Friday, November 04, 2011

Thinking of Ron......

......I'm going to have eggs for supper with pepper & SALT on them!

Saturday, October 22, 2011

weird.......

doing the right thing, doesn't always feel right! 

Il Divo - Amazing Grace




goosebumps for a few reasons.........

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Somtimes I wonder.....why I feel like I'm going AROUND THE BEND!

From October 18th 2009-April 30th 2011.....18+ short months Daniel and I have lost all of our parents(5, I have a step-parent).   Three of our loses were deaths, both of Daniel's parents and my Dad.

The other two are related to the disease of Alzhimers.....although they are living, they are loses to our lives(I am grieving their lose).   As most of you know......the person with Alzhimers is my Mom, just typing that raises my blood pressure.  The fifth parent is my step-parent....we are not on the same page on any level, and have not had contact in several months(a year+).  With the presence of Alzhimers many issues surfaced.  I honestly had no clue......past history, bitterness, personal differences were so powerful, life changing.  There are times when I feel these circumstances are equal to, or worse than a death.

So today we get up, get ready for the day......try to eat, sleep, and breath normal....hopefully we will do a half decent job of it.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

yesterday's post(Dad)

meant to get this posted yesterday, thought of it many times......just never did it!

Two years ago(on the 18th) my Dad passed away.....sometimes it feels like he's still here, other times it feels like he's been gone for years.  That may not make sense to you.....but due our circumstances it makes total sense to me.  Never seen him often.....sometimes if feels like he could still in the Rimbey Care Cente.  Because I never seen him often, sometimes it felt like he was already gone........been gone for years.

Here is my post from OCTOBER 19TH 2009! 
GRAVESIDE SERVICE POST

Monday, June 13, 2011

Our ALASKAN adventure!

Well.....we've been back for a couple of weeks, and I am sorry it's taken me so long to get some picture/trip tidbits for you......IT WAS FANTASTIC!  
To start with here are a few small videos Daryl took on his Iphone!  

As for the train ride.....to say we were on the edge is not exaggerating.....the heart rate of many was a little higher than usual(for me, exciting not scary)! 





This trip was filled with many favorites.....what makes things a favorite?  Is it visual, a scent, the sound, the taste, the people you are with, the atmosphere......what makes things etch themselves in our minds?


I hate to admit it.....shhhh don't tell anyone......I had no desire to visit Pikes Market, and it turned out to be one of my favorites!  Thank you Dana....Mom, you have to go there(something like that).....great advice!   I can't really explain why.......maybe because Pikes included all of the favorite place ingredients listed above....I really LOVED IT there!  

Here's one of the attractions that drew my attention at Pikes.....the street performers!



THE TALL BOYS made me think of Daylan....he would get a kick out them. 

the lighter side....of the day we said our final goodbye to Gido! (part 3)

in this post you will find other tidbits of the day....once again....special memories!

before the service.....
Georgette gave each of the Grandchildren a $1 bill that Gido had.....I believe in his wallet, or maybe his room. 

 me with sweet little Daphnie.....Gido's youngest Great Granddaughter.  


 I was so glad to see these two boys(my nephew's)....wasn't sure if they'd be there.  Daylan was glad too.....I'm sure.


after service.......



here we have ALL of the grandchildren.....so nice everyone was there......5 granddaughters & 5 grandsons!  Left to right, back then front......Andrew, Dean, Ryan, Travis, Daylan, Candace, Amanda, Kim, Danica, & Dana. 

 this picture makes me laugh.......Candace & Daylan!  (click on the photo to make it bigger...see the funny)


two BIG thank you's here.......to Emily & Emmett!!!

Emily is always helping out, can't say enough about this girl....she's a CHAMP!

I was glad Adam & Evan were there, and also this guy.....Emmett(my dear friends son).   A little funny about Emmett being there....during one of the talks before the service Ashley asked, "is Emmett going to be there"?.....thought that was pretty cute, she wanted him to come.  Thanks so much for coming Emmett.....and thanks for bringing him Peggy!  

