Reflections on Mom

I posted the kids and thought I should add mine:

The Mothers I've known

Many have been constrained

By time, reason, or their own minds

To pass through life with but one mother

But me I have loved myriad

A young one I knew sprained her ankle

Quickly the rumor rampant was

They shoot lame horse and mothers

Though she never was ‘lame’

The UnAaronic mother and I

Had our outings

Made mini- loafs of bread with me

When I was too young to participate as I felt I should

The sporting mother showed many faces

I had a softball game that night, and

With no one else around she came

Warmed me up because I needed practice

That same softball fanatic mother

Drove multiple times to SLC with the team

One rule – no Unh, Unh, Unh music on the ride

What taste – I guess she wasn’t the music mother

The snurfer, that little snow surfing ski

Yes, another of her sports

She gamely tried it on the hill in back

Face plants, caressed in white, she looked divine

One mother named Hiawatha

Sloppy, floppy hat with paddle in hand

The 4^th on the St. Croix

With a handsome date at stern

The sporting mother so closely relates the gaming mother

In zeal, competitiveness and love of the chase

The three hand master, the card counter

She won, she laughed, and she won again without mercy

Scrabble, Quinto, Backgammon

Twixt, Quiddler, Crazy Kings

Othello, Five Straight, Rummicube

Master of all, loser at none – how fair is that

The English professor’s wife

Though he ruled the dictionary

In fact it was she who

Taught typing, corrected papers, typed themes

The funny girl mother

Laughed AT gifts of galvanized watering cans

Chortled at cardboard birthday cakes

And guffawed when others might have turned away

The movie star mother

Rode in limos with the stars

And forced others to watch Godzilla

So as not to have a deprived childhood

Was that mother the same Junie-Babe

The ‘tap-me’ in congratulations

The name sake of could it be, yes it was

A goose

The constant mother she was there

She graduated from Primary in 1966

And then from MIA in 1972

Hmmmm, so did I

The constant mother

The soft lap, the tender touch to sooth

After a long church day, a long school day, or work

Unfailing support when others were not

The constant mother –pillar of spirit

Bore testimony, supported a great man

Served as matron and advisor

Was sealed to me for eternity

Can mothers be girlfriends too

Oh surely she was and is

She wrote faithfully

With love never failing

The grandmother mother

Perhaps the finest of all

For she loves my own children without pause

And sees them as princely, and princessly, as do I

The crazy mother

Crazy socks, crazy cards, crazy kids

Crazy times, crazy hairdos, crazy fun

Oh, the mother wasn’t crazy it was I

Lastly there is the mother I love

My mother, Helen June Jackson Wilson

All of these mothers - everyone of which I have

Everyone of which I love

Reflections on a Grandmother

Reflections on Grandma Minnesota - which was how our children delineated between Rindy's Mom Bettie and my mom June.. I asked the kids to share their thoughts and determined that posting them might allow them, the memories to live longer. (if you want to edit let me know)

Mackey

One of my favorite memories of grandma is from when I was little like maybe ages 6-10. For some reason I'd be at grandma's for an extended period of time in the evening. No memory of anyone else being there so I guess you guys abandoned me for long periods of time as a child or something. Anyways, at these long nights grandma taught me how to play solitaire. First we started with just normal solitaire but each time this happened she changed what version of solitaire we'd play to make it a little harder. In retrospect, considering she's a gamer she was probably cheating and changing the rules but my mind didn't really gather that and it was still fun.

Most nights we watched the news but sometimes we'd watch Disney channel if I could build up the courage to ask to change the channel to 44. But since we mostly watched the news we saw a lot of weird stuff. I remember one night when something came on and the reporter mentioned the word "nude". I had to ask grandma what it meant and she explained it to me. And for some reason that's the night of solitaire I remember the most and it's not like I frequently forget the definition of nude so I don't know what my subconscious is trying to tell me but whatever.

