Corky in the backyard!

Look! Look!

See the chipmunk!

Oh deer!

Oh dear - deer X 3!

Looking good for blueberry pie!!

Remembering Mom

Lucille Rose Fallen ~ 9/23/23 - 6/13/09

Mom's last Tahuya visit ...May 2, 2009

My thought's shared at Mom's memorial service...

Thank you for the kind deeds, words, love, and support that have been shown to my Mom and our family during her last weeks. My memories from those weeks include seeing her enjoying the visits, the friendly and compassionate conversations and e-mails, the flowers, the fruits, and the home made custards and tapiocas. Should let you know, that as her appetite and digestion waned, it was actually her caretakers who got more enjoyment from the chocolates and beverages.

For me personally, I’ll remember the learning curve of becoming a “nurse’s aide” … as a teacher, my previous medical experience had pretty much been limited to writing a note for someone to go to the nurse’s office. I cherish the close mentoring provided by both Mom’s and my sister Judi’s skilled nursing expertise – and the wonderful range of support provided by Hospice. When Mom did ask, “what is this pill for?” – I wasn’t sure if it was a pop quiz for me, or if she was just confirming for herself that it was the one that she had requested. Thanks to Judi’s “cheat sheet” that she made for me and my own additional symptom coding, I earned Mom’s compliments on my pill dispensing.

Most of all, I’ll treasure the time we shared as her earthly life was ending. We felt the sun, admired the brilliant blue sky and our spectacular mountain view. The backyard rhodies were never more beautiful. We were in awe of nature and God’s work on a joy ride to Crystal Mountain and amazed at seeing Enumclaw hay being baled in May. It was Mom’s attitude that added peace and comfort to each day. I can’t count the times I heard her say, “I’m blessed to be 85!” It’s now through my older eyes and wiser heart that I can look back and see her living with an inspiring Christian faith and steadfast love for family and community.

In the midst of sorrow, I am so grateful … God saw her getting tired, a cure not meant to be, so he put his arms around her, and whispered…“Come with Me”.

God Didn’t promise
Days without pain,
Laughter without sorrow
or sun without rain.
But God did promise
Strength for the day,
Comfort for the tears.

Reflecting with Mom...5 Grandchildren & 6 Great Grandchildren!

Five grandchildren!

Derek, Jason, "Grandma",

Shannon, Brooke, Shayne

(photo from Mom's

85th birthday celebration 9/08)

First Grandchild Shayne is first to make

Mom a GREAT Grandmother!

Kristi

Great grandaughters #1 & #2 -

Teenagers ~ Rachel & Sara! Derek and Lee add 2 great grandsons ...

David (3) helps Gavin (1) walk!

Jason & Tracy added great grandchild #5 ...

Maryn Diane

March 11, 2009

Brooke & Daryn added great grandchild #6...

Ruby Lucille

April 30, 2009

May Highlights with Mom in Enumclaw...

With a mixture of melancholy and reminiscing I realized that I had not actually spent any extended time in hometown Enumclaw since college days in the late '60's!! The last week of May had me staying with Mom to help provide care during her illness and being on a learning curve with all that Hospice provides. Thankful more than ever that both Mom and my sister Judi are nurses - I began an initiation and training process under their expert guidance! I was especially appreciative of the wheelchair that allowed Mom's movement around the house and out to the car for a couple of short scenic rides - and even more grateful for the oxygen that provided her increased energy.

The blessing of warm, bright, clear, sunny days was awesome and inspiring...and that beautiful majestic mountain!
While Mom napped - I enjoyed the sun and view from her deck!

Always love the variety of mountain clouds ...

I found precious past memories of childhood visits to grandpa and grandma's coming back to me. One example - when hanging out sheets, I remembered counting and handing clothespins to grandma! When I got the mail, I loved looking back at the barn - remembering the wonder and sounds and smells of "milking time"... and seeing the creek where we enjoyed fishing and splashing ...and seeing the cellar where grandpa made wine. We used to run all over that hill behind the cellar - now we drive up the hill to Cathy's house!

And now across the road - not dairy cows any more ...

There are certainly lots of changes to be seen - like the helpful signs for those who may not be familiar with the Enumclaw area...

Making hay in May...thanks to 12 rain free, warm days!

Enjoyed visits from family and friends...

Beautiful car ride to Crystal Mountain...

Totally empty parking lot - in contrast to the memories of trudging through it in ski boots and carrying skis and poles...

More Enumclaw scenery ...