Darren Michael Beasley

I lost another classmate on December 24th. It seems I'm attending more funerals than weddings these days.

Mike graduated in 1983, two years behind me, but in the class I was supposed to be in had I not been pushed ahead. I remember he was always smiling. Always.

I understand he died peacefully in his sleep. Rest in peace, Mike. You will be missed.

Telestrations

Remember the telephone game? At the start of a line, one person whispers something into the next person's ear, and by the end of the line, you end up with something completely different?  Well, this game is a lot like that. You start with something to draw. You pass your pad to the person on your left, who guesses what you drew. Then they pass the pad to the person on their left, who then draws what they guessed, and so on. 

We played this game at my friend Nancy's house tonight after Christmas dinner, and I kid you not, I haven't laughed so hard in a long time. This game was worth every penny they paid for it, and I want to get it to play with my family at our next get-together. Great fun! 

Delivery Man

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie! I took the boys (Ian, Jordan and Taylor) to see it, and made sure to sit at least three rows away. :D

After the movie, just to make sure they were good and wound up, I took them to Starbucks for some "heaven in a cup". 

 

John Markarian (1929 - 2013)

John Markarian, an attorney I used to work for, passed away on December 14th. He was the first attorney I worked for who did estate work. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The math aspect of that job was wonderful. I got to help with tax returns, valuating bonds, mortgage per diems and payoffs, great fun! 

From what I understand, he had cancer, and his family had been taking care of him around the clock toward the end. My heart goes out to them in their time of sorrow. 

From the Buffalo News:  

MARKARIAN - John December 14, 2013, husband of the late Maureen (nee Willett) and the former husband of Martha Markarian; loving father of Edward J. (Linda) and William C. Markarian; stepfather of Sean (Kristin) Willett; loving grandfather of William J., Kristin E., Isabella M., Olivia R. Markarian; stepgrandfather of Luke Brown, Ben, Cameron and Riley Willett; dear brother of Michael (Elizabeth), Charles (Delores) Markarian and Elizabeth (George) Binner; survived by many nieces and nephews.

Cookie Exchange

Ian made chocolate covered pretzels and I made salted nut truffles for the cookie exchange at work. It was fun!

Baby Blanket

Black Friday

His plans fell through to go shopping at midnight on Black Friday, so I took him. He had a blast. Truth be told, even though shopping is not my thing, I enjoyed watching him having such a good time. 

Don't tell him. :D 

Later that day...

No, Mom, I'm not tired! 

Math Joke!

Compliments of George Takei:

My Street

Such a beautiful morning...

Math Humor

WeAreTeachers photo

The Chef

My Aunt Marlene had a stroke a few months ago, and has regained only limited use of her left hand and arm. She needed all the help she could get for this year's Thanksgiving dinner, which we held on November 23rd.  We baked the rolls, and Ian made Asparagus Linguine. It was excellent!

He used the recipe found here:  http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/asparagus-linguine.

Restoring My Faith in Humanity

Sometimes things happen that restore my faith in humanity. There was an accident this morning in front of my employer's office. Complete and total strangers left their cars and places of employment to help. I've never felt so helpless in my entire life. The man who started CPR was the vet from across the street. All I could do was keep the gawkers back and let the man work. I have no doubt the vet saved that man's life.

If for no other reason than to make me happy, please be kind to each other today. Hold the door for someone, compliment someone, be the best person you can be. You never know when something will happen and you will leave this world behind.

I'm going to go cry now.

And They're Off!

Goofing off at the Orthodontist

He had to have pictures taken of his new smile - without the braces - but those plastic things were just too much fun to resist!

Happy Birthday, Serena!

We had a surprise birthday party for Serena's 30th birthday party. She is hands-down one of the sweetest people I know. 

Happy birthday, Serena! I hope your day is as special as you are to the people that know you.

