Story Grace, Mercy and Blessings
- Thread starter PacNorWest
- Start date
RememberGoliad
Veteran Member
Like my wonderful wife has said to me: "I'll do anything you ask, only because I trust you to only ask of me that which is right. If I object, it's not because I'm being stubborn or prideful or dominating. Just acknowledge my objection, and I'll do what you say and we'll talk about it when there is time to talk." She's lived up to her promise, and I love her to the ends of my being for that, and will never betray that trust. And...I'll listen to her objections when she has them, because we never know how He might choose to send a nudge.
It's reciprocal. Sometimes she has knowledge I don't have and time doesn't allow her to explain herself. When she gives an order in a voice I have grown to recognize, I do it then ask what THAT was all about, and usually am tickled pink that I didn't make a he-man macho mistake
I'm here because she saw from her location a widowmaker start to make its journey, and if I'd have asked why, I'd have been smushed. That scene in What Went Wrong about the tree coming down on Bo was not-very-loosely based on actual events. (There was no impending hurricane, and in the incident that inspired the storytelling, Sandie WAS outside spotting for Bo from a safe distance, basically)
Love your story, and your telling of it, PAC. I feel like I know the Lindermans and I'm certain I'd be honored to have them as neighbors. Glad you're feeling better enough, so quickly enough, to continue!
It's reciprocal. Sometimes she has knowledge I don't have and time doesn't allow her to explain herself. When she gives an order in a voice I have grown to recognize, I do it then ask what THAT was all about, and usually am tickled pink that I didn't make a he-man macho mistake
I'm here because she saw from her location a widowmaker start to make its journey, and if I'd have asked why, I'd have been smushed. That scene in What Went Wrong about the tree coming down on Bo was not-very-loosely based on actual events. (There was no impending hurricane, and in the incident that inspired the storytelling, Sandie WAS outside spotting for Bo from a safe distance, basically)Love your story, and your telling of it, PAC. I feel like I know the Lindermans and I'm certain I'd be honored to have them as neighbors. Glad you're feeling better enough, so quickly enough, to continue!
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
That is something my hubby and I have had, over 46 yrs now. My mom never found that. Thank you Pac.
juco
Veteran Member
RememberGoliad
Veteran Member
Denise and I didn't meet until later than that, we were 33 when we met, and married a year later. We've got 24 years in the can as of this June. Odds are we will not hit 50 years with her challenges. (She's been in a wheelchair from a car accident for 38 years come this fall.) I seriously doubt we'll both make it into our mid 90's but that doesn't mean we've set our sights lower LOL... We're nowhere near finished yet! It just gets better every day.
Sneaker 11
RECONDO
This is a very encouraging thread drift. My wife and I married eleven days prior to my deploying to VN. We honeymooned in Hawaii nine months later. My wife is the most gracious loving wife and mother to our three sons and I wouldn't change a thing. We just celebrated our 53rd in late Nov. and we will spend forever together in heaven when we pass to the other side (another story for another time). Thanks to all for sharing your wonderful stories.
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steamroller
Contributing Member
Thank you for all your hard work, really enjoying this story right from the beginning.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
Folks;
I've had problems keeping my 02 levels up, so have been in the hospital for a couple of days. This stuff is really kicking my butt, but then you all knew I was delicate, I'll have a chapter tomorrow. Thanks, Pac.
I've had problems keeping my 02 levels up, so have been in the hospital for a couple of days. This stuff is really kicking my butt, but then you all knew I was delicate, I'll have a chapter tomorrow. Thanks, Pac.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
So sorry to hear. Hopes you will get better. First time on the net for me today. Don't know if the doc can do anything for me but I am going in in the morning. This stuff is awful.
Sammy55
Veteran Member
Don't worry about a posting, Pac!! Heavens!! Just worry about YOU!! You rest and let your body get better and heal!! We can wait, and we'd rather have you back healthy and raring to go than have you get sicker and have a setback. We can wait!! Got that??!! Don't overdo it.....that's an order from this momma "doktah!" 
As far as the "delicate" stuff...my goodness, lady! You can do more and run circles around many young people that I know!! I don't know if your health is delicate or not (it might be, but I don't know), but I know you do and handle more than 90% of the people I know!
