Constant Remembering, Treasuring. . .

The goal of posting a word or two every month went by the wayside last month.  This time thing is really difficult to understand.  Seems like every happening is like yesterday, then again it's like a long, long time ago.  I visited Plantersville Cemetery Friday, a chilly day, wind blowing, first big chill of the fall, and I have to admit, it was a sad visit. No way to sugarcoat it, even with praying for faith to stand his loss as best I can. . . The brilliant golden and orange fall arrangements on many of the monuments were somehow comforting.  I had blue hydrangeas for George Morris.
A dear note of comfort came from Sandra Monts, and how I appreciate all her words, most particularly her remembering his wonderful kind traits and her acknowledgement of:  "I know George is missed tremendously by so many in so many areas."  Means so very much, thank you, thank you.  Someone has suggested the second year of the loss is worse than the first, and that person may have a point.  The finality of it all really hits.  I'm trying to spend a little time (too little time) on George's stories every night.  We had already talked about self-publishing for our family files, and I must carry that effort through.  It is such an awesome thought to edit, to copy, typeset, handle his work.  
I have to smile as I think a selfish thought.  Yes, I miss George so very much, beyond words--and I miss his paying the bills big time.  About the time I get a batch done, it starts all over.  Talk about time passing fast; when it comes to some chores, like crossing the palms of creditors, the days roll around pretty fast.

August-September 2012

My goal has been to have an entry for each month, and technically I have missed August 2012, since it's 12:20 a.m.  I had the idea of entering thoughts about the significance that August 31-September 1 always had for George and me, and so I shall.  On August 31, 1968, we were at home at Roselawn Terrace in Starkville, the Labor Day weekend, awaiting the September 4 date that had been predicted for the birth of our baby.  Mother was visiting from Tupelo.  It was a Saturday night, and we went to bed fairly late.  Then it was very early Sunday morning September 1, like 1:30, and Cameron Lee Kelly decided it was time to start to make her appearance.  We headed for Felix Long Memorial Hospital, the site for the special occasion.  Dr. Leonard Brandon was in charge of  the delivery, and by the time Cam arrived at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, September 1, I heard through a slight fog from Dr. Brandon that "All three grandmothers were there" when he presented this 8 pound, 2 ounce black-haired baby girl.  George had called Miss Vera and Doris, and they decided they could not go back to sleep so they hit the road to Starkville.  Aunt 'Cille (Lucille Kelly Stennis Montgomery) brought tiny pink ribbon for the baby's hair (against the rules, said the nursery nurse, as she taped a bow in Cam's hair). There was enough for all the baby girls in the nursery born that Labor Day weekend.  What a way to observe/celebrate Labor Day.  I'm looking at a photograph collage on the wall that includes one of George Morris holding his baby daughter, one of my favorite photos.  I'm also looking at a baby gown made by Cousin Mary Alice Morris for George in 1940.  Thanks to Miss Vera for saving it.  Cam wore it home from the hospital, and we have a special photo of Doris holding Baby Cam ready to take her into our Roselawn Terrace Apartment #8.  Then Carly Grace Chennault wore the gown home from St. Dominic Hospital.  I'm looking at the special baby ensemble, now framed and on the wall near the photo.  It can always be de-framed and worn again, but it was getting a little fragile.  Oh, Cam's birth was carried on the front page of the "Starkville Daily News," where I was on the staff and on maternity leave.  The editor Sherrill Nash wrote the little story and chuckled as he suggested that I recover from the birthing asap and get back to the news desk.  George was studying at Mississippi State University, handling his course work so well and diving into the responsibilities of fatherhood even better.  A dedicated, loving daddy . . .he was always so great with our daughter.
Guess I've shared your age, Cam, but you don't mind. . . do you?

Moving on to Two; July 5, 2011, Remembered . . .

