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Message |
Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2137
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Monday, April 27, 2009 - 11:10 pm: | 
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I very recently rec'd a online news story about a Canadian Fireman with a heart transplant (1yr out post heart transplant). My heart pal Howard Little of Muskogee Okl sent this story to me. Howard rec'd his heart transplant 22yrs ago. I contacted the Editor of that Canadian newspaper and requested that he place me in contact with that Canadian Fireman with the heart transplant, Brian Parsons. Bingo !! See contents below..........
***************
Hi Bob,
My name is Brian Parsons, I received an email from the editor of the Vernon Morning Star saying you had been in touch with him regarding my transplantation story. I am the firefighter who recently returned to active duties one year out. If you'd like to know more please feel free to contact me. I have included a link to a story recently run in the local media.
http://www.bclocalnews.com/lifestyles/Firefighter_proves_hes_all_heart.html
Brian
*********
Monday, April 20, 2009
Remarkable Return to Work: Vernon Firefighter Brian Parsons returns to full firefighting duties following a heart transplant.
Vernon Firefighter Brian Parsons underwent heart transplant surgery on February 22, 2008. His recovery and return to full firefighting duties is nothing short of remarkable. The International Association of Firefighters indicates that Brian is only the second career firefighter in North America to come back to front line firefighting duties following a heart transplant.Firefighter Parsons was required to complete a physical fitness test designed by York University to evaluate firefighters abilities to deal with the physical stresses and demands of firefighting. Brian's test results are considered to be outstanding to the amazement of his cardiologist and other medical officials caring for Brian.
On 27 April, during the City Council meeting, (1:30pm) Acting Mayor Patrick Nicol will present Firefighter Parson's with his firefighter helmet as recognition and celebration of his incredible recovery and tenacity.Interviews/photo opportunities will be available at the Vernon Fire Station on 27 April at 12:45 pm and in Council Chambers at1:30pm.
Posted by Don Quixote
***********
Ol' Bob
P.S. Brian lives in western Canada just above the state of Washington.
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Hostess Risa
Board Administrator
Username: Risa
Post Number: 8765
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 - 05:41 am: |
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This is Great News Bob! You have so many transplant pals all over the world.
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2138
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 - 07:23 am: |
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Risa, I sent a message to the Editor of the newspaper, thanking him/her for their assistance in this matter.
I plan to invite my new heart pal Brian Parsons to your transplantbuddies website as soon as we begin our regular correspondence VIA emails. I'm sure he will find this site quite informative and helpful. You can't help but to admire this great guy, to continue working as a fireman post heart transplant. 
This is true dedication.
Ol' Bob
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2143
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 - 05:02 pm: |
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5pm Tuesday and I have just this moment spoken to Brian up there in Vernon British Columbia on the phone. Had a great conversation about transplantation and fire fighting.
Ol' Bob
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2147
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 - 05:53 am: |
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I rec'd my 2nd very welcomed email from Brian up there in Vernon BC and happily discovered that we feel the very same way about our attitudes.
These are his exact words in his email:
"I am a firm believer of positive thoughts and attitude when faced with any challenge as well as day to day life. I truly believe that my attitude was a huge contributing factor in my recovery." 
Ol' Bob < Livin' & Lovin't it >
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2150
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Thursday, April 30, 2009 - 12:09 pm: |
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"On 27 April, during the City Council meeting, (1:30pm) Acting Mayor Patrick Nicol will present Firefighter Parson's with his firefighter helmet as recognition and celebration of his incredible recovery and tenacity.Interviews/photo opportunities will be available at the Vernon Fire Station on 27 April at 12:45 pm and in Council Chambers at1:30pm."
I sent this message to the Acting Mayor Patrick Nicol of Vernon BC.
Hi Patrick,This note comes to you from a heart transplant recipient in Texas. I read about your visit with fireman Brian Parsons and his return to duty with the Fire Dept post heart transplant. I truly admire this young man. My heart story http://www.heartandcoeur.com/story/bob_story.php Cheers
Ol' Bob
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2159
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Friday, May 01, 2009 - 08:34 pm: |
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You might be a bit curious about your new found heart transplant friend here in Texas. I will be 69yrs old May 18th. I served my hitch in the US Marine Corps in my younger years, drove those big ol' trucks over-the-road nationwide for over 29yrs. I have 3 daughters, 1 son, Cindy(age 49), Ronnie(age 48), Glenda(age 46) and Traci(age 37) and 9 grandchildren. My oldest grandson Josh, is now in the US Army, serving in Iraq. I have been pickin' guitar and singing country/gospel music since I was 11yrs old. Attached you will find a clip of me singing one of my own songs and a pic of me singing onstage at the Texas Opry Jamboree right here in Magnolia back in 1988. I once experienced a heart attack right behind the microphone onstage. I completely retired from trucking shortly after my heart transplant in January 1991, to just kick back and enjoy my life. A few pics of my trucking days attached. I try my best to live a Christian type life and I truly love to correspond with transplant pals worldwide VIA emails.    