Just rest and let your body heal and get healthy again. We don't want you disappearing into the hospital again.
As far as the "delicate" stuff...my goodness, lady! You can do more and run circles around many young people that I know!! I don't know if your health is delicate or not (it might be, but I don't know), but I know you do and handle more than 90% of the people I know!
Just rest and let your body heal and get healthy again. We don't want you disappearing into the hospital again.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#373
The triplet's snug and asleep in bed, Wyatt and Tess retreated to the atrium to talk. The oil lamp at their feet turned low, they sat and talked for several hours. It was the most time they had gotten to spend together, and it benefited them both. With their backs toward the open room behind them, they missed Mark's checking up on their behavior. Finally, Clora drew him into the bedroom and shut the door.
"Mark, their adults; they well know proper behavior," Clora whispered.
"Adults, anyway," Mark wanted to complain and not let go of what he surmised could turn into scandalous actions.
Clora looked at her beloved husband and felt exasperation clean down to her toes.
"Mark," she snapped, "get over here and get in bed. Leave them alone."
Mark was almost left with his jaw hanging open. Sweet Clora never had cross words toward him, and here she was, almost growling.
It was hard to say who was the more astonished, Clora for the saying, or Mark for the hearing. "I mean it Mark, ease up on the constant surveillance, they are adults," Clora emphasized once more.
"Clora," Mark tried to temporize, "someone has to enforce the rules."
"Not with such a heavy hand," Clora shot right back. "The older you get, the more intolerant you are. You need to examine yourself Mark, the whole clan is chafing under your anger and stiff necked attitude. You need to relax and understand we are all adults here; tested by fire, raids and hard work."
Clora got in bed and pulled the covers up, leaving Mark standing by the bed, watching her in astonishment.
"Really?" Mark said in a low voice, "I'm really acting that way?"
"Would you consider a hobby?" Clora mildly inquired, "Something that kept you busy for about 22 hours a day?"
"That bad, huh."
"Yes."
"Ok, I'll think on it, really, huh?"
"Yes." Mark blew out the lamp and pulled his side of the covers up.
The next morning, the three men put their fence idea to the clan and it caught the imaginations. Suggestions ran hot and heavy, no idea was too outlandish or off the wall to be accepted.
The triplet's snug and asleep in bed, Wyatt and Tess retreated to the atrium to talk. The oil lamp at their feet turned low, they sat and talked for several hours. It was the most time they had gotten to spend together, and it benefited them both. With their backs toward the open room behind them, they missed Mark's checking up on their behavior. Finally, Clora drew him into the bedroom and shut the door.
"Mark, their adults; they well know proper behavior," Clora whispered.
"Adults, anyway," Mark wanted to complain and not let go of what he surmised could turn into scandalous actions.
Clora looked at her beloved husband and felt exasperation clean down to her toes.
"Mark," she snapped, "get over here and get in bed. Leave them alone."
Mark was almost left with his jaw hanging open. Sweet Clora never had cross words toward him, and here she was, almost growling.
It was hard to say who was the more astonished, Clora for the saying, or Mark for the hearing. "I mean it Mark, ease up on the constant surveillance, they are adults," Clora emphasized once more.
"Clora," Mark tried to temporize, "someone has to enforce the rules."
"Not with such a heavy hand," Clora shot right back. "The older you get, the more intolerant you are. You need to examine yourself Mark, the whole clan is chafing under your anger and stiff necked attitude. You need to relax and understand we are all adults here; tested by fire, raids and hard work."
Clora got in bed and pulled the covers up, leaving Mark standing by the bed, watching her in astonishment.
"Really?" Mark said in a low voice, "I'm really acting that way?"
"Would you consider a hobby?" Clora mildly inquired, "Something that kept you busy for about 22 hours a day?"
"That bad, huh."
"Yes."
"Ok, I'll think on it, really, huh?"
"Yes." Mark blew out the lamp and pulled his side of the covers up.
The next morning, the three men put their fence idea to the clan and it caught the imaginations. Suggestions ran hot and heavy, no idea was too outlandish or off the wall to be accepted.
