Mama Reaches Out From the Hospital Bed

As I shared with my blog buddies and e-mail buddies about Mama's faith amid her dire circumstances, I was gratified by the encouragement, words of comfort, and prayer support so many of our friends responded with. And many mentioned that Mama's faith was an inspiration to them as well. That was so gratifying to me that I thought it would not be inappropriate to share some of the kind words that were shared with me.

Your mom should be an inspiration to all of us! We'll keep her in our prayers.

I know that you treasure every day that you have her here on this earth with you. Don’t we learn so very much from these wise folks! I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

It has been said that the Good Lord wants the good ones too, but even though your mother is one of the dearest, he does have other plans for her here on this earth.

What a powerful word of a living epistle being written in these last days. My/our prayers are with you, but if you could place me on HER prayer list I will humbly be obliged. God bless you all for your perseverance and holding fast in so many issues of life. We really are praying on this end.

What a testimony. May God bless you all with many more years. I am sure God is not through with your mama here on earth yet or he would have let her slip away quietly with all of you by her side.

The Lord is leaving your mama here because He knows she has lessons still to teach all of us. What a faith story! She is such an example of how to live a Christian life. She still has messages and lessons to teach (and good food to eat!

We were blessed reading about your amazing mother and awesome testimony she reveals reaching others, like us, who don't know her, nevertheless, touched by her spirit and love for the Lord and others through a wonderful description of your love for her. You have truly been blessed to have a mother like her and we will keep you and your family in our prayers even though she is in His perfect hands already.

Wonderful news...I love it when elderly people beat the doctor's odds!!


That's enough for me to share today. To paraphrase the song, "I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I know Who holds tomorrow." Thank you all for your prayers and kind words of encouragement. God bless you!

My Mama

Below, my long-time friend Mike Ayers presents Mama and Daddy with a special certificate honoring them for hosting our traditional Christmas singalong and get-together for more than three decades. This year, 2009, Mama had fallen the night before, and had to listen flat on her back in the next room. Two days later would find her in the hospital.

Our Christmas plans didn't originally include Mama being in the hospital, but after her second fall in four days, that's where she ended up. Just as when she was hospitalized 10 months ago, the doctors gave her little hope of recovery and called our family in to say goodbyes. Well, as some of you have come to expect, Mama has surprised the experts once again. Her doctor as much as said that she has used up three or four of her nine lives, but the fact remains, she is progressing to the point she should be able to be moved to a nearby rehab center in a day or two.

Yes, my Mama, Elizabeth Anne Black Loyd, is an amazing woman with an amazing story. Only those fortunate enough to know her well realize what a strong woman she is, even at age 88. Physically, she has defied logic, not breaking any bones in these two recent falls. She has emerged from unconsciousness and erratic vital signs to beat the usual odds for her demographic group (take my advice, don't bet against her). Spiritually, she has awed her caregivers with her quiet faith, acceptance of her circumstances,and determination to get stronger so she can go home. She has overcome one health obstacle after another, and we have learned not to set our goals too low--she'll make us look foolish every time.

When Judy and I were called back to Atlanta after the second fall, Mama was on a respirator and her chances looked bleak--everyone thought. A day later, my brother received a 3 a.m. call that she was fading fast, and we rushed back to the hospital. What we saw was not a slipping away, but the beginning of her marathon struggle to cling to the life she cherishes so much. Now, one week after being admitted under dire circumstances, she is feeding herself, asking when she can get her hair done, and focusing on getting stronger so she can return home. She brought tears to my eyes when she said with great effort, shortly after her breathing tube was removed, I'm trying so hard to stay alive. I know that in theory, you should give your dying loved ones permission to die so they can go in peace, but that wasn't the way things transpired. On a lighter note: it would be flattering to think she wants to live just to see her family, but my brother says all she talks about is when he can take her out to eat again!

