I found out that Nana had cancer on August 18, 2016. My dad told me. When I told my mom that I knew, we both cried a bit. But her first words about the whole thing were, "I love Jesus so much and I'm ready to go to heaven. I'm just going to miss you girls so much."
While on that trip to Avila, I also asked Nana to share her heart on the possibility of heading to heaven soon:
I feel like every one has done it, and I can do it. Everyone got here on earth, and I'll be fine too. I'm excited about the new heaven and the new earth. But, you guys are making it hard to want to leave, because you're making it too much fun down here.
Jackie and Fritz couldn't talk about it. You can't blame Fritz. He didn't want to lose her. When he lost her, the pain was just overwhelming. Yes, I'm excited to see Jackie!
(We asked Nana how much longer she wants to stay here.) Whenever He takes me is fine with me. Just give me pain pills. I don't want to be in pain. Before I got diagnosed, I told Grandpa that I don't want any heroics.
(Ali asked Nana if she thinks Papa is going to miss her.) I think he's going to be married to someone else. And, I tell him to. I would say a year after I head to heaven. I have to admit that I have bad thoughts... (and I'm not posting those. 😉)
(Debbi asked Nana what she would have done differently in her married life.) I would be a lot more submissive to him. And, I would tell him more that I love him... for sticking with me through all these years. But Art fixes dinner and goes upstairs and watches his own TV show. But we have a good relationship.
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
Monday, December 4, 2017
A Letter from Nana
As we sat on the patio of our hotel room in Avila, overlooking the ocean, in November, 2016, I asked Nana if she would dictate a letter to my grandchildren, her great-grandchildren. Debbi, Julia, Ali and I listened, as Maddie danced around and as Nana shared her heart for this next generation of Falk grandchildren:
To my special, precious great-grandkids,
Keep loving the Lord, because without the Lord you have nothing. And, if you have the Lord you have everything. Don't try to make it alone. We all need the Lord. That's always the main thing. Sometimes I don't deserve to be forgiven, but I have been. It's so wonderful to know the Lord.
The Lord has been so good to me. My mom wasn't that crazy about me, because she had so many children. Merrill would always say, "I don't know why Mother treats you so bad." I'm sorry I ever said unkind things about my mom because there was so much good in her. She didn't deserve the bratty child that she raised.
My sisters got in trouble with my daddy because when he saw Alisa, he said, "That is the prettiest baby I've ever seen."
She (Alisa) had too many friends. She didn't need a mom to tell her what to do. That's so true. But to be on Alisa's list... She's a joy and a treasure and I love her with all my heart. And I love her family. Oh my goodness. We're so blessed.
At the right time Greg came into her life. He's been a joy to know. Greg was our choice for Alisa. We've loved him ever since. We have done nothing but enjoyed him. And he's really hot. He could be in the movies. He's so cute. Not only that, he is such a gentleman. He's wonderful. We all had our eyes on Greg for our family, but he finally opened up his eyes for Alisa. And, it didn't take long after that. He fell in love with her and asked her to marry him. She jumped into his arms. We have to say HA HA HA.
We are very blessed by having Gregory in our family. Oh! What a joy! So sweet and such a gentleman. I love it when he hugs me. He is such a humble guy. And, so giving and sweet. And talk about a chick! That Maria is so cute! I think she's a wonderful girl. And, thank you, Lord, that she's a part of our family.
Ali is the cutest. We can't tell you how much we enjoy Ali. She is such a joy to the family.
She's darling and smart and just a very warm, cuddly little granddaughter, and I love her dearly. She's so smart and so loved by Grandpa and me. What a joy for me!
And then there's Nick. Nick is hard to get to know. But, when you get to know him, you know a star. He does not like to be hugged. It was Christmas, and he kept wondering why there was no Christmas present for him. I said, "There must be something for you." After that I went to the garage and got a big surfboard. It said "TO NICK". He was so excited. He came back to me and cuddled up to me and we have been friends ever since.
Grandpa and I lie in bed and look at the picture of our family. We've shed tears, but they are of joy. Our children have never produced any shame. We are grateful. And blessed.
To my special, precious great-grandkids,
Keep loving the Lord, because without the Lord you have nothing. And, if you have the Lord you have everything. Don't try to make it alone. We all need the Lord. That's always the main thing. Sometimes I don't deserve to be forgiven, but I have been. It's so wonderful to know the Lord.
