Ralph Blair asks:
Dear Grandma & Grandpa:
What was your favorite movie when you were my age (9)?
When I was your age our family very seldom went to movie theatres. We did have a movie machine and my dad purchased some cartoon movies that he played for us on a movie real. The two I remember are "Betty Boop" and "Popeye." We really loved to watch these. We'd also watch movies that my dad took of us kids. That was always wonderful. I do remember going to the "Wizard of Oz" and loving it, though I was frightened of the wicked witch of the west. I wonder when this movie was made. Just found out that "Wizard of Oz" first came out in 1937. So I would have been five years old. Probably it was another year or two before I saw it the first time. I really loved Dorothy and the Good Witch of the East.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Grandma Groberg as caregiver
Dear Grandma and Grandpa, You said that your mother wasn't a caregiver. How would she work with her children when they were sick? Do you have any memories of being sick and having your mother do or say something?
From Lisa Sabey
Lisa called me and said that she was sure my mom did much care-giving with such a big family. I remembered that she certainly did. She gave loving and diligent care to sick children at various times and she was present for the Blairs for each of our eight children. I particularly remembered that when my Dad was ill for a prolonged time, Mother was his constant care-giver. Dad's problem which finally was diagnosed as an internal wound from a jab from a car which had infected and blocked the pancreas, thus causing pancrititus. Once the infection was removed he healed rapidly as you know lived a long, productive life.
I'm glad to be reminded about this. I was a senior in high school and was in charge of those at home. Mother and Dad moved over to Uncle George and Aunt Clara Brunt's home for Dads recuperation after he was released from the hospital. I gave up a lot of school activities to take care of my home responsibilities. I remember how carefully Mom cared for Dad, even following a special diet religiously. They both were amazing sports.
I also remember when I was a young mother with two little red-heads and became ill with the flu. Mother came to Provo and took care of me and the little ones. She was always willing to serve.
love to all. Mom
From Lisa Sabey
Lisa called me and said that she was sure my mom did much care-giving with such a big family. I remembered that she certainly did. She gave loving and diligent care to sick children at various times and she was present for the Blairs for each of our eight children. I particularly remembered that when my Dad was ill for a prolonged time, Mother was his constant care-giver. Dad's problem which finally was diagnosed as an internal wound from a jab from a car which had infected and blocked the pancreas, thus causing pancrititus. Once the infection was removed he healed rapidly as you know lived a long, productive life.
I'm glad to be reminded about this. I was a senior in high school and was in charge of those at home. Mother and Dad moved over to Uncle George and Aunt Clara Brunt's home for Dads recuperation after he was released from the hospital. I gave up a lot of school activities to take care of my home responsibilities. I remember how carefully Mom cared for Dad, even following a special diet religiously. They both were amazing sports.
I also remember when I was a young mother with two little red-heads and became ill with the flu. Mother came to Provo and took care of me and the little ones. She was always willing to serve.
love to all. Mom
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Some elect ladies
Dear Ben,
I do appreciate your invitation to begin some dialogue. I've been thinking today about Traci's mom, Mary Hall. Traci called this morning and in tears told me that they had rushed her mom to the hospital with chest pains. I've thought, as I've reflected on Mary Hall, that in many ways, she is the woman I wish I were. I think of my sweet mother in the same terms. Mary and Jennie are very different, but both are marvels.
I think of Mary first and foremost as a care-giver. As long as I have known her she has cared for her mother with tender, patient and consistent attention. Today "Hazel" is extremely frail and dependent. Mary feeds her, spoon by spoon, bathes her, manicures her, dresses her, fixes her hair and gently kisses her. Where did she learn to give such loving, patient care? She gives the same care to Great Grandma Hall and to her own children and grandchildren. Her attention to others seems to know no limits. Her time belongs to others and she's always joyful.
I guess one reason I have thought so much about the example of Mary Hall is that I had the opportunity to care for my mother-in-law during her last days. Ben was a toddler and Jim was four. I had no idea what was best to do and there seemed to be no help. How I wish I had that opportunity again, knowing the little that I know now. We tried our best to make Grandma Blair comfortable. We had no idea that she was dying. I'm grateful for knowledge of people like Jen and others and for places we can go for help. I hope that I can have the blessing of being a care-giver. I have so much to learn. Wish I knew then what Mary Hall seems to have always known.
