AAAHHHHH THE WEEKENDS

Another weekend has arrived and we travel to gather yet again. Peg has returned safely from Arizona and brings with her daughter Kim from Montana. Gaie, Arlie & Summer have returned bringing TJ with them this trip. Butch and Deb are here and daughter Heather has arrived from Colorado. Kelly will be travellin on the morrow bringing his crew with.. and I'm thinking it will be all kids and lovely spouse as well this run. Am anticipating many wonderful photo ops as we gather to celebrate Mom on this 4th of July weekend. Hey Mom... All 4 of Your Kids in the Same Place at the Same time.... OMG... can ya stand it....!!!!!!

To All Who Cannot Be Here With Us This Weekend

Happy 4th of July

We Love You

Rae

You'll be the Grandest Lady in the Easter Parade....

Hi Gang-

Before we get to the "Parade of Hats" thought I'd share this with you:




Mom is now a "Graduate" of Radiation Therapy at the Regional Center Treatment Center here. That means she has completed her scheduled series of radiation treatments... or that they're just tired of the parade of familymembers coming in and re-arranging the furniture and hogging all the magazines. (Could be that answering the phones was a step over the line?)

She is scheduled to go back and she Doc Studt on the 3rd to discuss the occasional pain in her side. (The occasional pain in her rear is currently typing this. Doc Studt says she's on her own for that.) Mom says the occasional pain is just that: occasional. It isn't much and it comes and goes and doesn't last long. Sometimes the meds knock it down, sometimes just resting does.

Now, what I do not have a picture of (and I am so sorry) is her arrival at the Center for her last treatment. She wore the pink bouffant wig. She wore it, along with her Relay for Life t-shirt, out of the car, and down every hall in the place. The reactions were "mixed", shall we say? Some folks just couldn't get the humor. Some folks just rolled. My favorite was the x-ray tech who met her at the door, smiled and said "Nice shirt."

Doc Studt wasn't there this week, so she plans on wearing it again next week to see him. Will try to get the picture then.




You'll be the Grandest Lady in the Easter Parade....

So, about that "Parade of Hats"-- Here's what we've got so far. You should be able to click on any of the photos below and have them open a larger version in a separate window.







Basic Black Granny





Minnie Pearl Granny




Rappin' Granny






Granny at the beach?






Merchant Marine Granny







Same Merchant Marine, but in pink (She's a lady, after all.)





"Insert your own caption here" Granny






Casual, Comfortable Granny




Roarin' 20's Granny





"Ma Barker" Granny (That's no lady... that's my Mama!)




OK, hit comment, cast your votes. Add your own captions, if you want. Of course, the only vote that counts is Mom's. (If Mama ain't happy....)

The Party at Coye's: June 2006

The Party at Coye's: June 2006

My phone rang late last night, something about "They lost my f-ckin' bags!"..............I think maybe big sis rode the same airlines as big bro?...................

Fly Southwest.......Wright is Wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Party at Coye's: June 2006

The Party at Coye's: June 2006

This here would be the other son, Kelly...............
Sorry that I haven't posted anything sooner, no real excuses...........
My Clan will be motoring toward 'Angelo this weekend, so beware, all the damn kids are coming with........
Mother, like I told you before......you have given me the best gift ever, life..........thank you..........
And now you are giving me and my sibs another gift, the gift of strength........again, thank you..............
Strength beyond strength to become stronger than all.................................
I am in class right now attempting to learn a new aircraft (Lear 60) so off to chew the covers off of the books I go...........
Love ya and see you this weekend.......

Birds, Babies, & Marge Simpson's Little Sister

I'm back in Texas for awhile.

Deb and I drove down from Illinois starting Friday night.
Strangest thing... The cheapest gas (2.65)we found on the trip was down the street from Mom's house here in San Angelo.... Go figure.

Things have been busy around Mom's (Coye's) house while I was gone. Tabi climbed the tree out front and made friends with doves that live there.
No zoom on the lens. They let her get that close. She got a little closer and one of the young ones tried to fly off. Before Tabi put it back she thought she ought to introduce it to the landlord.

