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Post by flossieskid on Feb 4, 2022 5:55:13 GMT -5
So sorry, Deb, to read about your father’s passing. My Mom HATED New Year’s Eve and that was the day she chose to go home to God. It took me YEARS to even entertain the thought of celebrating New Year’s. You will probably go through the same pain on New Year’s Day for a while. It is hard to grieve on that day when everyone else is in such a festive mood!
The one thing that finally got me through it was a song by Barry Manilow called : “It’s Just Another New Year’s Eve.” The lyrics seem to reach me in a way that helped me embrace the sadness of missing my parent - but just for a bit. Then, his final line of the song focused me to remove the stigma of sadness attached to that specific day and forced me to believe: “…but when we’re through this New Year, we’ll be just fine.” I hope you listen to it. I do think it may help.
I look forward to getting the chance to look at your website, soon.
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Post by debgunnhewitt on Feb 9, 2022 15:03:35 GMT -5
Dear Tracey,
Boy, I need to get used to forums! I forgot to check this post I made while looking through so many areas! Maybe I'm not feeling as old as I feel lost at times in the maze of tech and media! I did respond to your latest post in Flossieskid's Corner! It's so neat to hop on here late at night (night owl) or when I get a chance. Thank you for your kind words and I'm sorry to know that you also lost your dear mom on a holiday. I don't know if it was sudden? but I do understand the deep grief over the holidays. Since I sat and watched my very tall, strapping, blue-eyed dad with the most beautiful thick white hair decline into a very frail and broken version of himself - something he feared with all his might and never wanted - go like a "brave soldier" he told the nurse (insert sobbing), through Thanksgiving, my 60th, Christmas, his birthday after and then take his last breath on New Years Day - as if to say "I made it and so long 2021!" it was unfathomable how we would go through the holidays at all. My grief was so overwhelming when I returned home to a rather empty house, albeit my pets were waiting, and a hard working husband who I only saw in the evening - it took me until April to completely fall apart. I leaned over my most precious senior rescue girl, a broken, yet timidly loving Borzoi Shepherd to say goodbye to her in our home with a vet - and it felt as though the bottom ruptured. I couldn't stop crying. I couldn't stop seeing the description my mom had told me of them putting their most precious senior Airedale rescue down in their home, the October prior, with my dad realizing how sick he was just holding his best friend, sobbing. I had seen how God and His angels had encircled mom and I for months and I had seen and felt the beauty of love during the dying. It felt as though we were being lifted and carried through every day.
I love how you described a song getting you through New Years. I will absolutely listen to it. It is through music I too will celebrate, grieve and either sit in it all or move forward. This past holiday was very, very pensive for my mom. Although we were very blessed that my brother's life had a change where he was able to go be with my mom from last July forward (we had gone back to get her and bring her home with us for the summer) - he began to grieve the raw truth that he had not seen my parents enough and had to really process this loss as he navigated all the memories in the house and the emptiness of dad not being there and unfinished business as well. Life is just a huge wave of stuff with ebbs and flows of calm and peace and then the crashing wave again. We went home to gather and celebrate dad. Covid had left so many with no celebrations or funerals and we were determined that we would have joy in this because dad loved Christmas. Dad also never liked his birthday because it was looped together with Christmas as he grew up poor in WW2 England. So it was all something of a higher power, something we had to do. But I know as the years come upon us - it will still hurt and yet I have left lights on for dad and I have tried to look at it as a time to honor him. Last March, just 3 months after dad died my daughter had her second baby and named her after my dad's mom who died at 42, a terrible painful death to cancer - (why dad feared death this way). "Violet" was the hope, the joy, in the midst of my pain. She gave her my mom's first name, "Beryl" as the middle name. It made my mom well up with so much it was impossible to describe this gift.
