The invasion of the Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Mad Dogs, Gotham City hooligans and The Three Musketeers

     

Gotham City: Nathan (left), Sarah and Tyler.

     

     "Family — where life begins and love never ends."      

"All I really need is a song in my heart, 

Food in my belly, and love in my family. 

All I really need is a song in my heart 
— love in my family."

     Looking back on our recent Family Day holiday weekend, this lyric from one of Raffi's delightful children's songs, express my sentiments to a tee. 

     

B.C. Premier Christy Clark

 Since our premier, Christy Clark, declared the second Monday in February as a Family Day, our family tries to make it just that — getting together, renewing ties and just having fun. 

     In the past, we've enjoyed a get-away jaunt to Vancouver. This year, because of my recent surgery, the family came up with creative ways to enjoy the amenities our hometown, Kelowna, has to offer.  

     To begin our fun, Grandma's invitation to meet her at Starbucks, at our local Orchard Park Mall, saw all 15 lining up for their complimentary favourite drink. 

     

Mad Dogs: Roger (left), Nathan, Evelyn and Jamie.

Everyone was then divided into groups of three or four and given a name such as: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Three Musketeers, Gotham City and Mad Dogs. 

     

The Three Musketeers: Karen (left), Jonathan and Carolyn.

Each group was given an envelope containing equal amounts of money to be used in purchasing something which could be shared to encourage "family togetherness." 

     

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Debi (left), Krista, Melissa and Dave.

     They were also required to produce a group selfie showing their shopping spree experience. 

     So, with drink in hand, they took off with only one hour to complete their mission. 

     
     
     Next, it was off to the Capri Bowling Lanes, keeping in their respective teams, for more fun. 

     Each had to come up with their nickname for the scoresheet. 

Grandpa Jamie Osborne with his granddaughter Evelyn.

     Three-year-old Evie — very much involved in all the fun — tried out her bowling skills for the first time.
     
     There was lots of competition and laughter as Tyler came up with the top score. 

     Tyler — Sarah's future husband, who will be joining our family (wedding date of Aug. 1) — seems to have already found his place amongst our sometimes "crazy" clan. 

     Then, back to Grandma's we went, for some quiet moments and a chance to freshen up in preparation for our dinner out. 

     

     Later on, as we relaxed and engaged in quiet conversation, I noted everyone seemed to enjoying our evening out at Dawett Fine Indian Cuisine.
     

Sarah and Tyler enjoy a weekend together with family

     


     Lazer tag was next on the agenda, but only for those who still had lots of energy. 

     It was a new experience for some, especially the "oldies"(?) but, it was rated as a lot of crazy fun and good exercise. A few of us chose an early bedtime, instead. 

     The following day, we again gathered at Grandma's for a tasty luncheon. 

     Choosing platters of ready-made food from Cooper's Foods, bread and buns from the Bread Company with yummie snacks from Costco made for an easy meal.

     

     Later, at the supper hour, we got to sample Carolyn's homemade chili, hamburger soup and chicken bean tortilla dish — all which had been lovingly made a few weeks earlier, frozen, and delivered just for the occasion. What a work of love!

     Mid-afternoon, we girls sent the men off for a walkabout to the local Brandt's Creek Pub for man talk and a cold beer. 

Rod Robertson (left), Dave Eagles, Roger Eagles, Jamie Osborne, Jonathan Osborne, Tyler Letourneau, Nathan Harvey, Nathan Carter and Rick Robertson head to the local watering hole to officially welcome Dave's future son-in-law, Tyler into the clan.

The boys officially welcome Tyler Letourneau into the family unit — with a raised pint of draught and a story or two of how the lovebirds met. "Honk." (The secret Osborne-Carter code word for "Cheers."... Oops!)

     

     Meanwhile, we had our girlie talk while painting toenails and fingernails. Evie, especially liked this. Once the guys returned, it was time to reveal each team's mall purchases. 

     There were some good choices — a 1,000 piece Family Rules puzzle, two remote controlled cars, a family game, etc., etc. Later, each family got to choose one to take home with them. 

     

Jonathan Osborne (left) and sister Krista Carter.

Engaging in games involving the whole group brought more laughter and fun. The winner of each game got to choose a gift from Grandma's Chance Box. 

     With a time of singing around the piano on the agenda, our time and energy ran out. It's top of the list for next time.  

