Jeremy's Reading (written by Gary)

"These are the words of my Dad:

"It was a good day to die!!! Like my hero Stonewall Jackson said on his death bed, "I have crossed over the river to rest under the shade of the trees!" I have had a fine life filled with gifts from God.

I had wonderful, loving parents who raised me right. They sacrificed to give me the most wonderful childhood imaginable. They were always there for me and no matter where life took me they gave a safe haven for me to return to. I had two fine brothers that I loved, strong men who were fit yo ride the river with. They always covered my back.

In Robbi, I had a wife better than I deserved. A fit companion for life more valuable than gold or pearls. She was and is a true "Steel Magnolia" ferocious in the protection of her family. She gave me two wonderful sons, Jeremy and Mark. They are true American warriors. They were the joy of my life and my legace. Their wives, Jennifer and Rachel, are fit partners and companions for American warriors. Their children are my gift to this old world. In them my hope is entrusted for a better world.

My in-laws have always been there in times of trouble, never intrusive, but always available. They shared their wonderful children with me for which I am eternally grateful. My nephews and neices, what a treasure you guys were! Thanks for the fun and the laughs and the privilege of being "Uncle Dune"!

I was given the opportunity to serve with strong men who were decisive and knew how to make the tough decisions and take care of business. They also were always there in times of crisis and trouble. No man could ask for better friends and comrades. I had a career that was both important and satisfying. The Louisiana Guard was both an adventure and mistress. The soldiers I served with and helped train are the best in the world. We were and are a "Band of Brothers". The opportunity to lead and serve with such people is an experience I wish everyone could have. What we did was important and necessary.

In my life, I met two true Men of God for which I am grateful: Moses Mercer and Stephen Teal. They served as guides and examples to assist me on this journey. I only wish that each of you had two such God-sent men to help you.

To my family I say, "Love one another and get on with life. Cherish it, and take the biggest bite out of it you can." To my friends, "It's been one hell of a ride and I would not have missed a minute of it. I'm glad all of you were here with me to share it."

In the lonely hours of the night watch, in the special times, when the wild geese fly south, when the woodsmoke is sweet on a cold November night, when the children sing Christmas carols, at the first green grass of spring, in the heat of a Louisiana summer afternoon, when you hear "I'm so Lonesome I Could Cry" think of me and I'll be there.

For my epitaph just say, "He was a walking contradiction, partly truth and partly fiction, taking every wrong direction on his lonely way back home." Oh yeah, as you go through the rest of your life remember, "Don't let the Bastards get you down!"

I'm where I'm supposed to be now and when ya'll cross over the river, I'll be waiting there for you under the shade of the trees. It was a good day to die!

As Jesus said on the cross, "It is finished."

Thank you

There are far too many people who worked incredibly hard on our behalf in the last week for me to attempt to call names. I trust that everyone who is taking the time to check our blog has a connection. Your comments, prayers, cards, and visits have given us joy and strength. My gratitude is immeasurable. Our loss is forever, but our grief must not be.

I will close with Gary's words in the final post.
Robbi

The Cycle of Life

The cancer has won. Despite a valiant but grueling fight, Gary had to face the final defeat in that war Monday afternoon. He now rejoices in eternal victory throught Jesus Christ our Savior.

Arrangements are:
Visitation at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home in Covington, LA Thursday from 4:00 - 7:00.
Services are in Shreveport at the Kingston Road Baptist Church Friday. A short visitation will begin at noon with services at 1:00.
Burial will be at Forest Park West in Shreveport.

Some compensation for this loss had been provided by the birth of our second granddaughter. Mikaela Rene Hammett was born around 7:30 last night! Mother and daughter(s) are doing well. Mark continues to soldier on.

Love and gratitude,
Robbi

Daily Developments

I have not been able to maintain the daily aspect of the blog in addressing daily developments around here. Nothing major really: I have managed to develop a case of tennis elbow and Gary has had a round of nauseau. The hospice nurse has been to the house three days this week and I had to call the night nurse yesterday.

Gary is free of pain, but he complains of being confused. He is growing weaker and his feet have begun to swell. We're trying to use oxygen more often, but he will take off the mask in his sleep. It is becoming more evident that the disease is winning despite Gary's continued valiant efforts.

He makes such an effort to visit, today with his mom, Scott, Terry, and cousin Sheryl Ann. Tomorrow we expect Sandra and RJ, Ryan and Brent, and Bob. I know Gary appreciates everyone.

Gratefully,
Robbi

Lengthy Days

Because the meds have Gary sleeping a great deal, I am facing some quiet days. Fortunately, I have some good books, chores to do, and phone calls to/from you all. Unfortunately, Gary seems to me to be weaker each day and his appetite is not improving. Please know also that we tend to go to bed rather early. It takes him a while to get comfortable, and it takes me a while to get to sleep.

We had a great visit with Frank and David this morning. Gary slept through parts of it, but sometimes he just came up with a usually amusing comment that was pertinent to the conversation. It's like he's partially attentive. I guess he's making an effort. David had a truly nice print that includes seven pictures of the engineer group's work in Afghanistan that I can't wait to share with my students! I don't think I'll hang it at school with the poster of Saddam Hussein that Mark gave me unless they decide to let me teach Social Studies for a while!

Everyone around us is being thoughtful and supportive in so many ways. It does seem that I am having more difficulty focusing on tasks. Please know that we are grateful for every kindness, even if I neglect to personally express that. Life around here is just not normal, and I am sure it will take quite a while to find a new normal if there is truly any such thing.

Love to all,
Robbi

Little Things

Family members in the Houston area say they're appreciating little things. I really hope that everyone can learn that lesson without having to clean up after a hurricane or spend days without electricity. It truly is the little things like family, friends, sunshine or rain, or maybe a cool breeze that can bring joy. Take time to enjoy the little things.

All our children were here today, except Jennifer and we missed her. Jeremy and Rachel spent most of the day. It was nice of Rachel to go to the grocery store with me. Isabella put on a show while Mark slept on the floor again. (He's finally finished hurricane duty and will be resting at home on leave soon! She's talking in complete sentences, and many of them sound like orders. I'm obeying!) It rained all afternoon, but we thoroughly enjoyed the visit.

It was great to see Ron, Larry, and Ray today also. Sorry, I slipped out on you, but we did need the groceries. Hope you got home safely. Again, that's not an easy drive. Same to Ike and Sue who came yesterday. We are grateful and sure blessed to have such caring friends.

The days are a little more unpredictable as Gary is taking breakthrough pain meds a little more often. He still stays comfortable most of the time, but is sleeping more.

Thanks again for the visits, calls, and cards.
Love to all,
Robbi

Happy Birthday

Today is Gary's 54th birthday. It's been nice although he slept through much of it. He was able to eat at all three meals for the first time in a week. He visited with SGM Honeycutt and the chaplain from the hospice. There were numerous calls and a couple of cards, one special one signed "Isabella and Baby". There's nothing like grandchildren! Baby's will be the next day of birth that we celebrate! Only then will we know if it's granddaughter or grandson!!

Special thanks to Frank and the soldier who drove Gary's tractor (Sorry, I've forgotten your name). They mowed and trimmed the yard today and it looks fabulous. The rains from Gustav and Ike have left the grass green and pretty. The sore muscles from picking up have almost healed!

Glad to hear from Karen and Keith. Do you guys camp?? That's what we did after Katrina: camp and clean up! Sure glad you don't have damage.

Thanks for checking on us. We love you all,
Robbi