Even my family, who has seen her do these wondrous recoveries before, dared not hope for such a dramatic repeat. Mama's pastor, according to a friend, referred to Mama's startling recovery from the pulpit Sunday morning as "Lazarus-like." I don't presume to think we deserve or that God owes Mama such a blessing as we are receiving. But I do believe that God is pleased to glorify Himself through his outpouring of mercy. I also believe that He has chosen Mama as a vessel worthy of bringing praise to Himself by her longsuffering faithfulness, and her visible testimony, both to those who believe and those who doubt God's sovereignty. I do believe it would be both selfish and presumptuous to ask God to give Mama to us longer if He has other plans. So I choose the prayer that is referred to in my beloved Mitford books as "the prayer that never fails"--Thy will be done!

In her latter years, God has continued to bless Mama with surprisingly strong eyesight, and she has used it to read scriptures and devotional books diligently every day. Much of the time she's not reading, she's deep in prayer. Not for herself, but for others. It struck me, that her life has been a fulfillment of one of her favorite hymns, Others, from the old Cokesbury hymnal.

Others

1. Lord, help me live from day to day

In such a self forgetful way

That even when I kneel to pray

My prayer shall be for Others.

2. Help me in all the work I do

To ever be sincere and true

And know that all I'd do for You

Must needs be done for Others.

3. Let "Self" be crucified and slain

and buried deep: and all in vain

May efforts be to rise again,

Unless to live for Others.

4. And when my work on earth is done,

And my new work in heav'n's begun,

May I forget the crown I've won,

While thinking still of Others.

Chorus: Others, Lord, yes, others,

Let this my motto be,

Help me to live for others,

That I may live like Thee.

Of Mama's countless favorite scriptures, one she draws strength from is from Philippians 4:8:

Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things
are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever
things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue,
and if there be any praise, think on these things.

While Mama lies in a hospital bed, still dwelling, not on herself, but on her family and her God, He uses her still as a testament to those of us of notably lesser faith. God may choose to take her at any time, but she has fought the good fight and kept the faith, and perhaps she will inspire more of us, her loved ones, to go and do likewise. More miracles will be reported in this space in the coming days-- I'm sure of it!

"It's a Wonderful Life" -- and I mean it!

Saturday night Judy and I treated ourselves to a fine little holiday drama at Southern Pines' Sunrise Theater. Five actors from the North Carolina Stage Company performed an adaptation of our favorite Christmas movie, "It's a Wonderful Life." It was enacted as a 1946 radio show in the studios of WBFR on Christmas Eve. The five actors became dozens of characters, used live sound effects, and gave an old-time authenticity that swept you back in time.
I thought I'd share some of my favorite quotes from the movie. Clarence the angel sums up the movie's basic premise, demonstrated dramatically when George Bailey has a chance to see how the world would have been different--and far worse off--if he had never been born.

Clarence: Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?

Mary knew a long time before George that they were destined for each other.
Little Mary: Is this the ear you can't hear on? [whispering in his bad ear] Little Mary: George Bailey, I'll love you 'til the day I die.

The photo below shows them getting re-acquainted some ten years later.

This nostalgic view of Bedford Falls at Christmastime is forever etched in my mind. Could anything disturb the tranquility of the season?

YES! Mr. Potter is the very embodiment of evil and is as frightening as any movie monster or villain.In this heart-felt monolog, George stands up to Potter once again. I'm only half-joking when I say this is why I'm a Democrat.

George Bailey: Just a minute - just a minute. Now, hold on, Mr. Potter. You're right when you say my father was no businessman. I know that. Why he ever started this cheap, penny-ante Building and Loan, I'll never know. But neither you nor anyone else can say anything against his character, because his whole life was - why, in the twenty-five years since he and Uncle Billy started this thing, he never once thought of himself. Isn't that right, Uncle Billy? He didn't save enough money to send Harry to school, let alone me. But he did help a few people get out of your slums, Mr. Potter, and what's wrong with that? Why - here, you're all businessmen here. Doesn't it make them better citizens? Doesn't it make them better customers? You - you said - what'd you say a minute ago? They had to wait and save their money before they even ought to think of a decent home. Wait? Wait for what? Until their children grow up and leave them? Until they're so old and broken down that they... Do you know how long it takes a working man to save five thousand dollars? Just remember this, Mr. Potter, that this rabble you're talking about... they do most of the working and paying and living and dying in this community. Well, is it too much to have them work and pay and live and die in a couple of decent rooms and a bath? Anyway, my father didn't think so. People were human beings to him. But to you, a warped, frustrated old man, they're cattle. Well, in my book he died a much richer man than you'll ever be.