Family visits: Much of the family have been in from around the country. Peg's son Steve came in from Seattle, (and brought some outstanding fresh salmon, btw). I wish I'd gotten to see him. I haven't seen much of cousin Steve since I was small. I mean, really small. When I was about 4 or 5 I had one of those metal pedal cars? We lived across the street from the Shrine Temple and they had this long, wide sidewalk in front of the building. Steve would push me in the pedal car. We'd go as fast as possible and then slam a hard left turn so as to keep from flying out into Bryant Thruway traffic. Half the time the car would roll and we'd both go wandering into the house with blood dripping from knees and elbows. (Apparently I used to be a lot more durable than I feel these days. Now I'm not so sure that either of us could run the distance in front of the Shrine Temple, let alone bend over and push something that far.)

Gaie, Arlie and Summer were here for the weekends. Summer discovered her new friend the water hose and danced for everybody.

Oh, and now she and Mom share the same hairstyle.

The radiation finally began showing itself, and Mom's scalp in a few places. A new hairdo was in store. After some close shaving she and Summer could be twins... well, maybe not. Meanwhile a summit was held, votes were taken, and just the right NEW YOU hairstyle was chosen. Drumroll please:



I think it is important to point out that, despite what most folks first guess would be. I had nothing to do with this. NOTHING.

Now, for what it's worth, not just everybody can make this look work. Here's proof:




Coming up, maybe we'll do a parade of hats?

We brought a number of them down from Illinois, and several other folks have brought their suggestions by. Maybe we'll have her "show&tell" them for pictures and let folks vote on their favorites. Needless to say, the Queen gets the real vote.

Tommy and his wife, Danielle, came in from Georgia. Apparently I missed a pretty cool private concert. Tommy played for Mom, and Rae got the rare chance at a family picture. Here's the crew:









Finally, just a quick note of thanks for all the kind words and prayers. We appreciate you all.

Selah --

Butch

The Party at Coye's

The Party at Coye's

From Waller TX - Hi cousins!

It's wonderful being able to look at this blog, find out what's going on and see the great pics of my relatives. You guys are having so much fun with "the Lady" (however, I think maybe "the Princess" would work too)!! Talk about dusting out the cobwebs...I remember when I was very young (many yrs ago) and Coye, Rae, Gaie and Butch came to visit us (at Unc Virgil's & Aunt Verna's) house. There were so many kids running around poor mother didn't know what to do - she threw mattresses on the floor and that's where all the kids slept - I have no clue where the adults slept, but I'm sure they found some place to lay their heads. We had so much fun on that trip. I remember Butch was only a couple of years old but funny even then! He kept us laughing and entertained.

Just wish we had all lived closer together and could have visited more often. I always enjoyed talking to all of you and Peggy too!

Looks like you're all doing a great job of taking care of your mom/grandma and keeping her entertained and out of trouble (maybe...). I'm going to send Rae and Butch a picture of Unc Virgil and his "girls" that was taken at my house May 14th, to celebrate his 85th birthday and you can show it to the Lady.

Coye, we are all still praying for you and know you're in God's loving hands, and surrounded by those who love you dearly. Thanks so much, kids, for keeping the blog going - it's great!

Love you all.
Becky

Moderator's note: Here's the picture Becky sent...
What a good looking group of folks!

Thanks, Becky

-- Butch

The Way Coolest Granny around

As you can see granny is doing well she can hip-hop with the youngest of them. I have never known her to stop for anything (or take orders well.) She has always been there when needed, to hold our hand, to lean on, and yes to fuss at us when we do something wrong. I will say it has been a great pleasure to finally after all this time to be able to return the favor. I only hope I can get the fussing down as well she. So far I must not have paid enough attention, since she doesn't listen when we fuss at her. She is soooooo Bossy and opinionated. Oh well I guess that is how real Queens get to keep wearing the crown.
special thanks to all those who come by, call, blog, ect. you help keep a smile on our almighty Queens face, and sometimes are great distractions when she is fussing at us.
the favorite
Susie
no I am the favorite becuase I change the cat litter
tabi

FYI Update

Well, here we are, halfway thru radiation treatments and mom still has all her hair.... AND she's cranky about it..."Dammit, they lied to me... said it would all fall out" ... go figure.... soooo.. since it wont fall out we decided to cut it off.... and presto chango... what a wonderful new look.














Thanks Tena..... Good Job.

ps

ya know... I taught my son, Tom, to dance, in self defense. I didnt want to grow old with no one to waltz with... now he waltz's with the other girls.......... well, ok, he's down to just one other now (Danielle) , lol

And of course, his sister would love to get in on that action as well.... twin sis Charlsa that is...










Now, as for the rest... it is all about food...
sheesh, they even fight over it... Well, OK
We admit it... if ya tell Mom she cant have any .. She will want it all!!!!!!!!
C'mon Sue... give it up..... lol.

