Mama’s Love!
May brings thoughts of mothers and I had one of the best. This is my first Mother’s Day without her as well as without my son, Jay. The two were buddies so I’m sure they’re celebrating together in Heaven. Mama was 105 years old! What a heritage she had to tell and I loved hearing…
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Happy Heavenly Birthday, Jay!
It’s another first! So many “firsts” after losing a loved one. In just five months, I’ve already hit Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, as well as first snow, first trip without Jay and more. Now April brings a “first birthday” without my sweet son. Birthdays have always been special in our home. My…
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Mom’s Diary!
Recently I ran onto my late mother-in-law’s diary from 1965. It piqued my interest since Carl and I were not only dating but became engaged that year. Several pages were blank and most entries were about household chores, but I admit it was exciting to see my name in that little book as her son’s…
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My Journey
Several years ago, after my husband’s death, a woman informed me that she was tired of reading about my grief. I was shocked! It had only been a few months. I was glad she had never experienced such a loss, but sad that she lacked compassion for others. I have been honored with the many…
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Learning To Live Again!
Holidays are difficult when going through grief, and we just came through the most significant—Christmas. Supposedly, the New Year promises new beginnings, but in truth, I just want my “old life” back. I want my heart to be happy again and my mind to stop the constant “if only” and “what ifs.” I continually remind…
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Pondering Miracles!
With Christmas almost upon us I’m thinking of miracles, since the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is the Christmas miracle we celebrate. But what do we really know about miracles? Recently, I spoke with a lady whose grown son survived an illness which almost took his life. She called it a true…
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Missing Jay
Forty-six years ago God sent me one of my greatest treasures—James Ryan Jones—better known as “Jay.” How could I know this baby boy with Down syndrome and a rare congenital heart disease would forever change my life and the world around me? My heart was and still is completely mesmerized by this sweet son and…
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Visting Mama
Louise continues to watch over Jay who had emergency surgery in August and is still critically ill in ICU. Louise thanks you for your prayers. This column is from two years ago – a fitting tribute to Louise’s mother who passed away in September. Yesterday, I went to see Mama. I have always enjoyed our…
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The COVID Crisis!
Before this story went to print, Jay had to have an emergency abdominal surgery and is in ICU on a ventilator. Prayers for Jay’s recovery! COVID-19! Not something I wanted to experience. I was so careful! I did curbside pickup for groceries and wore a mask if I went into a store. My son, Jay…
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Visiting Mr. Wilson
While Louise and Jay are recovering from Covid, Louise asked us to publish one of her favorite columns. The Outlook wishes Louise and Jay a speedy recovery. Today as I drove past a nursing home with beautiful crape myrtles blooming at the windows a memory came to me. Years ago, our church developed a program…
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Weddings and Showers
Summer is definitely a popular time for weddings. Always has been. My son, Aaron, and wife, Amy, had a lovely, summer wedding 28 years ago. So much fun! But today’s nuptials and wedding showers are quite different from the ones I grew up with. In fact, by today’s standard, the ceremonial vows my late husband…
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