MEMORIES WHILE SHOPPING: Mom Shouldn't Have Had to Endure What She Did! (published 9-27-2022; article #360)

 Introduction

Why do memories come from the back of your mind to the front, when you're on a mundane errand? It happens to all of us at times.

This writer must relate a instance today. The memory has made me pensive, as I reflect. Writing helps.

The Context

Today (Tuesday, 9/27/2022), the sky is bright blue. The coolness of the fall morning, about 11 AM, was enjoyable. The day had started routinely. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman left for work, about 6:20 AM. I'd been up to see her off. I'd had my coffee, breakfast, and shower. I'd planned to continue the temporary, volunteer assignment, which I'd agreed to do, for a local non-profit organization.

Last Saturday, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman had forgotten to buy the IGA brown mustard that I like, on my sandwiches. Yesterday, she'd presented her annual "BEP Alt. Inst. Classroom" paycheck (a small amount for classroom supplies), so I could deposit it for her.

I'd placed our six-month automobile insurance payment in the mailbox, with flag up. Afterward, I had decided to run the errands to the bank and to the IGA.

The Memories

Today, the time was about 11:30 AM. I'd started to walk down the aisle, to find the mustard. Not many were shopping. The store music was playing some song that I'd never heard and that I didn't like much. It was routine.

October 1999

Suddenly, a vivid and pleasant memory came to mind! The setting was in October of 1999. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I had returned from Russia (10/1/1994 - 9/30/1999). We were staying several days with Mom, Dad, and my two youngest brothers, at the homeplace. I'd driven alone to the local Food City, to buy something. I was pleasantly surprised to meet Mom, who was also shopping, in the same aisle! I recall that Mom had just gotten off work, from her part-time job. She'd stopped at the Food City, on her way home.

Mom and I smiled at each other, and we talked a while. We were both amazed by the serendipitous timing of our shopping! Mom didn't need me to help her shop, so I checked out and went back home. Mom came home a few minutes after me. I helped unload groceries that she'd bought. That day, in October of 1999, was pleasant!

December 1999 & December 2000

While pausing in the aisle at the IGA, the pleasant memory of October 1999 turned to the flood of unpleasant memories, from December 1999 and December 2000. I won't write the memories that are etched in my mind, in this article. I have written some of those memories, in previous articles. My 1/3/2020 article has a section on Mom, which includes several details. In a few months or so, I plan to complete and publish my book, “Light at the End of the Tunnel,” which has many details written in it.

I'm glad that no one was in the aisle except me! I said, out loud, to myself, “Mom shouldn't have had to endure what she did!” I guess that I was speaking to God. He heard me, if no one else did.

Writing helps. So, I am writing now. A mundane event can trigger happy memories. Gatherings with family and friends are the best for remembering good times. A mundane event can trigger sad memories. Today, my mundane IGA shopping triggered a happy memory, followed by a flood of unhappy ones.

My Words to God

I'm sorry, God! I wasn't blaming you. You had always known, before she was born, how Mom would live and die. You didn't plan her life or her death.

. . . time and chance happen to them all. Moreover, no one knows when their hour will come . . . . (Ecclesiastes 9:11-12, NIV)

God, you didn't plan that I would almost die, on 3/29/2016. It was “time and chance.”

My Irish mouth spoke from my heart, at the IGA, God. The temporal pain, suffering, and loss hurt. The memories of those bad events hurt to recall them.

God, I know that you “will wipe every tear from their eyes” and that “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things” will pass away (Revelation 21:4, NIV). I know that Mom has that everlasting joy, even now, after she “went to see Jesus,” on 12/27/2000.

So, again, God, I'm sorry, for my spoken words, to myself and to you, at the IGA this morning. In the everlasting mindset, I am now at peace, once again. I'll write this article, to perhaps help someone, who needs to read it.

Conclusion

“Light at the End of the Tunnel” has a several-page appendix, “Punctuated Providence,” which I started writing on 11/3/2016 and concluded on 11/30/2016. I read that appendix again today.

This temporal life is boot camp. In it, we experience “the good, the bad, and the ugly” – with apology to Clint Eastwood! This world is not Home. The trials of life prepare us for Home – if we have the everlasting mindset.

I wonder. Will God grant Mom and me a joyful moment, in heaven, when we meet at the heavenly store, while we are both shopping? But wait! Mom has already shopped the heavenly store!

Jesus, in his Sermon on the Mount, stated:

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21, NIV)

Mom stored up heavenly treasures, as the finest example of a Christian, whom I've ever known! I'm still trying to store up my heavenly treasures – in part by writing this article.