Oh, btw.. meet Susie.. my eldest and meanest child.... she will agravate her grandma no end... specially if it gets her to eat, lol.

Please... come, share your memories, even as we make new ones... They are our life times.. now and tomorrow.

Peace and Blessings
rae

Trapped Tween The Pages of My Mind

I find myself brushing off the cobwebs.
So many things thru-out life involve the things we remember.
Seems they are often the bad more so than the good.
One wonders why that is......
when we need to recall the good things in life, we remember the opposite.
Does it relate to the lessons we are supposed to learn and recall?
I remember mom working 2 jobs to keep us all in food and decent housing.
Combined with that were the nites when, I, myself working my first real job, needed that ride home around midnite, and mom... just getting off herself, would pick me up from the Rootbeer stand and we would go back up the street, just a few blocks, to the bar she worked at, to listen to Pinkie play that old piano for a bit before we put it down for the nite.
Yup.. that's right.. this 15 year old kid sittin in a bar... a beer joint.. in west texas... listenin to some old fella playin his way across the ivory's of an old rinky tink piano....
but then, that was the way of it in west texas where bars and dance halls invited folks to bring their kids to the party... only way they could get em out, lol.
I remember my first dance.... at a dance hall with mom and "that other husband" in a bar in the hill country of texas for my birthday........ hhhmmm
dang.... must be somethin here.... memories involve dancin and old bars..... uh..... ok, in growin up I got the bar part right.... reckon I need to work on the memory of the dance...........
That's it... I just need to dance....... I luv ya ma............Dance with me :)
Rae

Old Hallways....

Wandering around the old hallways in my head,

I find doors that lead to other doors, and dust covered memories of stuff that I didn’t think mattered anymore. Brush away the cobwebs and blow off the dust and bring them out to the window where the sun can shine on them. Just like that, they are warm and alive again. Playing out in front of the mind’s eye, they dance on the dust, lit by the glow of the sun….

Looking back, I may not have been the easiest kid in the clan. Funny how most of the memories I wander across are connected to trouble I got into. I didn’t know it at the time, but I guess Mom worked at least two jobs most of the time we were growing up. (You try keeping three kids in Keds, so to speak.)

I might have taken advantage of that “here and there.”

Visiting with Mom last week I was reminded of getting caught skipping school in 4th Grade. And getting caught breaking INTO the school in 3rd grade. (No vandalism in mind. That’s just where the books were. My sisters are right. I was a weird kid.)

Funny, I don’t remember too many times when I got away with whatever I was up to. It's as if the getting caught, and the ruckus that it raised, is just as fun and cherished a part of the memory as the acts themselves.

Something else I don’t remember? Not once, not ever, do I remember being cold or hungry. Hot? (Hell, yes. It was West Texas in the 60’s and 70’s. It used to rain steam in August.. when it wasn’t raining dust. Oh yeah, almost forgot -- Uphill, both ways….)

But we didn’t go hungry. And I always felt loved. Thanks to working at the Sheriff's Office, I have the mixed privelege of seeing divorced parents who couldn’t get along while they were married, so they make a point of not getting along now that they are divorced, and they take turns using the kids as the weapon of choice.

Never got that. Still don't. Maybe it's because Mom and Dad always made sure we knew they both loved us. And that they were together in wanting what they felt was best for us.

So, any credit that I can take for Heather growing up a decent, confident, contributing human being (so far, so good) has to go back, at least in some part, to you, Mom, and to those memories.

Guess they still matter, after all.

Thank you, both. I love you, Mom!

Butch

The Party at Coye's

The Party at Coye's - Glad to hear you guys are up and running. If you don't have enough grand kids to chase let me send a few of my 15 over for some excitement. Shannon and Amie are expecting one in October so the fun just gets bigger and bigger. When we use to take our kids to Jay and Mary's and my mom and dads (too many to leave in one place). John use to say "that's what grand parents are for". Bet he is laughing his head off now when I try to watch 5 or more at one time.

I have 3 girls here as of saturday and their new papa (who doesn't have any grandkids around) is giving them everything they ask for - so it is like saying no to 4 of them. Then they do what they want like I am not even here. We are going to have them till the 28th when we go to Texas for the 4th - so can you imagine the fun I am going to have the next few weeks. The kids want to go camping and fishing for 4 days. I am staying in a hotel. I will need some rest after all this, I don't want to cook in or clean the outdoors.