Griz3752
Retired, practising Curmudgeon
Home made stroganoff, delivered to your table?
Nottoway make light of your condition but that's almost worth getting sick for....and...
Take some down time for yourself; recovery from anything is facilitated by rest.
All the best to you & yours.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Big thank you, got into the docs today, I now have pneumonia.
Sammy55
Veteran Member
Oh, boy, sara! Will add you to my prayer list along with Mrs. Pac and her DH and everyone else that is sick and grieving and dealing with hard issues. There are so many of us that need prayers...(sigh).
Mrs. Pac, thank you, but please please take care of yourself so you get better and healed soon. We love you, dear lady!
Mrs. Pac, thank you, but please please take care of yourself so you get better and healed soon. We love you, dear lady!
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#374
After the next morning's breakfast, Mark sat at the table watching the whole clan troop outside to help make the fences.
"Clora," he said hesitantly, alerting her to the seriousness of his tone, "I don't have anything to do. Our sons and friends have put me out of a job." It was Mark's most pitiful whine that he could muster.
"Really," Clora didn't seemed inclined to agree, and she turned troubled eyes on her handsome husband.
"Our men have taken over, just as we trained them to do. You wouldn't have it any other way, and neither would I," was her tart reply. "But as they assume the duties, there is one area they have to neglect for sheer lack of time. Our youngsters need training. Robbie is the only one that you have given any instruction too, and that was quite a while ago. Barry, Lyric, Robbie and the triplets all need the kind of teaching only you can give. You have started several times, and then used any excuse to stop; and I don't believe," and Clora's voice grew stronger, "you would accept that type of excuse from any one else."
Mark doodled with his spoon on the table top. "Umm, well yeah, you're probably right; but there doesn't seem to be any danger associated with it, and that's what I'm looking for."
The only thing Clora could think to say was Lemmie's favorite word. "Raccoon snot," and the phrase flew out of her mouth before she got the words censored.
Mark looked shocked and Tilly had to run for the storeroom to keep from laughing aloud.
"Clora!" Mark indignantly hollered, "what a thing to say."
Clora put down the dish towel and looked Mark square in the eye, "well then, if it's shootem up bang bang your looking for, get on your horse and go see what sort of towns are over on the coast. That should be good for at least a couple of brawls."
"What in the world is making you act this way?" Mark could hardly get the words out. In all their years together, Clora had never used a cross voice or strident tone and words.
Clora took great pains to fold and hang the dish towel straight on the drying rack and went to the atrium and pointedly closed the door behind herself. Sitting with her back towards Mark, she ignored everyone by closing her eyes and praying.
Befuddled by the lack of sympathy and empathy that he expected, Mark shrugged his shoulders and went outside to see what was happening with the fence builders.
After the next morning's breakfast, Mark sat at the table watching the whole clan troop outside to help make the fences.
"Clora," he said hesitantly, alerting her to the seriousness of his tone, "I don't have anything to do. Our sons and friends have put me out of a job." It was Mark's most pitiful whine that he could muster.
"Really," Clora didn't seemed inclined to agree, and she turned troubled eyes on her handsome husband.
"Our men have taken over, just as we trained them to do. You wouldn't have it any other way, and neither would I," was her tart reply. "But as they assume the duties, there is one area they have to neglect for sheer lack of time. Our youngsters need training. Robbie is the only one that you have given any instruction too, and that was quite a while ago. Barry, Lyric, Robbie and the triplets all need the kind of teaching only you can give. You have started several times, and then used any excuse to stop; and I don't believe," and Clora's voice grew stronger, "you would accept that type of excuse from any one else."
Mark doodled with his spoon on the table top. "Umm, well yeah, you're probably right; but there doesn't seem to be any danger associated with it, and that's what I'm looking for."
The only thing Clora could think to say was Lemmie's favorite word. "Raccoon snot," and the phrase flew out of her mouth before she got the words censored.
Mark looked shocked and Tilly had to run for the storeroom to keep from laughing aloud.
"Clora!" Mark indignantly hollered, "what a thing to say."