The final scene is one of the most moving Hollywood has produced, and Frank Capra handles it masterfully.

Zuzu Bailey: Look, Daddy. Teacher says, every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings. George Bailey: That's right, that's right. George Bailey: Attaboy, Clarence.

Of course, there is a happy ending. If you haven't seen this classic film or haven't watched it in years, it would be an uplifting and inspirational addition to your holiday agenda. Let me assure you, that, like George Bailey, YOU touch a lot of lives!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Food, Folks, and Fun

I know some fast food chain already copyrighted "Food, Folks, and Fun," but my alternate title was too long. Loyd/Short/Kirby/Talbert/Clayton/Riley/Smith Holiday Festivities. See what I mean?

The past two weekends Jennifer and Matt hosted two of our traditional Christmas get-togethers. They were wonderful occasions.

Even though I had to sneak in this picture from Christmas 2007, it was the only one I had with Judy, her mom (Thelma/Granny) and our girls (Jennifer and Amanda). Some might call them the Steel Magnolias. They're AWESOME!

This photo of Joy is also from last year, when I hadn't yet begun blogging. She successfully evaded my camera this year! Way to go, Joy!
Gail and Judy. These gals know how to party. At least when they're together!

Jennifer and her Granny

Older cousins adore younger cousins. And maybe teach them a few tricks.

There's no doubt Stephen is a favorite playmate.

Judy and I couldn't be prouder of our girls and their hubbies. They're the BEST!

Strange, but out of the assortment of folks at these festive gatherings, only TWO are pregnant. Guess who!

White Christmas? No. Singalong? Yes.

Christmas celebrations have been a long-standing tradition at Sandhills Farm Life School. I was grateful and thrilled to be invited back for the 2008 Christmas singalong. Two, actually. One for 3rd-5th grades, another for K-2nd. Both were superb and a wonderful spirit was evident among both students and staff.

I didn't get a lot of pictures because I was a participant in many of the numbers, but I will post what I have and try to "paint" a picture of the rest.

Each singalong included about half of our school's 525 student body and students participated enthusiastically. Some highlights were

• Tone Chimes Choir-- similar to a handbell choir
• 5th grade chorus
• Mrs. Virginia Frye with a stirring rendition of "O Come, All Ye Faithful"
• Miss McNeill brought the house down (so to speak) with "Let There Be Peace on Earth." She showed once again why parents, students, and staff are so lucky to have her leading the way. She sang from her heart and touched us all deeply.
• Mrs. McFadyen's new Sign Language Club taught everyone how to sign "Silent Night" and "Jingle Bells"
• Mrs. Bullard, our assistant principal, read "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" as the entire 5th grade plus staff paraded across the stage with icons, signs, or seasonal articles that matched the words being read. It was a great hit, and ought to become a 5th grade tradition!
• Mrs. Heather Greisz led K-2 in the Reindeer Hokey Pokey. I wish had could have taped that! But I was glad to play for it.
• Both groups did several singalongs with me, culminating in the entrance of the Man in Red! That would be Saint Nicholas, Santa Claus, Kris Kringle, Sinter Klaas, or whatever you prefer to call him.

I was impressed with the behavior of all the children, but also that they were so reverent and responsive to the songs which focused on Christ's birth. Our school has long been blessed by the Christian heritage exhibited by our community, and embraced by our principal and staff without apology.

I visited briefly in the office before leaving and it was wonderful to see old friends one more time before 2008 expires. You can imagine the warm fuzzy feelings I was enjoying. But to top it off, I noticed these words on the school sign as I was driving away. I had missed them when I arrived, but now I turned the car around and came back for a photo.

