My JC Adventure

Nearly 10 years ago on Franklin Square in New Orleans, I sat on the steps and watched all the fortune tellers, some used crystals, some used balls, some used crystal balls and others used potions and lotions. They related story after story, read life lines, and tea leaves, and gave hope to the various travelers that crossed their paths.I watched with yearning anticipation, wondering which of the tellers would I choose? Should I have them read my tea leaves, or my palm.Should I have her gaze into her crystal ball and tell me of my future? Did I dare ask, or did I really want to know?I hemmed and hawed. But finally I chose. I chose the young lady who seemed the most sincere. The one I chose she welcomed me, she took my palm and cradled it into hers with care. She gazed into my soul and shared many things with me that could have matched anyone of our lives.I would live a long and happy life!I wear and continue to wear my heart on the outside of my sleeve!I would have 6 (six) grandchildren!Now like most of us, we plan on living a long and happy life.Like most women, our hearts are more visible and vulnerable.But...six grandchildren....I thought she was nuts!I came home and told my girls what the fortune teller had said.They were shocked, since at that time I only had one grandson, neither of my girls were married, and there were no immediate plans for those other 5 grandchildren.I tucked the memory of that day on Franklin Square away. But as my daughters got married, and successively got pregnant, the grandbabies began to flow. Within 14 months 3 more grandsons were born and I now had 4 grandsons. Over the next 5 years that message on Franklin Square kept popping up in my head. I urged my girls, who in no uncertain terms said..."I don't know where those other 2 grandkids are going to come from, but it won't be me".I don't know if that fortune teller even knew, but I am a mom to 2 natural daughters that gave me my 4 beautiful, loving, handfuls. Bammah's Boys.Tony, Trevor, Hunter and Hayden. I also have two other children, not the kind you "pop from the oven" but the kind that "pop into your hearts". Cinda came to me about 1988, she is a wonderful daughter, a teacher, and a free spirit.Donovan, came a bit more untraditionally in the early 90's. He came as the first love of my daughter, became her best friend, and "popped" into my heart. My first son. It was not meant that he would be my son-in-law, it was meant he would be my son.And now the tale it takes the turn, the tellers promise would be made.The easter bunny brought me a gift in 2007, my first granddaughter Alexis came into my life at age 4. She is so special, as is her Mom, Donovan's love Dolores. Yesterday 9.15.2008 with love, lots of hard work on Dolores part, and in the image of her father, #6 was born. Little Madyson Renee Greathouse.Well Ma'am, I guess I need to return to New Orleans, to find me a teller, to tell me what I already know....Family is everything...My children and grandchildren are why my heart is on my sleeve.I will live a long and healthy life because of these blessings.So what else do you predict Ma'am???Only time will tell.

Hi All.

I thought I better write a bit in here, or you all might be wondering where I have been.

Well on the early morning of Feb 18, I had a phone call that my Mom had to go to the hospital for what turned out to be a Urinary tract Infection, Dehydration, and two bed sores. It also turned out to be the beginning of the end of her life.

In 7 weeks my Mom went from a perfectly healthy,beautiful, vital, strong willed woman, to a woman whose body gave out on April 11, but whose soul lives on in all those she touched.

Over those 7 weeks I made 3 trips to So. Ca to be with her.

The first trip was for 10 days shortly after she became ill, and was in intensive care.

The second trip was after she had had her third hospitalization, and her 12th blood transfusion, and she was back in the care center. My youngest daughter and I went for 5 days, and just spent quality time with her. He helped her eat her meals, encouraged her to try and do her physical therapy so we could take her outside to sit in the lovely sunshine, washed her hair, gave her a manicure, bought her straberry milkshakes (her new favorite) and read her the newspaper. We even watched old John Wayne "westerns" on AMC with her. What a special time, as she did gain back her rosy cheeks, her twinkle in her eyes, and her child like smirk.

The third trip was for her Rosary, Funeral and Memorial.

I am going to post a copy of your the program from her memorial for you all to see.

This is a pix of my beautiful Mom and I from 2003.

She is everything in my heart, and I am so blessed to have had her with me for 52 years.

I will post another blog to update you on my JC adventure on April 25, but I want you to know that my JC friends support means the world to me.