About Me

Silly me! I liked my friend's status and ended up with a project! She gave me the number 10, so here are 10 things about me that you may or may not know:

1. My big brother, Michael Tabor, is my absolute favorite adult person on the planet. Bar none. 

2. I am afraid of heights. I am short for a reason!

3. I love, love, love Math. And Baseball. And Math in Baseball. 

4. My favorite author, at least for the moment, is Lee Child. I love murder and mayhem - in fiction.

5. My latest hobby is making beaded jewelry, but I continue to crochet. 

6. I have infinite patience with children, except, sometimes, my own. {heavy sigh} And that makes me feel terribly guilty. 

7. I have little tolerance for people who won't make an effort to help themselves. I'm a single mom, working full-time, and going to school full-time. Don't tell me it can't be done. 

8. I always look for the bright side in everything. And the good in everyone.

9. I am trusting, and everyone gets a second chance. No thirds, however. Mama didn't raise a complete fool. 

10. I have finally accepted that, although I am intelligent, I will never be perfect. If a 'B' is the best I can do, that is all I will ask of myself. 

Eating again

MOCKINGBIRD -Toby Keith and his daughter Krystal (live)

Love this!

The Boys

Ian and Jordan

Darryl Battaglia (ca. 1966 - 2013)

I went to school with Darryl. He was a couple grades below me, but he played hockey, and hockey was (and still is) my second favorite pastime. I remember him fondly; he never made fun of me or tried to bully me like a couple of the other hockey players, and he was always kind. 


His situation was unfortunate.  The summer after he graduated from high school, he went diving into a pond he was unfamiliar with. It was far too shallow, and he became partially paralyzed. What everyone remembers about Darryl, though, was his bigger-than-life personality. Everyone knew the man; no one noticed the wheelchair. 

He was loved by many, and will be missed tremendously. 

From the Buffalo News:

BATTAGLIA - Darryl W. November 3, 2013, husband of Tracy Battaglia; stepfather of Joshua Teufel; son of Dorrie Falise; brother of Andrew, Scott and Michelle; uncle of Kristopher, Candace, Amanda and Nicola DiBartolomeo. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/buffalonews/obituary.aspx?pid=167878024#sthash.U9KGP6rV.dpuf

Happy Birthday, Ian

13 years ago today, after 19 hours of painfully convincing him his lease in the womb was up, I gave birth to the tiniest human being I had ever seen in my life. Initially weighing in at 4#11oz, he dropped to 3#9oz before he started gaining weight. Born with tracheomalacia, and then RSV at 4 months, he had a pretty rocky start. I look at him today and think about determination and miracles and how very, very lucky we are. Happy birthday, Precious Boy Child of Mine. Although I don't often say it, and you know I'm not the demonstrative type, I love you more than words can possibly express. Keep beating the odds.

Off to the Drive-In

I took Ian and his friend Josh to the drive-in in Lockport, New York. I hadn't been to a drive-in in years. Let me tell you, it would have been much more comfortable if it wasn't Pouring Rain.

Gravity was good, but Captain Phillips was GREAT. I will be very surprised if Tom Hanks doesn't win an award for it.

This one ALWAYS makes me laugh!

Signs of Fall

 

The tree in my backyard

A gift for Susie

In blue, for colon cancer awareness

A selfie

Look at those tired, tired eyes!

A gift for Carol

We need to make better choices.

So the Boy Child, while slicing his apple for breakfast after I have left for work, decided he needed to use my chef's knife. And when the chef's knife didn't slice the apple smoothly, decided he needed to use Both Hands. Fortunately, he is still in possession of all his fingers. My nerves, on the other hand, are shot. The pediatrician glued him back together, and all is now well. 

Valium, anyone?

Red and White

One of the girls at work asked me to make the jewelry for her wedding. She needed a bracelet and earrings for a 6 year old flower girl, a 10 year old flower girl, and her matron of honor. Her colors were red and white.  Here is what I came up with: 

For the 6-year-old

 

For the 10-year-old

For the matron of honor

Yolanda James (1958 - 2013)

My cousin, Yolanda, passed away on September 4th. She had struggled with kidney disease for years. I didn't really know her as well as I should have, but in spite of our religious differences, she never tried to make me feel like an outcast. She was truly a good person, and she will be greatly missed.

