by Elaine Rassel This week is one week that I wish would never have all that happened, have happened. Monday, just before 7 o’clock p.m., Jeanette passed away at her home. An ambulance was called, and in the short time it took to arrive, she had passed away. I want to say that our volunteers on the Fire Department are a great group of dedicated men. They were everything a person would want when something like this happens. They were respectful, courteous, and showed their sympathies. Small towns seem to have these qualities of people living there.
Wednesday I had a test at the Clinic for something or whatever. About 4 p.m., I received a call that I was going to be sent to a hospital in Sioux City as my white count was so low that I didn’t have much time left. After a second opinion, I was given antibiotic, Prednisone, and Potassium. On Thanksgiving Day, Floyd Valley Hospital called and wanted to know if I wanted to try an infusion treatment to try and bring this up. That was only a 20 minute but they were constantly checking me, so it was about a 2 hour time period. I think the program is experimental, so I hope I get some good results from it. The odd thing about all this is that I am feeling fine. That’s what I don’t understand.
There are 8 viruses going around so who knows what will hit next. Meanwhile I couldn’t go to Jeanette’s funeral on Saturday. I am not to leave the house as I could pick up something from someone that isn’t going to help my immune system at all. I did want to go to the funeral but will have to settle for listening to it after Sunday.
Thank all of you that have kept Steve in your thoughts, prayers, and in any other way. He has been a caretaker for over two years that most males wouldn’t want to exchange places with. This has been a 24 hour job, seven days of the week. While we all knew that time wasn’t long for her, when the Lord blew his trumpet and called her home, we were still in shock.
Saturday was the funeral at Faith Lutheran Church with Pastor Alan Cummings officiating. Sadly, there were only about 50 people present. (We realize that people had other things to do on Saturday and couldn’t make it.) Food was on hand for 100, so there was much left over. Thanks to the ladies that sent salads and cakes as well as helping to serve. I only wish I could have been there. Zachary and Bethany couldn’t go either as they might bring home something to me. I am going on Monday to the Clinic and hopefully, things are getting better.
Jennifer and Scott came to the Friday visitation and then left for Houston. I hope Jennifer receives a good report.
It doesn’t seem possible that it has been 80 years since Pearl Harbor was bombed by the Japanese. It is terrible to think of all the men that were killed at that time. For some, there was no way out as the ship was sinking fast. This was to be their grave. When looking over the men attending the Veterans’ Day programs, there are less of these World War II Veterans attending.
The Pearl Harbor action brought several from our surrounding areas to sign up for their country in defense of what had happened. There were some that chose not to graduate from high school but rather go to fight for their country. Some even didn’t tell the truth about their age. It was a stirring moment for those who wanted America to remain free. Iowa’s Governor sent a message concerning the attack to Iowans that I hope there is room to print.
Did you know that there are over 5,000 scam stations now? It is the time of the year when the scammers are at their best. They seem to know just how to get into your business. One warning was that more people are “going online” to get gifts. They know how to find this out. There is no stopping them to find your credit card number and to use it. It is the older people that are being taken by these scammers. It is not a good idea to answer when they call. Even if you tell them to take you off their calling list, a few minutes later, they are right back to calling again. At one time cell numbers couldn’t be found out, but now they even have access to these. Too bad they don’t get a job instead of taking from people that are trying to make a living.
The Brady Bunch was on Sunday morning television as the entire family (now grown up and have left home) that came home for Christmas. Some of them I could recognize but there were others that have changed looks! There were grandchildren included. Alice was there and she hasn’t changed a bit!
December has come and all the events that go with the month. There are enough places to go to (school plays, Hometown Christmas, open houses, family early Christmas gatherings) that can keep you busy right up to Christmas. Just don’t forget the reason for the season.
As I am finishing this, I received word that Keith Housken passed away on Friday. Now there is another family that has been affected by death.
Keep in your thoughts and prayers those who have lost loved ones to death, help them to get by this season that will be hard for them to cope with, be with those with health problems, some that will never have their health restored to them, put your feet in the shoes of those who are struggling with finances, understand that material things are not everything just be yourself and try not to be someone you are not.
I will leave you with this thought Unless you have experienced a dark time in your life, you may never appreciate the light.