Celebrations and Memories!

September 27, 2025

Where does the time go ? Last night I was looking through all the memory photos and this one popped up among many others. My Mum with our youngest son, Ethan. It is such a special memory! Ethan was about maybe a year old. His birthday is on Tuesday, the 30th September. He will be 27 this year!!!!!!!! Oh my goodness. How is it possible that our baby is now 27? 

Ron & I were blessed to have three amazing sons after being married ten years. Matt came first, then Adam and finally Ethan. When I think back to those early years and the challenges of wanting children, our hopes were dashed when the doctors told us we'd never have children on our own. Back then in the 90's it wasn't an easy process. We went as far as science would allow us (which wasn't very far). We learned so much about our bodies and what we needed to do physically. It took some time but the end result was Matthew in 1993, Adam in 1995 and Ethan in 1998. 

Mum would be 98 tomorrow - September 28, 1927 -  we miss her so much. She adored her grands and was able to watch them grow up. I'm glad that our sons remember her. She loved them so. All we have now are the cherished memories. 

There's Gran (as she wanted to be called) with Adam, Matt & Ethan. That was one of the best last photo's we have of her with the boys. Lots of memories of their home. I think we all at some point had photos taken on the stairs. 

Every photo shares a memory. This was taken a a local park. They boys and their cousin Michael played while we sat and watched. Ron was likely chasing the boys around. September 27th of 1998.. Ethan had yet to make his appearance! (by ONLY a few days!!!!!!!!)

There she is the Birthday girl ready to blow out the candles! 71 years young!!!!!!!!!!!

All of the boys were very keen on helping Gran clean up all the candles!

One of my favorite photos of Mum taken I believe in Austria when she met Dad. Dad served in the Korean War and was stationed in Germany in communications. 

 

Mum as a baby

Mum and Dad were married in 1953 and spent 57 years together until God called Mum home. 

Then came Ethan on the 30th September 1998

 

 

Our family became complete with Ethan's arrival. Many things have changed in our lives. I do miss some of the simpler things that we did. The best part is when we're all able to be together not just for the birthdays and celebrations, but together sharing life over a meal or maybe taking a trip together or it could just be watching a movie or better yet playing a game together and talking. One day when you're older you'll know just how special those cherished memories are. 

Today it is now September 28th .. Mum's 98th ... I miss and love you, Mum.. Until we meet again Take care of Dad... 

Jesus Is Our Shepherd 1-26-2025

Part 2: Remembering my Dad...

January 11, 2025

How is it possible that 12 years have gone by ??? Some days it feels like yesterday. Some days it's a lifetime ago. Most days pass without sadness and grief. Life is meant to go forward no matter what has transpired. 

Some days the memories are really hard .. so vivid in ones mind. Details can sometimes become blurry and one must recall how the events happened. I find that the "memories" on Facebook bring back the good, the bad, and quite frankly .. the ugly. It does show how much we have all grown in both deed and action. Some memories are meant to stay in the past while others are necessary to see how far one has grown. 

When I first decided to write this, I was overcome with grief and the "what ifs" ... Today is in better perspective though I badly miss Dad & Mum. So much that I would love to share with them. Often the time around 3 or 4 pm I so want to call them or stop out to see them for a cup of tea and visit. Every time that I pass near the house it takes great effort not to stop and see them. But, they don't live there anymore. I actually find it now very hard to drive by the house. I know that Jennifer and the girls are looking after it well. We saw him care greatly for Mum and would do anything for her. He truly was devoted to her and missed her greatly when she died. 

Mum & Dad were married for 57 years. They knew the truest meaning of covenant marriage. Their marriage was not easy and many times I am sure that things could have turned out differently. We saw in Dad/Granddad his love for family. 

Both Dad & Mum share such love with us all. They absolutely adored their grandchildren - Michael, Matthew, Adam & Ethan .. they would have been thrilled to welcome a great grandchild that Ron & I are expecting come April!!! We saw photos that Ethan & Heather share of the latest ultrasound. Oh, I am so in love with this little bean who will make his presence known at the end of April!

2025 is starting to be quite the adventure that started back in August with the announcement of baby bean Bobic's arrival and then in September with the addition of Blaze to our family! 

Our family has truly been blessed and I know without doubt that God is directing our steps. The most important thing we have in this life is following Jesus and sharing with others the truths that HE taught. 

