind when she read it. All her articles came complete with post-it notes attached.

 Sue loved looking at cookbooks. She was a wonderful cook and was always preparing and delivering some type of ‘comfort food’ for anyone she felt needed it.  The comfort food she always made for me was homemade banana pudding.  She knew that I liked the vanilla wafers more than I did the bananas, so my special recipe had an entire box of the cookies and about 5 slices of a banana.

 She was a member of the Arlington First Christian Church, Alpha Delta Kappa, AAUW/Women Who Can, and the Serendipity Church Group.  She was passionate about education, fellowship, and service to others.  She enjoyed RV traveling, playing bridge, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends. 

She is survived by her husband, Joe, a daughter, Christi of Arlington, and son, Bradley, his wife Andrea, and grandson, Benjamin of Grand Junction, Colorado, her younger brother, Vernon Smith and his wife Linda, of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, sisters-in-law Lena Smith of Norman, Oklahoma, and Paula Westbrook of Mansfield, Texas, and a host of loving family members.

Sue had a multitude of friends who were touched by her goodness and kindness. Two of her life-long friends are Becky and Eli Martinez.  Sue and Becky's friendship started, of course, surrounded by students in their teaching careers.  They shared the joys of having children and have traveled many places together for several decades.  They have been by her side every day and many nights since March.  Becky and Eli Martinez are the quintessential definition of true friends and unconditional love.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ethel Coffman Smith and Hubert Homer Smith, three older brothers, Dexter Eudell Smith, Eanon Smith, and Jim Bob Smith.

Her Celebration of Life will be held Friday, July 10, at 1:30 p.m. at First Christian Church in Arlington, pastored by Reverend Andy Mangum.

Flowers are certainly welcome.

A memorial fund has been created in honor of Sue.

Donations can be made in her name to:

College for Kids
c/o First Christian Church
910 South Collins
Arlington, TX  76010
817-277-2634

 

 

Eanon Smith...My Dad...and His Sporting 'Etiquette' Philosophies

 

Anytime I watch a sporting event, (has there been one of those lately ?) there is always this feeling that my dad is watching it with me.

Even though he passed many years ago, the times we watched football, baseball, basketball, track and field, (you name it, we watched it) are indelibly etched in my mind in on my heart.

He had a gentle, yet firm way of sharing his sports philosophies that easily translated into everyday life.

For instance, I remember watching the Dallas Cowboys (have no idea who they were playing) one Sunday after church and 'dinner,' and the announcer made some comment to the effect, "Well, the Cowboys have certainly had their share of breaks today. "

My dad explained to me that most of the time, a team 'makes its own breaks.' 

Which led him to also talk about referee calls and their mistakes.   This coming from someone who 'called' his share of football, basketball, and umped baseball games.  He said that usually those calls 'evened' out and on occasion would make the difference in the outcome.   Although, there were probably several times when a 'bad' call could change the momentum of a game.  He went on to explain, usually the team who had been 'wronged' would be the team that got fired up and would go on to win the game.  And, by the way, Dad was probably one of the most well-respected officials in his neck 'o the woods for being fair and consistent. 

On many occasions, he would have a game on the TV, one on the radio in the kitchen, and another on the car radio.  Some  Many times it was my job to sit in the car and report what had happened while he monitored everything inside.  We had a great time doing this. 

We did attend many, many sporting events together.  This is where I learned NOT to boo.  He only had to tell me one time that he better not EVER learn that I had boo-ed an official's call, a player, ANYthing.  To this day, I can assure you, I have never-ever boo-ed ANYthing.  It even gives me an uneasy feeling to say "boo" if I'm going to startle someone. 

Heaven forbid that I said a particular team 'sucked.' 

It even bothers me that tennis fans will cheer an unforced error, especially a double fault.  My tennis coach, Mr. Walter Leonard, enforced that unwritten rule to the full extent of the law.

Most of the time,  my dad and I rooted for the underdog.  Dad taught  me to find something to like about both teams. And, especially not to dislike an entire team just because of one player, or one coach, or one incident.  He explained that would be like punishing an entire class of students because of what one student did. 