So many uplifting notes and thoughts have come from kin and friends as we observed the one-year mark yesterday.  Steve's note, which arrived right on the day, re-affirmed the wonderful Plantersville Connection that meant so much to George.   Dorothy Shawhan's sweet, supportive message of remembrance, also received yesterday, was accompanied by a clipping about the reenactment of the Presley wedding in which Steve played the part of the officiating minister.
   Polly Marshall did indeed read George's requested Rossetti poem for us to mark the date yesterday evening.
  To all who have prayed for us, thought about us, so many, many thanks, and as the saying goes, 'words can't express.'
   If I've felt like I've been sleepwalking through the past 12 months, it's time to wake up and move on--but never ever forget.
   George Morris was indeed the best.

I notice that an effort entitled July 6, or a year later, or words to that effect got lost somewhere.  I wonder where, what I did or didn't do.  Not a clue . . .

One Year, Twelve Months . . .Time

The last day of June and nearing the time of marking the one-year anniversary date of George's unsuccessful heart valve surgery July 5.  Such an awesome thought, the idea that I have made it through almost 12 months of his not being here. So missed, so very much missed.  The evening of the 5th, I'm having a few of his Hinds English Department friends and two longtime friends here in Clinton who have 'propped me up' these past days over to remember and commemorate with us.  Polly Marshall, who taught with George and has so often eulogized those who have passed over, has agreed to read the poem that I later discovered in my notes he had suggested for his services.  He said it in passing as we prepared to give Mother up to Heaven.  In all the (how to describe it?) turmoil, I never thought . . .But finding the note in my journal was so direct.  It's the Rossetti poem that says to 'sing no sad songs for me . . .'  Cam, Tim, Carly and I need to hear it, to listen, to rejoice in what we had, cherish his dearness . . .
   Meanwhile, we look forward to joyful times.  Paula Sims, our cousin, daughter of Paul (Tip) and Laney Sims, will be marrying Zack Matkins in two weeks, and needless to say, we are very happy for this occasion. The Sims are definitely "Plantersville Connections," Tip having preached at Plantersville Baptist.
   Ah, Family. . . talk about 'prop-ups.'

So Glad I Read It . . .and Glad to Hear It

George received a nice letter from the "Lee County Courier" recently reminding us that it is time to renew.  It certainly didn't bother me for the letter to come to George; as a matter of fact, I like the idea--seems so right.  We've always enjoyed the 'LCC,' but these past months, well, it's been difficult for me to keep up with my readings.  I try to catch the Courier, great publication that is is, and catching up with the 5/17 issue, I'm glad I did.  Front page, there it was/is:  "Holland defers retirement" by C. Richard Cotton.  I distinctly remember having a 'sinking feeling' when Steve shared that he was calling the journey to Jackson quits next time.  Reading the story with all the particulars of reapportionment, my spirit received a lift.  ". . . an important position in the minority"--that quote says it.  The Capitol would lose so much spirit and energy without the vibrant presence of Rep. Holland.  The people bringing in exhibits explaining their special messages designed to catch the attention of our legislators always feel great when Steve takes time to visit with them in the Capitol Rotunda.

Flowers for George's Memory

The flower arrangement Sunday, April 1, at First Baptist, Clinton, was my remembrance for George Morris and our friend, former Clinton Mayor Billy Ray Smith (who was also one of Cam's school principals). Both George and Billy Ray left us so suddenly last year. . . George and I would have celebrated our 46th anniversary yesterday, April 2. Faye Estes kept the circuit clerk's office late April 1 as we 'flew' down from Memphis to get our license. Bro. Silas Johnson performed the ceremony at Mama Kelly's house. Of course, Doris was the director. I observed the date yesterday quietly, but I had plenty of loving support.

Remembering Cousin Carl

A sad message came to us, as we heard about Carl Kingsley's death on March 3 at Sanctuary Hospice House. Services were held in the chapel of Holland Funeral Directors March 6. Carl's write-up was so impressive, most particularly his service to our country, as a veteran of World War II. He was honorably discharged from the Navy Sea Bees and served as president and vice commander of the Tupelo Chapter of the VFW. He was active in the American Legion. A master mechanic, he graduated from Itawamba Community College in air conditioning, heating and cooling and appliance repair. Thoughts will continue to go to all the family, particularly his three daughters, Linda Culpepper, Sandra Curtis and Evelyn Baldwin. George's computer reminder of his errands had 'call Carl' or 'check with Carl' listed many times.