I am looking forward to seeing all you guys when I get back to Texas. And stay off the cold duck, that stuff does nothing but give you a bad headache. Can you believe there is a state that has a drive thru bar? When I saw my first Daquires & Cream I asked Skip if it was like an Icee? Well yea, kind of like a frozen drink - only with booze in it. You just drive up to the window and drive off. And we are riding around with these people on the road. OH - and their bars never close and you can buy beer all day long on Sunday. You can even buy liquor in the grocery store and walmart. Yea this is where I need to be, this person who has 1 white russian and can't stand up. Needless to say I don't drink though it is everywhere. I got tired of Coye Jo and Peggy making fun of me. A cheap drunk.

Well have fun this week, don't get into too much trouble with your kids, but make them work hard enough to keep you out of it, like they did you all those years. John use to tell ours" I hope you have kids who give you just as much trouble as you give us". Some of them are paying for that now.

I love all you guys, miss you too. May God shower his rainbow of blessing on you all. Take care, talk to you soon. Dee Dee

Gathering Again

The house is full of family again. Tom has arrived from Georgia with his lovely bride. Charlsa flew in from Virginia. Kelly drove over from Dallas and Margie Gaie from her home alolng with Arlie and Summer. The local family will be joining us off and on over the weekend. All of our travellers are weary but well.

Mom is having loads of fun.... we are really trying to keep a short leash on her, but geezz... she does not co operate well.

Looking forward to posts and pics so long as we can keep the web up and running. Between blog spot maintenance and dsl failure, we are chasing ourselves around a bit.

So funny, yesterday... after much time on phone with tech support and Butch doing the "lets see where it's not going" routine... they finally put up a memo that said "dsl in 'san angelo,tx' is having issues. we are working on it"... duh

Onward and upward...
luv to all
rae

She Rules

So happy you made it home in one piece brother. Shame about the luggage.... and it's too darn hot in texas to care about the stylin thang.
Agree with what you said about sis in law... she is truly an angel working behind the scenes even in her busy life. Will have to find a pic of her in here somewhere soon. In the meantime, the lady of the continuous hour is in fine form. And enjoying every second of it. Visit with the "family" doc today just continues to confirm what we already know with no new info passed along. Biopsy results are still pending. Sheesh... one wonders if they really have a clue bein as they cannot count... 'a couple of days" jimminy christmas.
At any rate, our dear Dr L says that if mom has any questions that no one will answer, if she feels she is being mistreated in any way or .. dare I say it... if she ever feels that she needs someone to save her from her family.... ie make em go away... just call and he will take care of the problem.... twinkle in his eye and all. Radiation continues.... we see the oncologist on monday and life goes on in spite of us. The Lady is still in control. She tires easily but does not like to admit it. Please, visit with her, call when you can, and help us limit her exposure by personal choice... yours/ours, not hers, lol, She aint listenin to us! (That's our lucky Kelly & his Rachel above)
We love you Mom.
Blessings to All
Rae

Home and Dry in Illinois

Hi, Mom.

I'm home and dry in Illinios. Still no sign of my luggage. Spent an hour in Houston. Bought Deb a T-shirt that reads

"Beer, Now cheaper than gas.
Drink, Don't Drive. Houston, TX"

It was good to see family again, even for such a reason.

Thought I'd dump out of my head a couple of memories of the last week:

Asking the nice lady at American why this ticket, nonstop, from St. Louis to Dallas was $238 and that ticket, nonstop, from St. Louis to Dallas, leaving one hour earlier, was $750. Her response was ".... " Bought the $238 and got on the earlier flight "Standby". (Of course, they got the last word, and my luggage.)

Which brings me to clothes shopping. Spent the night at the hospital with Mom. Slept in the dress clothes I had. Next morning early went to the "Big Mart" store and did some clothes shopping... shorts, some sandals, couple shirts. Went back to Kelly's. Went upstairs, took a shower and put on said shorts, sandals and a shirt. Felt so good to be out of the dirty dress clothes. Felt so refreshed; I stood at the top of the stairs and announced loudly "I AM NOT WEARING PANTS!!" That's when I discovered that I was alone in the house with my sister-in-law and her three year old son. Not sure how she felt about my little announcement. She never mentioned it. But they didn't come out of her room for, like, an hour.