Helen Josephine Padden
Born:
October 31, 1918 - April 11, 2008
Celebration of Life
April 15 & 16, 2008

Tuesday April 15, 2008 Cabot and Son’s Funeral Home
Family Viewing - 05:00pm
Public Viewing - 06:00pm
Rosary - 07:00pm – Rosary led by Deacon Jim Crowley, music previously recorded on CD by Virginia Duran
Wednesday April 16, 2008
Funeral Mass - 10:00am St Andrews Catholic Church - Monsignor Tobias English officiating
Pallbearers:
Harry Baker, Robert Butler, Michael Padden, Charles Conjurske, Justin Thaxton, Rhett Butler
Honorary Pallbearers:
Robert Stene, Tom Cwiek, Scott Stene, Lynn Pabst, Todd Stene
Readings – The Liturgy of the Word:
1st Reading from the Old Testament – Wisdom 3:1-6,9 – Helen Ann Baker
Responsorial Psalm – Mary Jo Cwiek
Please join us in the response of “My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord My God”
2nd Reading from the New Testament – 2 Corinthians 4:14-5:1 – Kathleen Padden
Prayer of the Faithful, General Intercessions – Mary Jo Cwiek
Please join us in the response of “Bless us and keep us, O Lord”
The Liturgy of the Eucharist – Offertory of the Body and Blood of Christ:
Kari Anne Wallace, Joanna Conjurske, Elizabeth Thaxton, Rhett Butler
Children’s Offertory – Grandma’s cough drops, raisins, fig Newton’s and cough syrup (a few of GiGi’s favorite remedies):
Tony Conjurske, Hunter Wallace, Trevor Conjurske, Hayden Wallace – representing all the Great Grandchildren
Eucharistic Ministers:
Adolph and Virginia Duran
Organist:
Mrs. Puccianelli
Cantor:
We do not know his name, however his voice reminded us of an angel, and we felt he and Virginia in “spirit” would be singing.
Internment – Resurrection Cemetery, San Gabriel, California – Led by Deacon Jim Crowley
Celebration of Helen’s Life:
Immediately following the Internment at 1854 Estrella Ave
Monrovia, CA (626) 303-4301. or (505) 263-4877
12:30 PM til the “Cows come home!” as Mom would say!
Eulogy:
Delivered by “The Kids”
Memories of our Mother, Helen:
We are here today to celebrate Helen, you all know her by different names, Mom, Mum, Grandma, Grama, Gram, GiGi, Auntie Helen, and Auntie Gibraltor, which was recently “coined” by Pammie to describe her strength and the rock upon which the foundation of the “Padden Clan” is built. She was also known as “Nana” to the younger Pollerana & Ramirez kids, and all the residents of Glenrose Avenue, Mrs. Padden to the older Pollerana kids on the block and “Mrs. P” to all the big “kids”.
Helen, our Mother, was the proud matriarch of our family having 6 children, 15 Grandchildren and 23 Great Grandchildren. In addition Helen had cultivated many lifelong friendships.
Gloria & Family:
Grandma and Grandpa raised a beautiful family. The Lord can see this to. This is a difficult time, there are sad tears and there are very happy tears. I am glad Grandma is with all of those that have passed before her, she will be a busy woman catching up with all of them. Grandma and Grandpa gave us some many awesome memories. I can remember just waiting for them to come out to WI. We just waited for that motor home to pull into town. Lot's of fun, visiting and things to do. We always had a great time.
And then the time would come for Grandma and Grandpa to leave....always a river of tears.
I know that Grandma is bringing that joy to all of those she has known, I also know the good Lord needed her to be with him, she answered the call as she has always done. We try not to grieve over Grandma, rather find peace in her, we always have. We do celebrate the greatness of Grandma, she has touched so many in this world, ALWAYS WITH A SMILE. So as the day's, go by I pray to God to give all of us the strength, courage and understanding. I pray we find hope and comfort knowing that Grandma is in God's kingdom.

Mary Lou & Family:
I will always remember the Trip Mom, Mary Jo, Tom and I took to Hawaii, she enjoyed it so much she had wanted to make another trip back to visit her Granddaughter, Christi (who she always called Chrissy), Mom could never complete this trip. I also remember when Mom took my little sister Mary Jo, her friend Cheryl and my children, and Gloria’s children, her Wisconsin grandkids to Apple River. Lesa, my daughter, decided rafting the Apple River was not for her and got off, not, letting her Grandma know. When all the kids got to the end of the raft trip Lesa, was nowhere to be found and that is when the drama started. Mom not finding Lesa, started hollering and yelling for her, ultimately Lesa was found where we got on the rafts, not the end, and all was well. Boy, I could hear my Mom yelling from where I was 30 miles away. Mom’s voice and yell was legendary. As always Mom was here for every one of her kids, she supported me through the shock of the unexpected death of my husband, Dale. Mom would give her Love and support to all us kids.