As I close, I am feeling joyful again! I can see Home, by my eyes of faith! Can you? If you'd like, I'd be glad to help you shop at the heavenly store. My Contact Form is awaiting your request!

In October of 1999, I got home a few minutes before Mom did (from the Food City). On 12/27/2000, Mom got HOME a few moments before I will.

I RETIRED: MY FUTURE, UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY AWAITS! (published 5-15-2022; article #325)

Introduction

It is said that “a picture is worth a thousand words.” The man, in the image below, is saying a thousand words.

From Pikwizard. “FREE image of Senior man relaxing in hammock. Photo by Authentic Images.”

I am not that man. That man was in a relaxing and enjoyable moment in time. I am entering what Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I both hope is a more relaxing and enjoyable season in my life. I will not write a thousand words about it – yet.

4/16/2012 to 5/13/2022

On 4/16/2012, Monday, I started my State of Tennessee employment job. It was my sixth job, since my wife and I had returned from Moscow, Russia (10/1/1994 - 9/30/1999). One of the “Five Scars” that are in my yet unpublished book, “Light at the End of the Tunnel,” is “Occupational Scar.” (I started writing that section on 9/1/2016.)

Others and I endured eighteen weeks of training. I drove to Johnson City, Tennessee, on Sundays. I drove home on Fridays. I resided at the Carnegie Hotel, Sunday through Thursday nights. I was mowing our yard back then. Since Fridays were half days, allowing for paid drive time, I mowed our yard Friday afternoons. I usually mowed the yard for my in-laws on Saturday. On Sundays, after church, I drove back to Johnson City. It was a “ground hog day” weekly repetition.

On September 27, 2012, Thursday morning, I left the Carnegie Hotel for the final time! The grueling eighteen weeks of training were done. I cranked my old '95 Nissan hard-body pickup. I turned on the radio. I heard Lynyrd Skynyrd's “Free Bird!” I was free! (One YouTube version of the song is here.)

I will not regale you with the details of the next over ten years – yet. (I have an idea for a future article, with subtitle “Opening the Soup Pot,” but I won't write it, until I'm ready to do so.)

I endured the “good, bad, and ugly.” It was mostly not good. There were a few good moments. I did the work. I was paid. That's all.

On Tuesday, 3/29/2016, I almost died, when an uninsured, age 18, driver failed to yield to my right of way – while I was driving home. My old truck died. I have written about the details. (See my Friday, August 26, 2016, article, “I’M STILL ALIVE – WHY? (Published 8/26/2016),” and later articles on my 'bionic' life.) After my “sabbatical,” of recovery and getting my new, old truck ('06 Nissan Frontier), I returned to work, on Monday, 12/19/2016.

I continued to endure the “good, bad, and ugly” – about which I plan to write in the future. I'll get to it. Give me time!

On Friday, 5/13/2022, I worked my final day for my Tennessee State employer! (Yes, Friday the 13th was an ironic date!) As my new, old truck and I were ready to leave, my “MWF Classic Rock iPad” radio station played Lynyrd Skynyrd's “Free Bird!” I didn't plan it. It was serendipitous! It was fitting! I enjoyed the moment in time! I was free once more!

My Future, Undiscovered Country

I will begin receiving my Tennessee State pension. I have taken the initial steps toward Social Security Retirement. I hope, by God's provident grace, that I will continue to work (remotely), in a position that I will enjoy. The plan is educated wisdom, God's providence, and “flying by the seat of my pants.” My wife and I have done the number crunching. One way or the other, we will be fine, financially.

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? - Matthew 6:26, KJV.

My wife and I trust in God's benevolent providence. My yet unpublished book, “Light at the End of the Tunnel,” will have an appendix, “Punctuated Providence,” that I started writing, on 11/3/2016 and concluded on 11/30/2016.

What does my future hold? It is an undiscovered country. God knows. I don't know. I trust God.

MY “LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL” CONTINUES (published 12/29/2021; article #284)

“Light at the end of the tunnel” (free image that I downloaded on 1/2/2021), on Depositphotos, by Kevin McKeever, DP, Image Generation.

 Introduction

At 2:12 PM, on this cloudy and rainy spring day, in winter, I might as well write another article or two. I hope that y'all are doing well enough out there – in whatever state or nation you are living.

In the last seven days, as of this moment in time, I see reader totals, which keep increasing, from the following nations: USSA (USA) 251, Belgium 78, Canada 52, Japan 52, France 9, Russia 9, Sweden 8, Singapore 5, United Kingdom 4, Finland 3, Netherlands 3, Bulgaria 2, Germany 2, Estonia 2, Vietnam 2, Australia 1, China 1, Indonesia 1, India 1, Ukraine 1. (I wonder where my Ireland readers are!)

