Seven kids and a crazy Cajun husband

A new year

Pamela — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 22:43:52 +0000

The beginning of a new year. 2012. The turn of another page…

I can’t say I’m sad 2011 has ended. I lost my sister, Debbie on Oct. 23. Four years older than me, she has always been a part of my life. I’ve never known this world without her it. It is sad to know that now all my days are without her… knowing I can never share again our ups and downs, joys and sorrows.

Debbie has joined our Momma, now. And I know they are happy to be together.

Throw me something, Mister

Pamela — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 03:01:17 +0000

We’re deep in the Mardi Gras season here in Louisiana. Parties and parades, King cake and Hurricanes (the drink, not a storm)…
Nothing compares to the joy of a “good catch” of beads, doubloons and trinkets from the colorful floats, decked out in purple green and gold. Well, it can be compared to that giddy feeling of opening gifts on Christmas morning. Seriously, it’s that awesome.
If you’ve never experienced Mardi Gras, it needs to be on your bucket list!

Time flies!

Pamela — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 19:05:37 +0000

Tom and I were married on this date nine years ago. With lots of life and a combination of seven children under our belts, we had what is termed “baggage”.
Still, we were in love and determind that we would make a life together.
Here we are, after nine years full of bumps, tears, triumphs and joy. In that time we have gained a daughter-in-law, two sons-in-law and a grandson. We have lost, too- parents, a nephew, a brother-in-law and several really great friends.
We have shared great joy and great sorrow.
This is life. This is what we pledged to walk through with one another.

Roots

Pamela — Wed, 26 May 2010 13:49:25 +0000

Today is the first day of summer break. It is also the day Graham and I embark on an adventure- a “project” of sorts. Our plan is to research, explore and chronicle our home state of Louisiana. We’ve only been back here for a few months. Graham hasn’t lived here for the last 9 or so of his 10+ years. I haven’t lived here for many, many more years than that! There is so much history and culture in Louisiana and we plan to know much of it by the end of summer.

The day arrived

Pamela — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:30:41 +0000

I knew it would happen… eventually. Every kid goes through this rite of passage. And then, so does every mother.

As we approached Graham’s school this morning, he said “Mom, could you say you love me BEFORE I open the door to get out?”.

I feel a little sting to my heart. And I remembered a story my own mother often told of my first day of school. She walked me into my classroom and tried to hug and kiss me goodbye. I refused. She left in tears and cried all day.

Full circle.

No fooling!

Pamela — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 15:56:28 +0000

It’s April 1st- the universal day of practical jokes. Keeping my ears and eyes open, lest my imaginative husband tries to prank me.

Perspective

Pamela — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 23:13:48 +0000

I rushed into the local bookstore this morning for a Christmas gift I had to get into the mail today. My search was fruitful, but still I felt anxious, knowing I had a full list of things left to accomplish. My mind rushing, I approached the check-out.

The young lady behind the register smiled and offered a sweet “Hello”. She looked like most young ladies her age, except for the bald head. (I was curious, but didn’t ask, WHY the bald head). We chatted a bit and I told her that it has been hard for me to get into the Christmas spirit, as I’ve recently lost my mom.
She pointed to her head and said “It’s been hard for me, too. I’m taking chemo”.

I thought of my own children, about her age. And I thought of this girl’s mother, and how she must hurt for her child as she faces this disease and treatment.

My voice shaking, I asked her name.
“Kim”.
I told her I will praying for her.
I hope you will be, too.

“Into” Louisiana

Pamela — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:33:39 +0000

I’ve been here about three months now. It’s beginning to feel like home, again.
Having been away for 30 years, I’d forgotten much about the area, the people and the history of my home state. But in the time I’ve been back, I’ve been sweetly reminded of what could make any of us proud to say “Louisiana is my home”.
The folks here are genuine. They care. When they meet you on the street and ask “how are you?”, it is sincere. They hold dear family and faith. And everyone is family.
Chivalry is alive here. Being the somewhat old-fashioned, conservative southern lady, I like that.
One of my absolute favorite things of being back is that I am not accused of having an accent.

Kenneth R. Brown December 9, 1959-August 24, 1998

Pamela — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:53:57 +0000

Life changed forever on this date eleven years ago. My husband, Kenneth, was killed in an accident. He was 38 years young.
In those first days and weeks, I thought I, too, would die. I knew I had to go on, to live for my three children. They needed me. And, I, them- more than I even realized.
There were many hard times, but we did make it through.
Every day Kenneth is remembered. Sometimes it is in the
words of a song, in laughter, in tears or a sunset.
Kenneth lives on- in our hearts and our memories.

In memory of Momma

Pamela — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:44:13 +0000

Perhaps my earliest memories of childhood are singing along with my Momma and the other congregants in a little country church called Oak Grove Baptist. I loved the words of those songs and the sound of what seemed in my young mind to be angels singing.

The years passed and on occasion Momma, my sister Debbie and I sat on the back steps of our home and sang those same songs together, enjoying the comforts of those familiar verses and the company of one another.

I grew up and moved far away from that home. I continued to sing those songs in church, eventually with my own children. Every word I sang took me back home to the sweetness of my past and a visit with Momma.

Momma left this earth and went to her final reward in Heaven on July 6, 2009. I’m sure she’s signing those old, sweet songs we once sang together.

Some sweet day, I’ll join her and we’ll again sing:

Some glad morning when this life is o’er,
I’ll fly away
To a home home on God’s celestial shore,
I’ll fly away.

I’ll fly away, o’ glory
I’ll fly away, in the morning
when I die, Hallelujah, by and by
I’ll fly away.

Just a few more weary days and then,
I’ll fly away.
To a land where joy will never end,
I’ll fly away .

I’ll fly away o’ glory,
I’ll fly away, in the morning.
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by,
I’ll fly away.

Josie Faye Herring Jones

July 5, 1933-July 6, 2009

I Love You, Momma.