Not sure why they ended up eating outside....love the outdoor tables!




Dana & Miss Olive!



From the hall...Ryan & Joanne's was the first stop.  We were told Ryan and Travis had a something they wanted to share with everyone......we had no idea what to expect.  No pictures(if anyone has some please let me know)....so I will try and make(write) a visual for you.  (coming soon)


from Ryan & Joanne's we went to Daryl & Lori's.....the shop......the perfect place to lighten things up....a familiar spot for many of us.




 





We tucked our sadness away for a bit.....and shared some much needed laughs!  After all.....laughter is the BEST medicine.........isn't it?

 





 a little down time....sharing some target practice, not sure who the champ was, maybe Joanne? 




from Daryl & Lori's, those that were staying the night met back to the motel in Bonnyville......I don't have pictures, but it was once again it was a fun filled Wizniuk gathering!  (Danica has some pictures on her blog)

3 proud Mom moments from Gido's service(part 2)

...our children's part in saying goodbye to Gido. 


Danica, you delivered the eulogy.  As you mentioned, you were deeply honored......it was a difficult task to deliver, you did a fine job......proud of you!


Dana......your special touch to the service.  Here the Priest explains the importance of the Kolach and fruit.....very important......proud of you for this, thank you!

Daylan.......you wrote and sang a song for Gido, very difficult to deliver, you DID IT........made me proud!




















I will add for Dad......he is also very proud! 

Friday, May 13, 2011

memories from Gido's service(part 1)

Not all memories are happy ones....these photos are special memories of a very tough day.....making me thankful to be part of such an amazing family!











Brody.....Mom & Dad helping him with his sadness. 



Gido's two sisters.....heavy hearts as they say goodbye to another sibling. 
























Natasha getting a hug from her Mom....such a simple thing, with such amazing healing!




































Being chose to take someone to their final resting spot is an honor.  These 6(below), boys as I call them, are Gido's grandsons, and a grandson-in-law.  Front to back......Andrew, Ryan, Travis, Warren*(behind Travis), Daylan, and Dean.....thank you for taking Gido to rest in peace, next to Baba.



*sorry Warren.....you are there, but not really in the picture.
  

















.....thank you so much for the photos Lori, and Peggy.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Memorial card

Danica's eulogy for Gido

We are all gathered here today to remember and honor the long and blessed life of George Wizniuk. I am deeply honored to deliver the eulogy of our dearest George. Our Dearest Gido. Our Dearest Dad.

Gido was born November 14, 1916, to Andrew and Wasylyna Wizniuk. He had 10 brothers and sisters. Gido grew up learning to be appreciative of what he had and that hard work was worth the effort. Gido learned from a young age to make the most of what you had. That could mean knitting your own sweaters, using flour sacks for clothing or being grateful for Saturday night baths. He learned to enjoy evenings with his family by passing time with cards and story telling. Gido was also known to be bossy. He liked things to be done his way or not at all. When it was time to enjoy tea it was expected to stir your tea and remove your spoon. If you were caught with your spoon lingering in your tea cup, you would find yourself stirring salt into your tea rather than sugar.

Many times you hear the saying, Our eyes are the windows to our soul. In Gido's case, it was his hands. His hands worked. His hands played. His hands prayed.

It would be next to impossible to count how many times his hands held a hand of cards or marbles. It would be easier to count the people here who haven't shared a card game with Gido rather than count those who have. Ask George for a game a crib and I don't think "NO" was in his vocabulary. He would take the time to teach you a card game or take the time to skunk you. Really, it didn't matter if you won or lost, "Another game?" would be something you often heard. He had a large collection of cards in the china cabinet but usually pulled out the old sticky deck, that was almost impossible to shuffle. Even when Gido received a battery operated card shuffler, the cards got shuffled in his hands, and the card shuffler collected dust.

