Thursday, March 27, 2008

Letting It All Sink In

Ten days have passed since Ursula's death. Lots of activity, family time, and attending to legal matters. It has not been without some drama, but these times always have that. The three kids, Kirk Tony & Ingrid, are all interested in doing things decently and in order. Some tasks have been given to other members of the family who have the time and ability to handle them. They have run into some complications which will take care of themselves in time. The pain of loss remains. Losing a parent is not easy. Trust me, I've been through it twice.

I have begun working for Walmart in Champaign in the meat dept. M-W 11am-8pm, off Th-F, Sat. 11am-8m, off Sunday. The first few days were exhausting. Not so bad now. Still learning everything that needs to happen.

That's all for now. Until next time, keep your stick on the ice.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Funeral Arrangements

Funeral arrangements for Ursula Williams are as follows:

Visitation: Family will meet friends Thursday March 20 from 5-7 pm @ Lux Memorial Chapel in Rantoul IL.
Funeral: The service will be held @ American Lutheran Church in Rantoul Friday March 21 beginning at 10:30 am.

Thanks to those of you who are praying and have commented here. Please pray specifically for Ingrid, who must now handle the financial fallout from this and still grieve the loss. God bless you.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

An Announcement

Ursula Williams, 73, of Rantoul IL, the mother of Ingrid Menge and Kirk & Tony Williams, died at 10:13pm Monday March 17 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana IL. She was surrounded by her children, their spouses, and her longtime companion Vernon Nash. Cause of death: pneumonia.

She is survived by her companion Vernon Nash, three children: Tony Williams, Kirk Williams (Carissa), and Ingrid Menge (Bob); two grandchildren, Heather Williams and Elexus Williams, and one great-granddaughter Keira.

She was born in Germany on Oct. 5, 1934, and witnessed firsthand the atrocities of the Hitler regime, losing family members in concentration camps. Later in America, she became a registered nurse and served at Carle Hospital for 27 years until her retirement.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Thank you to those of you who have prayed for us. She is no longer suffering, and is with God, at peace.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Update

Ursula woke up late this morning, which is great, but nothing else has changed. Ingrid is very weary, as you might expect. Since she holds decision making authority, she needs strength and clarity of mind. Please pray to that end. I'm heading back to the hospital after completing this writing. Thanks to those of you who have been praying for us. We are so grateful.

PLEASE Pray...!

Ingrid called @ 7:30am. Ursula is not responding to treatment. She has fluid on the lungs from the pneumonia, and they cannot wake her up. This is very troubling. As you attend church for this Palm Sunday, please include our family in your prayers. Our desire is that Ursula would be healed; above all else, though, that God's will be done and He receive all praise, honor, and glory. Also for strength for Ingrid, Kirk, and Tony, her children. Thank you so much and God bless you.

Friday, March 14, 2008

Health crisis

Sometime between 9 am and 11:30 am today, while I was not at the house, Ursula was taken by ambulance to Carle Hospital in Urbana. I talked to Ingrid around 1 pm, and she said that the staff has indicated that Ursula has pneumonia. With everything else she has been through since the start of this year, that is not good. This comes just as I am getting started with my new job in the meat department at Wal-Mart on Prospect Ave. in Champaign. I am most concerned with the effect this will have on Ingrid. If you are a person who believes in God, please pray for this situation. Thank you, and God bless you.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Overdue Update

Ursula suffered an anxiety attack. She returned home the same evening. Because of her condition and lack of physical strength, she no longer is in full control of what goes on around her. This is very upsetting to her.

I began at Wal-Mart on March 11. After completing my last few training modules on computer today, I could possibly see some time in the meat department, where I have been assigned. They schedule three weeks ahead of time, and for payroll purposes, the week begins on Saturday, and ends on Friday. I am paid every two weeks on Thursday. My work days are Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 am to 8 pm. Off days are Sunday, Thursday, and Friday. At least for the first three weeks. We'll see after that. I am grateful to have been hired for this job.

Until next time, keep your stick on the ice.

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Health crisis

My mother in law Ursula (if you've read this blog at all you are aware of the recent hospital stay), was just taken by ambulance to Carle Hospital in Urbana. Evidently she wasn't sounding right, unable to remember or to say simple sentences. The paramedics do not believe it is a stroke, but are transporting her to the hospital just to make sure. They left about five minutes ago. More later as I am briefed on the situation.

Friday, March 7, 2008

Isn't she lovely.........isn't she wonderful

This is one of my favorite pictures of Ingrid. Even though she is the photographer in the family, she doesn't really like having her picture taken. Just look at her. I think the Stevie Wonder song lyrics above say it all.

I love you honey.

It's official: I HAVE A JOB!

I'm going to work for Wal-Mart Supercenter, on Prospect Ave., in Champaign, pending the results of the drug test. I anticipate receiving a call from personnel on Monday to say the test is clean, and to report for orientation on Tuesday. After having several interviews in January and February, at last a business has decided that they would like me to join their team. I am grateful for this opportunity, and thankful to God for arranging the circumstances, and for caring for Ingrid and me through all this.

Until next time, keep your stick on the ice.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Quick Update

I went for a job offer at Walmart (WM)Supercenter in Champaign @9am. They offered me a position in the meat department for 9.75/hr, which is a lot better that I was expecting. I accepted, and was sent to Carle occupational medicine for the drug test. I was told that the results would be emailed to the personnel lady, and she would call me Monday. Orientation would begin Tuesday.

What about Guardian West (GW), you may ask? I have not heard from them since the interview on Tuesday. I called twice yesterday, and once this morning before going to WM. Got HR man's voice mail. They are not out of the running...........yet. If they call with an offer that resembles what we discussed on Tuesday, I will accept, and decline the WM opportunity.

More later.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Job Prospects are Looking UP!

Had TWO job interviews yesterday. One at Wal-mart in nearby Champaign, and later at Guardian West in Urbana.

The Walmart interview went well. Surprisingly well. I say that because almost from the beginning, the manner of speaking was that I was going to be hired. The opening is in the meat department of the Walmart (W-M) Supercenter on Prospect Ave. in Champaign. W-M has a 3 step process in interviewing: a first interview by a department head, a second one with an assistant manager, and the third with the store manager. The store manager is the only one who can officially offer you a position. I went through the first two steps yesterday morning and was told to expect a call for the third interview with the store manager. I got the call @ 4 pm. The third interview (and likely job offer) is scheduled for 9 am Thursday.

The second place I went yesterday for an interview was Guardian West (GW) located in Urbana. They are part of Flex-n-Gate, and manufacture steel parts for trucks, and other vehicles. About three weeks ago, my friend Tom Bricker, a GW employee (and former co-worker of mine at Rantoul Products) told me about a job opening on second shift he was aware of. I submitted my resume and cover letter. Last week the HR supervisor called me to say that, though the 2nd shift position was filled, he had another open position that he felt I was qualified for: receiving clerk on first shift. I went in yesterday afternoon, and interviewed with the HR supervisor, and also met the shipping supervisor who would be my direct boss. HR man said he had one more interview to conduct and he would let me know sometime today. I have already left him a voice mail letting him know that I have another offer, but would really like to join the GW team, and asking him to contact me ASAP.

After six months of unemployment and over ten interviews, suddenly there are two companies who seem to want me to join their team. Imagine that.

I'll post again when I know who I'll be working for. Until then, keep your stick on the ice.