Ol' Bob
It's been a wonderful life.
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Hostess Risa
Board Administrator
Username: Risa
Post Number: 8876
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, May 02, 2009 - 09:34 am: |
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Happy Birthday Bob. You certainly have a reason for celebrating~!
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2161
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Saturday, May 02, 2009 - 12:42 pm: |
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Risa and others visiting my Blog,
I have been blessed with a wonderful life and I attribute the longevity of my survival with this heart transplant to God and my outlook on life, being a very positive person with very strong faith. As I have quoted in one of my webpages: "Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me – I want people to know why I look this way. I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved…with this heart transplant of mine, by golly...living & loving it, though…stay HAPPY & don't let negative people pull you down. When you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours. Happiness seems to rub off on others…Laugh & roll with the flow."
Risa, thanks for the Birthday greeting, lit'l lady. Wow!! One more year to the big "70".
Ol' Bob
P.S. Being POSITIVE is not an impossible task…TRY IT-YOU'LL LIKE IT!!
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2170
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Monday, May 04, 2009 - 05:01 pm: |
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Seeing this big red rooster brings back many fond memories of my Mom's flock of laying hens and a few of those roosters. I disliked raking and cleaning up the hen's roosting area when I would have rather had been playing with my pals, ridin' our bikes and using our sling-shots.
Yes, I was raised as a kid in the country.
Ol' Bob
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2176
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 05, 2009 - 04:42 pm: |
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I recently discovered that one of my ol' High School classmates, "Speedy" La Fond owns a 90 acre cattle ranch in west Texas. http://www.speedysregtxlonghorns.com/ba.htm I taught him how to pick a guitar in 1955. I just this moment spoke to him on the phone. Had a wonderful conversation mulling over old tymes. Pic attached: One of his Texas longhorns All of my friends are very special to me. 
Ol' Bob
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2182
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 06, 2009 - 12:46 pm: |
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"Meat Eaters Only"
Most breeds of cattle fall into either beef or dairy. The Texas longhorn is a beef animal and is known for its lean beef, which is lower in fat, cholesterol and calories than most beef. The Texas Longhorns are also used for their many excellent qualities adding hybrid vigor and easy calving abilities when crossed with other breeds. However, they continue to represent the romance of the Old West and are often retained for their beauty and intelligence.
Ol' Bob
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2190
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Thursday, May 07, 2009 - 09:37 am: |
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I was surfing thru my many pics of our dear friend Andrew Wilson and discovered this pic of very young Andrew and his dog Mindy. (circa 1987) I still miss him and his daily emails. I will be sending that white Organ Donor teddy bear to his parents Sue & Bryan. They know about my plans to send this to them and they are truly thrilled, planning to place it in Andrew's room beside his fav stuffed toy from his childhood days. I truly love these folks.
Our dear friend Andrew passed away July 7th 2005 at the age of 27yrs old there in London. He was once a very contributing member of this transplantbuddies website. This is his story: http://www.transplantsunited.com/
Andrew was the very first "Domino Heart Transplant" recipient in the world and was one of the most talented young men that I have ever known with his beautiful compositions of songs and poems.
Andrew was laid to rest in one of these tee-shirts that I had sent to him VIA the Postal Service prior to his death.
Ol' Bob
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2193
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Thursday, May 07, 2009 - 11:50 am: |
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Andrew Wilson's parents recently sent this pic to me. They attended a Menorcan horse show in Manchester. 
You might enjoy hearing about this Spanish breed...know for it's ability to walk on it's hind legs for long distances.
Menorca is an island off the coast of Spain in the Mediterranean close to
Majorca. The island has a great natural harbor and has been inhabited /
ruled by many countries over the centuries which influenced the horses on
the island.
Menorcan horses, the undisputed symbol of the fiestas, perform the Jaleo, where the horse rears up on its back legs, and locals run to touch the stomach of the animal — not for the faint hearted!
Ol' Bob
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Hostess Risa
Board Administrator
Username: Risa
Post Number: 8971
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 07, 2009 - 11:58 am: |
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Dear Bob
Andrew was an extremely talented young man. Thank you again for sending me his CD.
You can listen to Andrew sing if you go to
http://transplantbuddies.org/arts/arts.php
scroll down and click on The Best Years of Our Lives. !!!! (tears)
You are a dear friend to so many people Bob.
I am happy to hear that Sue and Bryan are sending you amazing pictures and stories.
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2194
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Thursday, May 07, 2009 - 12:31 pm: |
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Dearest Risa,
I want to thank you very much for assisting me in keeping this wonderful young man's memory alive and in others' hearts and minds. Andrew was truly a very amazing human being and loved by many worldwide. I shall never forget him.