The Lord has been so good to me. My mom wasn't that crazy about me, because she had so many children. Merrill would always say, "I don't know why Mother treats you so bad." I'm sorry I ever said unkind things about my mom because there was so much good in her. She didn't deserve the bratty child that she raised.
My sisters got in trouble with my daddy because when he saw Alisa, he said, "That is the prettiest baby I've ever seen."
She (Alisa) had too many friends. She didn't need a mom to tell her what to do. That's so true. But to be on Alisa's list... She's a joy and a treasure and I love her with all my heart. And I love her family. Oh my goodness. We're so blessed.
At the right time Greg came into her life. He's been a joy to know. Greg was our choice for Alisa. We've loved him ever since. We have done nothing but enjoyed him. And he's really hot. He could be in the movies. He's so cute. Not only that, he is such a gentleman. He's wonderful. We all had our eyes on Greg for our family, but he finally opened up his eyes for Alisa. And, it didn't take long after that. He fell in love with her and asked her to marry him. She jumped into his arms. We have to say HA HA HA.
We are very blessed by having Gregory in our family. Oh! What a joy! So sweet and such a gentleman. I love it when he hugs me. He is such a humble guy. And, so giving and sweet. And talk about a chick! That Maria is so cute! I think she's a wonderful girl. And, thank you, Lord, that she's a part of our family.
Ali is the cutest. We can't tell you how much we enjoy Ali. She is such a joy to the family.
She's darling and smart and just a very warm, cuddly little granddaughter, and I love her dearly. She's so smart and so loved by Grandpa and me. What a joy for me!
And then there's Nick. Nick is hard to get to know. But, when you get to know him, you know a star. He does not like to be hugged. It was Christmas, and he kept wondering why there was no Christmas present for him. I said, "There must be something for you." After that I went to the garage and got a big surfboard. It said "TO NICK". He was so excited. He came back to me and cuddled up to me and we have been friends ever since.
Grandpa and I lie in bed and look at the picture of our family. We've shed tears, but they are of joy. Our children have never produced any shame. We are grateful. And blessed.
Saturday, April 4, 2015
flippingthebird
I HATE that! I hate seeing people do it. I hate seeing pictures of people doing it. I especially hate having it done to me.
On our beach walk last week, Dad asked, "So, how've you been doing lately?"
"Overall things are pretty good," I responded. "But, I have been flipping you off and calling you an a-- ---- in my mind a few times lately."
Dad, a look of surprise on his face, said, "Oh."
Me...Thinking in the flesh...Ewww....And, then admitting it to your dad...And, even before that, acknowledging it as sin before the Lord and thanking Him for His forgiveness.
In my self-centered, fleshly way of thinking, I would like to justify my (non-physical, just mental) actions. "Greg, you have just not been treating me well lately. You are short with me. You don't give me the love I need."
I am so thankful that, as I get older, my patient Heavenly Father reveals to me MY part, MY responsibility, MY pride.
Thank You, Jesus, for the conviction of Your Holy Spirit! Thank You, that You reminded me quickly that I was not walking (or thinking) in the Spirit! Thank You that You give me glimpses of what I am like when I take control and do not submit to Your reign in my life! Thank You that in my life, You make it quite evident that I am in need of a Savior...YOU...daily!
And, thank You that, as an added bonus, You have given me a husband who, at the end of our walk, hugged me and said, "I'm going to be nicer."
ps~This post is from 2/7/12. I'm sure you can see why I would be hesitant to post it. Yikes! But, in being honest with myself and with you, my six favorite young adults, this happens in my life sometimes. Some people are just "good" people. I, on the other hand, am not. Left to my own devices, without Holy Spirit in control, I'm capable of lots of yucky things.
ps~This post is from 2/7/12. I'm sure you can see why I would be hesitant to post it. Yikes! But, in being honest with myself and with you, my six favorite young adults, this happens in my life sometimes. Some people are just "good" people. I, on the other hand, am not. Left to my own devices, without Holy Spirit in control, I'm capable of lots of yucky things.
Dr. & Mrs. Wright
So...life's been a bit of a blur these days...
So many exciting events...So many celebrations...