I hope to write on grief soon because I think that it is so important to let go and do it. To trust that we will walk through it and come out the other side. You honor your mom by lovingly sharing your stories of her and your life and I will continue to share my dad's story. He brought mom and I here from England just before JFK was assassinated. Crazy times., but he had a big dream and we didn't have much. 6 months to find work and he purposely landed in SoCal to scout the airline industry. He was a young airline mechanic in England working for Freddie Laker of Laker Airways. He and mom met at 16 and both had had hard lives. Mom especially. They lived as children outside of impoverished London during WW2 and The Blitz of London. It's incredible to hear her stories especially. Her dad walked out and never returned during this time. So they married young after a few years courtship, had me at home on the bed, just like "Call The Midwife!," and dad's dream was America. He told me as I got older that to him it truly was "the land of opportunity." They sold their wedding gifts, furniture, wrote letters to apply and we said goodbye to all the family, aunts/uncles/cousins, my beautiful granddad (dad's dad) and walked up an outside staircase to a huge airplane. Dad rented us an apartment in Van Nuys and walked to all the aviation companies. He landed a job at Santa Monica Airport and worked on celebrity airplanes. Later when the industry wavered and he lost his job he got on with Disney in the machine shop, building so many things, including being in charge of the monorail project in Florida, where they literally laid out the railing on an oversized football sized field of a backlot and "eye-measured" the extreme project!!! He had only recently gave detail a few years before he passed. Dad would come home and describe the gators outside his hotel. I adored him. None of this had anything to do with my brother and I's entry into the entertainment industry though. He missed aviation so much that after 14 years with Disney he went back to aviation as it had picked back up again. It was at this time an agent was scouting my dance studio...
I've talked/typed yours and everyone's ears off here so I'll sign off for now and I just want to express what a great thing this is to be able to meet you and all the wonderful people on this forum. I know there are many interesting stories here. We all have them if only to be able to pass them down through our family like you are. Looking forward to adventuring through more threads on this forum! Oh and thank you for being interested in my website - amazed I've kept it up as it is quite the noisy industry. I'm proud of the work I was able to accomplish at a later age in life - which isn't as normal - so I hope to inspire others to pursue dreams at any age. Take care.... deb ox
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Post by debgunnhewitt on May 25, 2023 16:15:58 GMT -5
Dear Waltons Forum! I am unsure how a whole year has passed but wanted to check-in and say hello! I hope you're all doing okay. I actually do know how a year has passed in this digital age of life and so many areas to keep up with! I took on more time with grandchildren, renovating and growing. Last May I began to write my way through the valley I was in and although deeply imperfect, I have found a new art form that I am enjoying immensely, combining it with some of my photography. I can't wait to find a corner and write! After years and years of my mom encouraging me to do it (she is a wonderful writer), I woke up one morning, realized I had lost most of my photography contracts during Covid, and was given a title in my head. That day I decided it's time... and joined Substack. A writer's newsletter. What is everyone up to and doing these days after going through such a long few years as a nation and a world? How have you navigated life, what are your hobbies? or passions? What are the simple things you enjoy and are grateful for everyday? Hope to hear back! God Bless, deb aka Patsy
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Post by Easton on May 26, 2023 15:09:00 GMT -5
I so miss photography. I haven't been able to take a clear photograph for a few years now, mainly because of very poor mobility and the fact that my hands shake so much (essential tremors) that all the photos I take come out blurry.
Next time you go on a photo expedition, take a few for me, especially if you have a flower garden. I miss mine.
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Post by debgunnhewitt on May 26, 2023 18:54:56 GMT -5
Hi Easton, I'm so sorry to hear about your hand tremors I had a friend who was a photographer and she had those from a young age, but learned how to take a tripod everywhere with her. Of course that can be cumbersome! I now enjoy pulling from my catalog of photographs, using them for writing, and look forward to road trips with the camera (and, of course, my husband! and two dogs!). I will post some flower, nature pictures here for you when I get a chance!! In the meantime, perhaps talk to someone who could help you set up a tripod? God Bless, deb ox
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Post by wacokyd on May 27, 2023 12:04:42 GMT -5
Welcome back, Debbie...Way back that is!. Last time I saw you was when I drove you home after you babysat my three kids (see photo below). That was probably around the time you were audittioning for the part in the Waltons. You lived across Balboa Blvd from our place in Granada Hills... Remember? My son is now over 50 and is an artist, making his art from photos he has taken. Maybe some of your skills rubbed off.