He was a great story-weaver, and I loved hearing about his experiences on the field, the diamond, and in the gym.  For instance, stories about why he carried an adhesive-wrapped ball-pein hammer in his duffle bag or the time he kicked his little brother out of a basketball game in Atoka, Oklahoma,  or the time he kicked a coach completely out of the gym, or "Bumblebee, I jest pulled yo stingah."

We'll save those for another day.

Baseball was a great way of explaining to me things like: "You might hit a homerun but that doesn't mean you'll win the game."   OR  "Just because you lose a game doesn't mean you'll won't go to the World Series."  OR  "You'll never get to second base with your foot on first." Those probably aren't originals, but coming from my dad, they were gold. 

Then there was the football one about persistence, making progress just a little bit at a time, and taking risks. . . if a team could gain three yards per play, they would always score a touchdown.

He also told me there's nothing worse than a bad loser unless its a bad winner.  "Give credit where credit is due," he would say.  Always congratulate the person who beat you, and then prepare and work hard  so that you'll be congratulated at the next match.  "Never make excuses for losing," was another one.  

Probably, one of the most fun things my dad taught me was how to run.  He said there was a technique to it, and we spent hours running races on the playground at Kellond. 

 The pictures on the link below . . . well, like they say, a picture tells a thousand words.

 

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Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day

 

"Some may own castles on the banks of the Rhine
and hire an orchestra each evening at nine . . .
but richer than I they will never be.
I had a Dad who spent time with me."

Eanon Smith
Daddy would have been 91  on November 12, 2017.
I think of him everyday . . . especially when I'm watching a sporting event.

 

Funny Mother's Day Story about My Mom

My mom was a school teacher ! 

She received her degree from what was then known as Southeastern Teacher's College. (I think that was the name.) Later, when I graduated from there, it was Southeastern State College.  And now, it's Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Ironically enough, one of my very bestest friend's son is now president of SOSU.  (Aletha Booker Burrage ~ Sean Burrage.)

But, I meander with my typing.  Try to stay with me here.  Oh look, a squirrel. 

See. My ADHD is working well this morning.

Back to the funny story.

Mom taught at several different schools in the Antlers, Oklahoma area . . . South Nelson, Sugarloaf, and Kellond.

Kellond !  Yes !  My first real memories from childhood are of Kellond.  A rock building north of Antlers that at one time, eventually was turned into a honky-tonk of sorts.  (Mom, cover your ears.)

Miss Bertha, as she was fondly called by her students, became pregnant in 1951.  It was not viewed upon favorably in those days for the school teacher to be 'with child' and in the classroom full of young students.

Becoming pregnant in October, three months into the school year, was kind of a miracle but needed to be kept secret.  You see, she had been told she would probably never be able to have children. 

My parents, being the honest kind of 'foke' they were, decided they should tell one of the school board members of their predicament.   They needed her salary and certainly would be put in a financial strain if she was asked to step down.

Eanon and Miss Bertha went to one of the school board member's houses one night to share their story.  Their meeting with Mr. Davis was held in the family's tiny living room while the Davis son played in the kitchen nearby. Larry Davis was a student of Miss Bertha's.

Mr. Davis assured my parents he would keep their secret and to not worry about losing her job.  He would later bring this up at the school board meeting, but until then, no one would know but the three of them.

Of course, Mom and Dad were both relieved.

The next day in that classroom filled with first, second, third, and fourth graders, Miss Bertha was at the back of the room sitting at a table with first graders in a reading group. 

Above the din from all the other students sitting at their desks, she heard Larry tell another third grader,  "Hey !  Did you know Miss Bertha is going to have a baby ?  Don't tell her though because she doesn't know yet."

 

 

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Mother's Day

Mother's Day

 

Trying to remember my FIRST memory of my mom brought back MANY memories of her.  It's difficult to know if I actually remember this, or if I just remember the story being told over and over and over again.