I'll keep writing. Y'all keep reading. It's a good way to drink a cup of coffee, a while, together.

This article is sort of a follow up to my article of Sunday, December 26, 2021.

My “Tunnel” Events (as “Life, Such as It Was”)

12/27/2021, Monday: at 5:15 PM, on 12/27/2000, Mom (Betty Lou Wood Ferrell, 11/24/32 - 12/27/00) “went to see Jesus.” If you search my website by “Mom,” you will find several previous articles that I have published here.

The following is from my unpublished book, “Light at the End of the Tunnel,” under section “Historical Remarks (9/8/2011 – 12/27/2020):”

At 5:15 PM, on Wednesday, December 27, 2000, Mom “went to see Jesus.” She was at home. Family were with her. Exhausted, I had fallen asleep, sitting in a living room chair. We were all tired. At 5:15 PM, I awakened from my light sleep. I couldn't hear Mom breathing, in the labored manner that she had been having to do. She was gone from this world to Home.

On 12/27/2021, I worked from home. In October, I had requested vacation time, for this final week of the year. My employer, being understaffed constantly, had asked me, earlier this month, if I could work (from home, as I insisted), on 12/27/21. Begrudgingly, I had agreed. It was not fun.

I remembered all day long. At 5:15 PM, I stopped what I was doing, and I remembered – as I have been doing these last 21 years.

12/28/2021: on 12/28/1999, Tuesday, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I were in our little apartment, near the former Knox Center Mall (which is a demolition site now). Dad had called me, regarding Mom. I drove our 1988 Nissan Stanza, with hazard lights flashing, to the homeplace. (I was speeding. No officer stopped me.) The date marked the beginning.

The following is from my unpublished book, “Light at the End of the Tunnel,” under section “3. Spiritual Scar (written 8/30/2016):”

Wow! I have fond thoughts of who I once was, as a fulltime minister of the Gospel. I had zeal and purpose. Life had meaning. Then, life change drastically, on 12/28/1999, when Mom was admitted to the hospital, only to suffer, recover, suffer again from another evil illness, and finally go to be with Jesus on 12/27/00. Remember, Belinda and I had only returned from Russia on 9/30/1999. We were still in cultural re-entry, having just finished follow up with most supporting churches, while beginning to transition toward finding work. (We had thought that God would use us in a stateside church planting, in East Tennessee.)

On 12/28/2021, my '06 Nissan Frontier (new, ol' truck) had his passenger side airbag sensor rebooted. My Friday, December 24, 2021 article mentioned the start of it. The big money, corporate, “fix it up” place took from 2 PM to 3:29 PM, to reset a sensor. The cost was, well, “a dollar ain't worth much these days.” I wonder why they washed my truck. He was clean enough. It rained today.

While waiting, I met a fine Christian lady, who may be about 12 years younger than me. Her husband, son, and she live near us. We conversed as brothers and sisters in Christ, for a while. I wish that I had told her about this, my website. Her husband and she are raising their teenage son, to be a godly young man. Is there hope, for this once great nation? We will see.

12/29/2021, today: finally, the rain came – after the too many days of windy and cloudy weather. It is still spring, in winter.

On 12/29/2000, Mom's visitation and funeral were at East Rogersville Baptist Church. Her graveside was on 12/30/2000 – with the high temperature in the teens. I have details in my mind and in my unpublished book, as follows:

Thursday, 12/31/2020, New Year's Eve (a too warm, cloudy day): I hiked House Mountain #175 yesterday. My website has the entry.

12/29/2000 was on Friday. That evening, a large gathering was at East Rogersville Baptist Church, for Mom's visitation and funeral. Mom had been a Sunday School teacher for 31 years. During the funeral, Basil Jones, a godly minister, asked Mom's adult senior women Sunday School Class to stand. Many fine Christian women, who were sitting together, just behind us family, stood in unison. The tribute to Mom was visible.

12/30/2000, Saturday, was Mom's graveside, at 1 PM. The high temperature had to have been 15 degrees Fahrenheit, with a cold wind blowing from the east. The location was and is Howe's Chapel Baptist Church cemetery, near the church building. Dad is there, beside Mom, now.

12/31/2000, Sunday, New Year's Eve: Dad, my youngest brother and his wife, my wife, and I attended East Rogersville Baptist Church, for the morning service. That was twenty years ago, as of this 2020 New Year's Eve date of my writing.

