The Wards’ posterous

"I was just sittin' here studying..." My grandpa would say. The following minutes or hours would be a discussion on whatever topic he had been weighing on his mind; politics, Bible, culture, agriculture, any number of things. My grandfather was a thinker.

Born in 1906 into a poor family. He never spoke much of his father, (My great grandfather was killed during a drunken brawl.) but revered his mother. My grandfather went to work to help support his family, 2 older brothers, 2 younger sisters. Having no formal education, he taught himself to read. He worked as a laborer on local farms, as a mucisian in a traveling puppet show. He worked 1 day in the coal mines of KY. In that one day he saw a man die and had his toes gnawed on by rats while he slept. He left the next morning, walking back to East Tennessee. He retired at 62 from a local factory job.

I spent the better part of my childhood in his company. He was a man on honor. His word was his bond. He understood the meaning of integrity and he lived it out every day. He had his flaws, of course. He was not frivilous, rather tight with the purse strings. But no one around him ever did without.

He was a quiet, dignified man whose character spoke of a past generation. The world is a little dimmer without him here.

Joseph Eli Hardin March 24, 1906 - April 28, 2009

This, folks, was the highlight of this teenager's day! She must have said it 100 times; "I MET HAWK NELSON!"

Hayley Bowers was so excited to get to meet drummer Brian Haley! He was, as always, gracious and she was over the moon. =)

In June of 2005, we were at Carowinds and were oh so excited to get Mark Lee to sign Jason's T-shirt. Fast forward 4 years...Mark seems very excited to be getting Mr. Ward's autograph on his new Unaka Rangers T-shirt.

   

Click here to download:

Deja_Vu.zip (1463 KB)

Our new nephew Jared Benjamin Ward

 

I got an email recently asking me what is the story behind this picture. Funny, when something so cool happens to you, you just kind of assume everyone knows about it. (They should. I told everyone I saw!)

Jason's birthday is March 31st. He tured 39 this year. I wanted to do something really special. So, with the help of Stephanie Fowler, Jamie McGaugh, Mark & Stephanie Lee I started to plan. Long story short, That beautiful guitar was played by Mark Lee during the Corpus Christi show. He played REVELATION then walked off the stage and handed the guitar to Jason.

Jason is loved by many. What a wonderful surprise for him. I can't tell you how touched I was by everyone's generosity.

I have been absent from the blogosphere for a while. Did you miss me? Lie, if you need to. ;)

On May 29, I devoloped what I thought was a sinus headache. Within the  week I was facing days when I was too weak to stand. My doctor told me it was the effects of the cancer medications I was taking to get my arthritis under control. He treated me with steriod injections that eased the pain for a matter of hours, but no more. Throughout the summer I had good days and bad days, good weeks and bad weeks.

I was bedridden most of September. You don't know how humble you can be until you have to ask someone to carry you to the bathroom. My husband combed my hair, gave me a bath, fed me; not exactly where you want to find yourself at age 38.

On October 11, I was admitted to the hospital for a 13 day stay. Never would I have imagined I could feel so dark and lost. I was aware of what was happening around me, medical decisions being made, diagnosis being discussed. But I didn't care. I truly had lost the desire to live. I was ambivilent.

Finally, I was diagnosed with Lupus, pariacarditis and pnuemonia. It took several days and much prayer for me to begin to think clearly again. A mild relapse occured the week after I was released and I became a Medical Center guest for another week in November. But the second time I was prepared. My attitude was better. I was feeling better. I breezed through the second stay like a pro. I am now on a medication schedule designed to put the Lupus in remission. I have recovered from the phuemonia and pariacarditis.

Why am I telling you all this? By way of explanation. But more importantly to tell you not to fold. It will get better. Ride it out. Cling tight to those who love you. The storms will pass.

Next week this blog will return to it's original purpose: Traveling with The Wards. I wanted to share this spiritual journey briefly, as well.

When Third Day canceled their recent show outside Chicago, we had some decisions to make. It was a bit more complicated than just going or not going. After a 12 day stay in the hospital it was a matter of getting past the unnatural fear of getting sick again. Getting back on the horse, if you will. I'm a road tripper. It's what I do. It's who I am. And if I'm afraid to road trip, then part of me is lost somewhere.

So, with confirmation numbers in hand, The Wards took Chicago. (Photos to be added. I promise.) We had a great time taking in the art, music and FOOD of the Windy City. Tiring? Yes. Did I over do it? Likely. But I came home unafraid.

I guess this Third Day on the 3rd day post (late as it is) is about rolling with the punches. Taking life as it comes and enjoying every moment.