Straight from Hailey's Heart...

I just want to share Hailey's Eulogy from Dad's funeral...she decided on her own that she wanted to speak at the funeral and had a start on her words when she told us. We also had a close friend prepare a Eulogy, but this comes straight from Hailey's heart...

Frank Joseph Mock
Born January 10, 1933
Passed September 9, 2010

Written by: Hailey Minor


Hi everybody I am Hailey Minor, Frank and Tootsie’s oldest granddaughter and Carmen Mock Minor & Steve Minor’s oldest daughter.

Frank Mock AKA PawPaw - he was a great person and one heck of a Grandpa. I think I am talking for everybody here today when I say he has touched all of our hearts. We love him dearly and will forever. We will miss him and never forget him either. I loved shooting his guns, going in the pasture with him, and just plain hanging out with him. The times I spent with him I had a blast. We had some of the best times just talking, even though I could hardly understand him most of the time, but the moments were still great. The only reason he passed is because his brother Thomas* needed him to help manage the cows in heaven. Nobody has to stress about his passing because he is with our Heavenly Father and Jesus. PawPaw, I know you’re listening to this and we all love you and we will all see you later.

*Thomas is my Dad's younger brother. He preceded by Dad in death by 13 days.

Frank ~ January 10, 1933 ~ September 9, 2010

Thursday, September 9, 2010 ranked as one of the most difficult days in my life.

It was suppose to be an enjoyable day as Steve was celebrating his 45th Birthday. Birthdays may not be fun for Steve and me as we get older, but they sure are fun for our girls so we have to celebrate rather we want to or not.

But, instead, I received the phone call. The phone call you're never prepared for, but think about occasionally as your parents get older. Mom called me at work to say Daddy had been in a tractor accident and that I needed to come immediately. I called her two times while driving to try and determine what was going on...will he be okay, is he dead...but, never got a straight answer from her. I had no idea what I would be faced with upon arrival. When I got there, Daddy lay lifeless in a field surround by 8 paramedics (I know because I counted). Mom was there and had already spoken to the paramedics. They told us it appeared that he had been trying to jump start his tractor, the tractor started moving, his impulse was to jump onto the tractor, but he lost his footing. He slipped, the tractor ran over his chest and the shredder followed (the shredder was not on thank God). The paramedics stated that they would “work” on him for 20 minutes max. All I wanted to do was get closer to him, touch him, hug him, say I love you one more time, but every time I inched closer a sweet police officer would pull me away and then console me. The 20 minutes seemed liked forever, yet not long enough when they are trying to revive your loved one. A paramedic soon came over to talk with Mom and me. He said they had done everything they could to bring him back, he confirmed that Dad did not have a pulse upon their arrival, and that they needed Mom’s permission to stop CPR…ugh…really…do you have to stop! Before Mom answered the paramedic told us that if for some reason his heart started beating that he would not be the same man. Mom laid her head back on the car seat, cried and softly said…you can stop. And, with those words it was the end of our life with this gentle loving man. He was a special husband, father, paw paw, and friend who will be missed by many!

My aunt came across this picture today from a wedding we attended in October 2009. This is most likely the most recent picture of us together (my Mom is in red).

What a happy healthy man he was at 77 years young! He went too early, but is singing his praises in Heaven! God certainly has a new special angel on his team!

I love you Daddy and miss you so very much!

Tween to Teen

Hailey transitioned from "tween to teen" on September 6, 2010. Happy 13th Birthday Hailey!

She shares the same birthday with a very special Aunt, Aleen. Steve and I cooked a birthday dinner for both of these special ladies. Hailey picked the menu of steak, mashed potatoes and corn on the cob. We finished with brownies and homemade pear pie. Yummy!

It's hard to believe that I've been a Mom for 13 years now...I wouldn't change a thing and I'm very thankful that Hailey was healthy as she celebrated her birthday this year!