I'm sure my mother would have been happy to give such attention and care, had there been a need. There wasn't. But I certainly watched the tender care my parent received, especially from Jeanne. I worry about myself being awkward and frustrated and not gentle enough. The thing I mostly don't want to be is jealous of my time. There really isn't anything more important than helping others and being there for them. I'm grateful for the unselfish attention I've received from our family and extended family during my foray with disability. I appreciate the regular calls and visits and the assurance that I was never alone. I want to be supportive to each of you all the time and especially at times of need.
It was fun to be in the rehab center with Marva Weaver and Bea Payne, whom I'd known for years in the Oak Hills 2nd Ward. The Weaver family is amazing and amazingly supportive and fun loving. Bea's daughter, Shirley, has huge responsibilities with an ailing husband. Bea's sisters would come and play cards with her. Other women in the center were examplary and patient and thoughtful. They all were much worse off than I. It's very interesting to find oneself in a situation of confinement.
I was excited to be able to come home for visits during my time in the care center. My first visit I sat and watched a football game with my husband. That was easy and BYU won. But during my next visit I looked at what needed to be done and was depressed by the reality that I was pretty useless! I couldn't pick up, fold up, hang up, wipe up, clean up---the things moms do all the time! I could however, sit---at the computer, in front of the TV, in front of a mirror, at the table, in the bedroom, in the living room and in the car. I could be wheeled in a wheel-chair. What a life!
Well, this has gone on long enough. I've learned some good lessons. I've made some sad mistakes. I want to press forward.
love from mom Blair
I do appreciate your invitation to begin some dialogue. I've been thinking today about Traci's mom, Mary Hall. Traci called this morning and in tears told me that they had rushed her mom to the hospital with chest pains. I've thought, as I've reflected on Mary Hall, that in many ways, she is the woman I wish I were. I think of my sweet mother in the same terms. Mary and Jennie are very different, but both are marvels.
I think of Mary first and foremost as a care-giver. As long as I have known her she has cared for her mother with tender, patient and consistent attention. Today "Hazel" is extremely frail and dependent. Mary feeds her, spoon by spoon, bathes her, manicures her, dresses her, fixes her hair and gently kisses her. Where did she learn to give such loving, patient care? She gives the same care to Great Grandma Hall and to her own children and grandchildren. Her attention to others seems to know no limits. Her time belongs to others and she's always joyful.
I guess one reason I have thought so much about the example of Mary Hall is that I had the opportunity to care for my mother-in-law during her last days. Ben was a toddler and Jim was four. I had no idea what was best to do and there seemed to be no help. How I wish I had that opportunity again, knowing the little that I know now. We tried our best to make Grandma Blair comfortable. We had no idea that she was dying. I'm grateful for knowledge of people like Jen and others and for places we can go for help. I hope that I can have the blessing of being a care-giver. I have so much to learn. Wish I knew then what Mary Hall seems to have always known.
I'm sure my mother would have been happy to give such attention and care, had there been a need. There wasn't. But I certainly watched the tender care my parent received, especially from Jeanne. I worry about myself being awkward and frustrated and not gentle enough. The thing I mostly don't want to be is jealous of my time. There really isn't anything more important than helping others and being there for them. I'm grateful for the unselfish attention I've received from our family and extended family during my foray with disability. I appreciate the regular calls and visits and the assurance that I was never alone. I want to be supportive to each of you all the time and especially at times of need.
It was fun to be in the rehab center with Marva Weaver and Bea Payne, whom I'd known for years in the Oak Hills 2nd Ward. The Weaver family is amazing and amazingly supportive and fun loving. Bea's daughter, Shirley, has huge responsibilities with an ailing husband. Bea's sisters would come and play cards with her. Other women in the center were examplary and patient and thoughtful. They all were much worse off than I. It's very interesting to find oneself in a situation of confinement.
I was excited to be able to come home for visits during my time in the care center. My first visit I sat and watched a football game with my husband. That was easy and BYU won. But during my next visit I looked at what needed to be done and was depressed by the reality that I was pretty useless! I couldn't pick up, fold up, hang up, wipe up, clean up---the things moms do all the time! I could however, sit---at the computer, in front of the TV, in front of a mirror, at the table, in the bedroom, in the living room and in the car. I could be wheeled in a wheel-chair. What a life!
Well, this has gone on long enough. I've learned some good lessons. I've made some sad mistakes. I want to press forward.
love from mom Blair
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