I Guess This Day Is Also For Memories Now

You know, I have been wondering for a while now how I feel about Mother's Day. It is a day in which we are to honor our Mothers. However, what happens when most of them are gone?

I mean I can still celebrate it for the mother of my childrenJoanne

However,gone from this celebration are my two Grandmothers. These two ladies were just like mothers to me. I spent many many hours with them as I grew up. I mean until I was about 10 I would not eat scrambled eggs unless they were made by my beloved "Shortie" Grandma Szakal. She is also the one that got me hooked on coffee. I remember how she loved to work in her garden. As for my Grandma Bryers, she is the one who would make me pancakes, and Iced Tea. She even made a gallon of Ice Tea for me and brought it to my wedding reception. I spent many an hour going "Uptown" on Saturdays with her in Bridgeport when I was a kid. We use to go to her house every Christmas, and on the 4th of July to see the parade.

Grandma Szakal "Shortie"


Grandma Bryers

My MotherNo, we were not close at the end, and we had many of a difference in opinion. Despite all that, she was still my mother, and I do have many memories that fill my head over my time with her.

My Mother In LawThis was a woman who gave to all. Some she gave it to in a way they did not like. She could be toughest on the ones she loved the most, but she was a loving and caring person. She was a great influence, and force in my children's lives as they were growing up.

So I guess what I do now is celebrate the day with my wife, and hold close all the memories of the mothers I have lost. Happy Mother's Day to them all.

A year of Loss

Alright, so it was one year ago today that I lost me mother. That got me to thinking, that I lost two mothers in a twelve month span. My mother last April, and my mother in law in January.

Strangely enough, that is the second time I have lost two "parents" in a twelve month span. In 1994 we lost my step-father Bill, and then my father on December 20, 1994.

So one year ago today my sister Densie called me at 2:35am to inform me my mother had passed. We were not close over the past years, but she was still my mother. We won't talk about regrets or anger, just remember the good things, and the better days.

May you be safe and warm Mom, and say hello to the family for me.

Happy Birthday Steve

It will be my brother's birthday on April 9th. It is amazing how we change over the DECADES.
We no longer communicate, but he's still my brother and a living picture of my departed Uncle Dave.

1960's

1970's

1980's

1990's

2000's

Happy Birthday Steve

Man Where Does The Time Go

It was just yesterday, February 28, 1991. It was 6:15 am, and my wife told me that it was time to go to the hospital. She had called her mom, to come sit with Holly. So off we went. 9:00am, and there he was.

Through the years he has changed and grown, but forever he will be our "little boyo"

Today he turns 18. Man, where did the time go?

Happy Birthday Ryan

Nebraska

It appears that the International Thespian Society has selected the Missouri All - State Thespian Troupe to Perform at the International Festival in Lincoln Nebraska in June 2009. Ryan was one of the set crew for the State Show, so he will be leaving for nebraska with the rest of the troupe late in June for 5 days.

CONGRATULATION TO ALL
ESPECIALLY RYAN

The Loss Of A Brilliant "Artist"

I was reading the obituaries in the Connecticut Post, and happened on the obit for Danny Austin Williams. Danny is the famed Tattoo artist named "Nomad". It appears that he led a full life, and will be remembered by all those he knew, but I will remember him for two pieces of art that he created for me.

http://wakeleememorial.com/?p=obituary_view&id=59710





He was a brilliant artist, and if you ever visited his shop his work would astound you.

Finalized

Elizabeth M. Ploskunyak
PLOSKUNYAK Elizabeth M. Ploskunyak, age 82 of Gerald, Mo., passed away Saturday, January 17, 2009 in New Haven. Mrs. Ploskunyak, daughter of the late John Obbagy and his wife, Margaret nee Magyar was born May 27, 1926 in Bridgeport. On November 8, 1946, she was united in marriage to Ernest Ploskunyak Sr. in Bridgeport. She was employed by Schick Razor Company as an inspector. Elizabeth was a member of the Antioch Christian Church. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ernest; one brother, John Obbagy; and one sister, Rose Mary Markoya. She is survived by her one son, Ernest Ploskunyak Jr. and wife, Ruth of Connecticut; two daughters, Barbara Ploskunyak and Joanne Szakal and husband, Ed, all of Gerald, Mo.; five grandchildren, Kim Henderson and husband, Darrin, Kevin Dziejma II and wife, Anica, Lena Joseph and husband, Paul and Holly and Ryan Szakal; two great-grandchildren, Noah and Alexandra Joseph. Funeral services were held Monday, January 19, 2009 at Antioch Christian Church with Rev. Don Bader officiating. Interment was private. Memorials were to the Antioch Christian Church Building Fund or New Haven Care Center. Arrangement were in care of Oltmann Funeral Home of Gerald.