Today is my daughters Birthday. She is in Serbia serving an 18 month Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints aka Mormon Church. I won't say which Birthday it happens to be today, not because I believe it isn't important, but because it hasn't any bearing on what is on my mind at present.
Jay and I were only blessed with two children. A Son Paul LaMar who was born 48 days before my 19th Birthday. He had a big head and large hands. He grew into both, and though he was very badly cross eyed, he grew out of that as well. Starting out as rather an odd looking baby, he soon grew into being a cute little thing, that unfortunately was mistaken as a 'girl'. No wonder seeings he had beautiful blue eyes and a mop of yellow curls, plus a smile that could charm anyone. Paul was friendly, happy and a joy to be around.
He was six (6) years old when he was finally changed from and 'only child' into a Big Brother. He had started Kindergarten and was anxious about whether he was going to have a little brother or sister. As you may well guess his parents were hoping for a girl to round out the family.
Dawn joined the Rosenberg Family 8 days before my 25th Birthday. I always teased Jay about that as I had told him I didn't want to have any children after I was 25. He was sneaky and slipped Dawn under that wire, so to speak. I am sure most of the family has heard that the night she decided to appear on the scene it was FOGGY. We inched our way from our home in Pico Rivera to Downey where my brother Ronald and his wife Willetta lived. They were to take care of Paul while Jay was at the hospital. Once we were able to drop Paul off safely, we started out for the Hospital that was just a short drive away. It seemed to take for-
ever. We had to really watch for the driveway into the parking lot. Once inside, it was determined that I would be awhile, so they told Jay to go back home. (The same thing they told him when I was expecting Paul). Of course, the problem was getting the Dr. to the hospital. I did my normal thing and progressed much faster than the nurses thought I would. Once again I was given something to slow the process down as the Dr. had not been able to get to the hospital. Fortunate for me two Doctors that I had been seen by, prior to my pregnancy were in the hospital. They couldn't leave due to the FOG, so they were setting by my side
talking when I woke up, well slightly that is. I asked who was there. They laughed and told me it was
Dr. Frost and Dr. Sylvester. If Dr. Bloomquist didn't get here in time, they were willing to deliver the baby.
Fortunately shortly after that Dr. Bloomquist burst into the delivery room and was able to assist Dawn into
her earth life. Jay was at home, as usual! They called him, the FOG was not as bad so he made it back to the hospital, but the person at the desk was told that under no circumstance were they to tell Jay the baby was born. Dr. Bloomquist wanted to tell Jay he had 'his girl'.
Dawn was a cute little baby. Beautiful Auburn hair that thrilled me to pieces. Unfortunately it turned blonde over night and I was heart broken. They explained to us she had a very large imbilical (sp) rupture. It was
the size of a silver $. She had difficulty keeping food down. We learned she needed to be burped prior to being fed. My mother made 'belly bands' for her which helped the weakness in her stomach muscles. It
was a constant worry that she could have problems and even pass away. We watched her constantly. Paul was great a setting by her bed and making sure she was O.K. while I had to be taking care of things around the house and cooking.
When Dawn was 9 months old she had grown, but the problem was only becoming more serious. It was decided an operation was in order. Dr. Crum was the surgeon who was recommended to us. I took her to the hospital after taken Paul to school and Jay to work. No pediatric care in the hospital. She looked so tiny in a regular hospital bed. It was about 9 am when they came to take her down to surgery. They picked her up and carried her down. She was quite happy and playful. When they brought her back she was slapping he hand over her face and smiling. I couldn't figure out what was the problem. The nurse came back from surgery and explained they had played with her with the mask to put her to sleep. She would try to push it away and they would laugh and put it back over her nose and mouth until she had received enough medication to put her to sleep. It was apparently a playful time to her, and didn't leave any sad effects on her. Dr. Crum came down and explained the surgery was pretty complicated, but he was able to repair the weakness. He felt Dawn was so tiny he couldn't repair the outer layer like normal, because he didn't want her to feel 'different' than other people, not having a 'belly button'. The incision he had made was a half moon directly under her navel. After she came around, I took her home. As I said they had to pediatric care, so she was better off at home. For them maybe, but it was a real nerve racking time for us. The second day after her surgery I had put her in the small rocking chair while I fixed her breakfast. When I looked back, she had slipped out of the rocker and was holding on the arm standing. She had never done that before. I dropped what I was doing and went to the phone and called Dr. Crum right away. He laughed at me and said: "don't worry, she won't do anything that will hurt her. For the first time in her life she had muscle strength she hasn't had before!". He was right, from then on, she was up and at it and had no fear. Became quite a monkey and could climb anything.