I still keep several of his final emails from back in 2005 in my personal files. I go back and reread them from time to time with hurt in my heart. I loved him as if he were my own son.
One of my favorite songs composed by Andrew.
Wake Up Call
We're all walking down life's winding road.
Who knows what our future holds,
Who knows where we go,
When the sun goes down on this life?
There’s no time to hesitate,
Live for this moment,
Cause tomorrow maybe to late.
It’s a wake up call, when one falls,
It makes us realize, makes us open our eyes,
To everything we see, from every bird –
To every tree,
To the world around thee.
Now this road can be long,
It can be painful when things go wrong,
Well don’t be afraid to let some one know,
Cause you can’t make it on your own,
No one can make it alone.
It’s a wake up call, when one falls,
It’s made me realize, made me open my eyes
To everything I see, from every bird-
To every tree,
The world around me…
(Repeat 1st chorus and fade out)
Written By
Andrew Wilson ©2005-
Ol' Bob
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Hostess Risa
Board Administrator
Username: Risa
Post Number: 8973
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 07, 2009 - 12:44 pm: |
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Dear Bob
Andrew was an extremely intelligent and certainly Gifted with lyrics and voice. Do you happen to have more of his songs recorded? If so, email them to me. I know what you mean by hurting. Try and be glad for the friendship you shared. Like he says, "There’s no time to hesitate,
Live for this moment,
Cause tomorrow maybe to late. "
love and hugs,
Risa
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2195
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Thursday, May 07, 2009 - 01:08 pm: |
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Andrew's Dad was attempting to have his other songs placed on the open market but this has never happened yet. These 3 friends of Andrew were going to do the singing of Andrew's beautiful songs. 
Ol' Bob
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Hostess Risa
Board Administrator
Username: Risa
Post Number: 8978
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 07, 2009 - 03:21 pm: |
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IT is never too late!
Tell Bryan to go for it! What a great looking trio
What a wonderful way to remember Andrew.
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2196
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Thursday, May 07, 2009 - 03:35 pm: |
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Andrew's beautiful headstone.
Risa, this note came from Andrew's folks in 2005 and even mentions your transplantbuddies website.
"Hi Bob. Just received your latest email.We are totally amazed that the poem we chose for Andrews headstone was the same one that you posted on Transplant buddies back in February .We found that poem on Andrews note pad that he kept on his desk,we liked it so much that we decided to have it inscribed on his headstone.We never knew were he found that poem,until today.Everybody that has read the poem have commented on how fitting the verse was.Still can't believe that it originally came from you,Bob." 
Ol' Bob
P.S. If any of you are wondering, No, I did not compose this beautiful poem "Clock of Life".
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Hostess Risa
Board Administrator
Username: Risa
Post Number: 8979
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 07, 2009 - 03:48 pm: |
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Where did you find this poem? Very beautiful headstone.
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2198
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Thursday, May 07, 2009 - 04:35 pm: |
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Risa, I located this beautiful poem while surfing the Internet years ago.
http://www.poetry-inspirational.org/theclockoflife.htm
Can you truly believe this poem was placed on Andrew's headstone in a round about way through your transplantbuddie website over 5yrs ago? God moves in very mysterious ways.
"Where He leads me, I will follow".
Ol' Bob
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2204
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Friday, May 08, 2009 - 11:02 am: |
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Wow !! I learned something new this morning !!! Maybe there's hope for me after all, by golly.
Much shorter URL link for my heart transplant story. http://tiny.cc/Bob239
.....compared to this http://www.heartandcoeur.com/story/bob_story.php
Ol' Bob
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Hostess Risa
Board Administrator
Username: Risa
Post Number: 8996
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Friday, May 08, 2009 - 02:00 pm: |
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The Clock Of Life
"The clock of life is wound but once,
And no man has the power
To tell just when the hands will stop
At late or early hour.
To lose one's wealth is sad indeed.
Too lose one's health is more.
To lose one's soul is such a loss
That no man can restore."
Today, only is our own.
So live, love and toil with a will.
Place no faith in tomorrow,
For the clock may soon be still.
By Robert H Smith
Copyright 1932, 1982
You are too kind 
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2206
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Friday, May 08, 2009 - 02:43 pm: |
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Risa, when you stop and consider this, we all with transplanted organs mostly live by this rule:
"Today, only is our own.
So live, love and toil with a will.
Place no faith in tomorrow,
For the clock may soon be still."
.....although we all retain our very strong faith.
Ol' Bob
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2236
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Saturday, May 16, 2009 - 08:42 am: |
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A lit'l tidbit about myself, Ol' Bob(Happy2Bhere).....