One last thing about the new clothes. Later that day (next day?? they all ran together), at the hospital, Mom thought it was important to advise all of the hospital staff that "The airline lost my son's luggage. He had to go buy something to wear at Walmart." One nurse, upon hearing this, while she was checking Mom's blood pressure, looked me over quickly, from head to toe and back again. Without stopping what she was doing. Without missing a heartbeat. She took in the cheap sandals, the dull green cargo shorts and the shirt and then looked ever so briefly into my eyes with the most heartfelt pity I've ever seen. It was as if she had printed a card and handed it to me. "You had the excuse to improve your wardrobe... and you chose that."

Enough of the clothes. I want to tell you just how wonderful my sister-in-law is. Kelly, you are a luck son-of-a-bi... oh wait... that bi.... would be my mom....

Kelly, you are incredibly blessed. Rachel is awesome. She was so kind and patient and generous to all of us as we invaded her home. She did a hundred things in the background, to make things easier and smoother, so seamlessly that no one even noticed. And she loves you dearly, dear brother. And you deserve it. I admire you both. And love you both very much. Thank you, again. And take care of my buddy, Keegan.

There are other things that deserve telling, but this has gotten a bit long. I'll save them for later, save this one thing:

Sitting at the foot of her hospital bed, listening to my Mom hold a dozen phone conversations with friends, family, and even a couple of strangers (one guy dialed wrong, trying to order a pizza.... We took the order. Wonder how long he waited for it....)

I am humbled by how strong, how loving and generous my Mother was in that hospital. She had every right to be everything but. And still call after call she told people her news. She comforted. She guided. She listened to the same words of sympathy and loss over and over again. She calmed them and helped them to understand. She was, she is... amazing. And she's my Mother.

I love you, Mom. I always have, but never more than I do right now.

And I will try to live the example you have set for us until my last breath.

I'll see you in a couple weeks.

........Butch

From Here In Carbondale!

The Party at Coye's

Hey Coye, It's Jamie from up here in Little ole Carbondale, I just wanted to say that I was thinking about you and Just wanted to drop you a line to say Hello! Keep your spirits up!!

With Lots andLots of Love!

Jamie!

Denton's in Georga

I just wanted to say "lots of love" from us both.
I cant wait to see ya in a couple of days Grandma.
For those who might not know this is Tom and I will
be headed down there on friday mornin at about 3:00 .
I will get there sometime in the evening. Can't wait!
Love u all Gots to go to bed know . Bye Bye

Greetings from Waller/Houston!

The Party at Coye's

Hey Coye Jo:

Just wanted to say hello and let you know that all your cousins in this part of the world are wishing you the very best, and lots of laughs and good times with your kids! Sounds like it's been quite a ride with all your "commedians" in the family and I know you enjoy having them all surround you! And if that doesn't work....the CHOCOLATE will!!!! :D

Our prayers are going out to you each day and I know there are angels watching over you with God's grace and love. Please let us know if there is anything we can do from here and I hope we get a chance to see you before too long. We want to see how your treatments go so that we don't try to visit when you're not feeling well. We'll keep in touch with Peg or the kids. Our love to everyone there and big hugs especially to you!!

Love, Bonnie

The Party at Coye's

The Party at Coye's

Well this is Gaie coming back at ya again, rising like a phoenix 4 days later. Actually 2 days of "god only knows what I did to deserve that" flu and 2 long but worth while days at work. I'll be taking Brandon to Waco to head off for Oregon on Thursday and then I will be heading to Angelo for a few days.Maybe I'll get to play "floater" and spend some time enjoying our "sly old" 10 month Summer at Grammas house. Don't let Mom fool ya. She's figured out how to play possum here an there 'cause it gets her chocolate and plenty of it.

See you in a day or so, Love Gaie

PS completely missed Kelly on his birthday on Monday. Love you , too.

The Party at Coye's

The Party at Coye's

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I LOVE YOU MUCH

Lotsa HI'S from Ketchum Idaho.....

I know I have NEVER been to Texas!!! I think you have found a way to get me there....!!! You really didn't need to go to all of this trouble....all you needed to do is ask.... :>) (yeah, now I tell you, what's up with that?)

My thoughts and prayers are with you ....I know God's angels are around you giving you strength and assurance.

Your kids and family are so awesome. You have truly been BLESSED!

I tried to call your cell yesterday 6/5/06 and left a message for you....Know that if you need anything from the land of snow, elk, deer and bear....I am here....I would do anything for you....

Hugs and kisses and prayers for you Coye Jo!!