Paul was always proud of his 'little sister' and she of course wanted to be doing anything he did. Not a good thing. He was a 'boy' and didn't really think a 'little sister' was the right kind of 'playmate' for a 'big boy'.
She was more boy than 'little miss'. Loved working along side her Dad. Could do just about anything he could do before she was any size at all. A constant fight over tools when they were in the garage working on something. Many a time I would hear Jay yelling: "Charmaine, come and get this kid, I can't find any of my tools, she has them all over the place!" They would argue and carry on like you wouldn't believe, but never
seemed to want to do anything unless the other one was around.
Age didn't seem to change that much. I can remember when Dawn and Greg were first married, if we would go some place together. Greg walked next to me as we followed Jay and Dawn walking ahead of us sometimes hand in hand. I don't think they ever gave it a thought that they never lost the closeness they had from the time she was born. Jay never was a 'singer'. In fact one might say he couldn't sing. He often told the story about a class he had where the class was all singing. The teacher went up and down the isle listening. When she came to Jay she said: "you - shut up!" Well that never stopped him from singing to Dawn. When she was small, he worked Swing Shift. He would get ready for work, take Dawn and set in the rocker. Feed her and sing to her before putting her down for her nap. I could sing to her and she would never fall asleep. When he sang to her she went out like a light. I don't believe I will examine that further. She either loved his voice, or she was tired. You take your choice on that one.
I never had a sister, and for so many years I hoped for a little girl. I was blessed with a very deal little girl, but it never turned out to be the relationship I had envisioned. Instead of the close relationship I had envisioned I ended up with enjoying the loving and sweet relationship Dawn had with her Dad, like the one I had with mine. Believe me, I couldn't have wished more for her. She was blessed with a Dad who loved her like my Dad loved me. A choice relationship that is worth far more than Gold. Jay named her, and
cherished her. I have felt very blessed to have had them both in my life. Well I guess I should say all three of them in my life. Once a Mother, always a Mother. The best job in the whole world. Every Birthday has been a milestone in our lives. Each has added many more blessings than the ones before. The years just seem to roll by. The changes and adjustments make life both challenging and fun. It has been a very interesting life. School activities, projects, Scouts - both Boy and Girl. Church and the many things it has
added to our lives. Marriages, Grand Children, Great Grand Children and yes deaths. We have experienced them all. There will be more ahead, some of each I am sure. None of it can change the joy of being Family and sharing both the ups and downs. We all have things which made us happy and things that had made us all sad, but we have done them all together. That is what life is all about. Doing and growing and loving and sharing. I feel like Bob Hope - "thanks for the memories." I have certainly enjoyed the journey. Look forward to the winding down scenes as well. For I am one of the very blessed. I Know that Families Are Forever. I am grateful to be part of OURS!
Written this 30th day of January 2014
by: Eileen C. Rosenberg
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
The Melody Lingers On
Yes, the music in our lives seems to continue even when we are not paying attention to it. I especially felt this during the recent Holidays. There is nothing quite as sweet as the Christmas Carols of olde or the New tunes that have been developed over the years. It seems we warm to the melody and words of "Chestnuts Roasting" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas". Along with the fun tunes like "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" and of course "Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer". Music both heard, played and enjoyed by one and all is the beauty that touches each of our lives in such a wonderful way.