Sisters, from left to right: Karen, Yolanda, Laureen and Dorinda

From the Buffalo News:

JAMES - Yolanda G. Age 55 of 1060 Ellicott St., Buffalo NY, died Wednesday, September 4, 2013, at home In her husband's arms. She was born May 31, 1958, in Buffalo NY, daughter of Effie Bosley and the late James Gladden. She is survived by her loving husband, Terence James; mother Effie Bosley; three brothers, Uland R. (Janice) Gladden, James D. (Donnis) Gladden and Mark R. (Toneisha) Bosley. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/buffalonews/obituary.aspx?pid=166867963#sthash.b1U5Yi4U.dpuf

A Little League Reminder

An excellent reminder to post next season!

Compliments of George Takei

Me and my Boy

Dressed up for David's memorial service

Funny how grief comes over me in waves, ebbing and flowing all day. I am exhausted to the depth of my soul. Right now, my heart aches for our losses, and especially for Ian's loss. 12 is too young to have to face the finality of death. Harry, Imani, Mr. Green, David and Yolanda were loved and will be missed. I just need a little time to grow scar tissue over the open wound of sudden loss.

A Facebook Post

I'd give credit, but I have no idea where it came from.

Comfort Food

David Kerr (1953 - 2013)

Of all the funerals I've attended over the past few months, this one hit me the hardest. Death is so final, and so painful for those of us left behind. David Kerr, husband to my friend Nancy, father to Rob and Amy, brother to Bill, friend to many, passed away last night. 

I was proud to call David my friend, for more years than probably either of us wanted to count. He was always there when I needed him, leaning back in his recliner, listening and offering advice, especially if I couldn't reach my brother. We didn’t always agree, but truth be told, he was always right. He introduced me to new foods, like HP sauce and fresh ham. I’ll always remember him standing in Nancy’s kitchen, both hands on his belly, saying, “Oh! What do you mean, you’ve never had…” whatever food we were talking about at the time, or calling me over to taste the good bits that just happened to fall off the meat while he was carving it. 

He teased me about non-normality until I no longer felt uncomfortable being considered “unusual”. He often reminded me to never be ashamed of my IQ, all the while expanding my vocabulary in ways that would make my English teacher blush. He made me laugh. 

David was my friend, and I will miss him terribly. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday September 7, 1 PM at Dengler & Roberts Dignity Services located at 3000 Delaware Avenue Kenmore NY 14217. My heart goes out to Nancy Kerr, Amy Kerr, Rob Kerr, and everyone whose lives he enriched. May our memories bring us comfort.

From the Buffalo News:

KERR - David September 3, 2013. Beloved husband of Nancy E. (nee Piper); loving father of Amy Elizabeth and Robert John Kerr; dear brother of William Kerr and the late Robert B. Kerr; son of the late David S. and Elizabeth M. Kerr; survived by nieces and nephews.

Howard J. Green ( - 2013)

My high school friend, Wayne, lost his father on August 30th. Mr. Green had an amazing way with children, a patience with them that is seldom seen in today's hurried world. My favorite memory of him took place when Ian was about 7 years old, still too young to have a filter on his tongue. Mr. Green had a hole in his throat from a surgery, and used a type of electronic larynx to speak. Ian had a million questions, and he answered them all, honestly and patiently. He had served in the Korean War, and the playing of Taps at his graveside service completely undid me. My heart goes out to Wayne and his family. May our memories bring us comfort.

From the Buffalo News: 

GREEN - Howard J. August 30, 2013, husband of the late Geraldine; survived by five children, a host of grandchildren and other relatives. ...  Mr. Green served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. 