Regardless, being a mother myself, I can imagine how she must have  felt the day that this happened.  I can almost feel her arms around me, trembling as she held me close.

The first house we lived in was west of Antlers, Oklahoma,  on the highway  to Darwin . . .  which also leads to Atoka.

That house was just up the hill on the opposite side of that highway where my paternal grandparents lived . . . Mam-ma and Papa Smith.

I'm not sure how old I was, but I was still riding a tricycle. 

Evidently, Mom let me out of her sight for a few minutes, so I headed out on my tricycle . . . down the middle of the highway.  This was a well traveled road, and even though it was in the country, the speed liimit was probably 55 mph.

Once she realized I wasn't at the house,  panic set in.

Of course, I don't remember any of these details.

The first car that came along was being driven by a lady who knew our family, and she was probably pretty surprised to see a toddler booking it down the hill in the middle of the highway on a red tricycle.  Thank goodness she saw me in time and was able to stop. 

By that time, Mom had spotted me and was running as fast as she could down the highway.  I would imagine she was doing the 55 mph speed limit, on foot.  Probably, barefoot.

This is the part I think I remember:

She lifted me off that tricycle, held me so close to her chest, and  asked, "Sweetheart, what are you doing ?"

"Me just going to Mam-ma and Papa's house."

*********************

I have sooooooo many wonderful memories of my mom and think of her every day.

She was a Master Teacher and loved being in the classroom. She was my first teacher at a two-room country school north of Antlers, Oklahoma, called Kellond. We lived on the "teacherage."  (If you don't know what a teacherage is, think parsonage.) She was a talented seamtress and made all my clothes. At the time, I wanted "bought" clothes, but now realize I had my very own "haute coutre" closet.  She even designed and made my wedding dress.  She was also a great cook.  She made a mean peanut butter and banana sandwich.

Mom was probably the best Grandmother ever.  Her two granddaughters were treated to about anything they ever wanted...like warm brownies twenty-four hours a day. But mainly they were treated to  warm,  unconditional love twenty-four hours a day.

When I lost her, there were no words left unsaid.  She knew she was loved. I knew I was loved.

When I see the sun's rays or the stars twinkle at night, it reminds me of her beautiful smile.

If you are lucky enough to still have your mom, make sure you tell her you love her today, because E.V.E.R.Y. day is Mother's Day.

 This was our first house and a photo of Mom in the spring before she had me in June.

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Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday

Yesterday was my mother's birthday. She would have been 87. 

You may be wondering if I forgot her birthday and am just now posting it. 

No.

I didn't forget.  I never do.

I just decided to change her birthday.

Why ?

She very much disliked having a birthday on April Fool's Day. 

There were always comments like, "Another Fool for April Fool's."  

People didn't intend to hurt her feelings when they said this.

But, they did.

There's no rule that says I can't change her birthday. 

So, from this point on, my mom's birthday is April 2.

Happy Birthday, Mom !

 

Another Three Hour Tour

Visiting Seattle without riding a ferry is like having a Tootsie Roll Pop and not eating the ooey-gooey middle.

So, we enjoyed the view while waiting for the boat to motor in from Bainbridge Island.

Da Plane !  Da Plane !     Da Boat !  Da Boat !

That might be the neighborhood of Magnolia in the background, but I'm not sure.
Or it could be Queen Anne.
For sure, it's not Capitol Hill.

It is just amazing how many people, bicycles, buses, and cars can be loaded onto this vessel.

You might notice that the Space Needle is now orange.
It has been painted that color in honor of the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
Yeah, that's the reason . . .
Uh-huh.

One view from the back of the boat . . .

Same view, just held the camera vertical instead of horizontal giving it a different perspective.
Kinda like I do with my videos.

Evidently, they have spotted something . . .

. . .not sure who or what was on that ferry, but it had two machine gun toting escorts for it.

Just past my little girl, you might be able to see something in the distance.

There are very few days that Mt. Rainier is visible from this point of view . . .

 

. . . but, today was a good day . . . for many reasons.