Today, at 10 AM, Molly (our ol' puppy doggy) had her annual physical examination. It wasn't raining, as we went. It rained, as we returned. Neither Molly nor I cared! We had fun! Molly will attain age seven, on 10/31/2022 (the date we mark as her birthday). We got Molly, on 11/21/2015 – the anniversary of the passing of Papaw Marion Ferrell (4/13/1880 - 11/21/1970). She was a few months old then – not yet age one.

Earlier this morning, I saw the email reply from 'cuz Ronny. My Sunday, December 26, 2021, article mentioned him. He, graciously, sent me the PDF files that he had obtained from Newspapers.com by Ancestry. That website has links to the image that includes my Dad, Earl Ferrell (as in my 12/26/2021 article). Newspapers.com by Ancestry wants money, to access those links. Their links are The Knoxville Journal 3/8/1958 and The Knoxville News-Sentinel 3/8/1958 – if you want to pay them some money.

Before Molly doggy and I went to see her doctor, for her annual physical examination, I had managed to get me a free Knox County Library card! Via that card, I found the free link, for the same 3/8/1958 The Knoxville News-Sentinel image, on Newsbank (Knoxville News-Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, March 8, 1958, page 9 actually. NewsBank: Access World News – Historical and Current.) I had to pay nary a cent! Papaw Ferrell would have been proud of me!

I email replied to my 'cuz Ronny, in the evening. I'm glad that 'cuz Ronny had the 3/8/1958 newspaper image, which included Dad! Dad had never told me. Thanks, again, 'cuz Ronny!

Conclusion

Their is everlasting Light at the end of this temporal tunnel. This afternoon, I left a good friend a voice mail. I hope my friend calls me back. Our conversation will include my comments on this subject. A fine Christian neighbor called me, later this afternoon. His wife and he are doing well enough. He and I spoke, on this topic.

Are y'all ready to join the vast numbers who are already in the everlasting Light, at Home? I am. Y'all get ready, if you are not. Contact me, if you would like to converse with me, on this most important subject.

FERRELL'S WELL DRILLING 3-8-1958, WEIGEL'S 12-21-2013 REMEMBERED 12-21-2021, CHRISTMAS 12-25-2021, AND 'LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL,' THE BACKDROP (published 12-26-2021)

Introduction

On this Sunday, 12/26/2021, did you know that Kwanzaa began today and that it is Boxing Day in Canada? That's what my desktop calendar tells me, for what it's worth.

My “CHRIST-MAS 12/25/2020 FRIDAY” article mentioned the snow on that day. I have four snow photographs in that article. Christmas, 12/25/2021, Saturday, was a warm and very windy March day. I should have flown a kite! The low was 59 degrees. The high was about 67 degrees. Yesterday was a “great day for snow sledding!” Today has been another spring day in winter. We are saving on our propane bill.

I hope that you read to the “light at the end of the tunnel” ending, of this article. It should be worth the trip.

Ferrell's Well Drilling, 3-8-1958

I am a member of a private group, on “Farcebook,” which is about and for members of the Irish Fearghail clan. On 12/20/2021, one of the administrators posted the following.

From the Knoxville News-Sentinel on March 08, 1958. Earl Henry Ferrell was the son of Marion Ferrell, grandson of James Robert Ferrell, great-grandson of John Ferrell Jr., gg-grandson of John Ferrell Sr.

Dad (Earl Ferrell, 9/17/1927 - 1/25/2008) was age 30. He still lived with his parents, on Cave Springs Road, in Hawkins County, Tennessee. He was still single. Papaw Marion Ferrell (4/13/1880 - 11/21/1970) was age 77. Papaw Ferrell started Ferrell's Well Drilling, in 1901. (A search of my archived articles will find details and photographs.) Dad knew the other well drillers listed. I recall Joe Samples, but I don't remember having met him in person. I knew Gwyn Calfee very well. (Search by “Gwyn Calfee,” to find my article on him.)

Thanks, Ronny, for posting the above image on that group page! I'll send you an email, to let you know that I have mentioned you, by first name only.

WEIGEL'S 12-21-2013 REMEMBERED 12-21-2021

On 12/21/2021, “Farcebook” reminded me of my 12/21/2013 post:

After having engaged in the secular ritual of almost last minute gift buying, and feeling frustrated by the wanton secularization of the observance of our Lord’s birth, I stopped at a Weigel's on the way home. The older man in front of me in line was buying a gallon of milk. As he turned, I noticed his cap: Vietnam War Veteran.