Mostly though we talked about whatever tragedies my young soul was going through at the time. Probably wasn't that deep, but she listened to me nonetheless. Sometimes I'd ask her about her life and she'd tell me stories. My favorite story she'd tell was about the time she burned her hands cooking with her sister. I remember seeing the marks on her hands that were still there years later and staring in wonder. Anyways, it's still one of my favorite stories. 

Parker

For me it is just how much I connect with grandma when it comes to our humor and 
how we see the world. My favorite memories are the classic car rides to lunch or 
dinner where we would just laugh with each other and I turned her "ghetto" once. 
My most favorite memory was how she embraces my personality. Greatest example 
is her and I dancing in the kitchen. She is always checking to make sure that 
everyone had what they needed. Even when we moved she would bring home leftovers 
for me. Whenever we were there she would always offer food or anything. She is 
the perfect example of service, charity, and of course the extreme competitive 
gene that we all have. 

I LOVE GMA!!!

Brigham

I've thought about spending summer days in the pool, stopping by their home all the time during high school - card games, orange slices, and ginger ale - calling grandma every day while walking home from college, quick rushed trips from Chicago up to WI up to MN and back every time I was in the Midwest for longer than a week. 

I thought of how no matter which of the three houses of theirs I visited, they were always home to me. I always felt comfortable to take off shoes, give a hug, open the fridge, and flop on the couch.

She has been one of my best friends. Always asking about my dating life, yet in a way that never ever made me uncomfortable. Just felt loved, thought of, and dreamed over.

Today I wondered about how after she dies, how she will see Grandpa, Jodean, her parents, siblings, and friends and be so happy. Then, after while they'll give her an update on all of her children and grandchildren. When she gets to me, I pictured her going, "He's working for who?! doing what?! where?!" And then being told who my wife would be, approving of her, and then rolling up her sleeves and saying, "allright, you three grandparents have had your time to hook him up, now let's all four do this together, it's about time!"

Blair

Favorite memories....I'm just gonna start writing and see where it goes

1. Most of my memories of grandma are from ages 12-18 when we (usually Dad and I) would stop by G&G's house after some activity (mutual, basketball, etc...). I don't have a great story, but I remember always feeling welcomed and at home.

2. X-mas was always a special time of year in Plymouth. Seeing grandma on Christmas day and swinging by her house was always a treat. I can still think of all the decorations and trains. I think she always loved xmas more than any other holiday.

3. I'm very glad June met June. I can still remember her disbelief that we actually named our daughter June and she thought that was silly. Kinda the same reaction with Dean's name. I think and I hope she enjoyed having someone named in her honor.

4. We spend so much time at Grandma's pool. Although, I don't think I ever saw her swim once...literally. She was always outside on the patio watching, talking, maybe even having a snack ready.

5. I remember going to brunch in Chicago with Grandma on Sunday. I loved that brunch. I loved being there with the family. And I love the example that set for family first.

Those are the top 5 that come to mind.

Sing, Sing, Sing

A song that's sung
tells more than a story
a song that's sung
is sung from the heart

Mom still loves to sing
I wish I could have captured a more exciting ditty
or perhaps a more meaningful song
but this is what popped up and what I was able to record

its great to hear mom sing
crank up your volume!

 

Look what we found

Everyone looks so young

Bettie Elaine Blair Bond

Bettie Elaine Blair Bond Born in Ogden, UT on Feb. 13, 1921 Departed on Jul. 13, 2012 and resided in Roy, UT. Visitation: Thursday, Jul. 19, 2012 Service: Friday, Jul. 20, 2012 Cemetery: Roy City Cemetery Please click on the links above for locations, times, maps, and directions.

