My Daddy

This week was one of the hardest weeks I had in a long, long time. I had to bury my daddy Thursday, August 20. Daddy died in his sleep Tuesday morning at 2:00 am. His body surrendered to cancer at the age of 75. We found out he had cancer April of this year. The doctors found it in his pancreas, kidney and lungs. It was to late for them to treat it. So this week was difficult for me, but I know daddy is in a much, much better place.

When Father's Day came this year, I wanted to give daddy something but had no idea what to do. So I put together the top six favorite memories I have with him.

I remember we would sit on the living room floor and he would teach me how to play solitare and we would play together.

Going to Howies Pizza with daddy on Friday nights was a BIG treat. It was a small convenient store with a pizza parlor in it. We would walk around the store while they cooked the pizza. The smell in there was wonderful. Just walking in the store was a treat.

I would wake up on Saturday morning with the smell of bacon and eggs and the tunes of the Temptations or the Platters on the stereo. Watching him do the wahtosee was the best part. I loved to watch mom and dad dance. I would wish my future husband would dance with me, the way they danced together.

I remember one time while we were at the beach me, daddy and Jimmy were walking on the beach and a sand storm came. Daddy made me walk behind him, so the sand would not blow on me and hurt. I felted so safe, protected and loved that day.

I remember one time on my birthday he gave me a gold bracelet with my name engraved on it. I loved that present, because "he" picked it out. I still have that bracelet, to pass down to my grandchildren.


And last but least, I remember another time when we went to the beach when I was little and couldn't swim. He would carry me in his arms out in the water. When a big wave came he would hold me tighter so I wouldn't get washed away. I always felt safe and secure in daddy's arms and I always will.

I love you daddy and will miss you very much.

From a Boy to a Man

The day has finally come, when my little boy has turned into a man. Sunday we took Trent to Tuscaloosa and moved him into his dorm. I knew the day would come, just didn't think it would come this soon.

The day turned out to be beautiful. Too beautiful for my mood. I had so many emotions rolling inside me I thought I was going to burst. I rode with Trent down there, while Kerry, Missy and Austin rode in the truck. I was going to get every minute that I could with him. As we were traveling, I started to think back from the time he was born all the way through now. I saw his whole life flash before my eyes.


When we arrived at the university, there were a couple of cars in front of us unloading there child's belongings. We only waited a few minutes, than it was our turn.

Trent went and checked in while we unload the truck and his car. In no time we stacked all his stuff in a pile on the grass, waiting for their new home.

Trent calls and tells us to come up to the room, he has checked in. His dorm is more like an apartment. He shares it with 3 other boys. They don't check in until Friday. Today is just for band members.



His living room is pretty big, along with a small kitchen to hold a refrigerator, microwave and sink.


There are two bathrooms (thank goodness), each with a shower and a toilet. The sinks are in a separate area. Trent's room has a twin bed, desk, dresser and a closet. You can look out his window and see a man made lake. The campus is beautiful.



We unpack Trent's stuff, while he registers and starts band camp. For the entire week, from 8:30 am to 10:00 pm he will be in camp, learning the half time show for the football games. This is the day he has been waiting for. To go to the University of Alabama and be in the “Million Dollar Band”.

We go out for dinner before we leave. I feel like it's our last supper together, forever. We don't have long, because he has to be back on the marching field. My mother instincts kick in and can see he is already tired, and didn't feel like he got enough to eat and wonders if he'll get up in time for tomorrows practice .... and did we pack enough clothes?

As we pulled into the parking lot, my throat starts to tighten up and my eyes begin to water. This is it. My job is finished. I hug my little boy for one last time and kiss my son who has turned into a man.

Bama Bound

Well, it has happened. My oldest, first born son is leaving the nest. He is leaving for college this weekend. The University of Alabama. How is "momma" doing? Going through her 5th box of tissues. I knew it would be hard, but not like this.