One of his favorite places to use his hands was in the garden. There was always work to do in the garden and it didn't have to be his own. If you had a garden, he was going to check it out and offer some experienced advice. If your potatoes needed to come out, he was looking for the shovel before you could tell him "Don't worry." Years after his garden was no longer his own, he was there to help planting. Gido would often share garden lessons year after year. There was a certain way to plant onions. There was a certain way to pick peas. It wasn't uncommon for Gido to plant MUCH more than what could be consumed by him and Baba. 600 Onion plants. 600 hills of potatoes or 83 Tomato plants. He planted his garden in abundance. He found great pride in providing his family with food. Before heading home from a visit from the farm, you were sure to be loaded down with potatoes, peas, squash, carrots and anything extra he thought you might need. Even after you said "That's enough" he was sure to throw in a couple extra.

Saying Gido was a hard working man would be like saying Baba was a good cook. It's an obvious statement. Gido was very giving of his time and energy. He was very involved in helping the community of Glendon grow. He helped in the construction of Kev-Ski-Hi. He helped organize and plan the construction of the RCMP Hall and the Seniors Center. He would ride his bike 3miles to Franchere to delivery his cream. He ensured many of us knew the importance of a hard days work. He would take you to milk cows, chop wood, feed animals and collect eggs and all before breakfast. Just when you thought it was time to relax and celebrate a hard days work, he was there waiting with more things to do. There was never "nothing to do" in Gido' mind. Even when his body was failing his mind was always thinking about the next thing that needed to get done.

Gido was an early to bed and early to rise man. It wasn't uncommon for Gido to find his way to his cot beneath the stairs by 8pm. If you were there visiting, well you just learned to keep it down. If Gido emerged from his bed, you better decrease your decibals, and quickly. Early to bed usually had Gido awake before 6am. His early mornings usually consisted of coffee, cornflakes, and the morning radio playing loudly. Many of us have shared early mornings with Gido not because we had planned too but because his radio didn't allow sleeping in.

As Gido aged, so did his love and affection for animals. Many animals have graced the farm. Some were raised to feed his family. Others were just furry pets that brought him joy. If he was told not to feed a dog table scraps, you could rest assured that dog got extra. He had names for the squirrels that would chase away Baba's hummingbirds. He would even let roosters chase after his grandchildren if it provided a chuckle. He wouldn't think twice about running a mile after a little pig to ensure its safe return back home.

Gido loved a great deal. It wasn't an uncommon occurrence for George to travel from store to store or town to town because each place offered a different deal. We were often told "Don't flush", share the bath water and close the lights. The ironic part of his tight wallet was that it was always open when it came to his children and grandchildren. Five dollars here, ten there or money for gas. Even as we aged and politely declined his offer, he would say "You can't afford it, take it." It wasn't a fight we weren't going to win. Gido always wanted to try and fix something before even giving thought to purchasing new. It didn't matter if he knew how to fix it, he would try or often express his own thoughts on how to fix it. He would happily save you money by fixing your pair of sunglasses, a trusted old shower head, or offer advice on how to fix a motor home.

Gido was a respectful and accepting man. As he watched his children and grandchildren fall in love, he welcomed the newcomers with open arms. He would take you, proudly, on the tour of his farm. You would find a card with your name on it at Christmas even if it was your first visit or you have been in the family for years. Gido loved his family and enjoyed watching his family grow and change. Gido really wanted to be a Great Gido, and he welcomed 13 great grandchildren into his life. Gido loved a good handshake. "Come shake Gido's hand!" was something his said to his Great Grandchildren at every visit. It didn't matter if you were his grandaughter or grandson, you were going to learn the importance of a good handshake.