I caught his attention as he turned from the checkout. All I did was look him in the eyes and offer my handshake. I didn’t have to say a word. He saw the words in my eyes. He looked in my eyes, man to man, and said, “Thank you,” as he shook my hand. I respect this man, whom I may never meet again, because he offered his military service as a sacrifice to this once great nation.

Amidst the gift buying and giving, I paused, in the ultimate level of thankfulness, to “shake the hand” of the One who sacrificed his all for such a lowly one as I. May I, and all in this nation, live in respect of the Greatest Gift of all.

I do not recall having seen that Vietnam Veteran again. Eight years since my post, I would not change one word. God the eternal Word became flesh, born of a virgin. My analogy of the ants (8/21/2021 article) comes to mind: the man became an ant. He lived and died as an ant. He rose again. He brought salvation to the ants. God, however, created us in his image. God the Word became God the Son. Salvation is free. Have you taken up the Good Lord's offer? Contact me, if you have not. I will help you any way that I can!

Christmas 12/25/2021

Yesterday morning, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I enjoyed watching the tarp blow across our “back 40” into the “back 40” of our neighbors, to the east of us. The tarp had come from a neighbor to the west of us. I should have flown a kite, as I had stated before.

We gathered with the Gordon-Beckner clan on Christmas afternoon. As always, the conversation and food were great. (Well, there was too much food.) The elder sister of my father-in-law will attain age 100 next month, as the Lord wills. I look forward to writing about that event, by His grace! I wrote about this dear lady, in my January 18, 2021 article.

My youngest brother and his family visited in the early evening. Our two nieces were able to get their Christmas gifts on time this year. They got their Christmas 2020 gifts on 7/3/2021 (as my 7/5/2021 article mentioned).

Christmas, to the Fearghail and to the Gordon-Beckner clans, has the depth of family heritage, in the biblical context. The gift giving is secondary. Despite the March wind in winter, it was a good Christmas day.

“LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL, THE BACKDROP (written 8/25/2016)”

Of course, the Fearghail clan remembers the good Christmas times and the sad Christmas times. The following is a paragraph from my unpublished book, “Light at the End of the Tunnel.” The paragraph is from my section “The Backdrop (written 8/25/2016).”

Thanksgiving 1999 was a good day. Mom looked and felt better than she had before she became ill. I still see her vividly. She was sitting in the blue recliner in the living room, at the homeplace. She was enjoying the family holiday activity. How well Mom looked and felt inspired us all. I recall telling Mom how well she looked. She replied, “I think I can see some light at the end of the tunnel!” (This inspired the title to my little book.) The next day, after Belinda and I were back at our little Knoxville apartment, Mom had pain in her side. Medical providers theorized that the pain was from over exertion in physical therapy. The pain turned out to be bone cancer. So, after enduring so much and finally showing signs of recovery, from all through which she had been, due to the cerebellar hemorrhage, Mom left this world and us to be with Jesus, on December 27, 2000, a year minus one day from when she was first hospitalized in 1999. At least Mom didn’t have to suffer long with the cancer, as she had, and still was, suffering from the cerebellar hemorrhage.

I will get around to finishing and publishing my book, in a year or so, as the Lord wills. I usually work quite a bit on my book, during the last week of the year.

I must, however, endure working from home, tomorrow only. Tomorrow is 12/27/2021 – twenty-one years since Mom “went to see Jesus” (in her words to me).

Conclusion

Is there joy this time of year? Yes. Is there sorrow this time of year? Yes. Can one experience both sorrow and joy this time of year? Yes. I have been doing so, along with an unknown number of others, every year – for many years.

Will temporal sorrow be overcome with everlasting joy? Yes, it will be – through God the man, who was born in a manger. Do you know the rest of the story? Have you accepted salvation, by faith, in Christ? Many of you have, and you rejoice, even in sorrow. There is hope! Some have not. Contact me, if you would like to talk. I will be glad to share a piece of the Bread of Life, from one hungry beggar to another.

LIFE, “SUCH AS IT WAS,” UPDATE – 12/7/2021 to 12/23/2021 (published 12/24/2021)

 Introduction

Merry Christmas Eve, y'all! The weather is cloudy and too warm this afternoon. I'm just “sottin' here,” writing.

The Context

I hope that you are reflecting deeply on God's Eternal Plan of Redemption. Our all-knowing God always knew his plan, as He is eternal and omniscient, among His other characteristics. God's plan had to unfold, in time.

First, God created the temporal universe – including humans, made in His image. The biblical account is in Genesis. (The faith is based on evidence, which I have and can continue to prove.) God knew that sin would enter his creation.

The Old Testament books of the Bible record the next chapter in God's Eternal Plan of Redemption. The chapter unfolded over centuries and includes many details.

