Frances Edna Johnson Thomas

This Is My Beautiful Granny!
Born 101 Years Ago, January 23, 1910, In Gilmer,Texas.

This past Sunday, on the Anniversary of her birth, I reflected on her very presence in my life. Having been an RN, she was there for the birth of all of my Mother's children...except for one...Me. That was the only time that my Granny missed a significant event in my life...until her death in January 1995!

I MISS MY GRANNY SO VERY MUCH!

Widowed for over 40 years,
she is now with her Sweetheart and Treasured Friend, my Grandpa,
George Washington Thomas.

My Granny was the single most significant influence in my life and lived a life of selfless servitude to others.
She was the essence of Beauty, Friend, Intellect, Confidant, Teacher, Nurse,
Artist, Author, Student, Chef, Counselor, Historian & Spiritualist.

As I navigate my own way through this mortal existence, I look back to the Beacon of Light that my Granny was for me. I long to have her wrap her arms around me, to wipe away my tears, to lend me courage when life seems so difficult and I'm frightened of the unknown. I miss her tender compassion and understanding as I struggle to recollect all those shared words of wisdom.
She loved people! She never judged! She was so forgiving!
She loved to laugh and did it often!
I find that I look back often...remembering...savoring my every moment with her! Wishing she were still here!
Did I mention...I Miss My Granny So Much!
But then it dawned on me...She Is Still Ever present in my life!
For as long as I remember, treasure and implement her values into my own character, she will always remain a part of my mortality. And when my journey is complete, I know that she will be waiting with outstretched arms, to welcome me...For then, I know I will be "Home."

Outing With Granny & Grandpa Cahoon

Hollywood Connection With Ella & Hudson
Saturday, January 15, 2011

Our outing first began with picking Ella up and taking her out to lunch at one of her favorite places...Taco Bell for a Soft Taco Kids Meal. It was Uncle Joseph who started the Kids Meal tradition and Ella is swift to remind us. While Ella does love the Soft Tacos, we remain undecided which she is most fond of...the taco or the Kids Meal toy!

After a very entertaining lunch, Grandpa Cahoon drove us to Hollywood Connection and Ella was so delighted from the moment we walked in! She enjoyed one-on-one time with her grandparents; although, she was so happy to have her Mom and baby Hudson meet up with us, following Hudson's nap. She went on every ride visible, having no fear or reservation. She seemed to especially love the roller coaster and the bumper cars, which she delighted in chasing after and crashing in to Granny, Grandpa or her Mom. She seemed to also very much enjoy the Magic Show & Face Painting!

Ella also gave Roller Skating a whirl! As she navigated her way around the rink with Grandpa, she seemed eager to master herself on wheels. She found the carpeted area, just off the rink, to be easier to give it a try on her own. Granny was so impressed with Ella's good nature...Every time she would fall, she would laugh and then get right back up and try to skate. Initially, she fell frequently, but eventually, she did get the hang of it quite successfully!

Many Thanks to Ella, Hudson & Nanny for joining us in an afternoon of absolute FUN!!!

Happy New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR - 2011

There is something about a "Fresh Start" or "New Beginning" that invokes Change. While Change may be good, it isn't always easy to break old or undesirable habits. But with determination and perseverance, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!

Whatever Season of Life You find Yourself in, may You Take the Opportunity to Open Your Mind and Heart...Make a new Friend, Tweak a Perspective, Keep Learning, Mend a Struggling Relationship, Strengthen Family Ties, Serve More Willingly, Live What You Believe, Laugh More Often, Love with ALL Your Heart, Acknowledge EVERY Blessing and THANK God for His Presence in Your Life!

May God Bless You In Your Earnest Quest For 2011!