One good thing about going to work @ Wal-mart

I have had good days, and bad days, in my brief new 'career' at Wal-mart. As the title says, one good thing about going back to work is.......I have lost 15 pounds. My 'big boy' pants are loose, and my size 54 belt is loose too; it can't hold up my pants snug. There's always a silver lining.

Gasoline in Rantoul is $3.79/gal. I don't know what else to say about it. If we're not in a recession, we're durn close.

Here's a couple of laughs for you.

7th grade teacher addressing her class:
"During the performance half of you were sleeping, half of you were talking, and the other half of you were flat out being rude!"

My favorite so far this year:
A sign advertising potato chips at a gas station in Cottage Grove, Minnesota

2 LAYS FOR $1

Til next time, keep your stick on the ice.

It has been three weeks.......

since my last post. A whirlwind of work, tiredness, and frankly, not much exciting happening. Like many people today, we are struggling to keep up with monthly obligations. Utility rates, especially for natural gas, are outrageous, and the many other things that come up have a tendency to try to crush one's spirit. However, we know God is in control, and He promises to meet our needs. Not our wants, but our needs.

Going to pick up my check now. More later.

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.

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.

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.

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.