Take care everyone! Love on your family and your neighbors.. never stop spreading love and truth in Jesus name... Amen.. 

Remembering Dad: Part 1

There is a time between September 22, 2012 to January 11th, 2013 that will forever remain in my memories. It was and still is the most defining moment in my life. Looking back now over the last 12 years it doesn't seem possible how far we've all come. The changes in our family's life are defining who we are now in January 2025.

January 10th, 2012 my Dad came home for the last time after being in hospital for the last nearly 4 months. He wasn't able to speak due to the tracheotomy. His body was so tired after endless treatments and surgery.. infections that would not heal. Dad was ready to go home and be with our Mum. Dad had been placed on hospice care at Edison Manor. That home was the only one in New Castle who would be able to care for his needs. He came by ambulance. The first thing he motioned to the drive was that "he was home" .. Dad recognized where he was .. he was always coherent during the hospital stay .. always talking - we had a special language to understand his needs and wants. But, finally Dad was at home even if it wasn't his own home that he shared with Mum. 

That night we all gathered at the nursing home.. Matt, Adam, Ethan, Jan & Michael... it was an evening that I will never forget. I wish that I would have stayed with him through the night. It was our final night together.. the next morning things changed drastically for the end. Dads suffering ended that morning .. I was with him at the end. The boys and Jan & Michael arrived after he died. 

My life changed completely and forever as we prepared to say our final goodbyes to my Dad.. a husband (widowed in 2011), father, grandfather, uncle and dear friend of many. The last time I heard his voice was September 22, 2012 while we waited for the doctor at the hospital to give us the news. Dad knew he was dying. I told him no .. we're not going to think that .. that we would not give up. My Dad, bless him, was tired and not feeling at all well. He had called me earlier in the day telling me to come out to the house as he needed help. I found him most uncomfortable and needing medical attention. It's all a blur now, but I think I drove him to the hospital. 

Tests were done and we waited for what seemed an eternity to find out what was wrong and what needed to be done for him. I remember calling my sister, Jan to let her know Dad was in emergency. It was a Saturday that day. I don't really remember where the boys were .. if they were at home or if they were with Ron. Matt was at IUP. Adam & Ethan were usually at home with me except for weekends when they were with their Dad. I think that is where they were. Ron had left in August of 2011 - right when Matt was starting his first year of college at IUP. So, most all weekends the boys spent time with their Dad, my husband Ron who lived with Grandma Bobic. 

I don't know how long we waited at the hospital .. but, soon the message from the doctors was not good. Dad would be needing transported to Pittsburgh for surgery. He had a perforated ulcer in his esophagus. It was very serious surgery that required more special help that our local hospital couldn't provide. 

The decision was made to get him there to Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh by life flight. I think I was in shock .. Dad, too was in shock and concern. He really didn't think he was going to make it and tried to prepare me that he was dying. That was so hard to hear coming from the man I looked up to for all of my life. 

I waited in the hallway while they prepared Dad for transport and of course had to first call Jan & Michael so they could meet us down at the hospital. My own brain and emotional state just had a really hard time comprehending what was happening. I had to be strong for Dad .. I couldn't allow him to feel anything but love and encouragement for this journey. Truth be told, I was more scared than I have ever been in my life. The doctors at Jameson were not very hopeful and let me know that there was a huge risk in the surgery let alone the transport via life flight. The day was actually very questionable weatherwise and we were not sure he'd survive the drive. So, it was decided the best and quickest way was via life flight. 

I sat in the hallway alone and quite frankly scared. I called Ron to let him know what was going on and asked if he could drive me down to the hospital. While he wasn't very happy about it, he did agree to drive me down. My legs felt like rubber, so much emotion going through my mind. I didn't really feel safe to drive alone. 

There came a sense of peace in the hallway that I can only describe as comfort from God. The time drew closer to ready for transport. My own fear and concern for Dad was overwhelming. Then, all of a sudden I felt and saw my Mum while I waited. I really couldn't hear her voice, but I felt so incredibly her presence letting me know that everything would be alright... that I had nothing to worry about. It was incredibly real.. I wanted that moment to last forever. Mum was smiling and encouraging making me feel like it was going to be okay. I know now that it was through Gods eyes that he gave me that comfort through my own Mum. 

To be continued...