Gido's greatest love and accomplishment was his 69 year marriage to Baba. Gido was a loving and devoted husband to Baba. As there roles changed and Gido became the caregiver, he never missed a beat. He would ensure she got in and out cars, halls, hospitals, houses with him by her side. If you weren't helping her the right way, he would tell you so. When they were separated, nothing could keep Gido from visiting his Baba. He drove to Bonnyville too fast. He walked from Extended Care to the hospital, often lifting his cane because he was in a hurry to get to her side. She was his whole heart. When Gido spoke of Baba you could watch the tears well in his eyes because there was so much love in him. He missed her dearly but his journey was not over yet. He waited until he was called home.

George loved to raise his hands to cast his fishing rod or share a DY BOY SHA with friends and family. Even as he was preparing to leave this earth, his hands never lost their loving touch or farmer strength. As we say our final goodbye, we are extremely grateful for everything you have given us. Everything you have taught us. And the memories you leave us behind with. May you forever rest in peace and watch over us.

On behalf of the family I would like to extend sincere gratitude to the Bonnyville Hospital, Extended Care and members of the Glendon Community. Though the farm was always home, the staff did their best to make them comfortable and happy. I would also like to invite everyone to join us after the interment, right here, for lunch. Please come eat, browse pictures and share memories of a great man that we called George, Gido and Dad. Thank you!

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Gido, your wish has come true....

you are with Baba again......all you've really wanted since March 15th 2010.
 

random thoughts of the man I called Gido(my Father-in-law)
  • I have many memories that span over many years........for the past several years the first thought that comes to mind is his undying love for his wife of 69 years........he never left her side......even when they were separated he did whatever it took to be with her.   Walked through snow and sleet(falling on it, getting stitches)at the age of 92.  Gido had to walk from his residence, to the hospital......so he could sit at her bedside, be with her, often in silence....the touch of their hands was all they needed.   This went on for several years with Baba's many many visits to the hospital.  Kind of reminds me of how their courtship started....Gido walking Baba home after church....many miles(I believe 18 miles round trip).  And in the end, no kiss.....I loved hearing him tell this story.  
  • white mints
  • games of crib
  • going to bed early....even with a house full of company and enough noise to raise the roof.  Once in awhile we were given a boisterous BE QUIET(after you were woken by our racket).  
  • your garden.....I can't say enough about this, I am thankful I have many great photos of you in your garden, the place you loved so much.  I remember the first year you were not able to have a PERFECT GARDEN(up keep and weeding got to be a bit much).......this was something that really bothered you, you were not impressed that you could not keep it weedless.  
  • your story of the flying light(possibly a ghost)
  • your love of picking berries
  • same as above.....mushrooms
  • penny pincher
  • you always wanted to be strong.....do things for yourself!  Feed yourself, walk alone(without assistance), dress yourself.....
  • your phone directory.....written on cardboard(the inside of a cereal box, I believe)
  • 31
  • your Cornflakes breakfast
  • no ice in your stiff drinks
  • suspenders  
  • how sentimental you become in your later years
  • you were the bell ringer at the Church
  • called bingo
  • your worry(both you and Baba)......is everyone okay?  As soon as your hello/hi was delivered...we could count on you asking how the kids were......ALWAYS! 
  • your Bible.....well read, tattered pages 
  • I can hear you stirring the cream and sugar into your coffee........long after the sugar was dissolved and the cream was mixed, the sound of clinking....spoon to cup
  • wanting to head home after a visit.......you would go to warm up the vehicle(even during the summer months)
  • go to great lengths to fix something before you consider buying new
  • getting up at the crack of dawn and turning the radio on(what seemed to be full blast when one was trying to sleep)
  • Blue Jays
  • your love of fishing
  • National Geographic magazines
  • envelopes for scratch pads
  • the efforts you made to do things, when staying at home would be so much easier(attending Daylan's graduation at the age of 91).....I will never forget this.  Attending your sisters funeral in Edmonton only a few months ago.  Now at 94.....very aware of your Granddaughter Amanda's upcoming wedding....hoping you could make it to the wedding in Saskatchewan.
  • how you fought to NOT give up your drivers license......did not pass four times in Bonnyville so you headed to Vilna(or maybe Spedden)....and passed!
  • you loved the color purple
  • don't use so much water....you'll drain the well
  • your last REAL supper was at the farm on Good Friday.....so glad I was there! 
  • for many years you thought each Christmas was his last
  • your deep unspoken love for your family....the words I love you were not often heard, but there was no doubt the love was deep, and always there!  Saying I love you 10 times a day doesn't mean there is more love than those that don't say the words..........as the old saying goes, "the proof is in the pudding"! 
  • back in the early days(when we were first married)I remember the EARLY Sunday morning phone calls.  There were no phone plans like now, it was expense to call, and calling on Sunday was cheaper.  Without fail at 7ish the phone would ring.  It was usually Baba on the other end of the phone, but it seemed it was Gido that was behind the call, he would tell her....call the kids!  Calls were short and sweet, especially if there was nothing new......how's the weather was often the main part of the conversation.  If there was ever a call mid week it usually meant something was wrong. 
  • Speaking of phone calls......in later years Gido wouldn't be on the phone but you could often hear him in the back ground telling Baba what to ask, and asking her what was said......funny!  
  • cottage cheese perogies
  • Gido often said, when it's your time....it's your time!
  • How he wanted to live longer than his fathers age of 89

