Sunday, May 31, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Home
To my knowledge, she has not before now, known exactly how she was going to bear to part with this sweet child, who came to be known to us as her "beanie baby". The gender unknown for sure, this child was called to me by the proper name "Bambino", which, when translated, literally means, "little boy", or "little child". In art, it is used to refer to the the to the image of the infant Jesus in swaddling clothes.
The very fact that she has held on to this child for so long without knowing when and where she would give him a final resting place speaks volumes to me. It speaks of the sincerity in her heart and in her belief that all life is sacred. It speaks to me of her knowledge that life is given, and life is also taken away. The purposes and means of this is not always in our understanding, so we trust in our instinct, in belief that there is a special place we can call "home". This is Faith.
To this end, as the words fail to pass my lips, I am compelled to write this psalm, so that even though speech may elude me, my heart does not.
Home
I've laid two souls to rest today and how reluctantly,
for if I had another wish, they would still be here with me.
For into me the seeds of life had bloomed so vibrantly,
this little life that glittered, like a star so brilliantly.
How seldom do we get this chance of opportunity,
to have a child to call our own for all eternity.
And how the time has quickly come, to send him on his way,
there are children there awaiting, where he can run, and play.
I know you loved your children, your grandchildren were your prize,
so into your arms I've laid this one, while you close your eyes.
I cannot give a greater gift than this last child of mine,
to take him home to Jesus, where he can truly shine.
I know he's not a burden, you loved your children so,
so into your grasp I'm trusting, to heaven he will go.
Into your hands I've placed my child for all eternity,
to take him home to Jesus, where he will wait for me.
Take and show our Father, the gift he gave to me,
the seeds of life within me, how briefly that may be.
Tell him I will miss him but this is best you see,
the little child that was once here, can now my angel be.
And how the time has quickly come to send him on his way,
there are children there awaiting, where he can run, and play.
In loving memory of our
beanie baby Bambino, 'John'
and Ma Betty Carroll
© 2009 byronc
Sunday, May 17, 2009
A new Beginning, Part II
I was home, and had many visitors. To some, I seemed normal, although a little hyper and talkative. Being quite solemn most of the time, a few even liked this newly extroverted, friendlier me, and withheld their reservations.
Of course, my wife and partner of the last nine years knew that something was amiss, and worried that I was still not getting the rest my body and mind so desperately needed. On several occasions, the suggestion that I need to go see a doctor was strongly implied by her to no avail. I dismissed this idea as unnecessary as I only needed rest. Rest did not come.
After a couple of days, of countless long distance phone calls to people I called only on special occasions, like birthdays, holidays, and so forth, my mind felt extremely clear, my hearing was acute, and exaggerated, it was impossible to sleep with the slightly noise, real or imagined. My mind began to see things that were not there, the hallucinations became more vivid, no, there was no backup of sewage in the tub, the TV was not glowing at night. Crop dusters were not wagging their wings over my home with broken sprayers spewing poisons. The jogger behind the Cadillac was someone only I could see.
When I disrobed, and ran into the muddy fields, that's when the ambulance came. The local constable and my Father-in-law was desperately trying to cover up my shame, and to keep the mosquitoes abated. In a distant part of my brain there was some sort of unknown recognition that I was not supposed to be naked, even though it was the end of the world. I did accept a pair of undershorts. *insert laugh here*
On the way to the hospital, I implored the EMT as to the reasons for this special treatment, he only agreed with me, that we were going somewhere I could get some answers. Of course, the government needs me, only we have to make this one little stop first.A new Beginning, Part I
This is not a story of tragedy, nor a cry for sympathy, but it is a story of how I got from there to here. This is my story of survival, and triumph.
I have not written this down before now, and do not know why I have chosen this moment to do so. I have read through some of your posts here, and I only wish to share a thought or two.
The year was 1985, and I was in the prime of life. Having been married for nine years, my wife and I were miraculously expecting our first born. Happily anticipating his arrival, and busy preparing for all the things that were to be, we were the epitome of young, success filled couples.
I was ToolPusher on a land rig at the ripe age of 28 just prior to the oil boom bust of 1985-1986 I had been either a Driller or a Toolpusher since I was 23. This particular rig required round the clock supervision of a collection of some of the most hodgepodge of crews on a different type of rig and drilling conditions than most were accustomed to. Adding to the mix, we had a newly promoted Drilling Superintendent who made no secret of his distaste for my style. Having recently being from another rig, I was placed in charge of this one by the owners against his wishes. Needless to say, everything needed attention, and I was anxious to get everything in order and repaired before rigging down and moving to a more difficult location. There seemed no end to the constant knocking at the door, with requests for assistance. From broken pumps, to non-existent lighting and a faulty generator, to the need to restring the drilling line at night with a crew that had never participated in this common daylight chore. There were tight hole problems, chalk, and a poisonous gas strata to drill though, with non-fully functional blowout preventers.
After eleven days and nights with zero sleep, and too few meals, I called one of the owners expressing my difficulties and stating my expectation that I would be relieved of duty the following morning. As predicted, this is exactly what took place. I was called in to the office the following day, and fired by the Superintendent. Incredulously, I went home and continued to call the vendors which I had outstanding orders and obligations with, making sure that all was being carried out and completed exactly as I had scheduled.
Due to sleep deprivation, and in denial, I had already crossed the line between reality and fiction. (to be continued)
© 2009 byroncAlbum Folders2
 How's that roof coming? 49 Photos, 9 comments  Ok, dog, let's see the pictures... 33 Photos, 22 comments  First Colt 20 Photos, 11 comments  Homeowner 20 Photos, 26 comments Album2 |
Friday, May 15, 2009
photos
Seems to me, with the auto-fill feature, and the different schemes that can be used,
I'm just wondering...
why ask?Hands down the absolutely best way to put a smile on someones face, is to share a picture or two. Let them see what makes you laugh, show them what it means to live in your little corner of the world. Show them the moments in time that are ordinary, show them what you think is unique. You can even make a story book!
The Auto-upload to the Media Locker is the best thing since fried rice, and it can find images that were long overlooked, and make them easily assessable in neat little packages, all ready for that next share, and smile.
If that isn't enough, there's even this cool fellow that , if your pictures get lost, might go out of his way to make sure they get to your house! Thanks Mark!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Graduation 2009
Christie graduates and we are there to share in this long anticipated moment along with our son. Long term plans are for continuing education. Wishing her luck.
Many of the photos are blurry and too dark, but thought I'd share them anyway.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
May 3rd
High winds today and at least one tornado which spared us a direct hit.
The other half of the Bradford pear is down, and I've spent the biggest portion of the day clearing limbs and branches from the yard. Neighbor a few blocks away lost their roof, and across the street lost his carport which was attached to the front of his house in a similar fashion to mine.
Off line all day without power, we are presently running off a generator from Darrell's crew truck.
The other pictures here are just Kay taking some shots she finds interesting , and a homemade cannon built by two of the boys,