Helen Ann & Harry:
I remember a lot of family camping trips and all the good food, fun and drinks. The trip I remember most is the one to Lake Casitas, because it was the first time that Harry met Mom and Daddy. Everyone else was having chicken, but we had picked up steaks, and were they ever good. As the evening went on and the” jelly beans” went from licorice flavor to pomegranate, Harry lost it, his steak that is, and Mom, seeing him hugging a tree, exclaimed, "Oh, that beautiful steak!"
Pat:
The things I admire and remember most about Mom was when we moved from the farm in Wisconsin to California, there is a memory I will not share with all of you, it has to do with egg salad and a car full of kids, I’ll leave it at that. Mom didn’t have farm chores to do anymore, she and Daddy both worked, to provide their children with the guidance and education to grow in our own lives. We ultimately gave back to them the loves of their lives, their Grandchildren, enriching and at times frustrate their lives. One of the greatest gifts Mom and Daddy gave to the family was the love and knowledge they imparted on all of their Grandchildren.
Kathy & Bob:
For the last 9 years, Mum has lived with Bob, our Son, Rhett and Myself and her three puppies. When Mum turned 80 she said she “I am 80 years old and don’t want to worry about anything anymore” that is when Mom came to us. Mum was always busy cooking dinners, washing clothes and dishes and watching over us. When we “suggested” that Mum not work so hard around the house, she said it keeps me busy, healthy and happy. Mom would take walks around our neighborhood in good weather and around our kitchen and living room in bad weather (which was anything below 80 degrees). Mum will be remembered and sorely missed. But we celebrate the Mum is at home with Daddy and maybe even getting him to dance.
Mary Jo & Tom:
We so enjoyed Mom’s long visits to New Mexico. Tom loved watching mom sitting in the sunroom in her big chair and doing her word search puzzles. She was always nice and warm in there, and would fall asleep in the warmth of our New Mexico sun. They had many wonderful talks about the good old times. My memories are many. I can still smell the smell of “spit” on the hanky when she would rub away my milk mustache before she dropped me at the baby sitter. How I would say “That’s all wight mommy” when I would spill something or make a big mess!, but most importantly how for the last 13 years she was in New Mexico for the births of my grandchildren. When Tony was born, we were all in the room, and Mom, Tom and I went through every contraction, counting to 10 with Joanna. At one point Joanna said…that’s it I am done, and Mom said…sorry honey it does not work that way!

Grandkids Memories:
Scott:
I remember camping when the weather got bad, and the all the boys had to sleep in the outhouse, and the girls got to sleep in the comfort of the camper. Also we grandkids seemed to eat “ketchup” on everything, so Grandma thought she would make us Bologna sandwiches, and she of course put “ketchup” on them. But…we wanted no part of that! Then she said “Those darn kids eat ketchup on everything, how was I supposed to know, they did not like it on Bologna Sandwiches!”
Leann:
The way Grandma pronounced onion as “on-i-yen” and trash as “thrash”. Grandma also made the best creamed peas and carrots.
Lesa and Lynn:
The six weeks we spent with Grandma and Grandpa when we were young. This is Lynn, Grandpa fixed a bike for me and this is Lesa, maybe my love for cooking started with Grandma cooking and baking in her kitchen. There was always ice cream at night and they took us to so many wonderful places and showered us with their Love.

Todd:
I love her apple crisp, and I like how she would chase me out of the kitchen when she was cooking. Even when we went to the Glenwood fair, Grandma was willing to ride the “hammer” and go upside down. I never thought she would do it, but that was pretty cool!
Joni:
I remember talking politics with Grandma, and when she talked about “Bushie” as she called both of them, the steam would just come out of her ears. Also I remember Grandma’s meatloaf…she was the best cook in the world! Also the way Grama became my Mom after Mom passed away.
Michael:
The memory I have is Christi and I in the back seat of the car, and Grandma yelling at Grandpa saying “Stop, James you’re gonna hit him!” Jesus, I think she wore out the floorboard on the passenger side of the car using the imaginary brake!

