A story of spirit and life

Jabe at Christmas (maybe 2009?) with a Blood Pressure Monitor

Jabez Richard Bacon was feisty, cantankerous, outspoken and, at times, simply delightful and he was my dad.

On Wednesday, January 2, 2013(probably around 5:00 am), he joined St. Peter for their first game, of many to come, of golf.  He was 94.  Many of my friends would not have known his name, Jabe.  It is a bit unusual.  It is really a nickname for Jabez.  He said when he was a child and someone asked him his name, he would punch them first and tell them his name later!  He was a third generation Jabez and passed that name on to his eldest son - although, my oldest brother has always gone by his middle name, Robert (Rusty).  Imagine living with the names Jabez and Bacon???

Once he retired (at 62), he taught himself French using my college French textbook, taught himself BASIC computer language (this was back in the early 1990's!), and he learned to draw (and eventually paint) by reading "Drawing on the right side of the brain".  He also spent time, during his 80th decade learning German, Italian and Spanish using a computer program called "Languages of the World".   He stayed in touch with some of his golfing buddies using email and even bought a scooter when he was 90 (he thought it cost less to ride that to the golf course than driving his car!).  We do not need to mention the accident he had that caused my brother Terry to buy it from him!

Granddaughter Mary

Grandson Patrick, and Granddaughter Catherine

Sonia (Patrick's wife), Dad, Joel and a very silly Jack!

He was fortunate to have been alive (and have his wits about about him) to see his grandchildren grow-up to be wonderful, productive and the most delightful adults.  Even the current generation of great-grandchildren (thank you Patrick and Sonia and Catherine and Brimm) had some opportunity to see his love of life and laughter!  He loved them all very much! 


 The "generations" pictures (below) are of Jabe, Terry (my brother), Patrick (the 1st born grandson) and Patrick's children, Jack and Joel.  I should mention that Jack and Joel are 11(almost 12) and 9 respectively!  I certainly can not be THAT old!

1st Great-Grandson, Jack - 1st 4 generations picture!

2nd Generations Picture (this one includes Joel!)

The two attached movies are a bit more bittersweet.  They show the 'newest' member of the Bacon clan, Estelle Pearl Bacon Walker and her mom, Catherine, just this past summer with Jabe while he was eating Cheerios, Fruit Loops (yes, I said Fruit Loops!) or oatmeal (made according to Jabe's specific instructions!).

Listen carefully - to the last one in particular - because we were all expected to mow the lawn, mop the floors or otherwise pay for our keep well before reaching 4 months!

Solomon, Catherine, Brimm, Stella and Alice (the dog)

For some reason, no one seems to have a picture of Catherine's husband, Brimm and his son Solomon with Jabe, but I know he enjoyed their visits and got a kick out of Solomon.  He really did have way with kids!  A funny story about the day Brimm and Catherine were married.  Jabe was not able to travel to the wedding (held in Austin, Texas), but through the wonders of Patrick and some technology, Jabe and I were able to see the wedding via Google.  I was so thankful that Patrick was wise enough to mute the voice, because Jabe kept up a steady 'conversation' with the wedding party during the ceremony. 

My dad was a great storyteller.  We just found a recording of him talking about moving back to Michigan from California when my brother Rusty was just a baby and, I think, my mom was pregnant with my brother Mike. Listening to that was very cool. As members of my family have shared the news of his death, I have been struck over and over again with all the stories my cousins have shared about him and his antics (and, this comes from my mom's side of the family, nonetheless!). 

He used his Kindle to read the Grand Rapids Press and Detroit Free Press online as well as keeping up on the all the "important" sports scores (Lions, Tigers, and Red Wings). He never really got the hang of a cell phone, though.   He was a avid golfer and golfed everyday (from April thru October) until about 4 years ago. While his body was giving out on him - mostly his knees and his heart - his mind was still as sharp as a tack and he was a voracious reader.  In early December 2012, he was still able to recite the poem by Rudyard Kipling, Gunga Din.  Something he did regularly and OFTEN when I was child.  "oh no, not again" was a constant refrain of mine!