Clora put down the dish towel and looked Mark square in the eye, "well then, if it's shootem up bang bang your looking for, get on your horse and go see what sort of towns are over on the coast. That should be good for at least a couple of brawls."
"What in the world is making you act this way?" Mark could hardly get the words out. In all their years together, Clora had never used a cross voice or strident tone and words.
Clora took great pains to fold and hang the dish towel straight on the drying rack and went to the atrium and pointedly closed the door behind herself. Sitting with her back towards Mark, she ignored everyone by closing her eyes and praying.
Befuddled by the lack of sympathy and empathy that he expected, Mark shrugged his shoulders and went outside to see what was happening with the fence builders.
223shootersc
Veteran Member
Thanks!
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you 
Griz3752
Retired, practising Curmudgeon
You're right.
After all this time, she may have reached her 'had enough of that' point. You can only expect so much patience from anyone, particularly the personality who's been the rudder/stabilising centre of the family.
Sammy55
Veteran Member
Mark should be PROUD that he's been so successful! At least, with some of their boys.... He should be happy knowing that he has taught them well and can trust them to take care of the family when he can't or won't be there. And he shouldn't worry. As long as he's living, they'll always still need their dad. Just like the girls will always still need their mom.
Thanks for the chapter, Pac. I hope you are feeling better and better every day!
Thanks for the chapter, Pac. I hope you are feeling better and better every day!
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#374b
Tess was out with her boys, having fun tucking long strands of dead grass into the bottom mesh of the panels.
Tess stood up and touched her forehead. "Dad, what on earth did you say to Mom?" she asked almost roughly.
"Not much beyond I'm bored and need some danger, why? "Mark asked puzzled.
Tess was staring at him like he had two heads. "Dad, I can't believe you said that. Tell me," Tess patiently started to put her exasperation into words. "What does Ma have wrong with her?"
"Overwork, Rheumatic fever episodes, short sleep and probably stress, why?" Mark ticked off the markers.
"How absolutely thoughtless of you to unload all your stress and frustration on Ma.
This is the same woman that you run around yelling at everyone to ease up on the strains we are putting her through. So only you are allowed to dump on Ma without consequences? Can you possibly imagine the strain she is under as you go merrily through what ever interest/ slash danger and expect to come out the other side all due to her constant prayers. All of that just because you are bored?" Tess's voice had risen with each word she spoke, attracting the attention of the gathered clan.
Milo and Toby materialized at Tess's side. "Is there something we can help you with?" Toby questioned his sister; and the sister stood tall and spoke her truth.
"Would you say we have a fair amount of danger just living here at the retreat? A ripe plum looking like easy pickings" Tess continued.
Both men nodded their heads.
"Well, Dad has decided that he needs a bigger and better dose of danger; and he can't figure out why Ma isn't thrilled with his decision. He just finished dumping that on Ma, and she is objecting." Tessee bit out the words.
"Dad," Toby sounded off. "You know Ma has the fever and heart trouble, why would you think that's the thing to do, put her in more jeopardy?"
"If you're trying to kill her, that's a great start." Milo frowned at his father.
Mark looked thunderstruck, like the role he played in Clora's life should have been gladly accepted and duly prayed over as his due in life.
"You might have overplayed your hand; once too often," Milo added seriously. "We might have to come gunning for you if this causes Ma to have a breakdown. You are our Father, but Ma is our Ma." he added forcefully.
All three children were nodding in solid unity. "Do not stress or fuss with Ma," Tess warned. "We don't actually care if you die of boredom, but it's not gonna be on Ma."
Tess was out with her boys, having fun tucking long strands of dead grass into the bottom mesh of the panels.
Tess stood up and touched her forehead. "Dad, what on earth did you say to Mom?" she asked almost roughly.
"Not much beyond I'm bored and need some danger, why? "Mark asked puzzled.
Tess was staring at him like he had two heads. "Dad, I can't believe you said that. Tell me," Tess patiently started to put her exasperation into words. "What does Ma have wrong with her?"
"Overwork, Rheumatic fever episodes, short sleep and probably stress, why?" Mark ticked off the markers.
"How absolutely thoughtless of you to unload all your stress and frustration on Ma.