I LOVE YOU, GOD BLESS and comfort you with HIS warm hugs.....

Barb
at one time Brandt, then Poe, now Brandt again....Yikes....

A WORD FROM THE GUEST OF HONOR

ITS ABOUT TIME YOU HEARD SOMETHING FROM ME. AS FAR AS I CAN TELL IM DOING FINE. MY DAMN KIDS WONT LET ME FIND OUT ANYTHING DIFFERNT.

THANKS YOU FOR ALL THE PRAYIERS AND THOUGHT THAT YALL HAVE SENT. ILL BE CHECKING BACK IN LATER.

COYE

Sunday's Bug and the Monday Blues

Well, we've skipped right over sunday.... well, alright, not exactly....
more like we drove thru it. Got Mom moved back home, all in one piece, and man oh man has she found her power again. Back in control.

Trip to doc's office today initiated radiation treatments on her brain... yes, they say she really has one... found it on the pictures they took today and then they made a mask of her face and head so they could draw lines and arrows to point the way.

She will be getting treatments to shrink the brain... errrr tumor that is.... daily for couple of weeks. Will also be making trips to see all the other docs and get their opinions on what she should do, all the while making up her own mind while she still can.

Let there be NO DOUBT.....
THIS WOMAN KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT SHE WANTS....
and makes no bones about saying so.....
and all is right with the world, at least for now.
Tomorrow's another day :)~

Oh, as for the bug... well, what Margie Gaie found, she passed along...
Brother Butch was down for the count on sunday and is slowly making his way back.
Arlie & Brandon found it sunday nite or monday mornin....
precious Summer is happily enjoying her parents downfall....
hhhmmm me thinks me smells a plot, lol.

Blessings and Love to All
Rae

In the Still of the Night

The midnite hour approaches....




Here's a couple more pictures from the day:


Keegan and Summer were in charge of entertainment today. Summer is the "Spider Monkey" on the right. That's her dad with her. Go ahead, it's ok, you can say it. Everyone else has already commented on how nice it is that she has his hair... (all of it).

I can't imagine what the cell phone minutes are going to total after this week....










Had a nice crowd over at Kelly's tonite. Rachel's cousin Amy came by, with her husband Bobby, and son Dylan. Nice folks. Especially Amy (she brought chocolate cake....)

Here's Mom trying to figure out what happened to her last bite of cake. I think there may have been a small child involved.


One thing we did not get pictures of was the basketball crowd. Suns vs. Mavs in Game 6. Win or Go Home for the Suns. Peg and Mark being from AZ, are energetic Suns fans. But, they were in a Mavs house tonite. Especially with Bobby here. The Mavs prevailed and Mark was forced to slip silently off into the night (or at least out to the RV).


The party did have it's first casualty last night. Gaie seems to have developed some form of short term bird flu. (Brandon says she ate some bad chicken.)

Poor girl was up all night fighting it, then had to drive back to Gatesville. She'll be back when she's feeling better. Get well soon, Gaie, we love you.


Ok, 'nuff for tonite. It's meds time for the star patient. And time for Wilson's Household Skullduggery Law #205: Last person up gets to finish off the chocolate cake. (Thanks again, Amy!)

Saturday -- a day of rest and family

The phone's ringin' off the hook. Messages flying back and forth across cyberspace. Laughs, gossips and some fun finger-pointing (with a variety of choice of fingers) flashing across the table.

It's a day of family.

Thanks to all for the love, kind words, and prayers.

Here's a couple of quick photos:
Kelly & Rachel -- our hosts.


Mark & The Land Barge -- Mom's chariot for the trip home.
















Keegan in Jail-- "Spring me Granny!! Spring me!!!"



Arlie, Brandon, Coye, & "Princess" Summer


Mark + Beer + Mower= Well, not what you'd guess, actually. Not a paramedic in sight.

Mark insisted on mowing the yard. Said "We don't have this in Arizona (North Mexico, just across the river).









Other notes:

We've received a lot of e-mail, on a number of different accounts. Mom hasn't checked her e-mail yet. We'll be setting her up with access when we get her settled in San Angelo.

More later!!//Butch

The Party at Coye's

Hey Coye

Boy the things you'll do to get some attention!!!!! You wanted a party, all you had to do was ask, you know!

Seriously...you're in my thoughts right now. And my heartfelt support goes out to the rest of the family...they're going to need it.....look who they're dealing with.

Anyway, lots of love to you all
Kylie

Well I will be on my way

Hello Gramz, and to everyone else....

