Monday, September 17, 2001

Dear Wife writes:

A Flag Story

I've been wanting to put a flag out since last Tuesday but all we have is 3 small ones we got at a 4th of July parade. I had yet to figure out how to put them up where they could be seen and yet not be blown away by cars passing.

I went to the drug store Friday and saw on a parked car a flag that hooks to your car window. I have a Braves' baseball team flag just like it and wished I had a US flag. "That would be neat," I thought, yet I knew all the stores were sold out.

Saturday morning was the annual "Lake Allatoona Cean Up." This was our first year to participate. Since Thing One and Thing Two are both in cub scouts this year, I decided they needed to help. The cub scouts always help in this clean up. Besides, we visited the lake often this summer and I felt we should give back. Since the clean up started at 7:45 a.m. I took the boys and left Charles and Thing Three at home.

We wouldn't have long to help. Both boys had soccer games Saturday morning, the first one starting at 10:30. We arrived at our assigned campground and received instructions. We were told of a beach site that was flat and good for the little kids to pick up litter. There were no directions to this beach, only sign for campsite numbers. We arrived at a small beach site and there were others at this site, so we didn't realize we'd picked the wrong one. We'd been told there were steeper areas, but had never been to this campground so didn't realize there were 2 beaches. We started picking up and I saw something red back among some rocks. I pulled it out and it was a US flag that hooks to your car window!

We didn't throw this "litter" away. The boys and I were quite excited to find this and it waves proudly on our car. If we hadn't gone to the wrong site, we wouldn't have found the flag.

Cool, huh!
posted by Penney Letbetter 9/17/2001 12:48:04 PM

Charles writes:

Happy Birthday

Today is Thing One's ninth birthday. I guess I should probably change out his picture at the top of the page, shouldn't I? He just continues to grow. Dear Wife was taking pictures earlier and I tried to cradle him like a newborn. He laughed. He already stands as tall as his mother's shoulder and I doubt it will be long before he's up to mine.

At dinner tonight, Dear Wife reminded him that this is his last "single digit" year. Gee, thanks for reminding me. When I think of Thing One, I still think of that little guy who lived with a pacifier in his mouth and another in his hand for over two years. I think of the little one who stood outside on the patio and played in the rain. I think of the child who was hands-down the best at absolutely blowing the top off his diapers.

When I think of Thing One, I think of backpacking him up Lookout Mountain on crisp fall mornings. I think of front packing him under my heavy overcoat in winter, and getting strange looks from passersby who didn't know what I had under there. I think of setting up play pens in offices and board rooms during Daddy's meetings.

When I think of Thing One, I think of the blizzard his first winter and snow drifts over his head. I think of Lapsit reading programs at the library and playing on the playground afterward. I think of riding the trolley down to the Tennessee Aquarium and countless hours spent watching the fish.

When I think of Thing One, I think of mornings spent with him cooing on the floor of my office. I think of naptimes spent with him snuggled in my arms. I think of those two little eyes looking up into mine that very first night.

How can this same child now be nine years old? I've been checking my watch and I'm quite sure there hasn't been that much time pass. There must be some mistake. He can't be growing so quickly.

Ah, but when I think of Thing One I also think of the young man who handles my chores when I'm gone for countless meetings. I think of the budding scientist who already knows more about fossils and natural science than my brain was ever capable of retaining. I think of the blossoming writer who, when given a chance to go to the book fair today, bought his first journal and took time before going to bed to write.

Yep, I've got a nine year old. And my love for him only grows as fast as he does.

Three More Weeks

Today wasn't such a great day for Poppa and Momma. The Dr. broke the news today that Poppa is not only looking at three more weeks of radiation (counting this one), but that he will have to have the surgery afterward. Moreover, since the surgery is still necessary, the Dr. recommended that Poppa back off the pain medication now so that it would still be sufficient to handle the increased pain after the surgery.

I can't express to you the extent to which this news took the wind from Poppa's sails. When I talked with them this evening I wanted nothing more to reach out and put my arms around them and cry with them. This was not the news they were hoping for. The whole point of doing the radiation was to try to avoid the surgery. Granted, the surgery won't be as extensive now and Poppa's eye will not be in as much danger, but there will still be considerable pain and a long healing process on the backside.

So, Poppa has started backing off the pain medication and, predictably, he's already having trouble keeping his food down. His sugar count also becomes a concern as the stress brought on by the pain causes his body to produce more insulin.

Momma is feeling the stress as well. She sees how badly Poppa is hurting yet there is nothing more she can do. She feels helpless.

Now, as much as ever, they need your prayers.

