Through The Years

Thanks to Mrs. Donya Selph Coggins, I was able to take a walk down Memory Lane recently, and it was precious to me. Mrs. Coggins was in one of my first classes and is one of my dearest friends. When I met up with her at my grandson’s, Cason Guest’s, basketball game, she asked if I would like to see her classroom after the game. Of course, old sentimental me had to say, “Yesssss!” After the game, I was ready for my tour of my old home away from home, which I had not seen in almost twenty years.

My older car knew its own way to Lowndes Middle School because I began my teaching career there in the 1982-83 school year! Mr. Fred Davis gave me my first teaching gig (cannot call it a job because it was too much fun). Most of my waking moments were spent either on LMS’s campus or at a function for the students (skating parties, dances, football and basketball games, and The Homecoming Parade each year). I enjoyed almost every moment of my time spent in the hallowed halls, in the gym, and on the campus of Lowndes Middle School.

During those almost 20 years, I taught Eighth Grade English/Language Arts, Literature, mathematics, and even science for a few years. I was a student Council Sponsor, put on the Book Fair, and even served as a cheerleading sponsor for a few years. When I became a Team Leader, it was awesome to be responsible for my/our team! We were like a family and truly loved and supported each other. The traditional Savannah Trip was an exciting time each year, and it allowed for a special time of bonding for not only the teachers/staff but also for the students! It was always rewarding to hear the compliments of praise for our wonderful students.

While I was serving my time as Student Council Sponsor, we had fund raisers on a regular basis and used our funds for various projects. When the student population increased and they placed portables on our campus, our members decided to do a beautification project and planted trees, shrubbery, and flowers all around the campus. Another year, the members donated a marble sign to the school. After I transferred to Lowndes High School in 2000-2001, one day on my way home, I decided to go by LMS because I was feeling nostalgic and a little homesick! I noticed the sign was gone, and it troubled me! I remembered how hard we all worked to be able to provide the sign as a memorial to former students and teachers. For the next several years, every time, I traveled down Copeland Road, I wondered about that sign.

Much to my surprise, the mystery was solved on November 5, 2020! Mrs. Coggins took me on my tour which included a walk down what I knew as my old home away from home. It brought tears to my eyes as I walked through and stood in the rooms which had been a huge part of my life. However, the greatest moment was soon to come on our way by the cafeteria and back to the gym. I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw our sign. I was overwhelmed with the memories of all the students, faculty members, staff, and the amount of time we spent fundraising! Thank you to whoever came up with the idea of placing the sign in its present location. It is absolutely perfect, and it gave me an amazing feeling and sense of pride and happiness for time well spent.

When I am able to spend time with my grandchildren, it is a blessing, and wonderful memories are made. Yesterday, I took Cason to drum lessons; and as usual, he was “starving” and needed “real food!” After he finished his lesson, we quickly decided to go to Dairy Queen. He got a cheeseburger meal, and I got the chicken tender basket.

We were so hungry we couldn’t wait to eat. Cason decided he wanted one of my chicken tenders and began eating it. A few seconds later, I looked over at him; and he was holding part of a tooth. He had broken off part of a tooth. Needless to say, his eating was cut short, and he called his mother to inform her of his dilemma and requested she call his dentist.

Fast forward to the next morning, Lisa called and asked me to meet her at the dentist’s office. Little did I know what a treat I had before me. The dentist had to extract the tooth so they prepared Cason with “laughing gas,” and the fun began.

From the moment he got in the car, he began telling “his story.” I laughed all the way home. Part of our conversation will be a memory I will never forget.

Cason: The dentist put this thing over my nose, and it didn’t smell good. All of a sudden, things started to look funny with colors running together. I was trying to Snapchat, but my arms wouldn’t let me. He didn’t tell me he got the tooth out until I asked him. Mimi, he didn’t even cry.

I laughed and told him the dentist wasn’t supposed to cry because it wasn’t his tooth. He talked nonstop until we got home. I couldn’t help laughing because he was so silly.

For the past few months, I have tried to stay off the radar. Recovery from spinal surgery has not been as quickly as I hoped. There is truly a lot to be thankful for, but complications from trigemenial neuralgia threw a curve into my plans! Then, add to that a problem with my parotid salivary gland which has been horrible. I am so appreciative of all the prayers, cards, calls, and concern shown by my family and friends.

As Cason is quick to remind me, I can be “mean”! Pain that persists is something difficult to deal with at any age; however, I am truly blessed and know God IS not finished with me! Please pray for me to be able to deal with this situation. Having been healthy for most of my life, I definitely was not prepared for this stage of my life.

God assures me that “Happy Days” are on the horizon. I look forward to the world coming back to its senses so that things are more peaceful and safe. Praying for each of you to be happy, healthy, and secure.