This is the same woman that you run around yelling at everyone to ease up on the strains we are putting her through. So only you are allowed to dump on Ma without consequences? Can you possibly imagine the strain she is under as you go merrily through what ever interest/ slash danger and expect to come out the other side all due to her constant prayers. All of that just because you are bored?" Tess's voice had risen with each word she spoke, attracting the attention of the gathered clan.
Milo and Toby materialized at Tess's side. "Is there something we can help you with?" Toby questioned his sister; and the sister stood tall and spoke her truth.
"Would you say we have a fair amount of danger just living here at the retreat? A ripe plum looking like easy pickings" Tess continued.
Both men nodded their heads.
"Well, Dad has decided that he needs a bigger and better dose of danger; and he can't figure out why Ma isn't thrilled with his decision. He just finished dumping that on Ma, and she is objecting." Tessee bit out the words.
"Dad," Toby sounded off. "You know Ma has the fever and heart trouble, why would you think that's the thing to do, put her in more jeopardy?"
"If you're trying to kill her, that's a great start." Milo frowned at his father.
Mark looked thunderstruck, like the role he played in Clora's life should have been gladly accepted and duly prayed over as his due in life.
"You might have overplayed your hand; once too often," Milo added seriously. "We might have to come gunning for you if this causes Ma to have a breakdown. You are our Father, but Ma is our Ma." he added forcefully.
All three children were nodding in solid unity. "Do not stress or fuss with Ma," Tess warned. "We don't actually care if you die of boredom, but it's not gonna be on Ma."
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you
RememberGoliad
Veteran Member
Thanks, PAC. I needed that. You have an uncanny way of hitting nails on their heads without even trying.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#375
What ever might have come next; was interrupted by Tillie hollering from the front door. "Help, help, the Mrs Clora is very sick.
Milo, Toby and Tess were young and in very good shape, but Mark got to the door first. This was his Clora that was in distress.
Clora was slumped over in her chair, barely breathing.
Mark picked her up and started for their bedroom. "Get Bruce," he snapped, not caring who did what, but it had better happen PDQ. Laid on the bed, Clora looked as white as the sheets.
Bruce came in and used this stethoscope. "Every one out, I can't hear." he shouted to the room filled with family. When nothing happened, he gave a pointed look at Mark. and expected the head lion to clear the room.
Milo whistled, and all trooped out, shocked that Clora had an 'incident', when she was the glue that held everything together.
Tilly was busy with coffee and tea, the family gathering around the table and talking low and nervously.
"I believe Clora has had a mild heart attack," Bruce muttered as he listened to the worn heart. "I thought I told you to lessen her stress and strain; so now what is happening?"
Mark mumbled something, and Bruce didn't bother to listen; he looked up at the man and figured it must have been something private between the couple. as guilty as Mark looked.
"Never mind scratching an excuse," the doctor told Mark, "she's on total bed rest for two weeks. No stress, strain, babysitting, and most of all no worry. Now neither one of you have to follow my instructions, it depends on how long you want her to live."
Mark shuddered at every word that Bruce flung at him, like darts in a cork board.
"One visitor at a time, 10 minutes max. If the family can't abide by the restrictions, it will be no visitors.
"Now, I'm gonna give you specific instructions," Bruce thundered with fire in his voice. "What ever happened between you two, you are responsible for smoothing it over. settling the problems, making it right and or apologizing even if it's not your fault. Do I make myself clear?"
Mark nodded, he was heart sick and barely listening.
"Mark, I want you to say aloud that you will do these things. This is serious, we're talking about life and death here; all with no medicines and the proper diagnostic tools to understand the severity of the heart attack. I feel helpless, so I am going to be very strict until I see how Clora responds." Bruce finished.
What ever might have come next; was interrupted by Tillie hollering from the front door. "Help, help, the Mrs Clora is very sick.
Milo, Toby and Tess were young and in very good shape, but Mark got to the door first. This was his Clora that was in distress.
Clora was slumped over in her chair, barely breathing.
Mark picked her up and started for their bedroom. "Get Bruce," he snapped, not caring who did what, but it had better happen PDQ. Laid on the bed, Clora looked as white as the sheets.
