On Losing a Friend

Friday morning we received a call from Fort Worth that a good friend and a member of Paul's ministry board was in the hospital and not doing well.

We were on the road within the hour and got there three hours later.

Our friend Billy was on a ventilator and in a coma. Apparently he had a massive stroke or aneurysm the night before about 9 pm and had been taken immediately to the hospital.

Thursday, the day before, he had had a busy day with a luncheon at noon and then a meeting that evening. He was enjoying a little bowl of ice cream with Jere, his wife, when his hand and then his leg didn't work right. That was when Jere called 911. Billy's last words were, "I love you, Jere." Billy changed clothes, exchanging his earth suit for his heaven suit Friday about 5 pm.

The Burlesons go way back with the Hardies. Billy and Jere married in the late 70's, the second marriage for both. They were planning their honeymoon to Hawaii. At the same time the church, where we were all members and Paul was the pastor, gave us a trip to Hawaii. We all went together, the Burlesons for their first visit to Hawaii and the Hardies on their honeymoon.

We still reminisce and laugh about all the fun things we did and all the laughs we had like, a scantily clad woman crossed in front of our car and Billy said to Paul, "Didn't she have pretty eyes?" Another fun memory was a common saying on the island of Maui, "I survived the road to Hana." Jere wasn't so sure she survived with Paul's driving and all the one-lane curves. Scary!

Other memories include going on ski trips to Colorado together. The Hardies didn't ski but they went for the fun and fellowship. One fun memory is the "ski pie." It was a wonderful butterscotch type pie that we made and always had on this trip. All of us left to do something and Paul stayed at the cabin to "study." Mysteriously the rest of that ski pie just vanished. Hmmm...Paul swore he had no clue. We still laugh at that one.

Such very fun memories that will live on even though the person of Billy is gone from us.

Billy and Jere are members of Paul's ministry board, which meets annually. We got to see them and catch up and visit at least periodically at those meetings. Then every time we were in Fort Worth speaking or visiting we arranged to have lunch with the Hardies.

We will miss those very fun times with Billy, but we will never forget him. He is a part of us in our memories and in our ministry and we look forward to joining him soon.


Mourning the loss of a wonderful man,
MB

Party Fun

This is a collage of pictures of Paul and me dressed for the fifties party.

I was determined to have a ponytail, which I really had in high school. However, my current hairstyle is not long enough to create a good ponytail. So...I found a fake ponytail, which was the color of my hair. The fastener was a pretty big toothed clasp. I ended up taking the fastener out and tried it that way. Too much hair. I then cut it in two horizontally. Perfect. Not too heavy and pretty sure it would stay in. I was pleased with the finished product.

Then I found a chain and a ring that looked somewhat like a class ring and wore that as a necklace to show I was "going steady." And of course a little scarf tied in a knot around my neck and flipped to the side.

My younger brother's letter jacket completed the picture.

As we drove up, I got nervous. Some in our class are well-to-do and I was sure they would be very well out-fitted and not be quite as home-made as I was. (I had on self-made saddle oxfords of black duct tape and white tennis shoes.)

Anyway, the party turned out to be quite fun. I took a package of bubble gum and shared it with all who wanted some. I love chewing and blowing bubbles, which I did all evening.

Paul went as either James Dean or Marlon Brando, a good-looking cross between.

Toward the end of the party, they named four couples to come up on the stage and let the audience with applause decide which one was the best-dressed for the fifties. We won! I was shocked. I think it was Paul's leather hat. He looked so handsome. He says it was my bobbing ponytail. Whatever. ?? Another thought is funny. Everyone was fascinated with my shoes. They were bringing their friends by to see them. Is that funny or what?

One woman said to me as I was passing out the bubblegum, "We've decided you're too young to be in this group." I told her she gets two pieces. LOL Actually, I'm about in the median age of our group. Someone said that lady needed glasses. I agree.

Regardless.

I found out later that I could order real saddle oxfords from Payless and I've done that. They are on order and I should get them soon, and they were fairly cheap. I'll be ready for the next party.

We had a great time. I love the fifties music. We played Name That Tune and Artist and Name That Car (make and model). I failed both, but we played by tables and we had some good fifties-knowledgeables at our table. However, we didn't win, but we made a good showing.