It's a Heart Issue

Words spoken 8 years ago .. they are as true today as they were back then. The only thing that has changed is that my belief and trust is in God alone.. TRUST in HIM!

"And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." Luke 10:27

Matthew 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

Deuteronomy 6:5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

Mark 12:30-31  And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

And, the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

When I think about the most important commandment we do in life, this is the one that shows us how much God loves us and wants us to have the most important relationship with all...with God.

It is because of our personal relationship with him that we are truly able to love anyone in this world. 

Whatever happened to one man, one woman, one flesh for life? We have become a society that sees change as good. We have become a society that sees separation and divorce as the norm and that God wants us to be happy and that God may have another person in mind for you. Why do people and the church of today continue to accept second, third.. even fourth marriages as acceptable in the eyes of God? 

Why do people continue to twist the scripture to suit their needs and selfish desires? God designed marriage to last a lifetime... until death. It was not designed to be broken!

Mark 10: 6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. 7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; 8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. 9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

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I cannot celebrate a marriage that goes against God's pure intent. It makes me sad to know that some have chosen to claim to know God and yet choose to marry someone else after a separation which lead to divorce. It is an abomination...

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Malachi 2: 13 And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the Lord with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand.

14 Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the Lord hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.

15 And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.

16 For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the Lord of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.

17 Ye have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?

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There is no exception clause that will ever make it right. Many claim falsely that Deuteronomy 24 gives one the right to move forward and towards another relationship..another marriage. 

2 And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man's wife.

But falsely, people fail to read and understand that any marriage entered into while a covenant spouse still lives is adultery in the eyes of the Lord... 

Matthew 19:9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

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1 Corinthians 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

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It is a matter of salvation. May the word of God speak to your heart, mind, body and soul. ~married for life~

Don't Forget to Dream...

Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation.

~ D. Elton Trueblood

Explore Your Field of Dreams

Dream of what your life would feel like if you accepted change with a gracious heart.

Dream of how you would progress if you admitted your weaknesses and acted on your strengths.

Dream of how you would solve problems if you asked for help, accepted help, were open to new solutions, and dealt directly with all obstacles.

Dream of how you would heal from a hurtful past if you created a loving, forgiving, and self-nurturing environment.

Dream of the peace you would experience if you took complete responsibility for the feelings in your heart, and moved in faith toward your most cherished dreams.

Dream of the character you would build if you told the truth about all things, especially to yourself.

Dream of how you would strengthen your resolve if you endured challenging trials and waited patiently for your dreams to appear—even during long cold seasons of emptiness.

Dream of what you could achieve if you observed all your choices and asked what action you should take to move forward this day.

Dream of all choices and possibilities before you, treat each as a challenge to learn, and deepen the wisdom which God has given to guide your future.

Explore your field of dreams...

© Copyright 2006 by Steve Brunkhorst.

When you have dreamed that dream, then we need to talk to put it into reality!

To YOUR Success,
Karen

September brings with it times of change

September 6, 2007

There is nothing quite so intimidating as the blank page. As I begin to write all the thoughts that I had thought so profound seem to be wandering around aimlessly waiting to be remembered!

Today begins a new day for adventure. School is back in session and all our boys are back in the throws of homework and re-acquainting themselves with friends they haven't talked to or seen since school ended for summer vacation.

That first day found me quite at a loss to know what to do with two of our boys back in public school and one still at home.. rather one to be homeschooled. Adam is happy to be in the virtual classroom with mum's watchful eye on him to make sure he is completing all assignments. It is rather nice having him at home .. I shall miss these days when the time comes that he returns to public school. That future event .. hmmmmmmm.. we'll see when it happens. There are days when he says that he would rather be back in public school until he thinks about the friends he has made in homeschool.

The most important thing is his education .. and making sure that he is indeed learning all the lessons and not getting lost amongst other students. There really are no perfect school systems. And, the comparison between public and homeschool for our middle boy are widely varied. His attitude in the past year, while having challenges has been a move in the right direction .. he actually likes learning again! And, it makes me thankful that I can be at home to help support him. So many parents don't have that option and must work outside of their home. I count my blessings that I am able to have the best of both worlds.

And, on that note .. will close for now. Time to check on his progress on homework. The weather is going to be quite warm today for September .. Adam and I might even get in a swim before his brothers are due home from their classes!

Make it a wonderful day!
Karen