Christi:
Grandma always took me shopping and bought cookies for me. I would always pick either the frosted animal crackers or butter cookies.

Kari:
I remember going to Mountain Lakes, watching “Loosey Goosey”, smelling Catfish Lake, Picking Apples on Grandpa’s shoulders and having Grandma make homemade applesauce
Joanna:
I remember the five days I spent with Grandma recently when she was in the hospital, but especially the little “Chicken Dance” she did for the Physical Therapist. It will always make me laugh.
Elizabeth:
My Memory is about Cinnamon Toast. Grama never asked me what I wanted for breakfast, she always made me cinnamon toast, and it was my favorite.
Kristina:
I remember that no one could make Tuna Noodle Salad, like Grandma Helen. She gave the recipe to my Mom but it was just not the same no matter what!
Rhett:
Grandma’s favorite words were “shittin this and shittin that” and when all was done, everything was all said and done, everything was OK.
Special Family Friends:
Virginia & Adolph:
Of all the people I know when I think of Helen I think of a beautiful soul, a person who knew how to laugh and share her love. Every time we got together we could talk, talk, talk, until Jimmie or Adolph would say “Are you two still on the phone???” We would hurry our goodbyes, and plan our next get together. She and I are Sisters for ever.
Ravon:
I remember when Kathy and I went to WI, and went barhopping one night, while Mom watched Mike and Christi. We stayed out til 4:30 in the morning, and when we got home, Mom said she had the “whole town” out looking for us. We caught ‘hell’ but…we knew it was only because she was our Mom and loved us.
Anne & Charles:
We remember when we moved from Minnetonka to Poway and Helen’s family became our family. That is when Helen became “Grandma Helen” to Chad and Kristina. How wonderful to be in a new place, and to feel so welcome and loved.
Pammie:
Auntie Helen did become our “Auntie Gibraltar” not just recently, but gradually over the years. With each birth, death or illness, the foundation of our family continued to grow in her. She is a beautiful butterfly now surrounded in pinkish – bluish light.
Vickie:
I remember all the wonderful parties, and poker games at Auntie Helen’s. Once I got in big trouble when I stayed out late, playing cards, and Peter had to come and get me. It was so wonderful to have Auntie Helen, as a surrogate Mom after my Mom passed away.
Lord we ask that you bless each of Helen’s children, that they may find peace in her physical absence, while knowing her spiritual presence daily. Bless us and keep us, O Lord.
Lord we ask you to have Helen’s smile and kind words permeate every airline terminal, and that people will come together to laugh and share, not knowing why, but only knowing her joy for travel. Bless us and keep us, O Lord.
Oh wondrous God, you have given Helen 15 grandchildren, and allowed her to show them the love she shared with our daddy James. We pray Lord that you wrap your gentle arms around them with their Grandparents love, and maintain a firm grip on each of them when their road finds bumps. Bless us and keep us, O Lord.
O’ Lord you were able to turn water into wine, one fish into thousands, one loaf of bread to feed the masses. We pray that Helen’s love for food, be brought to mind at our tables for ever. That as we share fellowship among family and friends, that her hands will be in every spoonful that nourishes us body and soul. Bless us and keep us, O Lord.
Like the Blessed Virgin Mary watches over us as the Queen of Heaven, we pray that Gigi will be there ever surrounding the little ones of our family that are with us today, and those that are yet to come. We pray that she with your intercession continue to guide them, and teach them of your love and understanding regardless of their challenges. Bless us and keep us, O Lord.
Lord we pray that Helen’s ability to nurture and love in her new role in Heaven will flow down to all of us on earth. That we might learn to comfort those in need with the compassion Helen shared with all over the years. Bless us and keep us, O Lord.
Lord, we understand that your master plan for our lives is ever-present. We realize it is hard sometimes, to “Let Go and Let God”, but that in doing so we release our Angel Helen to be admitted into the Choir of Angels in Heaven. We pray that her smiles fill our hearts, and her strength permeate our lives. We look forward to the revelation of your plan for our lives, and know that we too will meet her again in your heavenly kingdom. Bless us and keep us, O Lord.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Tonight in Class We Took Pics!

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Back to Blogging!

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Oktoberfest & Rio Grande Gorge Bridge View

Motorcycle Mama

New Granddaughters! (Two) Read All About it!

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Too Long to Be Gone!

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Feb 18 to April 23 - Where have I been?

My JC Adventure

MaryJoNM

Blog Archive

About Me