As for myself, I can't play and instrument, or read a note easily, but I do enjoy singing and have many times enjoyed spending time with others belting out one tune or another. For some time I sang in Church Choirs. I was asked to sing at Funerals of friends as well. A time or two I joined one or two other singers to sing at Church Meetings. At the age I am now, the voice is not what it once was, but then there is a lot of the Olde
Girl that isn't what it once was. Not to complain, just a statement of fact.
There was a time I sang with a group of Senior Ladies called the Silver Belles. We started out as part of the Women's Club of Paso Robles, then set out on our own and happily earned funds by singing at various functions in and around the city, which we gave Music Scholarships to Students from the Local High School. Those were some fun times, and rewarding as well. Age taken its toll made it a wise choice to start being support rather than a singer. I still belt out a mean solo around the house, but with my asthma the breath is not what it should be. When I have to take a breath where it shouldn't be, it doesn't effect my enjoyment.
I have learned that listening gives me much pleasure also. It doesn't have to be singing, I enjoy a great band, or orchestra with arrangements of music that I have learned to love over the years as well. Nothing thrills me as much as listening to the Big Bands of the 40's and 50's. Now that was real music, and how we could dance to it. Well in some cases the dance floor was so crowded one could merely swayed
to the tunes. It certainly did not make the listening any less enjoyable.
When I was a Missionary in Salt Lake City, I was fortunate to be in the Elijah Choir and sing at our Devotionals. The practices were early in the morning. Like 5:30 am that is. But even we older Missionaries were up to the challenge of rising early and making practice. Sister Jorgenson was worth the effort. She was a great director, and singer in her own right. I developed a wonderful relationship, and visited her
office a time of two when I was back in Salt Lake. In fact, now that I think of it, I was the last Missionary to plan a Devotional Program. They had scheduled them for years, and then with the change of the Mission Presidency, that policy was changed. The program I had arranged was fun. I had looked all over for an old Hymnal that had Primary Music from way back. I found one in a Used Book Store in Murray, Utah. It contained some Music I had never heard before. I asked for some Solo, Mixed Quartet, and Piano Solo
numbers. It was fun to do, and brought back a great deal of sweet memories for the Missionaries who had been raised in the Church for years. One of the Elders whistled one of the old songs, and I witnessed a few
tears shed. Which brings up the Memory of the Program I was asked to do for a Devotional before Jay and I left the Mission Field on my First Mission. I sang a duet with Elder Bishop. Can't remember where he was from, but he had a lovely voice and sang in the Elijah Choir too. The Music for that particular Program was songs from the Primary, the Hymnal and Special Numbers. What I remember most was the fact that this
program, like all the others was put on before Devotional stated. I ended my Program with: "Jesus Was No Ordinary Man". Just when I finished singing and sat down the Mission President Brimhall and his wife walked into the Auditorium. When he reached the podium he looked out over the 300+ Missionaries and said something to the effect he had never seen the group so quiet. He was sorry he had missed what had caused such a reverent feeling. I felt the effort had been worth all the trouble and practice. Finding time and a pianist who was willing to do the hard work of playing so much music for myself and Elder Bishop was not an easy task. The ones needed never seem to work in the same area or same time. Part of us had to work the 'late shift', which made our time from 11:00 am until early evening. this was because of the shortage of computers at the time. Well, it all came together, and ended well.
I love music and am pleased to have the Melody Linger On in my life, and hope that it fills just as much in your life as well. The Lord has told us that His soul delighteth in the song of the righteous" (Section 25 of the Doctrine and Covenants) I'm greatful to have had many opportunities to share my voice alone, or with others in singing unto the Lord!
Another New Year, more time to lift up our voices and sing, or shout. May we be happily enjoying both the song and musical rendition of instrument and voice with delight and appreciation during this year!