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Livie's Friend
Reporter
Grandpa Zebulon Walton:Child, there are mysteries in this life that none of us can understand as yet
Posts: 264
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Post by Livie's Friend on May 28, 2023 9:31:21 GMT -5
Hi Deb! So glad to "meet" you here. I joined this forum about a year ago after having discovered The Waltons during the pandemic. Believe it or not, I was never exposed to this wonderful program in my youth. I did hear about it, but never gave it a thought in all my 67 years on this planet until last year. It's a real tonic and antidote to all that's happening in the world right now.
I have taken a peek at your substack page; your photographs are truly beautiful. You have an anointed eye and I am looking forward to reading more about you and your Christian faith. I, too, am a believer and endeavor to live my life in a way to be a blessing to everyone I meet.
Have you ever been on Judy Norton's Behind the Scenes on YouTube? It's so much fun to listen in on her interviews with people who were on the show and get their take on their experiences. Everyone who I've heard speak about The Waltons says how much they loved the comraderie that was very real and how they were accepted with open arms.
That would be a wonderful interview and I think all of us here on this forum would love to see you again.
For now, see you on TV!
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Post by jaydub87 on May 28, 2023 10:22:52 GMT -5
Hello Deb, I joined this site since your last post. A couple years ago when Covid happened, I was working in residential remodeling/construction. Since we were deemed “non-essential,” I got thrown a big curve ball. I turned my side hustle (writing) into a full time gig. I now write and sell content to websites and blogs who then use the content as their own.
In my free time, I spend time with my wife and our animals. Also love playing and writing music, even if I can’t sing a lick lol.
Love the fact that we get to meet and interact with some cast members here.
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Post by runhard on May 28, 2023 14:53:52 GMT -5
Hi Runhard! Hopefully I'll get your name Thank you so much for your kind words. Yes, I guess I figured my parents would live forever! Being that it was just us 3 that came over here from England in the 1960's I think I clung to that idea. I have a brother born here and he is actually living with my 85 year old mom now. It's a comfort as she's out of state. His life took a different turn and it just worked out. The hardest thing is to watch a parent suffer and I am glad my dad is out of pain. He was a proud, good and talented man and I'm really thankful I had him around as long as I did. I miss him a lot. Hope you're doing well and I wish you a good New Year ahead. I know it's been a tough few years for many and I pray you and your family got through okay. God Bless, deb Hi Deb! Believe it or not I missed your reply and just saw it today over a year later. Hopefully you're doing well and just so you know my name well it's Bill. Be well!
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Post by patriciaanne on May 29, 2023 11:41:17 GMT -5
Dear Waltons Forum! I am unsure how a whole year has passed but wanted to check-in and say hello! I hope you're all doing okay. I actually do know how a year has passed in this digital age of life and so many areas to keep up with! I took on more time with grandchildren, renovating and growing. Last May I began to write my way through the valley I was in and although deeply imperfect, I have found a new art form that I am enjoying immensely, combining it with some of my photography. I can't wait to find a corner and write! After years and years of my mom encouraging me to do it (she is a wonderful writer), I woke up one morning, realized I had lost most of my photography contracts during Covid, and was given a title in my head. That day I decided it's time... and joined Substack. A writer's newsletter. What is everyone up to and doing these days after going through such a long few years as a nation and a world? How have you navigated life, what are your hobbies? or passions? What are the simple things you enjoy and are grateful for everyday? Hope to hear back! God Bless, deb aka Patsy So nice to hear from you, Deb! At our home, we've been busy this year with a major kitchen reno. I started in January, designing and beginning to curate items and appliances. Construction began in April, and we are 95% done. Its the kitchen of my dreams, and I completely designed/decorated it myself. My husband was happy to have me make all the decisions and he's thrilled with the results. 😊 Last night my mom came over and was our first dinner guest in our new kitchen. 💗 It's been such a fun, creative challenge. I wish I could start designing someone else's kitchen next. 😄 Right now, in addition to finishing up the kitchen, I'm planting our annual garden and cleaning up the backyard. In the NE you can't plant much before Memorial Day weekend or you risk losing everything. We had a killing frost just 2 weeks ago. And I'm trying to get one of my horses under saddle. So hopefully before summer's over we'll be having nice rides together. My newest passion is working with a personal trainer to get back in shape. Helping my mom sell her home and move to a retirement community over the past several months has really driven home the fact of how important it is to stay healthy and strong if you want to maintain an independent life. It's been a lot of fun lifting weights again and finding out how strong I still am -- even though it's been awhile. Based on your post, I think we're about the same age. 😉
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Post by debgunnhewitt on May 31, 2023 23:56:55 GMT -5
Hello Wacokyd!