My Mom was 77yrs old when she passed away in Nov 1992. She passed away while sitting in her favorite chair in the den watching her fav TV program "The Price is Right". She had experienced major heart problems for several years prior to that. Mom was a wonderful Christian lady and I love her dearly for instilling proper morals in each one of us as we were growing to adulthood. Mom was the "Family Historian" in our large family. She loved to keep pace with family affairs, even posting them in our huge Family Bible of which my sister Bernice has in her possession for safe keeping. I once sketched a pic of Jesus from that very Bible. See attachment..... I sketched this using charcoal pencils. Mom always said that someone was guiding my hand as I sketched this pic of Jesus. My faith in God has helped me over many hurdles in life including my heart transplant, thanks to my loving heart donor. 
Ol' Bob
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Hostess Risa
Board Administrator
Username: Risa
Post Number: 9120
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, May 16, 2009 - 09:32 am: |
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Beautiful Bob! You are very talented. May all of us be Blessed to go peacefully as your Mom did.
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2241
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Sunday, May 17, 2009 - 08:36 pm: |
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We had our Birthday party Sun afternoon down at the Magnolia Diner. Darlene and Kathy had a cake ordered with a bikini clad girl. As you can see by the attached pic, Gene and I were attempting to lick the cake icing off the bikini top. <chuckle> We are both "Chest-Nuts", by golly. Had a great time with friends.   
My close friend Gene celebrates his B'day on May 18th also. He is 8yrs younger than me. My heart donor was 8yrs younger than me, thus Gene is the same age as my heart. Ironic, isn't it ??
Ol' Bob
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Karen R.
Member
Username: Relivkaren
Post Number: 2981
Registered: 07-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, May 17, 2009 - 09:34 pm: |
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Happy Birthday Bob!!! It looks like you had a great celebration! I like the cake! As I always tell me husband, "Boys will be boys!" 
I hope you have a wonderful day tomorrow!
P.S. Must be a good weekend. May 17th is our 12th wedding anniversary. We celebrated too this weekend.
God Bless!
Karen
Dx: BOOP - May 2006. Rediagnosed with Bronchiolitis Obliterans Nov. 2006
Listed Feb 2008 - Double Lung at Cleveland Clinic
Ohio, USA
Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. |
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2245
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Sunday, May 17, 2009 - 10:35 pm: |
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Karen, a very Happy Wedding Anniversary to you and your husband, also.
Yes, you are very correct......................."Boys will be boys!" :o{) ....and yes, we had a very wonderful time at our party with lots of hugs and kisses. This was only 1/2 of the guests in the pic above.
Ol' Bob
P.S. One of my Cyber heart pals even sent this to me.............. 
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Hostess Risa
Board Administrator
Username: Risa
Post Number: 9146
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 10:39 am: |
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Very cool pictures! Glad you had a blast from the past Bob!
Keep celebrating - you certainly know how to live life up~
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Abbi
Member
Username: Abbi
Post Number: 24
Registered: 05-2009
| | Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 04:58 pm: |
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Happy Birthday Bob. My husband shares the same birthday. Taurus guys are cool! |
Karen R.
Member
Username: Relivkaren
Post Number: 2988
Registered: 07-2007
| | Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 09:43 pm: |
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Bob:
That's a really great birthday picture. You have some really special friends. I am glad that many of them were there to wish you a happy birthday!
God Bless!
Karen
Dx: BOOP - May 2006. Rediagnosed with Bronchiolitis Obliterans Nov. 2006
Listed Feb 2008 - Double Lung at Cleveland Clinic
Ohio, USA
Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. |
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Christena's Dad
Member
Username: Christenas_dad
Post Number: 276
Registered: 01-2009
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 08:11 am: |
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Bob,
I always figured you for a bikini chaser. I guess since Darlene got the cake, she let you have your fun this time. Happy Birthday, again, and I hope you have many more.
Hope you're having a great day and say hi to all your buddies at the Magnolia Diner.
Christenas Dad
Father of Double Lung Recipient at St. Louis Childrens Hospital June 2005
Kentucky, USA
Christenas Journey is at www.geocities.com/debgabehart |
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2254
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 08:45 am: |
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A big ol' 10-4 on the "bikini chaser" !! When you join the "Over the Hill Gang" such as I have, memories are very precious. <chuckle>
The Magnolia Diner is my regular hang-out spot, even do much of my correspondence with transplant pals from down there as you can see in this pic......
I even do a lit'l pickin' & grinnin' down there from time to time.
Ol' Bob
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2255
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 08:50 am: |
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Pickin' & Grinnin' at the Magnolia Diner.............
Thanks to my wonderful heart donor, I am able to accomplish this.
Ol' Bob
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eccoblue
Member
Username: Eccoblue
Post Number: 762
Registered: 05-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 10:11 am: |
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Heart and Liver Tx at Cedars-Sinai on 02/01/2007
eccoblue@gmail.com
http://rjaunsen.blogspot.com/
Fall seven times, stand up eight - Japanese proverb
Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. Isaiah 48:10 |
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2256
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 03:10 pm: |
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Well, bless your lit'l ol' pea-pickin' heart, Kelli. You are a very special lit'l lady yourself, by golly.