I will be flying into San Angelo on Thursday. Arrivale time to Mathis Field is 3:05pm. I can't wait to see everyone. Gramz you are in my thoughs and prayers. I love you! Please have good rest and don't give anyone to much of a hard time. I will be seeing you soon. Big Hugs and Kisses

Always
Charlsa

Dear Gaie,

Bonnie forwarded your email about your Mom to me. My thoughts and prayers are with you all and please give my love to her. I know it's a very difficult time right now until you know what she's facing. After having gone through breast cancer and all the treatments, I can truthfully say the hardest time is the very beginning and all the unknowns. I hope and pray that Coye's prognosis will be good and that any treatments she needs won't be too hard. My love and prayers are with you.

Take care, Kathy

I hadn’t heard about Coye Jo until now. Sorry to hear the news. I will keep her & all of you in my prayers. All of you kids are so good.
I know your Mother appreciates all your help. Keep us aware of the prognosis.

Tell Coye Jo we love her & wish her the best!! I know God will watch over her.

Love you all,


Janet Levandowski
janetlevandowski@firststate-texas.com
830-832-4244 cell

Thanks so much for letting us know about your mom. She is in my prayers. Please tell her we are all thinking about her and praying for her.

Please continue to let us know how she's doing.

Becky

Dear Gaie:

I am so saddened to hear this news about Coye. I had no idea that she was ill or in the hospital. Thank you so much for keeping us informed of how she is doing. I know it doesn't seem too encouraging at this moment, but with God, ALL THINGS are possible and we'll certainly keep her and all her family in our prayers. Please let us know any new developments.

With Love and Prayers,

Bonnie

More at coyesparty

http://www.oncologychannel.com/lungcancer/treatmentstages.shtml


Mark and Peg are here and mother is in full form. Hard to keep up with her since they gave her wheels. (walker with wheels) We may have to hide her wheels, but I dont think that will slow her down.

Gaie

The Party has Moved!

It may not be what you are waiting to read, but it's what you are waiting to read about:

The biopsy confirmed what we already knew. They have confirmed that it is a type of cancer called Adenocarcinoma.

http://www.lungcancer.org/ says this is the most common type of cancer in women.

The Doc says that mass in her head should react well to radiation, the mass in her right lung, not so much.

Quick note: This is NOT the place to debate such things. You want to do that, go get your own party place.

What we're up to now is making from here to there just as happy and comfortable as possible.

Here's the plan as we know it:


They tell us that radiation is a good option to help with "quality of life", regardless of whether chemo or other stuff is going to happen. So, that will probably happen first of next week.

In the meantime....

The party has relocated to Kelly's Place. We'll probably be here until Sunday. (Late yesterday they made the mistake of telling her she could get out today. So, after the wax beans showed up on the lunch tray she told us "I don't care who has to die or get fired to make it happen. Get me out of here.")

Peg and Mark are on the road, motoring down from Minnesota. (btw: What did the Minnesotan say to the Pillsbury Dough Boy? "Nice tan." -- Thank you, Willie Nelson.)

They have an RV. We plan to hijack said land barge and use it to motorcade Mom back to San Angelo.

She has an appointment to see a Radiation Oncologist in Angelo on Monday. Treatment will then move forward based upon her wishes.

The trained medical staff in the family, and those of us who just want to play one on TV will then take turns hanging out with Mom, acting as handmaids, butlers, and gate guards.

We will try to keep it light and fun and keep up a steady trickle of happy visitors.

OK, if you are planning to come visit, read the last line again. Now, one more time please.

That's what the requirements are to get in the door. (OK, that and maybe Whataburgers, Julio's Chips & Salsa, good chocolate.... you get the idea.)

We'll be posting photos and other thoughts as we go along.

One other thought it is probably important for you to know. Right now she's comfortable and surrounded by family. She wasn't in any pain when she went into the hospital. And she says the only pain she had when she left was the pains they made her take home. (Wait a minute... HEY!)

We appreciate all your kind thoughts. All your kind words. All of your posts and your prayers.

Butch
bwilson@roe25.com

"The Boys"

Hey Coye, its Jimmy and the boys from carbondale. We miss you lots and wish we could be there with you. You are in our thoughts and our hearts and your the best adopt-a-grandma ever!!