"Jackson Free Press" and Steve

A friend called me to mention the "Jackson Free Press" with Steve Holland's interview. He read me some choice parts, and we chuckled over his remarks and fumed over the way things are going. I was determined to find the article--and so I did. I never realized when a person's Party was relegated to the minority, he was supposed to sit down, say nothing, lose his sense of humor, and quietly fade away. . . Anyone knowing Steve H. at all would recognize a 'Steve-ism' in the Gulf business, and for those who did see through it and fuss about 'wasting time' or whatever, yes, as Steve says, "Get a life." In the article, his dedication to the working folks is so obvious, and it's something George and I always recognized. He and his family and staff are certainly on hand and ever so helpful in times of grief. He can take over the piano or organ and take requests for hymns of choice in addition to directing the services. (It's now a few days short of a year since Holland Funeral Directors helped us through Mother's service/celebration of life.) I wish him strength, humor, and continued grit as he deals with the legislative days.

Happy Valentine's Day

George found the time to leave a valentine card and a happy last year when Mother was so sick at Darlington Oaks in Verona. He was traveling back to Clinton, but he made sure to remember me, and I for sure remember it even more now. Thinking about it has enhanced my day.

Surely anybody who knows our Steve Holland should recognize a joke. His barbs and jokes more often than not represent good points. . .a pity people don't/can't recognize that. His dedication to the good of Every Man in his years in the Mississippi Legislature is a great gift and no joke.

The House Changes . . .

Two members of the House of Representatives whose expertise and knowledge have been neglected in recent committee appointments are Steve Holland of Plantersville and Cecil Brown of Jackson. Several others could be named, but these two stand out in my mind, as well as the minds of others, as representatives who always have had the interests of the working people as their main interest in serving in the Legislature. No doubt they will continue along these lines but it's going to be a difficult path, of this there is not much doubt. Steve is shown at the Capitol last week with one of the physicians, Dr. Smith, as they participated in a health awareness day event.

Two Things To Tackle . . .

First thing is the researching of George Morris' research-genealogy records on the Kelly family, origins, where in Ireland they left from, traveling to the United States around the 1850-mark, that type of history. He had done some pretty extensive studying on various family lines. Questions have come in from family members wanting facts. I am trying.

Second, the task of gathering, typesetting and publishing (self-publishing) George's stories is high on my list T t T list. We had just begun that enterprise, and I'm so glad we did. I had typeset "Turbulence" for him, and I have found a file with other works stored in it. I am rather intimidated at the thought, seems like a big undertaking or rather an effort that I want to be just right. How to judge, how to judge. More important probably is just doing it and not worrying about it. Kind of a shame--I'm a good worrier, got the trait from my grandmother. She was proud of her knack for worrying. I can still hear her saying, ". . . just worried me to death." (How much good did it ever do?) However, diving in and finding the Kelly records and compiling the works are the most important, rather than worrying about when and how. He wanted the compilation for Cam, Tim and Carly to keep.

For December

Here I have waited until 2012 to visit the Plantersville Connection, dear to my heart though it is. Memories of Plantersville connections continue to be a part of my day-to-day thoughts. My sister Margaret Pickard, her son Marshall, and I visited the Plantersville Cemetery Christmas Eve with poinsettias to place on the resting places for our dear people who are not really there. The visitation was both helpful and hurtful--can't escape from the fact that there is a great big 'missing' in our lives.

In the next few weeks or so, Steve and Jay and Miss Sadie will have a memorial stone for George's and my site. . . next to Aunt Johnnie and Uncle Fielden's, up a bit from the rest of the Kellys, but not far.

We also visited Mother, George Pickard, and Marshall's friend Michael in Verona. It was a special Christmas Eve Saturday.