Love ya'
Ol' Bob
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Abbi
Member
Username: Abbi
Post Number: 25
Registered: 05-2009
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 03:33 pm: |
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Bob, here is the candle I put on my husband's cake. I wish I could have found one like yours:
He has a terrific sense of humour too. |
Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2258
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 03:47 pm: |
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LOL!!!
Abbi,
I truly know that I am a member of the "Over the Hill Gang" but I'm having a wonderful time on the downhill slide, by golly.
It's great that your hubby has a terrific sense of humor. This makes life much more pleasant on a daily basis.
God Bless
Ol' Bob
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2259
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 04:15 pm: |
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My fantastic friends in Florida, Adrienne & Bert......
....and their very handsome Grandson, Ian. 
I first met these wonderful folks right below this beautiful(attached) walkway at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville Ky in 2006 at the Transplant Games. We had already seen each others' pics VIA email. Adrienne spotted me in a huge crowd walking down the street and shouted: "Bob from Texas, is that you?" This is when a beautiful friendship began.
God moves in very mysterious ways.
Bert's heart story can be seen in the "Transplant Stories" of this site under Adrienne's name.
Ol' Bob
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2261
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 09:13 pm: |
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My heart pal Micky Byrne of England can be seen on this 2nd You-Tube video.(Pt2 of 4) http://blog.beliefnet.com/onecity/2009/05/heart-intelligence.html Micky's pic can be seen in my next post.
Ol' Bob
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2262
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 09:17 pm: |
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My pal Micky doing what he loves the most, playing his steel guitar. 
Micky rec'd his heart transplant March 1999 at Harefield Hospital there in England and is a dear friend to me.
Ol' Bob
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2265
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 - 08:17 am: |
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This beautiful webpage containing my heart transplant journey was posted on the Internet http://www.heartandcoeur.com/story/bob_story.php ....was created by a good friend Christian Daumal in Paris France as a favor to me almost 6yrs ago. Knowing that I live in Magnolia Texas, he even placed a beautiful Magnolia Blossom beside my photo on the top.
I still correspond with Christian VIA email from time to time. My worldwide network of friends are very special to me.
This is just a passing thought that I wanted to share with you'all this beautiful sunny morning here in Texas.
I hope and pray this story of mine has given inspiration to many worldwide.
Ol' Bob
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Hostess Risa
Board Administrator
Username: Risa
Post Number: 9169
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 - 08:32 am: |
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You blog is wonderful Bob
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2266
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 - 01:38 pm: |
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Risa, I try my best to keep it interesting with various subjects. I hope others enjoy it.
For example, I rec'd this message from our transplantbuddie Andrew Wilson's Mum & Dad there in England:
"On Saturday Bryan and I went to see a performance by a really talented singer called RHYDIAN, he was runner up on the X factor T.V. program two years ago,it was a really great night .It was a sell out at the Bridgewater hall in Manchester."
This audio/video contains the performance that they attended http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSUuOlsEDfU
For those who are not aware of Andrew's heart story http://www.transplantsunited.com/ Andrew was once a member of this transplantbuddies website prior to his death July 7th 2005 there in London. He touched many lives around the world.
Ol' Bob
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2271
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Thursday, May 21, 2009 - 10:23 am: |
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Hurricane Roxanne 1995
"Roxanne caused 14 deaths, with five of them coming from the sinking of a petroleum work barge with 245 people on board"
I would like to tell you about my son-in-law Chuck(Cindy's hubby) almost drowning in the Gulf of Mexico back in 1995. He was aboard the barge mentioned above. He lost one of his best friends, due to drowning shortly after they jumped into the swirling waters of the Gulf of Mexico during this terrible storm. Chuck was in the water for several hours with only a life jacket before being rescued by another rescue craft. He was mentally shaken by this ordeal and did not return to his work on the Gulf of Mexico for almost 3yrs. A book was even written about this oil field barge in the storm and a short movie was featured on the "Weather Channel". Chuck is just fine now and continues with his duties as Skipper on a barge out there today. He has worked in the Gulf of Mexico for more than 25yrs. He is truly the best son-in-law that any man would want married to to his daughter.
FOOTNOTE:
Cindy and Chuck lost their son P.J. Swords here in Magnolia(Turtle Creek) back in 1991, due to accident with a high powered deer rifle. P.J. was only 14yrs old and is now laid to rest in Klein's Cemetery in Decker Prairie near my parents.
Chuck loves to fish..... 
Ol' Bob
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2272
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Thursday, May 21, 2009 - 10:33 am: |
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The miraculous bravery of all concerned can be read about in this book "All The Men In The Sea" http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/37121/michael_kriegers_all_the_men_in_t he.html
Ol' Bob
The contents of these posts are meant to be a tribute to my son-in-law Chuck and his many friends offshore.