     

Daughter Debi Harvey (left) and grandson Jonathan Osborne present Beulah with an 85th birthday cake.

     Our evening ended with a sparkling birthday cake for Grandma. (I'm quite amazed that the government made my birthday, a holiday in my honour!) 

     So, the following day, (my actual birthday), several of the family met me at Denny's for my free birthday breakfast, before heading out of town.  

     Without a doubt, this will be the birthday to remember. The loving care and attention my family showered on me from the first mention of my cancer journey, has caused me to be overwhelmed with gratefulness. 

     I read in 1 Timothy 5:4, ..."if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God." 

     Some may say, "It's payback time." 

     I say, "It's God's love shining through — from their hearts to mine."      

     "Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one."  

— Unknown   

     "What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family. 

— Mother Teresa

     

     We've already made plans for our next gathering in August, following Tyler and Sarah's wedding. 

     We're hoping those that were unable to be with us this time can come: Mark, Jordan, Joey, Brayden and Ashton.

— beulah

Ministering angels with a higher calling

     

     Suddenly awakening from a deep sleep and an unsettling dream, I was hearing my name being softly spoken. 
     Through the deep darkness, I saw the light of a tiny flashlight, along with another light, which I began to realize in my groggy state, was atop the portable blood pressure equipment. 

     The efficient nurses on duty had come to read my vitals, every hour on the hour the first night. Blood pressure read, an injection given, descriptive of a bee sting, and more pills to try to swallow. 

     This was just the beginning of the tender care I was about to receive from these awesome caregivers. I saw them as "ministering angels" sent by God, to care for the sick and needy — like myself. 

     Amazed at their kind, patient and compassionate spirit, they seemed always willing to do whatever it took to make me as comfortable as possible. I sometimes felt as though I was a guest in their home, being served with tender graciousness. 

     Such kindness to me, reflected the heart of God.  I couldn't get used to the often continuous, though soft ding of the bell, asking the staff for help. 

     One night, it rang all night, earplugs would have helped. 

     

     I was grieved to realize, that, although much of our health system is great, there are too many patients, not enough manpower, and too few beds and facilities. Probably, I could also add, no doubt — not enough pay. 

     In spite of far from perfect conditions, I saw that many of these caregivers had chosen their profession, having realized a higher calling.  

     Wondering the purpose of this eventful hospital visit, I had asked Jesus to take control of my words, and perhaps use them to turn some heart towards Him. 

     Hopefully, that happened, as I found ways to engage some in conversation as I expressed my gratefulness, which often led to more serious talk.  

     As son, Dave, drove me to the hospital, and even helped his aging Mom get prepped for the operation, I can truthfully say I decided to trust Him like a little child. Some may call that naivety — I call it faith. 

     Though I had great confidence in my surgeon Dr. Baliski,  I rested fully in the Great Physician and Healer. I'm glad I got close to God while I was strong and healthy. It prepared me to lean on Him for support and hope when the difficult days in life such as these come along. 

     Entering surgery, I felt safe, secure and truly abiding under His wings, as I left the outcome to Him.  

     My son Roger, came from Abbotsford to take me home, with Home never looking so good!  

     Now, at home, blessings keep on abounding — like a soft rain on a warm summer's day, they all come with a message from my loving Heavenly Father, "I see your needs. You are mine and I will care for you." 

     He does that through my loving family, my dear friends and my helpful neighbours. Phone calls, cards, notes, gifts, flowers, and messages on Facebook have all caused me to be overwhelmed with gratitude.  

     Today, with a visit to my family doctor, I was met with GOOD NEWS!!! 
     The operation proved highly successful, and was carried out at just the right time. 

     With a delayed operation — the outcome would have been much different. I again thanked my doctor for his efficient and quick response to my needs, to which he replied, "We also thank our Heavenly Father." 

     I also learned the surrounding lymph nodes are free of cancer, a concern, but now an amazing blessing! Though still waiting for a consultation with my surgeon, it will then be determined what follow-up and treatments may be required.   

Dave (left), Debi, Beulah, Karen and Roger.

           How fitting that this Family Day Holiday weekend will see many of my family members gathering to celebrate life with MOM, GRANDMA, and GREAT GRANDMA.  

     My heart is bursting with gratitude to all my Facebook and blog friends, whose faithful prayers on my behalf found their way to God's throne — and HE ANSWERED.  

— beulah