I'm back! Now what?

Okay, I wanted to fantasize a little bit and this picture was all I had that represents my crazy motoryacht obsession. How cool would it be to have this docked next to my waterfront home on Clear Lake. I know, I know, AS IF! Well, I'm a big guy so I'm allowed to think big. Deal with it.
Anyway, I was fortunate enough to spend a day at the zoo with my wife, my daughter, and my two wild a$$ grandsons. Actually, they were both very good considering the crowd and the warm weather that we endured. If you haven't been to the Houston Zoo lately, I highly recommend it. However, unless you are ready for a dose of road rage, you should probably visit on a weekday. The zoo takes on a double meaning on the weekends. I saw many, many people that were cage-worthy running loose. I swear some people can't possibly own a mirror. I know there are no fitting rooms at flea markets or garage sales, but these people really need to realize that clothing is not supposed to look like colored shrink wrap. The kids seemed to enjoy the exhibits and I loved seeing all of the beautiful old live oaks. In my opinion, there is not a more magnificant tree than the live oak. Back to the kids. Grant Patrick, "jeep" as I like to call him, was in typical chill mode while Landon was checking out the animals, slides, and candy booths. Landon has a bigger sweet tooth than me. I guess that's a good thing for the time being. All in all, we enjoyed the visit and look forward to our next expedition with the grandkids. Hopefully it will be on a 150 foot yacht with the whole family cruising to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Cocktails!!

Final Farewell

Well, I know I shut down this operation already, and there may not be anybody still out ther to read this, but I feel it's important that I update my MOM post.
My mother was called to heaven on Saturday, 08/14/10. I won't go into all of the details, but she went to sleep the previous Thursday night and never woke up. That's exactly what she prayed for. Her poor fragile body couldn't take it any more. There was no pain, just reflexes as her body gradually shut down. I can't even tell you how happy I am that she is gone. As with all wonderful people who pass away, her soul has passed into eternal life. That's what I believe and I'm sticking to it. Conversely, I am sad for the obvious selfish reasons that occur when we lose a loved one. However, I'm so happy that she has been reunited with her many friends and family that were called home before her. There is no more confusion or uncertainty to surround her daily thoughts. There is no more need for her loving caregiver, Lydia. She became invaluable to my mom while tending to her every need. She was indeed a true blessing for our family. The nurses and therapists who made regular weekly visits were also very caring and professional. I have learned that it takes a very special individual to care for the sick and dying elderly. My mom said they were angels and I'd have to agree.I feel it would take me forever to convey my love for my mother, so I'll keep it brief and share a special story.
When I went to visit mom on the Thursday before her passing, I noticed that she had become a lot more lethargic. I sat in a chair across from her bed as I usually did during our visits and I noticed that she was not going to say much. Somehow, I felt compelled to have a little pep talk with her. So, as I stood up to leave, I walked over to her bed to give her a kiss goodbye. However, this time I leaned over and told her that it was okay to let go. She just seemed ready. So we looked into each others eyes and I said "Mom, if the Lord is calling for you, it's okay to let go. We'll all be fine. You don't have to worry about anything. We'll take care of everything. It's okay mom, it's okay." I then gave her a kiss and told her " I love you more than you'll ever know." I beat her to the punch because that's what she always told me. She answered that she loved me too and smiled a smile that will stay etched in my memory until we meet again. I went home to give Carla an update and relayed what I had told mom. I never would have imagined that what I said to my mom would be our last communication. I'd like to believe that it wasn't a coincidence. Only God knows, but I'm glad that it appears that she was waiting to be reassured that she could finally rest in peace.
My mom deserves a lot more rememberance, but this will have to do for the time being. If anybody reads this, please say a prayer and remember that Gloria Hagerty was a remarkable woman. Thanks for the love and memories, Mom.

Closing shop.

I appreciate anyone who has ever read my posts. It was a good learning experience. Have a great day!

What if?

When I was growing up, I remember having a pretty detailed imagination. Without all of the current forms of entertainment, it was second nature to conjure up imaginary situations. I won't go into full detail about my creative thoughts, but let's just say my mind's eye worked overtime. Well, having been raised a Catholic, I always wondered about the meanings of my faith and the differences of other peoples beliefs. One in particular was reincarnation. This theory has infinite implications. Since I was taught and believed in heaven and hell, I've always wondered what those two destinations would be like. Doesn't everybody who shares that same belief? Hell was all about fire and burning alive until eternity. Not so fast, please. What if hell was one of those other places that we sometimes refer to as being hell? For instance, living with an abusive spouse can be hell or so I've heard. How about living through a natural disaster? I know that can be hellish as well. There are many similar scenarios that are worthy of that classification. However, I prefered to take it a step further. Let's add reincarnation into the mix. Have you ever watched the nature channels and wondered what it would be like to be a wildebeest being chased down by a pride of lions or a gazelle being eaten alive by a pack of hyenas? That's got to be hell, especially if God has found you unworthy of His redemption and He has decided to send your soul back to earth as prey for hungry predators. It wouldn't stop there. Once you've been devoured, you're recreated as a salmon swimming upstream into the jaws of a bear. Next, you're an armadillo crossing a busy Texas highway. And so it goes. You are sentenced to be recreated to die a violent death over and over and over for all of eternity. Your soul is passed around forever, only to be tortured and killed in every conceiveable manner. Let's imagine that you have a horrible fear of drowning or falling from a skyscraper. Wouldn't it be hell to endlessly die like that ? What if you had to watch a loved one die repeatedly forever? Hell no!
Currently, I choose to believe that it is better not to think about which type of hell lies ahead. I choose the heavenly part of the equation. I think I'll explore my imagination about heaven in my next post. It's hell writing about hell. But, what if?

Vanished!!

Complete denial. OMG!!!

This has got to be a wax figure of Mr. Las Vegas. If not, his plastic surgeon should be working for Saran Wrap. He's pushing 70 years of age for the love of Pete. Now if anybody out there saw him promoting the USO on Memorial day, you'll have to agree that he looked like a combination of Mickey Rourke, Melanie Griffith, and Joan Rivers. I don't think Madame Tussaud would be too happy to see that one of her figures has escaped. I can't for the life of me figure out why people want to butcher their faces as they grow older. And when did they start putting black food color in cotton candy? I hope he doesn't have young grandchildren because he would definitely go bald. I finally realize why he has such a hard time with finances. He spends it all trying to completely ruin his appearance. It's okay to get old, Wayne. Just don't stand too close to an open flame!

Screw this!

I just finished composing a lengthy post about a wonderful weekend I just enjoyed, only to have it disappear. I was saving it like I'm supposed to, and now it's gone except for the image. I'm completely pissed off right now. I don't have the patience required to start over. I'm really pissed.