Oh gosh!! Were you my neighbor with the kids who had Hermit Crabs at home for show and tell? I think you gave me a ride home after I split my pants open scare of the "surprise" hermit crab coming at me on your recliner! Something popped in the recliner and tore my Dittos! lol. It was your artist son I believe! ha ha! I'm so happy to know that he has become an artist and would love to see his art! How crazy to find me here! Glad you wrote me! Take care and say hello to your kids! ox
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Post by debgunnhewitt on Jun 1, 2023 0:07:13 GMT -5
Hi Livie's Friend!
Thank you for writing! I can't believe you just discovered The Waltons! Better late than never! It's definitely been a beacon of hope and light for many. Also, thank you for peeking at my writing and for your kind words. I love art, music and writing immensely. I can't live without creating. God is a good God and I love that you endeavor to be a light to others.
You are one of a few people that has asked me about doing Judy Norton's Behind the Scenes, so I decided to try and write her on a Facebook message (knowing that's probably not going to work!) and that was last week. I did see that Eric (Ben) liked a little comment I left on one of her interview posts too - but I have no clue how to ask her at this point. She does have a P.O.Box on her website, and no other way of communicating, except for social media. I imagine she is overwhelmed with people writing. I have wonderful memories and it would actually be fun to share! So maybe at some point I can!
God Bless and take good care! deb ox
Hi Deb! So glad to "meet" you here. I joined this forum about a year ago after having discovered The Waltons during the pandemic. Believe it or not, I was never exposed to this wonderful program in my youth. I did hear about it, but never gave it a thought in all my 67 years on this planet until last year. It's a real tonic and antidote to all that's happening in the world right now.
I have taken a peek at your substack page; your photographs are truly beautiful. You have an anointed eye and I am looking forward to reading more about you and your Christian faith. I, too, am a believer and endeavor to live my life in a way to be a blessing to everyone I meet.
Have you ever been on Judy Norton's Behind the Scenes on YouTube? It's so much fun to listen in on her interviews with people who were on the show and get their take on their experiences. Everyone who I've heard speak about The Waltons says how much they loved the comraderie that was very real and how they were accepted with open arms.
That would be a wonderful interview and I think all of us here on this forum would love to see you again.
For now, see you on TV!
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Post by debgunnhewitt on Jun 1, 2023 0:08:22 GMT -5
Hi Bill!
No worries! It's taken me a year too! ha ha! Hope you're doing well!
God Bless, deb ox
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Post by debgunnhewitt on Jun 1, 2023 0:24:27 GMT -5
Hi Jay (jaydub87)!
Thank you for writing me here! I love hearing the Covid curve ball stories of success! Same happened to me and I just continued to keep creating. I LOVE music but can't sing or play a lick. Music is life! Love hearing you like to play and write music. I say to create is to live! Also, thank God for side hustles! Where are you located? My husband hung onto his construction work but he is a commercial electrician and you know how that went! We have a 3 man small shop, but those jobs, especially government, kept him busy enough not to lose 40 years of work. They had money to spend on landscaping and a few electrical projects. Yet, you were non-essential to people that wanted to fix up their homes while they couldn't go anywhere. How did we come out of it all right side up?