Hailey and Aunt Aleen

Hailey posing with her picture from Uncle Charles and Aunt Aleen (so true!)

I can only imagine what she's wishing for!

First Day of School 2010

The first day of school this year was a success. They all seemed pretty ready to get back, see friends, get out of the house, get away from the President of the "Mean Mom's Club", etc.

Kelly is in 1st Grade and will have Mrs. Denn. Her daughter Aly was in Kelly's Kinder class last year, so Kelly was thrilled to get Mrs. Denn. It was who she was hoping for.

Brooke is in 3rd Grade and has Mrs. Krikorian. I'm not familiar with her, but have only heard good things like "she can teach, but she doesn't put up with nonsense". This being said, she'll be perfect for Brooke. Mrs. Krikorian (Math/Social Studies) team teaches with Mrs. Reuter (Language Arts/Science) so Brooke will actually have a little variety with two teachers this year.

Hailey is low man on the totem pole being in 7th Grade at the Junior High School. But, only for a year. Next year she'll be on top in 8th. I'm pleased to say she started 7th Grade feeling and looking healthier than ever. PRAISE GOD! She has many teachers and says her favorite one is Coach Listen who teaches Science. Science is also one of her favorite subjects...running a close race with History. She's in Athletics this year and is hoping to make the Golf Team (coached by Listen) this Spring. Steve has started working with her trying to get her ready, but they will really get busy when the weather gets a little cooler.


And one last pose of all three! Girls Rock...so Brooke, Kelly and Hailey...RULE THE SCHOOL this year!

A little about TCH

Texas Children's Hospital is far, far away from Montgomery. It takes us at least 1 and a half hours to get there; sometimes two hours depending on traffic and/or weather conditions. And believe me we've made many a trip to the hospital, ER, clinic, etc.

Being a children's hospital and all, they have lots of FABULOUS and FUN art work throughout the buildings. The hallways, ceiling tiles in the Emergency Room, and shower tiles in the hospital rooms are all decorated with different types of art work. Art work is every where! Hailey was interested in participating in a project, but we were never able to find out the details. Bummer!The people we asked never knew who to put us in touch with. We found Steve, Hailey and Brooke on the walls, but not Kelly or Carmen.

Radio Lollipop is a radio station special for Texas Children's Hospital. Volunteers come in on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 PM to 8:15 PM. Patients can listen to the broadcast via the television ~channel 18~ or attend in person. They also have a theme each night which includes a craft and a song of the night. Kids get to participate in the craft either in a playroom near the studio or in their hospital room. At the end of the evening prizes are awarded for the best crafts. They also draw for prizes, take song requests and tell jokes on the air. The kids love it and it's a fun way to pass the time when you're not feeling your best.

The Beauty Salon is open 3 days a week for patients and their family members ~ free of charge~ tipping isn't allowed either. She can assist with washes, cuts and blow dries and will even come to your hospital room, if needed. Hailey and I took advantage of her services several times over the last 8 months. They have one beautician, she does a great job and she is a nice lady too!

And, when you're stuck in the hospital day after day after day, this is a sample of your view out the window.

Texas Children’s Hospital has been named as a leader among national pediatric hospitals in U.S. News & World Report’s 2010 edition of America’s Best Children’s Hospitals. One of only eight hospitals in the nation to achieve the Honor Roll designation, Texas Children’s is the only hospital in Texas – and the entire southern region of the U.S. – awarded this distinction. They were ranked #4 in Gastroenterology.

Acting Silly

Back in October 2009 we attended Jackie Smith's wedding. In July 2010 we attended her baby "girl" shower. Here are a few pictures of my girls all dressed up and acting silly before leaving.

Letter to John Crohn's

Dear Crohn's,

I do not miss you and the grief you've caused my family. I'm thankful Dr. Wesson got rid of you on July 19, 2010. Too bad it didn't happen sooner! We have no intentions of dealing with you in the future, so leave us alone!

Love (not),
Carmen