Engagement Picture (Pat and Jabe)

Most of you may not be able to remember a time when women who wore 'slacks' in public were disdained or when women were discouraged from attending college.  My mom was 19 when she and my dad were married and they had 5 babies during the 14 subsequent years!  When she was 40-ish, she decided to go to college.  This was in the mid-1960's when that sort of thing was frowned upon. My dad supported her efforts when many other men in our neighborhood were not as supportive of their wives.  He was a great representative for the 'male side' of the feminist movement.  He was unique for his time.

He enjoyed visits from his children (and grand-dogs too!), but I always thought he was just as happy when we left!  

Jabe with Sister-in-law, Sandi

Rusty (Jabez IV), Catherine, Sunny (my dog), Mike and Jabe

Jabe and Sunny watching the Empire Anchor Day Parade!

Catherine, Trish (my sister) and Jabe

I am very glad that I was able to time to spend with my dad in mid-December for about a week.  He was clearly declining, but he was still reading his Kindle and watching Rawhide on Encore!  As we sat watching TV together, I was able to convince him to let Hospice come in to relieve some of his pain. 

However, my brother Terry and, his wife, Sandi deserve an extra special mention.  They completely rearranged their home this fall so that he would be more close at hand. And, while Hospice of Grand Rapids was wonderful, both of them were 100% 'there' for for him during his last days with us!  Their son, Patrick, also went above and beyond what any grandson should be expected to do!   I think of this as both a tribute to them and a reflection of their love for dad/father-in-law/grandpa.  He left behind something he had written that Terry came across on the day of his death.  Whatever it was, it ended with "when I go, I will do so kicking and screaming".  Little did he know how prophetic that statement was.  Until his last two or three days, he was determined to walk/drive (using his power chair) on his own. We actually had to unplug the power chair at one point to stop the insanity of bumping into walls and furniture. But, that was my dad - independent and fiesty as them come!

There is a 'version' of an Irish blessing that I recall Dad reciting:

Profile of Joel, Jabe and Terry watching sports, I'll bet!

May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face and rains fall soft upon your fields.
May you make it to heaven an hour before the Devil knows you're dead!

(the 'real last line' is:
And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
But, that was so NOT my dad!)



Services have been postponed until July when all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as his friends up north will be able to attend. 

A demonstration of being "directionally challenged"

So, a little "maggie's travels" story. I had this very cool experience a few weeks back where I found my way to Whole Foods (both of them). Somehow, I thought I had followed the SAME road all the way to get to both (and Briarwood Mall). So, yesterday, I wanted to get back to that road cuz it also had an Art Van store along the way as well. I knew how to get there from 23 by taking 94.

However, as I tried to exit from 23 onto 94, (which by the way, is a horrible idea at 6:00 on a Friday evening), I couldn't exit - too many cars and no one was letting me in.

No problem, I thought. There is an exit for Washtenaw Street (which is the street I THOUGHT, I wanted anyway) further up.

I knew enough to know that I wanted to head west toward Ann Arbor. Yay me!!

So, I exit happily on Washtenaw. Indeed, I find the first Whole Foods. Great, I think. Right on track.

And I drive. And I drive. And I drive. Next thing I know, I am in downtown Ann Arbor! And, I'm saying to the dogs, "I don't think we are in Kansas anymore". I was certain, by then, this is was not the road I wanted to be on. So, I drove through Ann Arbor/UM. I found my way to 94 (where I had to head EAST cuz I really drove that far!), to State Street (where Briarwood Mall is) and to Eisenhower Hwy - not Washtenaw. I guess it pays to actually REMEMBER the name of the streets I'm driving on.

I got to Art Van, to Whole Foods and back home again by 8:00! All of this to say, that all my other travels and exploring really did help me find 'landmarks' to find my way back.