Good Evening All You Fine Folks..... or is that good morning to you, lol.
Having just spent the nite workin takin care of folks, I am not to darn sure.
Rumor has it.... they are pokin more holes in Mom.... dang.... like you need someplace else for "stuff" to leak out of, hehehehehe.
Yeah, OK... Butch is the REAL funny guy....., but hey, I aint had no sleep in 16 hrs............
just needed to send a big "I LOVE YOU MA" out there.
oh... and as long as we are sharin pics.... thought I might try to post one.
Mom.. at Musical Echoes in Ft Walton Beach, Florida just a few weeks ago...
if she looks a little dazed... it's cause she's so entranced by the music....
flutes and fiddles and flutes and dancers and flutes, lol. That or she's just humoring me as usual. Of course it could have been the wine we had with lunch... or was this margarita day????
Alrighty then, I gotta get some sleep.... workin tonite again... meetin all the obligations I can in one fell swoop.
Love ya
Rae

If it's bloodsuckers and breathing treatments, it must be Thursday Night!

10 PM

Mom is resting comfortably. She gets a few hours naptime between the breathing treatments and the folks tapping a vein just in case she had produced any more for them to sample. Actually, last night they all coordinated themselves so that they only interrupted the night once (about 5 a.m.).

She had the biopsy on her right lung this morning. They snuck in between the lower ribs with a needle and got what they needed. They did a great job. She isn't noticing any real discomfort from the procedure.

They came back this afternoon and wheeled her off for a chest scan. (She's pretty proud that guys are still looking at her chest after all this time.)

She's had the opportunity to talk, by face or by phone,with all of the kids and grandkids, and a number of other family and friends.

She is alert and mostly comfortable. ("I am not, get me out of this damn bed!") She is, too. But she is pretty bored with the tan walls and the hospital food.

By the way, you know you are in a TEXAS hospital when they serve the patients beef brisket for lunch.

A lot of folks are e-mailing and asking about coming to visit this weekend. We'd say sure. We'd have to ask for you to make it a short visit, but we'd say come on up, down, over, out... but no one knows yet where she'll be this weekend.

Soon as she tells us what the plan is, we'll let you know. Promise.

We are hoping for a morning meeting with the doctors. But we are prepared to superglue their car doors shut to make sure the meeting happens before they leave.

Meantime, Kelly has the watch tonite in the hospital.

See you in the morning!

How you can Post or Comment

OK, sorry.

I didn't exactly explain that part of this thing, did I?

Here's how you can contribute or comment:

To Comment on a post that you read:

Click on the "Comment" link at the bottom of the message you want to add something to.

Then type in your comments.

Then select "Other" and enter your name.

Then click on "Publish Your Comment"

There, you've done it.

Want to add an entry of your own?

Go to www.blogspot.com
Log in Using coyesparty as the username, and letmepost as the password

Then click on the blog's name.
Add a title,
Add your post, and edit and publish away. Send pictures if you want, too.

There ya go....

Butch

Welcome to the Party

The Party is at Coye's House. (Coye's House being where ever she is residing at the moment....)

At the moment, the "House" is at Trinity Hospital in Carrollton, Texas, Room 532.

During her recent "Let's Go Raid the Kid's Refrigerators Tour", she returned to Kelly's and was seen to be acting a "little unusual". (That's like saying a Smurf turns blue when he holds his breath... Who could tell?)

That was Sunday. Rae and Kelly suckered her into visiting Trinity.

This is Thursday. The nice Doctors at Trinity have found a cancer mass in her brain. They went looking for a source and found another one in her right lung.

She is doing fine, all things considered. They have treated her some to relieve her swelled head and restore most of her balance, and as much memory function as she had before this happened.

We, on the other hand, have been working to swell her head in other ways, lavishing her with familial attention and good humor, or just generally being pests, while we wait for some biopsy and scan results, so that we know what we're doing next.

WE EXPECT TO KNOW THE RESULTS OF THE BIOPSY & SCANS "SOME TIME" FRIDAY. Someone will relay that information here.

Folks, that's what we know. Anything else is speculation without enough information.

We'll try to keep you posted here. Have a message for her? Or for anyone else connected to "The Party"? You can post it here.

Just log into coyesparty.blogspot.com The username is coyesparty. The log in is the password is "letmepost".

Be a good soul and don't flame the neighborhood, don't edit anyone else's posts, and keep your messages short. What we post here is available to everyone, and for everyone connected or concerned.

Thanks,

Butch
bwilson@roe25.com

Contact info for: Trinity Hospital 972-492-1010 rm 532