Just wanted to take a few minutes to recap one of the major highlights of my life, and, I'm sure, Maria and Greg, probably THE major highlight of your lives so far...
September 13, 2014...I woke up thinking, "Thank You, Jesus! Thank You, Jesus! Thank You, Jesus!" So much to thank Him for! That my son was getting married! That I would have a new daughter! That I couldn't imagine anyone...in all the world...more suited for my son! That you, Greg, chose Maria and that you, Maria, chose Greg! Filled to the brim with thankfulness to our God!
Maria, you were a stunning bride! Really...absolutely radiant! And, I think that radiance shone from within! Your joy, your smile, your excitement, your relaxed attitude! After spending the morning with you as you all were getting ready, Ali commented that you were the most relaxed bride she had ever seen. Your main interest was seeing your groom! I LOVE that! More interest in the man than the wedding!
And, Greg, I've never seen you smile so much! What a fun morning it was hanging out with you and some of your groomsmen here at the house! You boys are so funny...lots of food, drinks, ping pong (the regular kind), soccer on tv. Not too much stress about how you look, what you're wearing. Love that!
The venue, Orfila Winery in Escondido, was beautiful! The ceremony outside, overlooking vineyards and rolling hills! A bit warm, but so what? You were getting married! The look in your eyes, Greg, as you saw your bride coming down the aisle is something I will never forget! Maybe there was a tear or two? Pastor Brian's message was personal, short and focused on Jesus! Coach guiding you through communion.
The reception was a blast! Great entrance! Fun "Wobble" dance! Lovely setting under the tent! Delicious food! Great, meaningful, funny speeches! Lots and lots of dancing! Maria, you and your dad were AMAZING on the dance floor! And then the two of you, Greg and Maria, dancing together for the first time as a married couple to "I'll never get use to you"! At that moment, you two seemed to be in your own little world!
Maria and Greg, the memory that will forever be etched in my mind is the complete exuberance and anticipation and love and joy that showed on your faces throughout the entire day! Priceless!
And, then, you two heading out through the tunnel of friends and family! Off to begin married life!
ps~I wrote this a few weeks after your wedding. Just getting around to finishing up and posting it now. LOVED watching your wedding video with Kim Bastick a few weeks ago! Reliving the whole thing! Love you both so much!
So many exciting events...So many celebrations...
Just wanted to take a few minutes to recap one of the major highlights of my life, and, I'm sure, Maria and Greg, probably THE major highlight of your lives so far...
September 13, 2014...I woke up thinking, "Thank You, Jesus! Thank You, Jesus! Thank You, Jesus!" So much to thank Him for! That my son was getting married! That I would have a new daughter! That I couldn't imagine anyone...in all the world...more suited for my son! That you, Greg, chose Maria and that you, Maria, chose Greg! Filled to the brim with thankfulness to our God!
Maria, you were a stunning bride! Really...absolutely radiant! And, I think that radiance shone from within! Your joy, your smile, your excitement, your relaxed attitude! After spending the morning with you as you all were getting ready, Ali commented that you were the most relaxed bride she had ever seen. Your main interest was seeing your groom! I LOVE that! More interest in the man than the wedding!
And, Greg, I've never seen you smile so much! What a fun morning it was hanging out with you and some of your groomsmen here at the house! You boys are so funny...lots of food, drinks, ping pong (the regular kind), soccer on tv. Not too much stress about how you look, what you're wearing. Love that!
The venue, Orfila Winery in Escondido, was beautiful! The ceremony outside, overlooking vineyards and rolling hills! A bit warm, but so what? You were getting married! The look in your eyes, Greg, as you saw your bride coming down the aisle is something I will never forget! Maybe there was a tear or two? Pastor Brian's message was personal, short and focused on Jesus! Coach guiding you through communion.
The reception was a blast! Great entrance! Fun "Wobble" dance! Lovely setting under the tent! Delicious food! Great, meaningful, funny speeches! Lots and lots of dancing! Maria, you and your dad were AMAZING on the dance floor! And then the two of you, Greg and Maria, dancing together for the first time as a married couple to "I'll never get use to you"! At that moment, you two seemed to be in your own little world!
Maria and Greg, the memory that will forever be etched in my mind is the complete exuberance and anticipation and love and joy that showed on your faces throughout the entire day! Priceless!
