Happy Anniversary!

Early on the morning of May 25, 1958, two crazy kids from opposite sides of the Potomac River had a plan.

Escaping from the second story window of her home across from the Park-n-Dine in Hancock, MD, Mary Margaret Daniels descended a ladder in the dark of night to meet a young man from Berkeley Springs, WV, Bobbie D. McBee.  With the help of her older sister, Ettie Jane, Bobbie and Mary quietly departed to Cumberland, MD.

Barely sunrise, the two woke up a Justice of the Peace who joined these two love birds on what is now a fifty-five year journey.  Later on the day of May 25th, 1958, the two enjoyed their first meal as husband and wife.

At a truck stop!  Sound romantic?  You bet it is!  Roast turkey, french fries and mashed potatoes will never be the same.

Niether are the three children, 10 grandchildren, and one great-grandson...  Bobbie and Mary remain settled not far from the house on the hill.

Nestled along Sleepy Creek near Berkeley Springs, the two established "McBee's Landing" where you'll find them today... celebrating 55 years of marriage!

"A wife of noble character is her husband's crown..."  Proverbs 12:4

Remembering "D" Day

D-Day.

No, I'm actually not referring to the day of the climactic battle of World War II,  June 6, 1944, which certainly changed the course of events for our world, didn't it?  It was the day the Allies invaded Normandy from England.  In fact, Dan's Uncle Bub was one of the soldiers to be a part of his historical event, a time of unmatched significance in his as well as other's lives around the globe.

D-Day.  For me, I have yet another unmatched significance for the term "D-Day."

Diagnosis Day.  Do you remember the day you were diagnosed?  The day your doctor, neurologist, oncologist told you "the" news?  Was it a day to change your life forever?  Just as D-Day on June 6th was a turning point, Diagnosis Day represents the day that changed my life,...

forever.

I even refer to normal every day events to what was happening for us "before" and "after" the D-Day.  Somewhat like AD for Anno Domini and BC for Before Christ; except when relevant to a medical diagnosis, life becomes "BD and AD".  Before was when we were raising a family, dreaming of our futures, never imagining having to live with "it".  After, we have rearranged everything from daily routines to even the structure of our home to accommodate the "d".

But you know what?  It.is.okay!  After "D-Day", we have come to cherish each new day when God tells me "Excuse me, can I tell you something?"  He says, "you are as healthy as you are today.  This very moment. So, go out and celebrate what you have right now.  Enjoy My blessings.  Share it."

Although at times I struggle to thank God for everything, I will always remember the day a neurologist diagnosed Dan with Parkinson's Disease.  And like this picture, some days are a battle.

But, all days are a blessing.

Even "D-Day"...  May 16, 2008.  Hard to believe it has been five years.  What is your "d" day?

"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22

Our Mother's Day Crowns

"Gray hair is a crown of glory; 
it is gained by living a godly life." Proverbs 16:31

Here is this then 46-year-old-gray-haired-hott-mama-of-four with her 71 year-old-grayer-mom/grandma-of nine for 2012 Mother's Day! I think I'm almost as gray as mom!  That's.just.not.fair!

This year, mom and I will return to Maria's Garden and Inn in Berkeley Springs to celebrate Mother's Day with some very special people.  I.can't.wait!  Then.... it's off to Levi's soccer game!

The queens will be wearing their crowns to the field!

"Epicly Awesome" Moms

For all you "epicly awesome" moms out there, Happy Mother's Day! May you all feel as celebrated and appreciated as I was last night when Levi presented me with the attached flowers which say:

"To my epicly awesome MOM! Love, Levi"

He declared last weekend's game of Capture the Flag to be "EPIC!"  Now, well... it seems this 47-year-old-grey-haired-hott-mama-of-four is also "epic"!  Cool, eh?

And, here is my traditional annual Mother's Day post called "Dear Mom:".  They don't stay little for long, that's for sure!

"Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her."  Proverbs 31:28

The Day the Levy Died (American Pie - Revised)

 Here is my revised version of American Pie, utilizing a little liberty with the "levee".  Sing along with me.  I know you know the melody!

A long, long time ago

I can still remember how that teacher used to make me smile

And I knew if I had my chance

That I could make those students dance

And maybe they'd be happy for a while

But May 11th makes me shiver

With every Facebook post I quiver

Bad news on the doorstep

I couldn't take more more ed-

itorial in the Morgan Mess

When I read about the other side

But something touched me deep inside

The day the teachers cried

So, bye-bye, Miss American Pie

Drove my School Board to the Levy

But the Levy was dry

And the ole Sheetz boys were drinkin' coffee and high

Singing this'll be the day that they cry

This'll be the day that they cry

Did you vote for the Levy then

In the 50's it was when

Morgan County they began

Do you believe in your success

Can schools save us from the rest

And can you teach me how to do with less

'Cause I saw you spendin in the store

You both bought brand news shoes and more

Man, I want some of those too

I was a lonely tax payin' broncin buck

With bills and kids in a Suburban truck

But, I knew I was out of luck

The day the levy died

I started singin'

Bye-bye, Miss American Pie

Drove my School Board to the Levy

But the Levy was dry

And the ole Sheetz boys were drinkin' coffee and high

Singing this'll be the day that they cry

This'll be the day that they cry

Now for five decades, we've been on our own

With no moss growin on the "Banks" of stone

But that's not how it might soon be

With the levy gone jobs at the Dairy Queen

will be all our kids have seen

Said a voice that came from you and me

Oh, and while the King was looking down

And Brooks tried to steal His thorny crown

The courtroom was adjourned

Kate's verdict was returned

And while Lenin read a book on Marx

The band still practiced in the park

Parents sang dirges in the dark

The day the levy died

We were singing...

Bye-bye, Miss American Pie

Drove my School Board to the levy

But the Levy was dry

And the ole Sheetz boys were drinkin' coffee and high

Singing this'll be the day that they cry

This'll be the day that they cry

I met a mom who sang the blues

And I asked her for some happy news

But she just smiled and turned away

I too have bills at the sacred store

Where my kids need fed like yours before

But the man there said the levy wouldn't pay

And in the streets the students screamed

The teachers cried, and the parents dreamed

But not a word was spoken

School buildings all were broken

And the three men I admire the most

The Father, Son and the Holy Ghost

They caught the last train for the coast

The day the levy died

And they were singing

Bye-bye, Miss American Pie

Drove my School Board to the Levy

But the Levy was dry

And the ole Sheetz boys were drinkin' coffee and high

Singing this'll be the day that they cry

This'll be the day that they cry