Until next time,

Hester

Well, I am struggling with my present condition! If you want to scroll right on by this post, I will not blame you. Life can really be a challenge sometimes. The rioting and coronavirus added more drama and turmoil, but the evidence of old age has truly taken its toil.

I am not bragging, just stating facts. I have a secretarial degree with a concentration in finances, a cosmetology degree, bachelors, masters, and Education Specialist Degrees in Middle School Education, and Secondary English, and I am a self-taught seamstress. I have always been able to do most anything I attempted, however, I am almost useless now. I tried to do my hair today, and my hands no longer cooperate with me. I became so frustrated, and I wanted to just sit down and cry. I love to help others, and it seems like I cannot even help myself. I don’t ask others for help very often, but I had a epiphany right then. It occurred to me that things happen to us for a reason.

God, in his infinite wisdom, mercy, and Grace shows me daily that I am His Child! He doesn’t love me because I can sew, cook, teach, give a permanent, or anything else I am capable of doing! He JUST L O V E S ME!! It doesn’t matter what I can do or cannot do. HE LOVES ME!

Therefore, from this point forward, I vow to stop my Pity Party, and I will be having an unending Praise Party! Heaven is my destination! Thank You, Heavenly Father for creating me! Thank You for all the things I can and cannot do! It makes life so interesting! Help me confront my inabilities and give me the strength and knowledge to ask for help, when it is needed. In Jesus’s Holy Name, AMEN

My birthday was truly a celebration of love. My heart is overflowing with emotion because God has shown me how blessed I am. Thank you for all of the warm wishes, beautiful words, and awesome reminders that I serve a Risen Savior and Living God! Each of you have given me another memory which I will treasure forever! I am so happy I am alive and able to enjoy life, and I am thankful for each of you who shared my day with me!

If you don’t believe in angels here on earth, I can make a believer out of you. God knows how hard holidays, birthdays, and celebration are for me now. My children, grandchildren, and friends have been my guardian angels for a long time. Every day we are in the presence of angels, and we can be His angels! All we have to do is keep our eyes and ears open and keep our hearts, hands, and feet ready and be his “tools” here on earth. Guardian angels come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and species. They do little things and large things. The beauty is they help and save us!

With everything that has occurred since before Christmas, it would be easy to throw a pity party with just Me, Myself, and I. However, when I begin to feel sorry for myself, I stop and remember I am a child of My King, Jesus! If He can Love a sinner like me and give His Precious Life on the Cross for me, I know I can do more for Him and for the world in which I live. No matter our age, health, or financial status, we can help others by sharing what we have. A sense of humor and a smile on our faces can do more to enhance the beauty and happiness of others than any thing else. Today, I am beginning a new journey of spreading joy! Okay, for the present, within the boundaries of social distancing.

Until next time,

Hester

For several years, I suffered with so much pain. Sometimes, I felt as though my own body was attacking itself. At times, it was so horrible and nothing gave any relief except the knowledge that God had a plan for my life. As I reflect on memories, my heart is filled with a feeling of happiness and joy. God has provided many blessings through the people he has placed in and on my path.

April 1, 2014– My life changed forever! GONE!! But never forgotten! If I listen closely, I can still hear your voice and feel that last warm and precious hug! The last words you spoke to me as you hugged me still linger in my heart and brain as I remember them. The look in your eyes and on your face haunt my memories and bless me! I know you love me! You said, “Hester, honey, you just don’t know how much I love you!” Clyde, you always made it perfectly clear that you loved me and your family and friends! You did it daily with your words and deeds! You gave us so much love and so many blessings! God truly blessed us! You were a gentle giant with a beautiful giving heart!

Observing my children, grandchildren, and family as they continue on their paths has given me pleasure and comfort. I am so thankful and proud that they are all involved in their own missions of helping others. Each of them has their own ministry and continue to worship and serve our Heavenly Father. What more could a mother or grandmother ask!!

During this pandemic of 2020, I have learned once more how important human contact is to a person’s sanity! I miss my children, grandchildren, family, and friends! Being alone is certainly no picnic or fun. After having surgery and being hospitalized for three weeks, I was looking forward to more than isolation and “alone time!” God works in mysterious ways. He certainly has an amazing sense of humor!

One method of keeping myself entertained has been diving into my Bible. That renewed search for truth has given me a closer relationship with my Heavenly Father. Reminiscing about the past and all the times God has been right where he promised to be has been a blessing. I know His Purpose and Plan is always best for me. I look forward to many more years of happiness and joy. He is not finished with me!

When I was teaching, I often was guilty of “burning the candle at both ends” without actually realizing it. At any given time, I would be involved in several projects. I was also guilty of procrastination! I seemed to do better under pressure.