Wonderful Wuichets

Among our many favorites in Plantersville: Frances and Jack Wuichet, who have been such wonderful help to us throughout the years. Imagine my delight in receiving George's "Lee County Courier" Nov. 3 edition and seeing on page 7a a cutline that begins "Award Presented." Jack was honored with the Gold Presidential Service Award presented by Karen Balint at a Plantersville Town Hall meeting. Jack has given more than 500 hours of community service, donating hundreds of hours each month, doing such good things as collecting aluminum cans for recycling (love that recycling), folding newspapers for the Humane Society, and working at the Nettleton Food Bank. He is an alderman, a Civitan Club member and a member of Plantersville Baptist, too. Shown with Jack in the photo are Frances, Rhonda Wuichet Morgan, Jackie Wuichet, Robbie Wuichet Robison and Liz Wuichet Bouchillon. What good news. Congratulations, Jack!

Memorial Time

Jean Jutman called the other day to catch up and to ask me to attend special October memorial services that were set for today, October 9. She invited me to the Methodist meeting which included a meal, and I know that included absolutely wonderful food. (I still treasure my Plantersville Cookbook with the excellent recipes from the 1960s, legacy of Miss Vera.) Unfortunately, I could not get away (oh, to be a mere two hours away, not 3.5, that extra hour making the trip somewhat of a challenge. Not much of a reason because I know some Plantersville transplants make the drive quite often). I hope someone got some photos of the occasion. My sister Margaret took some flowers Friday and reported that a nice stand was at the site. Top of my list of things to do is to get a monument/marker for George Morris' place. . .This is a really difficult thought to write, I just discovered.

Margaret and Jean were classmates at Tupelo High School. George and I are slightly older than they.

From Carole: A Time to Miss Him the Most: Baseball Season

It is a time of poignant missing George when sports news is highlighted and enhanced with such reporting on baseball as: " . . . capped by an exhilarating final day has set the stage for Postseason 2011. The St. Louis Cardinals and Tampa Bay Rays overcame large deficits to claim the Wild Card in their respective Leagues and finalized the field of eight, joining division winners New York Yankees (AL East), Detroit Tigers (AL Central), Texas Rangers (AL West), Philadelphia Phillies (NL East), Milwaukee Brewers (NL Central) and Arizona Diamondbacks (NL West)." The ravings over the Boston Red Sox having a nine-game lead and getting done in by the ecstatic spoilers the Baltimore Orioles coupled with the Tampa Bay Rays and the Yankees game (all strong nominations for the Guinness Book of Records, said one report), well, it attracts my attention and really makes me miss George. He was a fan from his early years and kept up so well, knew the game backwards and forwards. I who had rarely attended any sports event and disliked the thought of them, upon marrying George, had soon been to a professional football game, a major league baseball game, a hockey game and seen the Harlem Globe Trotters in action. I had fun, and it was a sort of lesson, making me realize that I had been a bit close-minded. As little as I keep up with the facts, I can better understand and appreciate various games and sports. It makes me sad that George is not here to enjoy it as lines such as "six months of baseball boiled down to a three-minute interval" apparently place these games into special spots in baseball history. Now I find myself going to www.mlb.com. George has to be smiling. Please let him be smiling . . .

Sad News: Dennis Bailey, Plantersville's Special Tenor

Services for Plantersville native Dennis Bailey are at 11 a.m. today at the chapel of Holland Funeral Directors. Dennis was 67 years old. Dennis is survived by his son Lee Bailey and daughter Brooke Bailey Barnes. A special news story in "The Clarion-Ledger" newspaper in Jackson Friday reported on Dennis' impressive career, describing him as an "opera singer who performed in the United States and Europe beginning in the 1970s." He had performed throughout the country. From the news story: "Lee Bailey said his father also enjoyed performing in Santa Fe, N. M., and at the Glyndburne Festival Opera in England." He performed at the San Francisco Opera from 1979 to 1984.
Sympathy is sent to Lee, to Brooke, and all family members.
Sad days for Plantersville and for Plantersville memories indeed.