Bettie Blair Bond Bettie Elaine Blair Bond, 91, of Roy, Utah passed away July 13, 2012. Bettie was born February 13, 1921 in Ogden, Utah to Seth M. and Zella C. Blair, a true pioneer family. Living at the end of the street car line on the corner of 36th and Washington in Ogden, she had so much fun growing up in Burch Creek. She loved her family dearly. Bettie married Lawrence Max Bond on January 15, 1947 in the Salt Lake Temple. She graduated from Weber High, then Weber College in 1941. While she was working for Lockheed and attending to university studies in Los Angeles, her brother Robert was killed as a pilot in the Air Force. Because of her patriotic nature and desire that someone represent the family in the U.S.'s World War II effort, she was one of the first women to join the Navy as a WAVE (Women Accepted for Voluntary Service). For two years she served proudly as Master-of-Arms of Barracks in San Francisco. Bettie lived two full lives… Until the age of 48, she enjoyed raising her children, serving in PTA, being a substitute teacher in area elementary schools, playing the organ for weddings at her sister Maggie's wedding reception center (The White House), teaching piano lessons to young and old, being a second mom to neighborhood children, helping dad on the farm (raising tomatoes, sugar beets and alfalfa), and of course, church callings. At the age of 48, she experienced an aneurysm in her brain that left her paralyzed on her left side. She re-invented her entire life. She re-learned walking, talking, eating, and all of the normal life skills. She had grit and laughter. This led her to re-learning to expertly play the piano and organ with only her right hand, along with painting, and ceramics. She joined the McKay-Dee Hospital Volunteers where she volunteered almost 9, 000 hours. Here she broadened her friendships and influence. She could comfort and bless patients differently than any other volunteer because of her own life-changing experiences. With one of her hundreds of home-grown, trademark African Violet flowers in hand, her visits would begin and continue until the patient was discharged. Her tender and special influence was significantly felt in the Stewart Rehabilitation Center where paralyzed patients felt her love and inspiration. Her strong belief in God directed and sweetened her path.  She loved Lynn Child, her nephew, who patiently and lovingly helped her annually plant and attend to her flower garden. She loved the Weber State University Sorority – La Dianeda and served as their advisor for years. Easter Breakfast especially brought current and former 'Swabbies' together and she loved their association. She simply was 'the' example of courage and being valiant, hallmarks of enduring to the end. Love is the answer. Thanks to our kind friends at the Wahlen Veteran Home, also our Dr. Harry Senekjian, and friends at Country Pines Retirement Home. May God Bless You. Bettie is survived by her three children: Larry, Rindy (Tim) Wilson and John (T.J.); nine grandchildren: Blair (Julie), Brigham, Evan, Parker, Mackey, Alex, Katie (Kenneth), Liz and Tori and three great grandchildren: Eden, Dean and June; and family: Thelma Blair; Karen (Val) Lofgreen; Seth (Arlene) Blair and Peg – Margaret Favero; Ellen (Melvin) Rogers; Bob Shupe and Margaret Stimpson Child. She was preceded in death by her husband, Max; parents, Seth and Zella Blair; sister, Marion Hoyt; brothers, Robert and Ed; in-laws; Walter Hoyt, Ned Favero; Lawrence and Martha Bond; Eloise and Revella Child; Donna Shupe; Lorin Stimpson and Don Child.  Funeral services will be held on July 20, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the Municipal Park Ward, 5930 South 2200 West, Roy, Utah. Family and friends may call on July 19, 2012, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Myers Mortuary in Roy, 5865 South 1900 West and on July 20, 2012, from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment, Roy City Cemetery.  Elder Parker, who won't be able to join us at the services made the following observations:

I am grateful for Grandma Bond, better known in the family as Grandma Utah. I constantly remember me and he talking about basketball for hours on the phone or at her house. Eating dinner on the small table in her house watching movies with Liz, mac and tori. Helping her out with her garden, and her example of faith and hope, and truly enduring to the end. Her passing gives me another drive to endure to the end so that i may live with her and my family again. I know that i will live with her again and see her again. having been paralyzed on her left side it is incredible that she raised 3 dogs to behave perfectly when i cant even do one, cook amazing meals, and take care of a household. she will always be loved and always be in my prayers. i wont be in Utah mentally but i will be there spiritually, right after that though i will be back here 24/7 so that others can have the joy and assuredty i have.