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Hostess Risa
Board Administrator
Username: Risa
Post Number: 9202
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 21, 2009 - 12:35 pm: |
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Hi Bob
Your Son in law sounds like a very special person. He has certainly had a full life with lots of ups and downs. I am very sorry to hear about your Grandson's death. I remember you talking about him from time to time. Can you place his photo up again please?
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Andy
Member
Username: Andyheart
Post Number: 104
Registered: 03-2008
| | Posted on Thursday, May 21, 2009 - 01:07 pm: |
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Hey Bob
looks as if you had a good time with your friends on Sunday
I loved the cake. I was so glad to speak to you on Sunday and have the the chance to wish you a happy birthday
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Abbi
Member
Username: Abbi
Post Number: 27
Registered: 05-2009
| | Posted on Thursday, May 21, 2009 - 01:49 pm: |
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Bob, I know you will love this card that was sent to my husband on his birthday:
Oh, poop - another birthday |
Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2274
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Thursday, May 21, 2009 - 02:17 pm: |
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Risa, this is for you, lit'l lady.......
P.J.'s fav sport was roping calves as seen in attached pic..... I had just begun to teach him to pick a guitar shortly before his death. He actually committed suicide, due to a argument with his lit'l girlfriend. She heard the gunshot on the phone whilst they were talking.
Andy, thanks for the B'day greeting
Abbi, I love the lit'l guy on the pottie, by golly. 
Ol' Bob
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Hostess Risa
Board Administrator
Username: Risa
Post Number: 9208
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 21, 2009 - 03:59 pm: |
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I am sorry to hear that took his own life. Teen suicides are hard to hear.
Glad that you had a close relationship with him Bob. Thank you for living life to the fullest as I am sure your PJ is looking down on you from up above.
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2277
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Friday, May 22, 2009 - 08:41 am: |
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I don't know whether this will work for you or not but please open this link http://blog.beliefnet.com/onecity/2009/05/heart-intelligence.html ... and click onto the 2nd audio/video. About 1/2 way through you will see/hear my British heart transplant pal Micky Byrne.
Slightly scroll upward and you will find a pic of Micky with his steel guitar. Micky rec'd his heart transplant March 1999 and we have been the best of friends for almost 6yrs VIA emails and phone calls.
Ol' Bob
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2289
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 26, 2009 - 03:03 pm: |
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Isn't this lit'l fellow cute? This is lit'l Ian, grandson to Adrienne and Bert S of Florida. Their pic and story can be seen by scrolling a short ways back up.
Ian is now 5yrs old and graduating from pre-school.
Grandpa Bert is a heart transplant recipient.
Ol' Bob
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2298
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - 08:07 am: |
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This lit'l white 1989 Oldsmobile that I drive, Dad purchased this car NEW in late 1988 and when he passed away, I inherited it. I still drive it and when I visit his gravesite, I softly whisper: "Pop, here's your car sitting right here". This lit'l Olds in now 20yrs old and still in top mechanical condition.
Even though my Dad passed away almost 11yrs ago, I can still feel his presence when I drive this lit'l car.
Ol' Bob
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Janet
Member
Username: Jan
Post Number: 426
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - 10:37 pm: |
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What a lovely way to remember your dad...I too had my dad's little pick up truck for awhile after he passed away. Sorta wished I still had it, but he died in 1980., and the poor thing was almost ready for they junk yard when we got rid of it about 15-20 years ago. Memories, aren't they the best?
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2304
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Thursday, May 28, 2009 - 07:46 am: |
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Hey Janet,
I'm thrilled to see that you are posting again. Haven't contacted you lately VIA personal email. Been kinda' busy down here in my neck of the woods. Hope you have been feeling well since your surgery, lit'l lady.
Regarding my Dad's lit'l '89 Olds, I had it completely redone, engine overhaul, brakes, struts, exhaust, interior trim, tires, water pump, alternator, fuel pump, starter and anything else needed to place it in tip-top condition. It still has the original exterior paint. This lit'l V/6 engine gets 30mpg, by golly.
Love ya'......."Donor Mom"
Ol' Bob
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2310
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Friday, May 29, 2009 - 10:56 am: |
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Another heartwarming story from Ol' Bob about my young pal here in Magnolia Texas, Shawn Middleton.
I first met young Shawn at his Benefit to help defray his medical costs. I can be seen here presenting one of my Organ Donation tee shirts to his Mom and Dad onstage at that Benefit.
.....and receiving a big hug from his Mom.
Shawn was very fortunate to receive his heart transplant a few months later at Texas Children's Hospital here in Houston Texas. At the time of this next pic taking, I had just walked into Shawn's hospital room and he slowly pulled the bed sheet back off his chest to reveal his new surgical scar and remarked "Look here, Bob !!" I then snapped my fingers, smiled at him and replied "Welcome to the club, son !!" 