The inspired Gospel of Luke (chapter 2, verses 1-7) records the birth of God, the eternal Word, who became flesh, as the Messiah. Jesus, as God incarnate, lived, taught, performed miracles, was crucified, was resurrected, and ascended to heaven. The biblical record is inspired and verified. (I have and can prove the faith.)

Since that time, we remain in the unfolding final chapter of God's Eternal Plan of Redemption. The inspired New Testament writers recorded the first several decades of this still unfolding final chapter.

Now that I have set the context, I will regale you with life, “such as it was,” from 12/7/2021 to 12/23/2021.

LIFE, “SUCH AS IT WAS”

12/7/2021, Tuesday: I wish that I had taken the time to write an article that day. The day marked the 80th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The unfolding tragedy of World War II continued, until it ended, finally. I now, by writing, honor the men and women who gave their lives, in service to this once great nation. I wish this once great nation could live, in honor of their collective sacrifices.

12/15/2021, Wednesday: Mrs. Appalachian Irishman had her “annual, every-six-month” physical examination, by her PCP. My wife is doing well enough to have an annual physical on an annual, not on an every-every-six-month, basis! Her doctor must like the copay.

12/14,15,16/2021: On 12/14/2021, the daughter of my “adoptive sister” attained age 48. Her phone number is no longer valid. I tried. The next day, I left my “adoptive sister” a voice mail phone message. My “adoptive sister,” in Charleston, Missouri, has not returned my call yet. I tried. On 12/16/2021, the son of my “adoptive sister” attained age 44. His phone number is still valid. I left him a voice mail. He has not replied yet. I tried.

12/20/21, Monday: Usually, I work from home, from Monday through Wednesday and at the office on Thursdays and Fridays – doing the exact same job. It has been the work insanity that I have endured, since 2/1/2021. On 12/20/2021, as my '06 Frontier and I were turning from one road to the next -- almost home, my truck told me that supplemental air bag warning light needed attention. At 5:51 PM, I called the Nissan folks.

On 12/28/21, Tuesday, when I am off work – and on the anniversary of Mom's 12/28/1999 ER trip that started my not yet published book "Light at the End of the Tunnel" – my truck and I have a 2 PM appointment -- to fix another sensor, apparently. It will be part of another "Life, Such as It Is" article, eventually.

12/22/2021, Wednesday: I had my ACTUAL annual (i.e., once a year) physical examination, by my fine primary care doctor, friend, and brother in Christ. I worked from home that day. My appointment was at 8 AM. I “flexed my work time,” to not request leave. His office is a five-minute drive from home. Aside from my “bionic” whatevers, which are much improved, I am still “fit as a rutting buck!” If you need a great primary care doctor, and if you live in the Knoxville, Tennessee area, I highly recommend my doctor, friend, and fellow Christian: Kalpesh D. Parikh, MD! (The link is via patientfusion.com.)

12/23/2021, Thursday: Yesterday, I decided to play with SubStack a while. I started my SubStack website, which is not as good as my Appalachian Irishman website, here, that I own. I'm trying to “expand my influence, readership, and profile,” as some folks call it. Who knows? I may find a way to work-at-home fulltime, as an editor and/or writer, in time. We will see.

Conclusion

By the way, I left a very good friend two voice mails today, about 12:25 PM from our landline and about 1:27 PM from my cell phone. I hope that my very good friend calls me back. We haven't spoken, either by phone or face-to-face, in about a decade.

This life, such as it was, update is placed firmly -- on this 12/24/2021 Christmas Eve Friday -- into the context of God's Eternal Plan of Redemption.

Do you understand? I hope so! Otherwise, contact me. I will help you in any way that I can!

“LIFE, SUCH AS IT WAS” 11-29-2021 to 12-4-2021 (published 12-11-2021)

 Introduction

On 12/11/2021, Saturday, for my readers in the Tennessee area, are you enjoying the summer storm, on this “winter” day? Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I are. For my readers in other nations, the weather has been unseasonably warm. A strong low pressure system brought the storm and rain today. The various media have updates on the tragic damage west of here.

 

I took the above photograph, which includes Molly (our ol' puppy), this afternoon (12/11/2021). The large cedar tree near the house lost a branch, in the wind and storm that passed through here, about 11 AM. I have some work to do.

I am finally finishing and publishing one of my three other articles. My 12/5/2021 article mentioned the other three, on which I have been working. This article is one of the three at least. The delay is due, mostly, to my unfortunate current employment status.