Bruce came in and used this stethoscope. "Every one out, I can't hear." he shouted to the room filled with family. When nothing happened, he gave a pointed look at Mark. and expected the head lion to clear the room.
Milo whistled, and all trooped out, shocked that Clora had an 'incident', when she was the glue that held everything together.
Tilly was busy with coffee and tea, the family gathering around the table and talking low and nervously.
"I believe Clora has had a mild heart attack," Bruce muttered as he listened to the worn heart. "I thought I told you to lessen her stress and strain; so now what is happening?"
Mark mumbled something, and Bruce didn't bother to listen; he looked up at the man and figured it must have been something private between the couple. as guilty as Mark looked.
"Never mind scratching an excuse," the doctor told Mark, "she's on total bed rest for two weeks. No stress, strain, babysitting, and most of all no worry. Now neither one of you have to follow my instructions, it depends on how long you want her to live."
Mark shuddered at every word that Bruce flung at him, like darts in a cork board.
"One visitor at a time, 10 minutes max. If the family can't abide by the restrictions, it will be no visitors.
"Now, I'm gonna give you specific instructions," Bruce thundered with fire in his voice. "What ever happened between you two, you are responsible for smoothing it over. settling the problems, making it right and or apologizing even if it's not your fault. Do I make myself clear?"
Mark nodded, he was heart sick and barely listening.
"Mark, I want you to say aloud that you will do these things. This is serious, we're talking about life and death here; all with no medicines and the proper diagnostic tools to understand the severity of the heart attack. I feel helpless, so I am going to be very strict until I see how Clora responds." Bruce finished.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you Pac. Much appreciated. We have another call in to the doc's nurse but it was the next day to hear from them last week. The nausea just wont quit, the meds I got last week sure arent working at all.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#376
The way it became a zoo, family going and coming out of Clora's room; Bruce had to revise the visitation schedule.
He tacked a paper on the room door, people had to sign up for a ten minute visit every hour. And, Surprise beyond suprise, Mark had to leave the room when there was a visitor. Objecting strenuously to the restriction, his snarls fell on Bruce's deaf ears.
Bruce had thought he had heard raised voices in an argument, and sure enough it was Tess and Mark before Mark was required to leave the room.
Bruce had barged in and kicked them both out, sitting with Clora behind the locked door. Clora was painfully weak, struggling to lift a glass half full of water.
"The house, is everything operating as it should?" Clora asked Bruce one of the short times she was awake.
"Of course, you have done a good job, teaching the clan their jobs and how to perform." Bruce drawled slow. "Clora, you will be weak and slow to mend. We don't have supplemental oxygen, for one thing, nor the correct medicine. Your age will hold you back some; and you really need beef broth and egg custard."
Clora didn't even have the energy to make a face at the mention of the dreaded egg custard.
"I'm going to talk to Tilly about her making some custard with the few eggs we do have, other than rest with no family arguments, the rest of your recovery is up to you."
The way it became a zoo, family going and coming out of Clora's room; Bruce had to revise the visitation schedule.
He tacked a paper on the room door, people had to sign up for a ten minute visit every hour. And, Surprise beyond suprise, Mark had to leave the room when there was a visitor. Objecting strenuously to the restriction, his snarls fell on Bruce's deaf ears.
Bruce had thought he had heard raised voices in an argument, and sure enough it was Tess and Mark before Mark was required to leave the room.
Bruce had barged in and kicked them both out, sitting with Clora behind the locked door. Clora was painfully weak, struggling to lift a glass half full of water.
"The house, is everything operating as it should?" Clora asked Bruce one of the short times she was awake.
"Of course, you have done a good job, teaching the clan their jobs and how to perform." Bruce drawled slow. "Clora, you will be weak and slow to mend. We don't have supplemental oxygen, for one thing, nor the correct medicine. Your age will hold you back some; and you really need beef broth and egg custard."
Clora didn't even have the energy to make a face at the mention of the dreaded egg custard.
"I'm going to talk to Tilly about her making some custard with the few eggs we do have, other than rest with no family arguments, the rest of your recovery is up to you."