    Monday, April 25, 2011

    it's seems I've given up over here! (don't fall over with the site of this post)

    think about posting often, but never seem to make it over here?  Can you believe this is my first post of 2011(bad, bad, bad....I know)!

    so much has happened since my last post......do I dare try and recall?
    • The first thing that pops in my mind is the week in March when I attended three funerals.......still weighs on my mind!
    • We've been to Mexico(Daryl & Lori, Daniel & I).......fun, fun.....brings a smile to my face every time I think about it!
    • Spring & Summer is filling quickly, most weekends BOOKED!  
    • Daylan has wrapped his 3 year university....with the exception of finals! 
    • I've been to Nashville
    • does not like, always missing Dana.....I don't like to wish for things, but I do wish she was closer to family. 
    • the Wizniuk family invited a new member in early Jan........Kim and Dustin are the proud Mom & Dad of little Thade.   
    • Natasha is a little reading machine...she is now a reader of chapter books(big step in the world of reading)......WTG Natasha! 
    • We just had a GREAT Easter......nothing better than family fun!  
    • Seen Mom & Gido on the weekend.......I feel like I'm part of a sad country song when Daniel drops me off to see Mom, and he heads to see his Dad........two of our parents in two different long term care facilities in the same town...one 94, and the other 69(ya, it sucks).  
    • Danica is working her butt off......getting in shape! 
    • My brother and I both received an e-mail on Good Friday from someone telling us how wrongly we are handling the situation with our Mom.  This came from a person that is not close to the situation, someone that knows very little of what they are speaking of(misinformed).....and yet feel they have a right to judge.....tell us we are wrong.  I just don't get some people?   I can't tell you how that knocks you down(even though the opinion has been formed from incorrect information).  It really makes you wonder what most people think, what they see from the outside, the opinions they form from what they hear from others?  This has for sure taught me to never judge, it's not our place, it's not fair.......especially when you have never walked in the same shoes!   (WOW....this was a post in itself...LOL)
    • Can't wait for Tyson to become a little talking machine!  
    • When does the golf course open?
    • getting very anxious for Chris & Amanda's wedding 
    • Ashley.....LOVES Justin Bieber!  
    • In less than a month Daryl and I will leave for our Alaskan cruise.......can't wait, this should be an adventure and a half!  
    • Federal election right around the corner.........losing interest in voting! 
    • can't wait for the ROYAL WEDDING! 


    seriously....what am I missing?  If you're reading this I've missed something you think I'd post.......REMIND ME!