I remember one time in the early years of my career, I was teaching all day, working at Penney’s in the afternoon, and working on my Master’s Degree at night. I had two teenage sons, an elementary school daughter, and a wonderful husband. Clyde and I were youth counselors at Bemiss United Methodist Church. Our youth group spent a lot of time at our home. To say we stayed busy was an understatement. Many nights we would have at least twenty young people eating with us and enjoying time together. As busy as we were, it was a happy and wonderful experience. Teenagers can keep a person young.

I remember wishing and thinking how wonderful it would be to be able to stop and rest. In our present situation, I can only imagine what life will be like when the chaos is over and we are able to regain some semblance of normalcy! My prayer is that we will not return to the habits and negativity with which we have filled our lives. I keep reminding myself that God created man and woman for a relationship with Him. However, just like the early people of the Bible, we have removed God from all areas of our lives and began to worship things of the world. God is in control, and we need to pay attention and continue praying and talking to God.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

April 1, 2014– My life changed forever! GONE!! But never forgotten! If I listen closely, I can still hear your voice and feel that last warm and precious hug! The last words you spoke to me as you hugged me still linger in my heart and brain as I remember them. The look in your eyes and on your face haunt my memories and bless me! I know you love me! You said, “Hester, honey, you just don’t know how much I love you!” Clyde, you always made it perfectly clear that you loved me and your family and friends! You did it daily with your words and deeds! You gave us so much love and so many blessings! God truly blessed us! You were a gentle giant with a beautiful giving heart!

In the last few years, we had some very enlightening conversations. We talked about the past and discussed events in our lives. We were both very open and honest, and our reminiscing brought us closer together. We talked about things we had never discussed, and it made our relationship even sweeter. I asked you about different times in our relationship, and you did the same thing. The complete honesty brought a sweetness and bond which comforts me even now!

Praying and talking to God has replaced our nightly conversations! I can no longer hold your hand while I fall asleep, however, God holds me in His Hand and comforts me. My memories of our talks fill my heart and give me comfort! You and I made a commitment on August 3, 1963, and it was for eternity! R.I.P.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

When I was young, I was so afraid of many things; however, I think my greatest fear was disappointing my parents and other people about whom I cared. I have to admit that I did whatever it took to please everyone with whom I was associated. As time passed, it became clear to me that there was truly only one being that I must please! As a twelve year old teenager, I accepted Christ as my Savior! Now, let me tell you that action changed my life forever. It definitely did not give me an easy road to travel, but I never regretted my decision. I could write volumes about the experiences I faced — some amazing, some scary, some exciting, many sad, but most precious are the memories of my interactions with the individuals God placed in my life. Recently, I had to make a decision that could have been extremely dangerous, but I prayed and God gave me the assurance that He is always with me!

Throughout my life, it has always seemed as though if anything strange could happen to anyone, it would happen to me. About seven years ago, I began to notice I was beginning to encounter some problems with shoulder and back pain. By 2015, I began to experience numbness and tingling on my left side, and I finally went to my doctor and told him all of my symptoms. He referred me to Dr. Paul Lane. After all the testing was completed, I was told I had spinal cord damage and needed to have surgery, or I could end up paralyzed. I had surgery as an outpatient, and I went home the same day. Recovery was wonderful, and no more pain! I still had the numbness and tingling in my left hand, but I could function and that was exciting.

After about three years, I began to notice that I didn’t have good balance and was falling a lot. In fact, I ended up with a concussion after one bad fall. Then, I began to have bouts of dizziness which prompted me to stop driving much, and I ended up in the emergency room and a week’s stay in the hospital. During that time, I was taken off all my medications for high blood pressure, trigemenial neuralgia, and high cholesterol. The tests showed I once again was in a dangerous situation! My spinal cord damage was much worse, and I needed surgery again! The site of the original surgery had become damaged again as well as three more disks were pressing on the spinal cord. The area was very close to the brain stem, which made it extremely serious. The doctor explained that this surgery was much more dangerous, and it would require a longer recovery time and would be extremely painful. He was not joking! The next few weeks would prove to be very uncomfortable.

I began praying before I left his office that day, and I began to seek God’s Will. A peace about my decision began to overwhelm me. I believe some of my family doubted my sanity when I called and set up my appointment for surgery. However, I had an overwhelming feeling of peace and faith in God and Dr. Paul Lane. I knew the dangers, and I faced my surgery with the assurance that God’s Will would be done. He is not finished with me, and I have things I need to do.

It has been over six weeks, and I see and feel improvement every single day! I am so thankful for all the prayers and the wonderful caregivers I encountered on this part of my journey! I thank my Heavenly Father for His Love, Mercy, and Grace. I am also thankful for the doctors, nurses, my family, and every person who helped me through this trying time. I think I will be changing my bucket list for the future! I don’t believe I can take a chance on sky diving or ziplining any time in the near future.