I did have my phone, but it was in my purse and turns out it was running out of juice. Turns out at some point, I should have gotten on Stadium Road, which hooks up to Eisenhower. Ah yes! It all came back to me then :)

Maggie (Sunny and Lucas too!) on the move

Yes, its true. My time working for TBAISD was short but very fruitful and energizing. As a sort of lark, in late August, I applied for a job with a school system just south of Ann Arbor, Milan Area Schools. Those of you who know me well, know that I am always looking. I don't often act on the things I find. For me, it has always been about looking around and seeing what skills I might want or need to update and what my skills pay on the open market (of course, it is often the open market in education - not all that profitable!).



To my surprise, they called and asked me for an interview. As I drove through the town, I was charmed! It reminded me a bit of Empire, but also of my 'real' hometown, Farmington. Some lovely large old homes, a subdivision of ranches/saltbox homes snuggled up again the two churches and the Milan Elementary and Middle School. Further out of town, is the "other elementary school", the high school and the central office on property that is beautifully, well, farm like.

These buildings have clearly been recently renovated. As I would soon learn, more renovations are scheduled (but more on that later).


The job is working with data systems - a student information system, state reporting functions and the new initiative taking K-12 education by storm related to assessment and data for student success. I know that doesn't sound like me, but since working at Glen Lake, I learned a tremendous amount about state reporting, graduation rates, etc. But, more importantly, I also found myself interested in how data (good assessments) could help inform instruction, and transform good instruction into great instruction!


And, I suspect the educational/instructional technology 'side' of me will find a voice at the school as well. They are in the process of building a Center for Innovation, for their high school seniors! Yep, a little farming community with a Center for Innovation! I may also continue to offer teachers throughout Michigan the opportunity to participate in the 21 things for educators through regional educational media centers throughout the state.


So, I have been looking for rentals in the area. The key is having space for me, Sunny and Lucas.

I know I am fortunate in that Empire will always be my home and place I will return to - both for vacations and in retirement - or sooner!

Maggie

A letter to Congress

A former colleague of mine @ GL posted this on FaceBook. No matter your political affliations - I laughed.

Dear Congress;
Last year I did not keep a close eye on my funds and this year I cannot decide on a budget. Until I have come to a decision that fits all of my needs and interests I will have to shut down my checkbook and will no longer be able to pay my taxes. I'm sure you'll understand. Thank you very much for setting an example the citizens of the USA can follow.

There is some irony to April 15, isn't there?

A gentle spirit...

In August of 2002, I met a very handsome golden retriever who was the sweetest, most gentle boy dog I had ever known – Dakota Casier. So just a little background on my experience with dogs - when I was growing up, my family only had girl dogs. Somewhere in the back of my head, I thought boy dogs were meaner or less gentle. Boy, was I wrong.

Dakota was THE faithful companion to the owner of Sleeping Bear Orchards, Bill Casier and he may have been a father of some pups at some point in his life.I have a vague recollection of seeing some “marriage” photo when he was younger, perhaps, just before ‘hooking up’ with some golden retriever girl! For most of his life, I think, Dakota was never far from his master’s side. In the orchard, in the truck, in the house – where Bill was, Dakota was never far behind.I recall Bill’s nephew, Michael, telling me about the day Bill went to close on his house in Empire. Dakota was not in the car, so when Bill left to go to the bank, Dakota started to follow him on foot! The amazing thing was he seemed to realize following the car was futile and returned to the orchard (and Michael) on his own.

His impact on me drove me to buy the most beautiful girl dog, Sunny. She is a lighter golden than Dakota, but she has a similar temperament. Ok, let's be honest - she IS a bit more high strung than laid-back Dakota.

What was so amazing was how he could be trusted. Bill, I’m sure will take credit for great training – but I think Dakota was just that kind of dog. He certainly never needed a leash for getting in and out of the car or in traversing the orchards. He came when he was called – EVERYTIME. He was the most patient dog with my high-strung, ear biting puppy Sunny (when she was little).He would just shake her off and keep walking – even when she was hanging on his ear! Poor Sunny just could not get him to fight back, but he would chase her now and then - and was always pleased to find a drink of water at the end of the run. I’ve watched Sunny with her ‘rescue dog’ brother and figured she learned to be a patient ‘sister’ dog because she remembered how Dakota treated her when she was a growing pup! I suspect, she learned most of her manners from him.