If y'all know a fine company that would like to hire the type of writer and editor that I am, please either send that company my contact information or send me that company's contact information! I want, urgently, to transition from my insane state government job to a work-at-home writing and/or editing job! Thanks, if you can help in my networking effort here. You are welcome to use the “Contact Form,” to send me an email! Call, if you know my phone number!

This article is about “life, such as it was,” from 11/29/21, Monday, to 12/4/2021, Saturday, before the SEC Championship football game. The SEC Championship Game article will be brief, sadly, once I publish it.

11/29/2021 to 12/4/2021

11/29/2021, Monday: a usual work day for Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and me. I still work from home on Monday through Wednesday and at the office Thursday and Friday – doing the exact same job that I can do, more easily, at home. I'm tired of it.

11/30/1892 and 11/30/2021: My paternal grandmother, Molly Gertrude Archer Ferrell, was born on 11/30/1892. You may search, to find other articles that I have written previously. Granny Ferrell was a fine grandmother – except for the time that Papaw Ferrell obstructed her from whipping me! I've written about it, somewhere in my archived articles.

The eldest daughter of my youngest brother and his wife is on her high school girls basketball team. That team played our local high school girls basketball team, on 11/30/2021. We had known about it. We both had planned to attend. The game started at 5 PM.

 

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman returned home, from work, early. She attended the game. She saw out sister-in-law and our niece. She was at the local high school at 4:40 PM. She arrived home at 7:45 PM. Our niece's team won, both junior varsity and varsity games. The image above has the scores and the times of each game! Our niece played in the junior varsity game.

Sadly, I worked, on unpaid overtime, at home, from 4:30 to 5:40 PM. I could not attend physically. I was present in spirit! Once again, my job interfered with my personal life.

Granny Ferrell will be glad to know that her great granddaughter won a basketball game, on Granny's birthday. I look forward to telling her – eventually, once I join Granny, at Home.

12/01/2021, Wednesday: winter began. Meteorological winter is from December 1st to February 28th. Astronomical “winter” is from about December 21st to about March 22nd. Russia marks winter starting December 1st. I had done the same, before our mission work (10/1/1994 to 9/30/1999) in Russia. I, however, have digressed into the mundane.

I had awakened with a sharp pain at the back of my neck, upper respiratory congestion, gastrointestinal “strangeness,” and a lack of my usual “bionic man” energy. I worked at home, well enough. I was improved but still sickly, on Thursday and Friday, so I arranged to work at home those days also!

My article “CORONA MYOPIA” (published 4/26/2020) articulated the definition of Corona Myopia. I stated the meaning of “corona.” I had a new-to-me common cold virus. I got over it. The sharp pain at the back of my neck caused me to wonder if I had an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) that was leaking. In November 1999, Mom (Betty Lou Wood Ferrell, 11/24/1932 - 12/27/2000) was misdiagnosed as having influenza, at first. Her arteriovenous malformation (AVM; birth defect) that had been asymptomatic had leaked. That started the details that my still unpublished book, “Light at the End of the Tunnel,” have recorded. The record remains in my mind, with temporal sadness.

That same day, I had posted a tribute on the website of the funeral home that served the family of the deceased mother of one of my high school friends. (He is still my friend. Miles separate us, but we are friends.) The initials of my friend are C.G. His mother, at age 89, had gone Home, on 11/26/2021, the Friday after Thanksgiving. Her visitation and funeral were on 12/4/2021, Saturday. The illness or passing of a beloved family member, around Thanksgiving or Christmas, is not pleasant. My still unpublished book will have details. My mind retains the temporally sad details.

My last article, “RIGHT-TO-LIFE, BORDER, INFLATION, SSA TRUST FUND, & VIOLENCE (published 12-5-2021),” commented on the “Supreme Court” case. I hope that the “Supreme Court” follows God's Supreme Court. The murdering of unborn children should not have started. It needs to stop. May it stop, dear Lord!

12/02/2021, Thursday: What is a “palindrome?” What is an “ambigram?” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary links (previously) will answer. I learned. We have two good friends. They are husband and wife. The wife, whom I have known since New Years Eve 1980, attained age (not given), on 12/02/2021. She had a birthday on a palindrome and an ambigram day!

On that day, I received postal mail from the Knox County Clerk, reminding me to renew my '08 Frontier license plate tag, before 12/31/2021. That Clerk's office had emailed me, on 11/6/2021, about my tag renewal. I had paid for my new tag, on 11/13/2021. My 12/2022 expires new tag has been on the license plate on my new ol' truck, since 11/20/2021. I wonder if the Knox County Clerk office could understand my sarcastic humor.