A Day in September

Mom and Blair sharing a few hours together


Oh - I desperately hurt my thumb

inside driving

what should go in a storage bucket ... my sister, a few toys, and me

its ok to tip the dad - june is straight on - growing up fast at 5 weeks old

cruisin'

Belated Birthday

Mackey , Evan and I went to Minnesota for the weekend to wish my mom a belated happy birthday. It was great to see and visit with Mom. She had moments of great wit and I enjoyed sharing family prayer with her at night. Added treats were being able to attend Medicine Lake Ward and catch up with many a friend; and spending a couple of nights at Brad and Mari-Lynns.

Mother's Day

My Mom by the numbers

 (not her birthday today but my best photo of her from this past year)
1
- husband
  Paul

5 

 - children -
    Sally Jane, Paul, Jodean, Brad, Tim

4 

- kid-in-laws -
  Dale, Ann, Mari-Lynn, LaRinda
22
- grandchildren - Matt, Jared, Oliver, Sara, Eric; Paul, Laura, Jenny, Jane, Lisa, Mary; David, Jonathan, Lindsay, Lauren, Michael, Elizabeth; Blair, Brigham, Evan, Elder Parker, Mackenzie

14 

- grandkid spouses -
   Honor, Mary, Kristin, Todd, Jen; Sarah, Robert, Daryl, Randy; Eliza, Amanda, Josh, Marie; Julie,
44
- great grands -
  Andrew, Braden, Chase, Delainey; Grace, Caleb, Robert, Joshua, Rebekah, 1-on-the-way; Clara, Anna; Amy, Jacob, Isaac; Tera, Morgan, Alex, 1-on-the-way;;
  Brianna, Tristin; Annie, Peter, Kate, Tyler; Abigail; Will, Josh, 1-on-the-way;;
  Isaac,Lucy, Adam, Aaron; Savannah, Nathan, 1-on-the-way; Simone, Ella, Adele, 1-on-the-way; Joseph;;
  Eden, Dean, 1-on-the-way;

 and it all loops back to  
1 
rockin', fun, clever, witty, competitive, hostess with the mostest, service giving, chauffeuring,  sprightly, MiaMaid Advisor, family history center running, slightly ghetto, aging gracefully Junie Babe
Happy Mother's Day - MOM

Sunday Meetings

Well, Rindy, Julie, Eden, and my favorite niece weren't there but I did get to spend the weekend with three of the best women around.Sunday afternoon we held a brief home sacrament meeting. Mom participated in the singing and giving the closing prayer. It was a nice end of the weekend.

Promenade

The colors of fall are wonderful. Mackey and I noticed driving up to Mpls that mostly the reds and rusts were left the early fall oranges and yellows already fallen. This afternoon was pleasant enough that we put a sweater on Mom wrapped her up and rolled her out. We walked down to Lunds and around the block for about a 40 minute stroll. The fresh air is good for all of us and we collected 'reds' as we went. Though Mom was reluctant to start with us she appreciated getting out of the house. Its been a short but nice visit.

Weekend Visit

Mac, Parker and i had a great roadtrip to Minnesota this weekend. Parker attended a plenitude of 2010 High School graduation parties - fortunately i attended Henstrom's , lovely affair, with everyone I could hope to see and visit with. But best of all I spent a lot of time with Mom. Thankfully, she has an extra room and a refrigerator full of chocolate milk. She and i went out to eat Friday night and spent around 3 hrs out of the walls of Summerwood. A great visit then and Saturday and Sunday.

Happy Birthday

here's to Mom and her day

Quiddler Queen

So we adapted how we played - but play we did..

It was more of a public thinking game then a private struggle.

The results were still the same:

Mom 327

ME 249

She still has game.