Too fun.
MB

Homemade Saddle Oxfords

This Friday we're going to a Fifties party. I've been working on my outfit. I needed some shoes, some saddle oxfords, like we used to wear. BUT, I didn't want to pay big bucks to buy some. (I know, I know. I could probably have found some on E-bay. Just didn't want to go there.) So I did the next best thing.

I bought a pair of cheap white tennis shoes and some black duct tape, and Voilá! Saddle Oxfords to wear.

Don't look too closely. Hopefully my feet will be moving anytime someone glances at my feet and they'll think they're real.

Too fun!
MB

Remembering My Friend, Pat

Friday, January 29, 2010, my friend Pat Walker traded her earth-suit for her heaven-suit.

I first met Pat and Hershel Walker when Paul accepted the pastorate at Fairway Baptist in Wichita Falls in 1968. They immediately became close friends and we ate a lot of meals at their house. We also enjoyed water skiing with them and staying in their lake cabin.

Not long after we moved to Wichita Falls, Pat had cancer surgery. While waiting together, Paul and Hershel discovered they had a common relative, Aunt Janie in Burkburnett. Isn't that amazing? And again shows what a small world it is. After that, we all claimed that we were relatives.

In 1969 when the first man walked on the moon, we were at Pat and Hershel's, watching it on their TV.

When our fourth child, Brett, was born in 1971, Pat and Hershel were keeping the older three children and they were the first ones we called to tell of Brett's birth.

Pat was very pretty and always kept herself looking great. She could fix hair wonderfully. While I was the pastor's wife and the piano player at Fairway, I would go out to Pat's house on Saturday and she would fix my hair. This was back when we had those beehive hairdos. Pat would fix my hair and she would work in a hairpiece that was so attractive. I felt very good sitting in front of the congregation with my Pat-hairdo. She was so gracious to do that.

Hershel and Pat were also very generous with their possessions. They had a cabin on Lake Arrowhead. For years, we had a week-long camp at their cabin for our women friends. We still talk and laugh about those times together and the funny things that happened. They also let our family use their cabin and boat any time we wanted to. Very generous.

In recent days and years, Pat began to have medical problems. Through it all she kept a good attitude. Near the end when Pat went to Hospice, her long list of friends took turns staying with her. It was a real testimony to Pat's life that she had so many friends who wanted to help.

I will miss Pat Walker! She is and was an important part of our lives over the years.
Now, I will just look forward to being with her again.
MB

Remembering

Virginia Pearl Salyer Cherry

This is a picture of my Mom around the time of her marriage to my Dad. Today is the day, seventy-three years ago, that they married in TX. One of the gifts I have received over the years from my Mom is a book entitled Grandmother Remembers. She actually completed one of these books for each of her children so they could share with their children, her grandchildren. In this book is a page where she answers questions about her wedding. I scanned it and am posting it here. Hope you can read it. If you can't and want to, perhaps you can click on the image and it enlarges on your screen. Pretty interesting, I think.



I sent Mom a card celebrating today and she called and said she had actually forgotten that Jan 27 is the day she got married.

I think it's good to remember, and since I'm remembering, I thought I would share.
MB

Happy New Year 2010

January 1 of any year is always a good day for me. It seems to be a day of new beginnings and new hope.

Naturally, I reminisce of things that have happened in the past year.

This last year I've had some great events in my life:
• The birth of the first twins in our family, our great grandsons
• Celebrated our 50th anniversary on May 28
• Paul had two successful surgeries, knee and hand
• A few personal change-points, new understanding and acceptance
• My job lasted through the year
• My Mom celebrated her 92nd birthday

There were also some sad events this last year:
• My friend and able assistant died in Feb at age 44
• Employees I supervised went from 16 to 2, lay-offs
• Death claimed several friends, a board member, and relatives

When making lists of good and bad events, I always like to have more good than bad, so I'll quit listing now.

I'm looking forward to the year 2010. I'm full of hope and excitement at the possibilities ahead. I'm reminded of the verse, "His mercies are new every morning."