I think it caught my attention because it would have been just as appropriate placed in front of a church as a school. I like it a lot better than something like "Knowledge is Power." What better time than Christmas to acknowledge that what we believe, not just what we know should guide our lives.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The Family Who Hated Christmas

By special request from Debi, I'm posting a Christmas story I wrote. She asked for something traditional, touching, simplistic. I don't know if this fits the bill, but this is one I wrote with my students year ago. I hope you enjoy it.

The Family Who Hated Christmas

Up and down the cozy little lane, frost glistened on the rooftops and clouds full of fluffy snow eagerly waited to blanket the countryside. It was Christmas Eve, and even the houses on Amber Lane seemed to know it. Smoke from chimneys rose skyward in light wisps. The wreaths on doors and the twinkling Christmas lights seemed to say “Welcome, and Merry Christmas.” A peaceful silence had settled in over all the homes and families as they awaited Santa’s visit. In all but one, that is.
At the fine, new home of the Spencer family, things were different. Black, angry clouds of smoke tumbled from their chimney, and hung heavily over their yard. They had turned out their holiday lights some time before to save on their electric bill. But they were not asleep. No, they were in the middle of another roaring family argument.
“Same thing, every year,” Mr. Spencer was barking. “Bills, bills, and more bills. It’s bad enough having the new house payment and two car payments. But you have to single-handedly keep every store in the mall in business. ‘Isn’t that cute?’, you say, or ‘We’ve just got to have that!’ “If we’re not careful we won’t be able to afford that boat and vacation cabin next spring.”
“That’s right, blame it all on me,” retorted Mrs. Spencer hotly. “Just because you ordered your new deer stand and all that other hunting equipment on the Internet doesn’t mean you’re not just as guilty as me. And if I can’t enjoy getting what I want for Christmas, I’d just as soon forget about it.”
Now Sid and Cindy, the Spencer children, chimed in. “All we know is, we’d better get our share,” grumbled Sid. “We’re the only kids at school who don’t already have the latest video games and Guitar Hero. And if you don’t come through, this Christmas will be a flop, just like last year.”
“That’s right,” agreed Cindy. “The other kids talk about how great Christmas is, but they’re crazy. Maybe I’d like it better if I was in somebody else’s family. They ALL get way more than us!”
At least that comment united her parents. Her mother hissed angrily, “Why you spoiled brat. Has it ever occurred to you that you’re part of our family’s problem?”
“Well, if you think I’m spoiled, just look at my parents. What YOU want always comes first! No fair.”
Mr. Spencer had not yet responded, and that was probably fortunate. But his face was growing redder by the moment, and he looked like a volcano about to erupt.

***

Up on the housetop, Santa had heard enough. “One of the toughest cases I’ve come across in years. But not hopeless. From his deep fur-lined pocket, he pulled a small vial labeled “Concentrated Christmas Spirit.” He sprinkled just a pinch down the Spencer’s chimney and started to put it away. Then, as an after-thought he sprinkled one more pinch.
Inside, his magic began to set off an instantaneous transformation.

***

“Well,” said Sid in a soft voice, “if we could just have a happy Christmas for once, I wouldn’t care what I got, I guess.”
“I’ll do whatever I can to help work things out, too,” said Cindy apologetically.
Mr. Spencer turned to his wife, and with a glazed look in his eyes humbly stated, “I know I’ve been as careless with our money as the rest of you, so I have no right to fuss. As leader of our family, I’ve failed to set the right priorities. Believe me, I’m going to make some changes. Hey, what am I saying?”
His wife took him by the arm. “Maybe you’re saying that money and presents aren’t as important as we thought they were. I can’t believe how backwards we’ve let things become. And how we’ve buried the true meaning of Christmas beneath all these things we thought we wanted. Isn’t it enough for our family to be safe and together, and to know that God loves us, in spite of all the foolish things we say and do. Loves us so much that He sent His Son Jesus to us, and for us. The greatest gift ever given.”
Mr. Spencer went to the mantle where stockings were hung. He reached for a slightly dusty family Bible and motioned for his family to gather with him around the firelight of the last glowing coals. “This dust reminds me it’s been too long since I-- since we-- visited the tale of the miracle of Jesus’s birth. Way too long.