Anyways, great to hear from you! I'll be checking in more often now! Thanks again, deb ox
Hello Deb, I joined this site since your last post. A couple years ago when Covid happened, I was working in residential remodeling/construction. Since we were deemed “non-essential,” I got thrown a big curve ball. I turned my side hustle (writing) into a full time gig. I now write and sell content to websites and blogs who then use the content as their own.
In my free time, I spend time with my wife and our animals. Also love playing and writing music, even if I can’t sing a lick lol.
Love the fact that we get to meet and interact with some cast members here.
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Post by debgunnhewitt on Jun 1, 2023 0:39:10 GMT -5
Hi Patricia! So nice to hear from you too! Oh boy, a major kitchen reno! Or as my little 2 year old granddaughter says, "new titchen papa" - my husband is helping on a huge kitchen remodel, like gutting and all electrical for our daughter! Yours sounds amazing! I'd love to see pictures! We finished a four year remodel of a first offer 1953 midcentury home and took it on as an art project! It's been real!! It's also wonderful when you get along and like the results. You could definitely offer to help a friend and see where that leads? Sounds like it's right up your alley! I absolutely love gardening and I can understand about seasonal timing for planting. Two summers ago, after completing the building of a big gutter garden, we went to visit my mom out of state and our caregiver had no idea the soakers stopped working! I lost everything and I guess she didn't notice We learned a lesson and got tarps for the new open pergola over it that my husband built. We had hoped to put plexiglass between the openings, like a greenhouse, however it's a bit complicated with placement and rain draining. The tarps are like nursery tarps and work like a charm plus the drippers are something we now have our new caregiver keep an eye on! and you have horses! yeah! I love that! You must have acreage? Hope you get some good rides this summer! We tackled taking care of my husband's mom declining with dementia in 2019 and moving her into a nursing home, etc. It was very challenging as we had a whole home renovation going on and we were living in the mess with absolutely no way of having her live with us. It was a huge lesson in thinking about all those future things too and staying strong! I walk a ton and hope to get back into yoga soon. I've had a few accidents, one bad ski accident 25 years ago and in 2015 fell from the top of a 6ft ladder - so I have bone to bone knees and am riddled with other bone issues and arthritis. Nothing stops me though because I know this young generation of kids aren't like us and not that we need them to look out for us - I'm just not sure it will happen. Since my dad died both my brother and I look out for my mom. My brother actually moved in with her as it worked out for him. She's very blessed and so are we to have her! I'm 62 and 63 in December! Keep going right! We are still young! I love hearing how you're doing! God Bless and I'll be checking in more frequently! I won't let a year go by! lol! deb ox So nice to hear from you, Deb! At our home, we've been busy this year with a major kitchen reno. I started in January, designing and beginning to curate items and appliances. Construction began in April, and we are 95% done. Its the kitchen of my dreams, and I completely designed/decorated it myself. My husband was happy to have me make all the decisions and he's thrilled with the results. 😊 Last night my mom came over and was our first dinner guest in our new kitchen. 💗 It's been such a fun, creative challenge. I wish I could start designing someone else's kitchen next. 😄 Right now, in addition to finishing up the kitchen, I'm planting our annual garden and cleaning up the backyard. In the NE you can't plant much before Memorial Day weekend or you risk losing everything. We had a killing frost just 2 weeks ago. And I'm trying to get one of my horses under saddle. So hopefully before summer's over we'll be having nice rides together. My newest passion is working with a personal trainer to get back in shape. Helping my mom sell her home and move to a retirement community over the past several months has really driven home the fact of how important it is to stay healthy and strong if you want to maintain an independent life. It's been a lot of fun lifting weights again and finding out how strong I still am -- even though it's been awhile. Based on your post, I think we're about the same age. 😉
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