12/03/2021, Friday: huh? What? Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I had endured another work week. We work for a living, as we were raised to do so. Some folks have forgotten their raising. Some folks never learned it.

12/04/2021, Saturday, before the SEC Championship Game: I'd hauled trash. Afterward, I decided to look, for the fifth time, for basic sweatshirts, at Kohl's this time. (My four prior efforts were on 11/13/2021, Saturday, at Target, then on 11/20/2021, Saturday, at Hammers, Rural King, and Dollar General Store – where I had surprised Mrs. Appalachian Irishman. See my “11/20/2021, SATURDAY: 'LIFE, SUCH AS IT IS.')

At Kohl's, I met a husband and wife, both about my age or a little older. He was hunting sweatshirts also. The three of us talked a while. I am glad to know that some folks out there think as I write here. Either the USSA (1/6/2021 start) needs to return to the godly values that built this once great nation (despite its many errors), or the Good Lord needs to return soon! Come soon, dear Lord!

One of our good neighbors and his wife had come down with a variation of the “Corony.” He called me, later that afternoon. As of 12/11/2021, Saturday, his wife and he are recovering at home now. He has been getting out and about, driving, some. His wife had a worse case. Both of them will be recovered fully soon. Thank you, Lord, for answering prayers in the affirmative – this time! The various versions of this new cold virus are either mild or severe – depending on various factors. Search my website by “Corona Myopia,” to find way too many articles that I have written.

On that morning, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman -- apparently having contracted my 12/1/2021 started cold virus – “enjoyed” the start of her two days of the less bothersome version of the virus she'd decided to get from me. I'm glad that she recovered in two days. It had taken me four days to recover.

Conclusion

We had a summer storm in winter today (12/11/2021). I still feel the storm of the SEC Championship Game, of 12/4/2021, Saturday.

My next article will be a brief comment on that game.

11-24-2021 WAS MOM'S HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY (published 11-26-2021, Friday)

Introduction

Sadly, on 11/24/2021, Wednesday, I searched my articles – from 3/6/2006 first article to the latest at that time. Searching by “Mom” will find more articles. I found two only, by “Mom's Birthday” search. My still unpublished book, “Light at the End of the Tunnel,” contains much more than my website does. I plan to publish my book – in time. I have been working on in, off and on, since 2000. Another year or so, before publishing, will not matter – if I'm still on this earth.

Mom (Betty Lou Wood Ferrell, 11/24/1932 - 12/27/2000) would have been 89, on 11/24/2021 - if she were still on this earth.

My 11/24/2009 and 11/24/2019 Articles

On Tuesday, November 24, 2009, I wrote my “Happy Birthday, Mom” article. I re-read my words. I experienced the same emotions. I quote one sentence from that article, to Mom: “You were the most genuine Christian that I have known.” You are encouraged to read my article. I would not change one word today.

On Sunday, November 24, 2019, I wrote my “MOM'S BIRTHDAY” article. I hope that you enjoy my play on “The Farmer in the Dell.” Mom would not have liked my use of “crap,” but she would have laughed. I was starting my “bionic” life year number four. I had to inject a little humor.

My 7/17/2021 Birthday Pie

 

As a teenager, I did not care for birthday cakes anymore. Mom could make great cakes. She had taken a cake decorating class. She had all the tools. Mom made the wedding cake for Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and me (5/16/1986). I liked birthday lemon pie better. Mom started making me birthday lemon pies every year.

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman has kept up that tradition. On 7/17/2021, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman made me the above photographed birthday pie. From that date, until 11/25/2021, Thanksgiving, I was not hungry for lemon pie. (I do not eat sweets very often.) On Thanksgiving, yesterday, I ate one piece of my 7/17/2021 birthday lemon pie. It was good. It had been aging in the freezer. My youngest brother and his family had Thanksgiving dinner (12 PM) with us. He ate a sliver of my pie. For Thanksgiving supper, at the Gordon-Beckner gathering, I talked a couple of my in-laws into eating some of my pie.

The above photograph indicates that much more pie remains to be eaten. I may eat the rest of my 7/17/2021 birthday pie, before 7/17/2022 – if I don't go Home or the world comes to an end before then.

Conclusion

Mom, if you were able to hear me now, you would smile and make a good reply to me! I know. I should have eaten my birthday lemon pie completely in July. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman seems to understand.

How about a birthday Winesap apple, for my birthday, next year? I would eat that the same day!

I'm just having a little fun with you, Mom! I look forward to sharing this story with you, at Home, eventually. I'm getting there – not today, apparently. Now, Dad liked sweets. I wonder if my 7/17/2021 lemon birthday pie will keep?