Sew...A Needle Pulling Thread

When we returned from Michigan after Sylvia's Mom's funeral, we brought with us a sewing machine Mom had used. Over the last couple of months we have chosen a location, set up a table, hooked up the sewing machine, and purchased some material, and thread. And just last week, Sylvia did her first project: a sewing machine cover!
What a fitting first project. Syl did some sewing with her Mom many moons ago, but let her skills lie dormant for the last 20 years. She was quite proud of the cover, and looks forward to many new opportunities to put needle to material. (Kinda like they say "putting pen to paper" - get it? OK, I thought it was cute.)

The Michigan Pilgrimage

Our trip to Michigan was filled with sadness, but also with moments of joy. It was good to have everyone together around the kitchen table again. It was sad that it took Mom's death to bring us together.
Uncle Kyran really enjoyed hanging out with Julia Grace.
And Julia Grace loved cuddling with her Grandpa.
Cousin Lanette did artwork for the kids...
...and they were thrilled and proud to have those drawings.
The kids were enthralled with Grandpa filling the bird feeders.
After the first viewing, we picked up the kids at the Montefusco home. Amy kindly volunteered to watch our kids, who absolutely loved being there. Junior wanted to go back the next day. Amy took this picture of us. At the viewing, it was sad to see Mom. She looked like she could have sat up and said, "What are you all doing?!" But it was good to talk to old friends, to be comforted by and to comfort familiar faces.
We enjoyed a night at the Nagles, who generously invited us over for dinner. It was nice to relax and play some PS2 games. I haven't done that since...well, since the last time Tony had me over (many years ago in a land far, far away).
It was good to see Tony and Beth again.
Our kids had a lot of fun with Allie and the Nagle pets.
Syndi was able to reconnect with Allie...
...and with Jason Montefusco, friends from days gone by.
Sylvia and Amy enjoyed some time together.
It was good to be with old friends.
(No, I'm not calling them old! Though someone did mention a number with a four on the front and a zero on the end.)
The week wore us out completely. It was non-stop, go-go-go, be here, get that, do this, write those, decide, select, drive, run....even Jules was worn out by the end. But she found a place of respite in Grandpa's arms.

Joyce June Wheaton Sterling

In Loving Memory of

Joyce June Wheaton Sterling

June 4, 1930 - April 12, 2008

Gone Home, Too

On a cold and breezy April day,

Under clouds that kept the sun at bay,

Someone stole away a woman we love,

And took her home to heaven above.

On this earth she touched so many lives,

And lived a life for which one strives.

A wife who loved her husband so;

She only nitpicked so he might grow.

A mother who loved her children dearly,

And wanted the best for them so sincerely.

A grandma who doted on every grandchild;

She pushed them and praised them, loving them all the while.

A teacher who taught from her teens 'til life's end;

With a heart for her students, she was teacher and friend.

She worked hard for her church, with the best of intention;

Often her work would go without mention.

Whether gardening or teaching, or any need she'd find,

She'd jump in with her heart, two feet not far behind.

If you stood beside Joyce for a moment or two,

You could not depart without knowing her view.

She affected so many, was involved in so much,

That you couldn't live near without feeling her touch.

And though we all mourn, for she's no longer here,

We rejoice, for where she is, there's no pain, not a tear.

For the clouds could not keep the Son at bay,

And Joyce is at home in heaven today.

~

Jonathan D. Caruvana

April 15, 2008