It's been several years since this time and young Shawn is doing just great, enjoying his young life to the fullest. He lives just 3 miles down the road from my home here in the country near Magnolia.
Ol' Bob
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2311
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Friday, May 29, 2009 - 11:39 am: |
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OOOPS !!!
Here's the pic of the tee-shirt presentation onstage as mentioned in post above.....
A great time was had by all. Various bands performed.
Ol' Bob
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2312
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Friday, May 29, 2009 - 03:30 pm: |
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Friday afternoon
As I sit here with my laptop in front of our TV, I'm watching "Little House on the Prairie" with Michael Landon. I always wanted hair like his. In the attached pic you will see me and my Mom back in 1988. My hair was quite like Michael Landon's.
Looks as though my Mom wants to take me to the woodshed with a big paddle, the way she's pointing her finger.
My Mom was a grande lady, raised 7 children of her own plus helped to raise many more kids in her lifetime, always instilling good morals and compassion in the children placed in her care. She was born in a very small community"Pecan Gap" in Lamar County(N'E'Texas) in 1915. Loved and respected for all of her 77 years, she passed away in 1992 due to severe Cardiac problems. She was our Family Tree Historian and many of her records can be seen in our Family Bible.
Ol' Bob
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Janet
Member
Username: Jan
Post Number: 430
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 01, 2009 - 10:52 pm: |
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Bob....thanks, It has been awhile....I got a new lap top, so I don't have to 'run' up and down the steps all the time to use my computer....and I didn't remember my password for this site.....it is remembered in my PC......so, I messed it up and couldn't post for a week or so. Also, troubles with my daughter the last few weeks...just seems like everytime we get one thing straightened out, another one pops up. Just never ending. She signed herself into a de-tox clinic last week, the day after her 35th birthday....so, now she is fighting to get her kids back from her X....he is claiming she is an 'unfit' mother...ok that he is a dead beet dad....but she stumbles once and he is there to judge her. She could certainly use some prayers....she attended her first AA meeting tonight....I am so proud of her, that she could admit that she is having a problem, and doing something about it.
Love ya,
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Janet
Member
Username: Jan
Post Number: 433
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 01, 2009 - 11:47 pm: |
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Bob, I wanted to tell you, that since today would've been Joe's 29th Birthday, in honor of it, I wore the t-shirt that you had sent to me. I was afraid that it was going to be HUGE on me, since I have lost 110 lbs since I last wore it. But, it was just fine....just a little baggy. But comfy. I felt it was a beautiful tribute to Joe to wear it on this very special day............the day I first laid eyes on him....a beautiful little boy.
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2337
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 02, 2009 - 06:36 am: |
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Janet, I am quite honored to hear that you still have that tee-shirt. I still have a organ donation tee-shirt that our dear friend Andrew Wilson sent to me back in 2005 before his passing away there in London. 
"today would've been Joe's 29th Birthday" Janet, I know without a doubt, you have thought about how many more grandchildren you would have had if only Joe could have lived. I have often wondered this about my grandson P.J. He would have been 31yrs old now. "Happy Birthday to Joe"
Hope all goes well for your daughter.
Love ya'
Ol' Bob
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Heather
Member
Username: Heather
Post Number: 2346
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 10:48 pm: |
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I love the pic of you and your mom. You are right...it looks like you might be headed to the shed for a whoopin'.
Heather
Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago
DONATE LIFE |
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2384
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Friday, June 05, 2009 - 11:31 am: |
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Bump up.
"If you grow tired of my various Blogs, just simply rare back and whistle really loud !!
Ol' Bob 
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Janet
Member
Username: Jan
Post Number: 437
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 12:37 pm: |
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Bob, we never grow tired of you.......or your blogs....
I love that tshirt, and I save it for special times.....white is too hard to keep clean, so I don't wear it too much....and besides that, it was a bit 'too tight' for awhile...but since I have lost 110 lbs....it is now a little bit baggy.....but that is ok...better baggy that not able to wear it at all.
Yes, I do think about how many more grandchildren I would have, what kind of occupation Joe would have ended up in, etc. etc.....but for the most part, I thank God for the ones I do have and love them to pieces....sometimes they even think I love them too much....you know teenaged boys do not care for grandma hugging and kissing on them much....but they tolerate me. 
Sending tons of hugs and love to you.....
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2404
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 01:30 pm: |
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Janet, I still have pics of some of your many grandkids..... 
Love ya'
Ol' Bob
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Janet
Member
Username: Jan
Post Number: 443
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, June 11, 2009 - 11:20 pm: |
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WOW...this is an old one...it was Easter about 3-4 years ago...The two on the glider together are Austin (left) and JD (right) who are now 14 and almost 13 respectively....and are both over six foot tall!!! WOW...I will have to post a newer one, one of these fine days.