Imani Gilbert (2000 - 2013)

One of the absolute saddest things I have ever done is attend a candlelight vigil for a child. Ian's friend, Imani, died following an accident between a vehicle and his bicycle. He was pinned under the vehicle with his bicycle. People passing by stopped their cars and rushed to assist in lifting the vehicle off of him. He died the next day at Children's Hospital. Words are so inadequate to express the depth of our grief.

From the Buffalo News:

Despite heroic efforts by a group of passers-by, the 12-year-old bicyclist who was freed from beneath a car on Sheridan Drive in the Town of Tonawanda Thursday afternoon has died, police reported Friday.

The boy has been identified as Imani Gilbert, an incoming eighth-grader at Herbert Hoover Middle School.

Imani was on his way to football practice at the nearby middle school when he was struck and pinned beneath the vehicle while crossing Delaware Road at the intersection with Sheridan Drive, Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda School District officials confirmed. Several passers-by lifted the vehicle off the boy and he was taken to Women & Children’s Hospital.

Among the first on the scene to free Imani were police detectives Ray Marello and Kevin Sweeney and Ellwood Volunteer Fire Company Chief Gary Stuff who joined other witnesses to lift the dark blue Pontiac Vibe, said Lt. Nicholas A. Bado, a department spokesman.

Although police are continuing to investigate the fatal accident, no charges have been filed against the driver, and there was no indication that the motorist, whose name wasn’t released, was at fault, police said. There was no drug, alcohol or cellphone use involved, police said. Further, the driver had the green arrow to turn left onto Sheridan Drive and Imani was not wearing a helmet, Bado said.

The district, meanwhile, was shaken by news that one of its students had been killed in an accident just weeks before school resumes on Sept. 5.

“We’re very familiar with the student – very well-liked, very good student, very involved,” said Carmelina Persico, principal of Hoover Middle, where Imani also played basketball.

Grief counselors from the district’s Family Support Center were made available to the boy’s teammates during a meeting Friday morning, said School Superintendent Mark P. Mondanaro.

 “We dispatched grief counselors immediately to deal with any groups of children and adults that knew the child and help them deal with this loss,” said School Board President Bob Dana.

Funeral arrangements were incomplete as Imani’s mother was traveling back from out of town. Persico said she will confer with students about holding a memorial service.

 “I think I will give students an opportunity to have that discussion and take part in whatever decision is made,” she said. “Certainly those conversations will take place.

From the Sun Journal, new Bern, North Carolina:

TONAWANDA, N.Y. - Imani Tyshawn Gilbert, 12, of 30 Chapman Place, died Friday, Aug. 23, 2013, at Women and Children's Hospital, Buffalo, N.Y.

A native of Carteret County and an eighth-grade student at Herbert Hoover Middle School, Tonawanda, died as a result of a bicycle accident.


His funeral will be is 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013, at Mt. Pilgrim MB Church, Newport, with the Rev. G. Otis Greene officiating. Burial will follow in Bayview Cemetery, Morehead City.


He is survived by his father, Terrance Ferguson of Tonawanda, N.Y., and his mother, Amy Gilbert of Newport; five brothers, Dominic Ferguson and Gianni Ferguson, both of Morehead City, Ronell Tupaz Jr. and Curtis Tupaz of Fayetteville, and Jashawn Finch of Beaufort; six sisters, Brianna Harris and Adrienne Harris of Newport, Myah Gilbert of Havelock, Zada-Kai Tupaz and Isis Tupaz, both of Fayetteville and Raelyn Ferguson of Morehead City; paternal grandparents, Sharon Joyner of New Bern, Alfred and Tina Henderson of Newport; and great-grandmothers, Ann Elbert of Morehead City and Hattie Henderson of Bogue Sound.

Kites!

And what a beautiful day for kite flying it is!

Cleveland, Here we come!

Cleveland really isn't that far away! I decided to take Ian to an Indians game, and he became a fan overnight. What a fickle Yankee fan he is! :D