I realize bad things and bad events will probably happen and be very sad and disappointing. I do have the confidence that my God, who supplies all my needs, loves me and will as He promised in Hebrews never leave me or forsake me.

What more could a human being ask for or want?

Happy New Year to you and yours.
May it be all you hope for and desire.
MB

My Mom at 92

November 30, 1917, was the date of my Mom's birth. Yesterday she turned 92. Doesn't she look great? Amazing!
She still goes to art class every Thursday and spends the day at Hobby Lobby getting art lessons and painting. She attends church almost every Sunday, and is active in the Single Sisters group in her church.


Eleven of us gathered at Charleston's in Edmond to celebrate with Mom. Four siblings and mates couldn't make it, but we still had a good crowd. (Benefits of having a large family...)


Mother ordered coffee (now this is black coffee at 5 pm in the afternoon. Doesn't seem to keep her awake at night. Amazing!) She also ordered the grilled pork chops and had beans and slaw as sides. I'm her daughter and eating that and drinking coffee would give me a terrible stomach ache. She must have a stomach of steel.


This is what Paul and I ordered for the three of us to share, bread pudding. Actually, almost everyone at the table, twelve of us, had at least a bite. Some commented that didn't look like any bread pudding we'd ever seen. It was very good.

After we ordered and while we waited for our food, we sang Happy Birthday and presented Mom with her gifts. I got her a very nice OU shirt. She's complimented mine every time I wear it. She said she would wear it every Thursday to art class. Freddie got her a radio for the kitchen window. The clock is an atomic clock so it will always tell the right time. She's been hinting. Several of the others gave Mom 12 checks or bills of $10 each. This is tradition. That pays for her art classes for the entire year. Mom took her time and read every card (when she stumbled, I helped) and enjoyed every one.

Some of Rachel's family came and brought the cute one-year-old boys. They and their parents added the much needed youth factor to our gathering.

The whole evening, which ended early, was just exceptional. We have a great family who loves to honor their matriarch. Each year we are so grateful that we've had another year with our Mom. Hopefully we'll have many more.
Mary B.

Thanksgiving 2009

Every year at Thanksgiving my family of origin gets together. I am one of eleven children and most of us married and had families of our own. One sibling has died, but there are ten of us left, and my Mom will be 92 on Monday, November 30. Here we are posing for a picture with Mom. You wouldn't believe how many pictures and how much trouble we went to so we could have one good picture. Fun and challenging.

It's always quite a gathering. This year we had about 125, that's as close a count as we could get with everyone moving around and without having a sign-in list, but it's a pretty close count.

Mother starts the celebration by saying a few words and telling all the additions we've had since last Thanksgiving, births and weddings. That talk sometimes gets pretty long, and then of course someone is always forgotten. It just can't be helped with such a large family. Mother played a guessing game having everyone guess how many are now in the family. Total is 176. That's just Mother, her children and their mates, their children and mates, and their children. Mother now has great-greats.

We had a good time, way too much food, and fun just catching up with those we hadn't seen since last year. There's a lot of physical activity going on in the gym: roller skating, dodge ball, and basketball. You put your well being in jeopardy when you traversed the gym floor to go to the restroom.

We had a special treat this year of Paul and Margaret Purifoy coming at Mother's invitation. Paul brought his guitar and sang three or four fun songs including "I Am My Own Grandpa" and "The Mississippi Squirrel." Not sure the younger generations caught it all, but we older ones had a good laugh. That was very special, the Purifoys making us a part of their Thanksgiving Day.

We end up with supper of leftovers including sandwiches and chips and hot cheese dip. Clean-up is not so bad when everyone helps. Great day. Great family. Great food. Wonderful things to enjoy and be thankful for.
MB

That's Us

My handsome feller has found a new talent. He's expressing himself through poetry. He's always had a way with words. I'm not surprised, but I am thrilled that he's cultivating this talent.

The other day we were reminiscing about the different phases we've come through in our relationship. He was thoughtful. Soon he shared this poem with me.



He's got a talent, doesn't he?

This is a very special, thoughtful writing. Because I lived through these times with him, this has much meaning for me.
I love that man!
MB

The Wonder of Electronics

I am of the generation that's been slow to embrace this age of everything digital and electronic. I'm the exception. I absolutely love trying all the new things that come out.