The Genealogical Front: Dedications Set for Oct. 8

An email arrived from Ernestine Cody Layton Sunday, Aug. 14, who after a break has resumed her genealogical research. She reports that special dedications are scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 8. She has ordered and had installed Confederate headstones for Charles Wesley Bucy at Saltillo, her great-grandfather and the grandfather of C. L. (Charlie) Bucy of Plantersville. She also has a headstone for Capt. James S. Lyles at the Andrews Chapel Cemetery at Mooreville. She explains that Lyles was the father of Charles Wesley Bucy’s wife Phoebe Ann Lyles Bucy and therefore is Charlie’s great-grandfather and her great-great-grandfather. “Sherry Ray from Okolona, my niece and president of the John Hart Chapter #2443 of The United Daughters of the Confederacy, is going to be the ‘widow’ at the dedication, and the Lt. John Sallis Camp #1776, SCV(Southern Confederate Veterans) Camp at Tremont is going to do the dedication,” she writes. Having both dedications on Oct. 8 is special, says Ernestine, since it is the birthday of her father, and the ceremonies are for his grandfather and great-grandfather.
Ernestine has lived in Harrisburg, Arkansas, near Jonesboro, since 1979. A number of family members live in Tupelo, Plantersville, and Okolona, and her only living sibling, Elizabeth Cody Hegland, resides in Huntsville, AL.

James Thomas

George has written about his special other-grandfather friend James Thomas, who last night bade farewell and joined George after a heroic fight against cancer . . .They both have treasured the blessings of their granddaughters, and Carly and Peyton have been blessed with the presence of these special men in their lives. Every school event of the girls has found those two beaming, loving men basking in the joy of their granddaughters, with James' grandson Brayden sharing in the glow. The comradeship begin in the nursery when the girls, born in December four days apart, were six months old. We found several more 'alikes' with Sandra and James. . .couples married the same year, both having daughters who are special friends . . .It is a most special bond, and Cam, Tim, Carly, and I are praying for Sandra, Ann, Michael, Peyton and Brayden. I'll cherish the memory of James making the effort to attend the services for George. What a special, dear man. Loving thoughts. . .

I'm Probably Keeping It

I'm keeping the egg carton, pretty sure of it. I'll be a lackluster Mrs. H., of this there is no doubt, as my friend Sushi would say. Lovely notes of love and support have come to the Kelly and Chennault household, through snail and e mail . . .treasure them all. Much better than cartons and parcels to keep. Messages have been sent through the computer avenues, from Holland Funeral Directors and newspaper guest books. A note came from Jerolene Westmoreland in Tupelo who has her 87th birthday July 29. She expressed sorrow at not having a chance to attend the service for George. Her father and George's father Candler were first cousins, and somehow when George picked up medicine for his mother, Ms Vera, several years ago he discovered that the lady behind the counter was kin. Prayer-grams from members of Old Union Baptist Church in Shannon and notes from Plantersville-day schoolmates have assured us of special thoughts. Thanks to George's grammar-school girlfriend for bringing a smile to my face and to June Harris for her memories. George and Orren Lax taught together at Northwest, and the joy of friendships over the years is so special, so glad we've always been in touch. Orren immediately initiated efforts to begin a scholarship at Hinds Community College in memory of George, a truly wonderful idea. A number have donated to the Hinds Foundation as well as other worthy tributes, such as Baptist Children's Village, Blair Batson Hospital, and the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians education fund. Words cannot cover the appreciation we feel, and I know George appreciates and is honored by them all.

The Last Egg

George knew all too well my sentimental side, had mentioned it in the first few words of his special letter to me. I thought about that as I opened the refrigerator to get an egg to boil for tuna fish (he made our tuna fish, did not use egg, so I thought I'd move into new ground and make tuna with egg, adding pickles, apple, mayonnaise. . .the usual). He also bought the groceries. As I looked into the refrigerator at the egg carton, I thought, "George bought this, he bought the pickles, and if I'm not careful, I'm going to be a character right out of Charles Dickens, hanging onto the past through things. . . Here I'll be with cartons, jars, and the like because George selected them, brought them home to us." I must not be a Mrs. Haversham; George has left us with many wonderful memories of his humor, his faith, his love, his philosophy--so much more deserving than pantry or refrigerator items. Remembering him, cherishing his personality and taking care of his books are much more kindred memorial ways. Besides, one quick visit from Melissa Pettit can take care of sentimentality gone crazy with egg cartons and jars. . .