Again, our thanks to everyone who has continued to provide them support while in Oklahoma City as well as back at home.

Peace.
posted by Charles Letbetter 9/17/2001 08:36:55 PM

Sunday, September 16, 2001

Charles writes:

Party Day

We survived.

No, I'm not talking about last week's events. I'm refering to Thing One's birthday party. Nine of his friends arrived in the middle of the afternoon to fly to Australia, get their Crocodile Hunter certifications, rescue crocodile eggs, feed a waiting croc and test their reflexes. Oh yeah, they enjoyed the cake and ice cream, too. Dear Wife out did herself and the result was a great party that came off with the appearance of effortlessness. The boys all had a great time.

Yes, I know I promised pictures. Unfortunately, there was a bad CD in the camera so we'll have to wait for the film to be developed. Sorry about that.

Tonight, all three boys are sleeping in the same room. We have placed Thing One's presents from family in his room for a big celebration in the morning. We'll do pizza for dinner tomorrow night and then take treats to scouts.

Thing One is turning nine. And while the world may be changing around him, there is nothing that diminishes the celebration of a young life with so much potential. Tomorrow will be a great day.

Peace.
posted by Charles Letbetter 9/16/2001 10:30:47 PM

Saturday, September 15, 2001

Charles writes:

3-1-0

Three wins, one less, no ties. That's the boys' accumulative season record so far. Thing One's team once again won quite handily, 7-0. No matter what substitutions the coach made, and he tried about every combination possible, the other team was never even able to make a shot on goal.

Thing Two's team didn't have such luck. Despite playing their little hearts out, they lost 1-0. Thing Two has become quite a goalie, though, and the goal wasn't scored while he was in the game. The other team made several shots on him, but he never let one through. If there were an award for hustle and determination, he would have won it today.

Momma and Poppa are quite happy to have Baby Bro up with them this weekend. They are absolutely exhausted after everything this week. Poppa is having to be especially careful. He helped out with laundry and a couple of other "little" chores this morning and found that even that mild exertion was too much. Naturally, Poppa finds that particularly frustrating. He's always stayed busy and doesn't like just sitting around.

The week's events have taken their toll on Momma. She's to the point now that she just has to leave the television off. Otherwise, she would be an emotional wreck.

If you're expecting a diatribe from me, and those who know me well seem to expect it, you'll have to wait. I think I'm going to create another page for such rantings so that this one can remain dedicated to family issues and news.

However, please know that our thoughts and prayers remain with everyone directly affected by Tuesday's tragic events. On the right hand side of this page I'm listing ways in which you can possibly help. You do what's appropriate for you.

Peace.
posted by Charles Letbetter 9/15/2001 10:01:50 PM

Thursday, September 13, 2001

Uncle Leon writes:

Week nearly over

Mom and Dad are very much looking forward to tomorrow. First, its the end of another week, and a chance to rest at home. Secondly, they get to spend the weekend with ME! Gee, that sounds a bit vain doesn't it? I am looking forward to the weekend and distributing many hugs. They (M&D) are feeling better today. I was worried about Mom after having talked to her yesterday, but she is feeling better today. Dad says he better, but I know he still doesn't like to eat and worries about the impact that is having on him. Mom is pretty tired of the TV now. Her emotions can't handle all of the bad news repeated over and over. I'm hoping we can find some other activities to occupy our time.

Give someone a hug today. You need it.
posted by Victor L. Letbetter 9/13/2001 07:32:29 PM

Wednesday, September 12, 2001

Dear Wife writes:

Baked Potato

Tonight, Dad felt like eating a baked potato. He and Mom both had potatoes. This time, Mom couldn't eat all of hers. Dad found out Monday that there is a virus going around and Mom has started feeling bad all over. I'm sure she's already thinking about the drive home and hoping she's able to make it. I also know they've had offers from friends if she doesn't feel like driving, they'll come get them. God will provide.
Mom answered the phone and we talked about Thing One's upcoming birthday party on Sunday. Then Dad got on the phone. It's the first time I've heard his voice in a few days and had forgotten how worn out he sounded. But all three boys joined me in the office and then took turns talking to both Mema and Pepa. Thing Two challenged Dad's ears with his accounting of his day. He tends to go fast, not stopping to breathe! Dad tried to keep up, but even I didn't keep up. Thing Three is much better on the phone. He has stopped nodding his head and answers "yes" and "uh huh."