My most recent fun thing I got for my birthday is a Kindle DX. It's an e-reader; i.e., a digital book library. It holds over 3500 e-books. Isn't that amazing? I immediately went to my Kindle account and started downloading many of the classics, which are now free. I love The Scarlet Letter and now have it electronically. I also downloaded The Message, the modern version of the New Testament. How fun is that?

Another amazing feature is that I can download pdf's through my personal Kindle account. I clog and one of my first necessary tasks when learning a new dance is to get it mentally memorized. I do that through cue sheets. Now, I can review my clogging cue sheets on my Kindle. Amazing!

If when I'm reading something on the Kindle and I want to highlight, I just do so. That is then put on a separate sheet and all my notes are kept there with a date and source alongside. Again, how cool is that?

Can you tell that what the younger generations probably take for granted, I'm continually amazed and thrilled and want to become adept at using these new electronics.

I also have an iPhone and I recently upgraded. I can now do voice notes as reminders. Incredible! Plus all the regular features of the iPhone and all the apps that I've downloaded. It's still a matter of WOW to me.

Remember, I'm someone who can remember when I heard of television. My siblings and I would marvel that we would be able to not only listen like we did to the radio, but we could see something like at the movies. Wow! In OKC at first there was just one channel of television. Then we marveled that there would be more than one channel. How exciting!

I've taken to this electronic age like a duck to water. How fun! How amazing! How incredible!!
I'm living proof that you can teach old dogs new tricks, especially if the new tricks are electronics and the old dog is I.

(A BTW: that last sentence seems wrong ending with an "I." But, being a grammarian, I have to do it right. Yuk! :-)
MB

Dara The Volunteer

Dara works two days a week at the Food Bank as a volunteer.

We are so proud of her. She found this position, applied for it, was interviewed and hired, all by herself. She often rides the bus, which she has to reserve to pick her up ahead of time, and puts in her hours as a volunteer.

In the picture, you can only see Dara's head. She's right beside the lady holding the tray above her head.

Grams and Papaw just wanted to brag a little and tell Dara (and everyone) how very proud we are of her.
MB

Fun Day at OU Game

Today, Saturday Sept 19, 2009, OU played Tulsa University here in Norman OK. As usual, we like to go out and spend several hours just enjoying the atmosphere and the fun on the OU campus.

We walk around for awhile and then we stop at the School of Engineering and get a hamburger dinner complete with chips, baked beans, candy bar, and drink. Very good.

Outside the Student Union the OU Band drummers perform for about twenty or thirty minutes. It's really fun and a big crowd gathers around to listen. Today there were six xylophones besides the twenty or so drums. People cheer and clap after each selection. They are so precise and so together.

Then when we can we walk over to the Heisman Park and view all the statues of the OU Heisman Trophy winners. That's always a good picture taking walk.

My Dad, Fred Cherry, played football at OU and ran track. The players who lettered are all listed on plaques in an outside area and the plaques are arranged by years. I took a couple of pictures of the 1930 football team and the 1931 football team and the track and field team. I'm proud to say that my Dad many years ago lettered in sports at Oklahoma University where he earned his petroleum engineering degree.

After that we head to the game. There's always a huge crowd, but it's easy to get around and we know right where our seats are because we've been going to OU games for several years and our season tickets are always the same seats. (Getting expensive though, a little more so each year.)

One of the things I really looked forward to this year was getting to see Courtney in the Pom Squad. Her mom, my coworker, died very unexpectedly last February and didn't even know that Courtney made the squad. We yelled and waved at her and Paul took her picture. She's a great Pom girl and is so pretty. It was fun to watch her.

We usually tire before the game is over and think about heading home, especially if it's a blowout (in OU's favor that is). Today it was a blowout at halftime, 31 to 0, so we decided to head for the house. We're both fighting allergies and colds and wanted to get home. It's a good long walk back to the car, and if we're lucky, we hail a rickshaw. We were lucky.