But thatnk you for posting this one.
The two girls are 'adopted' granddaughters, Kaitlyn and Brooke Lynn, my only granddaughter was still born, Emily Lou....and the one on the slide is Joshua...my 'patiotic grandson"....he was born on 9-11-01. Our bright spot in an other wise awful day.
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2509
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 - 11:01 pm: |
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We watered plants for 2 hours this evening, due to 103 degree temp down here today. 103 temp predicted again tomorrow so I'll be staying inside under the A/C, by golly. No rain in sight for a few more days, darn it !! Grass is surely gettin' brown and burnt lookin'.
Ol' Bob
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2513
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Thursday, June 25, 2009 - 02:42 pm: |
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If you are interested, this is a record of my earlier childhood days back in the '40s and '50s
My parents never drove me to soccer practice. This was mostly because we never had heard of soccer. I had a bicycle that weighed probably 50 pounds, and only had one speed, (slow).
We didn't have a television in our house until I was 11yrs old.
It was, of course, black and white, and the station went off the air at midnight, after playing the national anthem and a poem about God; it came back on the air at about 6 a.m. and there was usually a locally produced news and farm show on, featuring local people.
I was 16 before I tasted my first pizza, it was called 'pizza pie.'
When I bit into it, I burned the roof of my mouth and the cheese slid off, swung down, plastered itself against my chin and burned that, too. It's still the best pizza I ever had.
When I was just 6yrs old, I remember our car. It was an old green 1938 Dodge.
I never had a telephone in my room.
The only phone in the house was in the living room and it was on a party line. Before you could make a phone call, you had to listen and make sure some people you didn't know weren't already using the line. My oldest sister was a telephone operator, the one who came onto the line and inquired "Number Please?"
All newspapers were delivered by boys and all boys delivered newspapers. They delivered a newspaper, six days a week. It cost 7 cents a paper, of which they got to keep 2 cents. They had to get up at 5AM every morning. On Saturday, they had to collect the 42 cents from their customers. Their favorite customers were the ones who gave them 50 cents and told them to keep the change. Their least favorite customers were the ones who seemed to never be home on collection day. I had one of those newspaper routes when I was a kid.
Movie stars kissed with their mouths shut. At least, they did in the movies. There were no movie ratings because all movies were responsibly produced for everyone to enjoy viewing, without profanity or violence or most anything offensive. My favorites were the Saturday afternoon Westerns, starring Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Lash LaRue, Lone Ranger & Tonto, Monte Hale, Gabby Hayes, Cisco Kid, and many more to numerous to mention. Admission price to the movie theatre was 9 cents.
I grew up in a generation before there wasn't much fast food and nearly all of the retail stores closed early in the evening. It was almost impossible to find a Service Station open after 9pm to purchase gas for your car. Service Stations always had a attendant on duty to pump your gas, check your oil level, clean your windshield, and add air to your tires if needed. Gas prices ranged in the area of 18 cents per gallon.
This is a very true accounting of my earlier life.
Ol' Bob
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Janet
Member
Username: Jan
Post Number: 453
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Friday, June 26, 2009 - 11:25 pm: |
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Bob, thanks for sharing your life with us....sounds a whole lot like my life in my younger years....I am a little younger than you, but not by much.
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2523
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Saturday, June 27, 2009 - 08:47 am: |
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Janet, I just this moment posted this on another thread:
Kindly pardon me. I'm just exercising my brain cells while I still have them. "Senior Moments" are coming my way quite fast, by golly.
Hmmmm! Now what were we originally discussing ??
Ol' Bob loves ya'
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2526
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Saturday, June 27, 2009 - 11:59 am: |
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A bit of info about Ol' Bob
We live in "Rambling Vines RV Park", family owned and operated, large wooded spaces, air conditioned laundry room/showers/restrooms and meeting room. We are 5 minutes from Magnolia and 10 minutes from Tomball and 35 minutes from Houston.
Pics attached
  
Luckily, I am less that 1 hour from the Houston Medical Center, my transplant center St Lukes Hospital.
Ol' Bob
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Happy2Bhere
Member
Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 2531
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Sunday, June 28, 2009 - 12:22 pm: |
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Memories pre-heart transplant:
This attached pic, me and the onstage clown Ernie Halsell, taken back in 1988 at the Texas Opry Jamboree. 
Whilst I was singin' and doing some solo pickin' on my non-electric Gibson acoustic guitar, the bracket broke on the microphone and Ernie came to my rescue to stand and hold the lower mic to the finish of my number. Good ol' Ernie !! Ernie and I are still very close friends and we still both live in the Magnolia area. Ernie and his sweet wife Sharon love to sing in Karaoke contests. Sharon also sang onstage at the Texas Opry.
"True friends leave footprints on your heart" 
Ol' Bob
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