Turning Nine
Monday is Thing One's 9th birthday. I think by Sunday I'll be glad for a party. I was glued to the television yesterday. Today I had it on, but vacumned and dusted instead of sitting to watch. I am annoyed with the media harping on the high end of the death toll numbers, such as 800 dead from the Pentagon instead of emphasizing it could only be 100. Explaining all this to my almost nine year old is delicate. I don't want to scare him, but I also want to challenge his response of "cool" when he watched the footage of the 2nd plane crashing into the South Tower. I said, "Not cool. This is real."

He's starting to understand this is a big story. He was surprised the story was still being covered today. He's old enough to remember this. He watches the news. He sees some of the coverage. He prayed at supper tonight that there wouldn't be a war, but if there was that we would win.

So Sunday, the day of Thing One's party will need to be a distraction. It's a Crocodile Hunter theme. The only game I've come up with so far is tossing water balloons at a inflatible alligator so we can pretend we are feeding it. I am NOT taking requests for a real reptile so don't anyone offer!

Let's keep praying for families who seek news of a loved one.
posted by Penney Letbetter 9/12/2001 06:35:39 PM

Dear Wife writes:

Web Site
There is a web site by a New Yorker who works 2 blocks from the towers. He had his digital camera with him and shares his pictures. He does an excellant job narrating. His web site address is www.thefineline.org/tflblog/
I don't know how to make this a link, but maybe when my hubby gets home tonight he can edit it and create a link.
posted by Penney Letbetter 9/12/2001 07:06:48 PM

Charles writes:

Link
Click Here for the pictures Dear Wife mentions. Please note that the page will most likely be updated regularly, so you may have to scroll down to find them.
posted by Charles Letbetter 9/12/2001 09:20:57 PM

Monday, September 10, 2001

Charles writes:

Tough Day

Poppa didn't have such a good weekend. In fact, it pretty much stunk. The pain medication has stated making him sick. He didn't get much sleep Saturday and by yesterday couldn't even keep down a glass of water. He saw the Dr. today and was told that this is a frequent side effect of the pain medication. The Dr. recommended Poppa take Metamucil a couple of times a day and see if that doesn't help the problem.

More than the physical effects, however, being sick has totally zapped both Poppa and Momma's spirits. This is the most down I've heard them since the diagnosis was first made. It didn't help any (for them) that Poppa wasn't able to complete our phone call this evening without getting sick. Sure, they had been warned these things would probably happen. Yes, they know the effects are quite normal. But the fact that they are common and normal does not diminish the fact that it hurts on multiple levels.

They are looking forward to a visit from a couple of Poppa's nieces from Wichita tomorrow. If that doesn't sound like such a big deal you need to understand these girls spent almost as much time at our house growing up as they did their own. They've always been really close to Momma and Poppa and since their own mother, Poppa's eldest sister, died a couple of years ago that bond has only gotten stronger. Having them visit is almost as strong a medicine as Baby Bro or I being there.

Speaking of Baby Bro, I think he's planning on going up to see them this weekend. This is his Friday off and I'm sure he is as concerned about Momma and Poppa's condition as I am right now. This is when being 800+ miles away from them really stinks.

They really need an extra set of prayers right now. Thank you.

Peace.
posted by Charles Letbetter 9/10/2001 08:48:26 PM

Sunday, September 09, 2001

Charles writes:

The Other View

Yesterday's pictures were of Thing One and Thing Two and their soccer games. Of course, we have three boys. So, this set focuses on the guy who probably did more running than anyone. Oh, I re-sized all the pictures so when you click on one it won't take over your entire screen.

	Thing Three doesn't particularly understand soccer, or understnd why he can't be out on the field at the same time as his brothers. So, when he wasn't over at the playground, he was on Daddy's shoulders for everyone's safety.
	Thing Three is a child full of expression. Papa got up close and caught a few of them ... as well as a dirty face!
	Now, just where did all that dirt come from?
	Don't let that innocent look fool you. He knew that he was getting absolutely filthy. In fact, he had to have a shower before we could go to lunch. And since he was riding in Daddy's car, he had to strip down before he could even get in the car!
	I have to admit that this picture is out of order. He was still nice and reasonably clean when he was in Nana's lap.
	One of the reasons Nana and Papa had come down was to help celebrate Thing One's birthday which is coming up the 17th. Since his party is next Sunday afternoon, they won't be able to be here. So, they brought his present , a new backpack, down early.
	Naturally, Thing One had to see how well it would work if he was riding his bike ...
	When Thing One gets his bike out, Thing Three has to do the same.
	Papa wanted a picture of all three Things. I'm not sure bubt what he got a picture of three hams. Getting these guys to stop changing poses long enough to actually click the shutter wasn't easy!

posted by Charles Letbetter 9/9/2001 05:32:07 PM