We headed home and watched the end of the game on TV.
It was a good football day. We thoroughly enjoyed it.
MB

Fun Evening But Lousy Game

We thoroughly enjoyed going to the new Cowboy Stadium in Arlington TX to see the OU vs BYU game. The most fascinating feature was the big HD TV screen. Unbelievable. It stretched from one twenty yard line to the other. Huge!!

Here's a picture of Paul and me as we arrived two hours early to be able to casually tour the stadium and have fun looking at all the features. Our seats were seven rows from the top, so it took us awhile to navigate all the stairs and work our way up.

One of the very fun things about the game was getting to see my friend's daughter in the OU Pom squad. My friend and coworker died last February and it's a double pleasure to get to see her daughter at the OU games. She reminds me so much of her Mom, it's kind of bitter sweet.

We had a very fun weekend. Went to church at Southcliff in Fort Worth, where Paul pastored several years ago. We got to visit with several friends and had fun reminiscing about "the good ole' days."

Now for the yukky part: It was a lousy game! We were so disappointed in the way OU played. But, on the other hand, sometimes a bad game is the inspiration to play better. Here's hoping.

Great weekend. Lots of fun.
Life is good!
MB

Nice Car

Isn't this a pretty car?

Inside this car is my 91 year old Mom and my younger brother. They came down to Norman to enjoy an afternoon of swimming, and now they're headed back home.
Couldn't resist taking pictures.
Love that car!
MB

Fun Coincidences

This isn't a big one, but it's a nice coincidence and it caused a "warm fuzzy."

This is Dave and Suzie Clippard. On FaceBook I asked Dave if I could be his friend.

When Dave confirmed me as his friend. I followed the link and here's what I saw.


In the late 70's and early 80's Paul was pastor of Southcliff Baptist Church in Fort Worth TX. Our Evangelism Minister was Dave Clippard. And when I went to his FaceBook page, the "mutual friends" showing were Paul, Charles Stone, and Mike Carlisle.

Charles, Mike, and Dave were all staff members with us at Southcliff. Charles was the Minister to Singles and Mike was the Minister of Education. Now here's the coincidence. All four of those men shown together again on a FaceBook page. How cool is that? Brought back so many memories.

What a fun and busy time that was. We had so many people coming to the Sunday evening worship service, we had to open up the fellowship hall to seat all the people in an overflow area. I always tried to reserve my seat on the second row by leaving something there, but more than once my place was taken.

Charles is now a pastor in the Chicago area and Mike has a ministry in San Diego. We're still in touch with all these couples. What a wonderful staff and group of people that was.

Love coincidences! Fun memories.
MB

Happy Birthday, Handsome

Today, Sunday July 19, is my handsome feller's 69th birthday.

As is our custom, we let the birthday person choose what they would like to do for that birthday. Paul's choice was to spend a couple of days in Fort Worth and go to Billy Bob's and enjoy some C&W dancing. We have not "gone dancin' " in quite awhile so it was going to be fun, but also challenging. I'm not the best follower in the world and many of our "issues" come to the forefront while engaging in the activity of dancing.

We donned our Western garb, both in boots and Paul in his cowboy hat and headed out. We enjoyed supper at Joe T. Garcia's and were serenaded by a great duet at our table. Greatest Mexican food in FW!

We danced the night away at Billy Bob's, first to taped music and then with a live band. Paul had visited with the leader of the band earlier, and after one of the numbers, he said, "That's for you, Paul!" We had so much fun. We struggled a little when we first started dancing. It's a hard activity for us. But, we finally got in sync and did great!! Too fun.

Then we went to Billy Bob's real rodeo arena and watched six bull riders ride the most ferocious bulls I've ever seen at any rodeo. Several were not tame enough in the chute for the riders to mount. Yikes! Only one rider was able to stay on for the eight seconds. Quite a thrill. Love rodeos!

We had our picture made on a bull with our friends, the Browns, who went with us.

Too fun!

Just wanted to share a little with anyone happening to read this blog about our great birthday trip and some fun we had celebrating Paul's 69th!

Love that man, and Happy Birthday, Handsome.
MB

My Sister Carmen

Today, June 25, would be my sister Carmen's sixty-third birthday. She died when she was 44 years old.

These pictures were taken a couple of years before she died in 1990. She attended the family Thanksgiving get-together in 1988 and I got these good pictures. Who knew that just two years later she would no longer be with us.