And, then, you two heading out through the tunnel of friends and family! Off to begin married life!
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
This is Happening!
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Yay! Precious Maryann, we get to keep you!
You and Nick have a great story...
Met in high school.
Started dating your senior year.
Headed off to colleges in different cities.
Stayed together (almost the whole time).
Moved back to your home towns after college and spent lots of time together.
Continued to fall more and more in love!
And, then...the proposal! What you thought was one of your usual picnics ended up being a day none of us will ever forget!
Maryann, we are beyond excited to have you as our new daughter...part of our family forever! Besides knowing Jesus, you are the best thing that ever happened to Nick!
You are gentle, kind and compassionate. You are steady, disciplined and have an amazing work ethic. You are devoted to your family and your friends. You are easy going, yet know how to be a perfectionist when it's required. You are a fabulous listener, and you also know how to share your heart honestly. You have a great sense of humor. You love and care for my son in such a beautiful way! You love Jesus with your whole heart! And, you are stunningly beautiful, inside and out! You are a gift from God to Nick and to all of us!
This road ahead will have its challenges. I am so proud of you for your attitude and willingness to be by Nick's side as you head out to Loma Linda together. My prayer for you both is that you continue to see this next season as an adventure...that you daily cherish one another, that you stay tender hearted during the stressful times, that you grow closer and closer as God joins you together as one, that you communicate lovingly and clearly with each other (as I've told you...so sorry about the whole communication education Nick got from me), that you laugh and cuddle and hug and kiss a lot, that you abide in, rely on and trust Jesus!
With a heart full of gratitude and joy for you, my new daughter and one of my favorite young adults in the whole wide world, welcome to our family!
I love you,
Alisa
Sunday, May 18, 2014
You did it!
Yes, you did! You stole our daughter's heart, and we couldn't be happier!
David, you are the answer to our prayers!
Ali was not the little girl who always dreamed of finding her Prince Charming and getting married. As a matter of fact, if she talked about marriage, it was usually about how it didn't really interest her.
Then you came along...
I love that it was YOU that made her so excited about marriage! I love the way you pursued her! I love the way you cherish her, care for her, adore her! You know her...really know her...and you see the best in her! You bring out the best in her! (And, I'm sure there are times when you bring out the worst in each other...Sometimes that just happens.) She loves and trusts you enough to be her true self with you!
With two such passionate people, you and Ali may have some bumps along the way. You both are "all in" in whatever you do. But, knowing that you and Ali desire to be abiding in Jesus, surrendered to the Spirit, seeking God's will in your lives, I am confident that this new stage of married life will suit you well!
Thank you, David, for loving our girl so well! We love you and thank God for you!
oxo-Alisa
ps- The way you displayed your love for Ali on the side of a busy street in Charleston is something I will never forget. :-)
With two such passionate people, you and Ali may have some bumps along the way. You both are "all in" in whatever you do. But, knowing that you and Ali desire to be abiding in Jesus, surrendered to the Spirit, seeking God's will in your lives, I am confident that this new stage of married life will suit you well!
Thank you, David, for loving our girl so well! We love you and thank God for you!
oxo-Alisa
ps- The way you displayed your love for Ali on the side of a busy street in Charleston is something I will never forget. :-)
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Freedom
Just thinking about you four, my favorite young adults!
Nicky, I've loved seeing your photos from New Zealand! What an adventure! Sounds like you had a blast with the guys, and now more fun times with the Sahakians! We miss you and pray for you daily!
Ali, Dad and I were just talking about how strange it is to start the weekend without you and David being here. We miss you! I know this week has been busy, with lots more coming up for you in the weeks ahead. Praying for you and David as you love on and serve those around you!
Greg and Maria, what a special time last weekend having you two here! Love, love, love spending time with you! Praying for the peace that passes understanding (because that's what you need!) to fill you as you deal with not living near each other.
So, I just finished another journal! Starting a new one tomorrow. As I was going through this one, I came across a quote I had jotted down from Carol's book Living Free:
"Living freely is not letting anything or anyone crowd out the power and presence of the 'Son'...Jesus, in my life. It is continually being willing to die to self so that Christ can be the ruler and head of my life. It is believing that I can have the abundant life God offers, every day and in every circumstance."
Cool, huh?!!
oxo-Mom
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