Written this 7th day of January 2014
by: Eileen Rosenberg
As for myself, I can't play and instrument, or read a note easily, but I do enjoy singing and have many times enjoyed spending time with others belting out one tune or another. For some time I sang in Church Choirs. I was asked to sing at Funerals of friends as well. A time or two I joined one or two other singers to sing at Church Meetings. At the age I am now, the voice is not what it once was, but then there is a lot of the Olde
Girl that isn't what it once was. Not to complain, just a statement of fact.
There was a time I sang with a group of Senior Ladies called the Silver Belles. We started out as part of the Women's Club of Paso Robles, then set out on our own and happily earned funds by singing at various functions in and around the city, which we gave Music Scholarships to Students from the Local High School. Those were some fun times, and rewarding as well. Age taken its toll made it a wise choice to start being support rather than a singer. I still belt out a mean solo around the house, but with my asthma the breath is not what it should be. When I have to take a breath where it shouldn't be, it doesn't effect my enjoyment.
I have learned that listening gives me much pleasure also. It doesn't have to be singing, I enjoy a great band, or orchestra with arrangements of music that I have learned to love over the years as well. Nothing thrills me as much as listening to the Big Bands of the 40's and 50's. Now that was real music, and how we could dance to it. Well in some cases the dance floor was so crowded one could merely swayed
to the tunes. It certainly did not make the listening any less enjoyable.
When I was a Missionary in Salt Lake City, I was fortunate to be in the Elijah Choir and sing at our Devotionals. The practices were early in the morning. Like 5:30 am that is. But even we older Missionaries were up to the challenge of rising early and making practice. Sister Jorgenson was worth the effort. She was a great director, and singer in her own right. I developed a wonderful relationship, and visited her
office a time of two when I was back in Salt Lake. In fact, now that I think of it, I was the last Missionary to plan a Devotional Program. They had scheduled them for years, and then with the change of the Mission Presidency, that policy was changed. The program I had arranged was fun. I had looked all over for an old Hymnal that had Primary Music from way back. I found one in a Used Book Store in Murray, Utah. It contained some Music I had never heard before. I asked for some Solo, Mixed Quartet, and Piano Solo
numbers. It was fun to do, and brought back a great deal of sweet memories for the Missionaries who had been raised in the Church for years. One of the Elders whistled one of the old songs, and I witnessed a few
tears shed. Which brings up the Memory of the Program I was asked to do for a Devotional before Jay and I left the Mission Field on my First Mission. I sang a duet with Elder Bishop. Can't remember where he was from, but he had a lovely voice and sang in the Elijah Choir too. The Music for that particular Program was songs from the Primary, the Hymnal and Special Numbers. What I remember most was the fact that this
program, like all the others was put on before Devotional stated. I ended my Program with: "Jesus Was No Ordinary Man". Just when I finished singing and sat down the Mission President Brimhall and his wife walked into the Auditorium. When he reached the podium he looked out over the 300+ Missionaries and said something to the effect he had never seen the group so quiet. He was sorry he had missed what had caused such a reverent feeling. I felt the effort had been worth all the trouble and practice. Finding time and a pianist who was willing to do the hard work of playing so much music for myself and Elder Bishop was not an easy task. The ones needed never seem to work in the same area or same time. Part of us had to work the 'late shift', which made our time from 11:00 am until early evening. this was because of the shortage of computers at the time. Well, it all came together, and ended well.
I love music and am pleased to have the Melody Linger On in my life, and hope that it fills just as much in your life as well. The Lord has told us that His soul delighteth in the song of the righteous" (Section 25 of the Doctrine and Covenants) I'm greatful to have had many opportunities to share my voice alone, or with others in singing unto the Lord!
Another New Year, more time to lift up our voices and sing, or shout. May we be happily enjoying both the song and musical rendition of instrument and voice with delight and appreciation during this year!
Written this 7th day of January 2014
by: Eileen Rosenberg
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