A few years ago, I bought Dakota some beefy bone to chew on. It was the funniest thing, Bill said, ‘bones don’t seem to be his thing, he picked it up and dropped it in the middle of the floor and hasn’t touched it since then’. I stopped by one day – weeks later - and Dakota went over the bone and started chewing it! Bill and I were both dumbfounded. I am sure he never touched it again.

This weekend, Bill lost that faithful friend of 14 years. Bill was quite stoic when he told me – and I drove away weeping. You are already missed ‘baby boy’, Dakota!

Sunny, new jobs and New Years?

Some of you will remember the adventure Sunny and I had two years ago on New Years day. I had just accepted a job at Glen Lake and had that hound dog, Lucas, for less than 2 weeks and Sunny comes up with some infection that has her not eating or drinking for 2 days, and eventually vomiting at the foot of my bed at 2am on New Years day. I fret til about 8:00 am and call emergency care where a wonderful vet, Dr. Peck (who kept calling Sunny "your friend") ultimately made her all better (of course, the final charge for all that was about $1200!)

Well, here it is two years later. I am about to start ANOTHER new job with the Traverse Bay Area ISD, it is almost New Years and I am out in the backyard shoveling snow with Lucas and Sunny playing happily. As I finish up, I see fresh blood in the snow! Yikes. I check the indestructible Lucas (cuz he can get beat up or torn up and never a peep!). Nope. He seems fit as a fiddle! Sunny, too, doesn't seem in pain or unhappy. But as I follow the trail, it is Sunny and her back paw is a-bleeding.

I get her in the house, on the floor, but she has got so much hair! I try to stop the bleeding, but it just keeps flowing. Shoot! Call emergency - no Dr. Peck - but a great office staff who say "bring her on in". They did have to sedate her, and keep her overnight (poor Lucas, he was a quite lost with no 'mama Sunny' to beat on!), but thankfully, no surgery.

She is home, resting but very perky. She has lost a nail - they are not sure it will 'grow' back. They told me this happens frequently with Golden Retrievers. Thankfully, we are only a few hundred dollars poorer for the adventure and, this time, New Years day is still ahead of us! I am amused with the timing - how many more years can I expect all this excitement and flurry of activity from Sunny Day, I wonder?

Trish, my trusty photographer, is gone for the weekend, so no photos of Sunny Day and her paw (covered with a zip lock bag!).

Maggie

Empire Heritage Days

How delightful that I get to live in place where I have such great memories from my summers here!

Empire Heritage Days always reminds me of my days as a young adult. The folks at the Empire Museum do a bang up job!




I always see the parents and relatives of my 'summer friends' at these events.
"Aunt Betty" (who was Mimi Brunet's Aunt, not mine!) and her second husband, Jack Bolton, Mimi's dad, Hank, and even the guy who repairs my snow blower and his wife were just a sampling of folks I had the chance to chat with. Then, in the old school house in the picture of my great uncle, John, who was once the Superintendent for the Empire School.





Even better, was running into Cliff Davis (father of 'summer friend', Debbie Davis). He gave my sister and I a tour of the graduating classes - so many of the names and faces were familiar.

Memories of my parents going to Friday night golf parties - at the beach or at 'THE club' flooded back. I suspect they were just about my age (now) when those gatherings took place.

But, even more interesting was the area in the museum where homage is being paid to the Dune Rides - before the Nat'l Park closed down the Dune Rides. I remember standing in line waiting with baited breath on who would be driving (oh, did I mention we had crushes on all the drivers?!). And there was the first time, I realized how scared I was of being too close to the edge when we stopped in a certain place on the Dunes. It certainly seemed like a lot of money to me at the time!





The cider was good, the company was good, but we didn't get any ice cream.





As always, Trish took great pics. By the way, that is NOT my laundry on the line!