Carmen lived with us for a few months and we had a great time, along with some troubling and hard times. During our better times we had this fun little thing we did. When we came into the presence of each other, we would say, "Toot, toot." And then we would both laugh. Even today when I go to her grave, I say "Toot, toot, Pooder." I really miss her.

Pooder was a nickname she has had, forever it seems like. I don't know where it came from, but that's what we affectionately called her.

Pooder committed suicide on August 1, 1990. She had attempted several times for several years previously, but this time she was successful. That was a really, really tough time. It was a struggle not to feel responsible, and a couple of really good books helped me realize that the responsibility rests with the person, herself. That's the first time I remember grief hurting so bad, actually physically, my heart hurt. I found myself holding my chest because my heart hurt when I thought of her.


Nineteen years have passed since Carmen's death and funeral. She would be 63 years old today.
"Toot, toot, Pooder. Happy Birthday! Miss you and love you!!"
Mary B.

My 50-Year High School Reunion

This weekend our 1959 class is gathering at a country club Friday night and at a park for a picnic on Saturday to celebrate our fifty year reunion.

In years past I was always a little nervous and anxious when I attended a reunion. I was worried that I wouldn't know anyone and what's worse, no one would know me. And then what do you talk about after the usual questions?

I also wanted to look my very best. I remember at my 40-year reunion, I lost weight, got a tan, and made sure my hair looked the best I could make it. How shallow is all of that? I know, I know.

This year it's been different. I volunteered, or was I drafted, to help with the planning. I've attended four planning meetings, had a barrel of fun, even garnered a nickname (I'm not tellin'). I was elected the record keeper, which is really my thing. I've made lists and kept updating them almost daily. I even created a blog for us to keep up with each other. If you would like to take a look: http://web.me.com/mfburleson/iWeb/EHS1959

I think I've learned a life principle here. This year I'm looking forward to attending this reunion. I think I've actually shifted to the other side. Instead of being a fearful, anxious, self-absorbed guest, I've become an eager, welcoming hostess. The difference? I think it's because I've gotten involved, I've put some effort and time into the event. Hmmm... Hopefully I'll remember this in other areas of my life.

For fun: In my senior year at Edmond High School I was elected Miss EHS. Jerry was elected Mister EHS. Last year at our 49th reunion, Jerry and I had our picture made together. My, my fifty years "do make a difference" don't they? Yikes! I plan to take my camera and get lots of pictures this weekend. I'll share later. MB

Then and Now––Can you guess which is which? Joke!

TODAY IS IT!!

Today is our 50th Wedding Anniversary.
I think that's the golden one.



We received an e-card that said:
Sweethearts
Partners
Best Friends
Soul Mates

Perfect! That's what we have been, but most important, that describes us today.

We could also add some negative words because we actually experience both.

Thankfully, the scales are weighted heavily on the positive scale and continue to dip down on that side.



Happy Anniversary, Handsome!

We're looking forward to a special celebration tonight with our four kids and their mates at a wonderful steakhouse in a reserved room. This was our choice. We considered Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, Florida, and nixed all. We chose our favorite thing to do, have fun with our family and enjoy being home. I think our traveling so much through the years and enjoying it has helped us know that our very favorite thing these days is to celebrate quietly with each other and with family and staying home. That's the best!

Today is a good day of remembering and celebrating.
MB

We're Swimming!

Our pool is open and is wonderful! We've been slowly working on getting the plants and flowers planted and set in place. With all the storms and hail and rain, we've had to move slowly. But, we think we're through!

Yesterday we were in and out of it all day long. I've realized that's why you need many bathing suits, not just one or two. Have you ever tried to put back on a wet bathing suit? Not a fun task.


Enjoying this is beyond both our expectations. We have so much fun. We're neither one great swimmers, but we love the water. I wear goggles and put my hair in rubberbands and put a cloth headband on to keep the hair out of my eyes. If you have a mental picture, you are right. I'm no bathing beauty, but it sure is fun.


We've decided the pool's been worth every penny we've spent on it.
Having fun in our senior years, way too much fun. Love it!!
MB