***

Up on the now snow-covered roof, Santa smiled with satisfaction, climbed back into his sleigh, and gave a familiar whistle to his team of reindeer.
“What, Santa?” exclaimed Blitzen. “No presents for the Spencers this year? Their list was one of the longest!”
“No, Blitzen. We can give the things we had chosen for them to some truly needy folks. As for the Spencers, they just got the one Christmas gift they were missing.”

Christmas Quotations II

Here we go again. Hope these provide some laughs or smiles.

As the elves stuffed Santa's sack with toys, one of them said,

• "All these toys, and all we get is lousy candy canes."
  
• "He's got everything but the kitchen sink in here. Oh, here it is, too!"


• "I wonder if I'd get in much trouble if I hid in this Barbie Dream House."
  
• "I wonder if Mr. Loyd's class is going to write about me again this year."
  
• "Has Santa ever considered using UPS to deliver all this junk?"
  
• "Hey, I remember the day I made this Nintendo. It was the same day Mrs. Claus made tacos for supper."
  
• "Uh-oh. We packed it too tight. All the Tickle-me-Elmo's just started shaking and quaking."
  
• "I wonder who will get this Furby that we taught Eskimo language.

As Rudolph got ready to guide Santa's sleigh, he said,

• "Let's see, I turn left at Scotland. . . or is it right? Oh, brother."
  
• "I'm so nervous. People don't realize how much pressure it is to remember where every boy and girl lives."
  
• "Hope you don't mind, Santa. I thought I'd try a blue light in my nose this year. When those airplanes see a blue light behind 'em, they'll pull over!"
  
• "I'm not so wild about this new 'clap-on' switch for my nose. For one thing, I can't clap!"
  
• "Sometimes I wonder what it'd be like to have a pierced nose, but I'm scared of what Santa would say."
  
• "Remember guys, no tail-gating. Those antlers are sharp."
  
• "I bet people would pay a lot for my autograph. Now, how do you hold a pencil with a hoof?"
  
• "Oh brother. That Blitzen thought he could take my place. But he needed an extension cord for his light bulb."

When Mrs. Claus waved goodbye (God be with ye) she called,

• "Say 'Hi' to my Aunt Gertrude in Miami."
  
• "If you loved me you'd take me along for the ride."
  
• "Remember, Nick, the list of bad kids is in your left front pocket."
  
• "Nick, don't forget to pick up a pound of bacon and some eggs at the Piggly Wiggly."
  
• "I may not be home when you get back-- there's a big bingo game down in Greenland tonight."

When Frosty the Snowman saw Santa Claus he said,

• "I hope you brought that new silk hat and scarf I ordered."


• "Hey, whatcha say we get together for a few games of poker after you finish your rounds?"


• "I sure could use some electric socks. I think. . . ."
  
• "I hope you packed something special for all the Masters of Multiplication. As for me, I'm scared I'd melt if I tried burning my times card."
  
• "Hey, Nick. Stop back by later. Old Man Winter and Jack Frost challenged us to hockey at the 'pole.'"
  
• "Hey, old man. Can you give me a lift? I ran my snowmobile into a big mama pine tree!"
  
• "I once had a friend that wore a red suit like that. Poor fella melted plumb away-- just like that!"
  
• "I'd love to go along, but I'm afraid I'd melt in Australia."
  
• "Hey chubby, that electric blanket you left me last year was not one bit funny!"
  
• "Hey Santa, I'm tired of being called Frosty. How do you think Fred would sound?"
  
• "Santa, I can't feel anything in my arms. ACK! They're gone! Somebody swiped my stupid sticks!"

BONUS QUOTES:

Vixen, while pondering the great questions of life, thought, "I wonder what I'd be doing right now if I had been born as a giraffe."

Santa, suffering from his seasonal stress, mumbled incoherently, "Red and white, red and white, why couldn't I have chosen blue and yellow?!"

Mrs. Claus stood under the mistletoe and called, "Old man, get yourself in here right now or I'm gonna kiss Prancer instead!"

Merry Christmas, Everybody!