Saturday, September 27, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Flashback Friday...Remembering Dad with pride.
I've always known there was something about my family that is special.
I don't remember a particular time when we learned it, or if we were ever sat down and taught about it.
But it's always been there.
But it's always been there.
It is there when we see a flag.
It is there when we say the pledge of allegiance.
It is there at a ballgame when the National Anthem is played.
It is there when we see a man or woman in a military uniform.
It is there when we look at a purple heart medal or unfold and examine an aged telegram.
It is there when we hear those few notes on a trumpet.
It is there when we say the pledge of allegiance.
It is there at a ballgame when the National Anthem is played.
It is there when we see a man or woman in a military uniform.
It is there when we look at a purple heart medal or unfold and examine an aged telegram.
It is there when we hear those few notes on a trumpet.
Pride.
Not the prideful, can't be wrong type of pride.
Just simple American pride.
And it was instilled, however silently, by knowing what our Dad sacrificed for us and our country.
It is such a special feeling.
I wish he never would have had to endure what he did at such a young age, but he did.
And we are so glad to have called this American hero,
Dad.
Here is what Susie said at the closing of Dad's service:
Peace on earth...
That's what our dad fought for.
He left in peace and we are grateful for that.
We are thankful for the staff at Whittenberg that took such good care of him the last few years.
When your roles reverse and you become the parent to your parent and their quality of life diminishes, we cannot be sad that they have left this world and now have eternal life with those who have gone before them.
In our service today we have tried to celebrate the life of our Dad, our American hero.
Many of you know that Mom's sister, Mary, lived in Washington DC and in our visits there Dad would always grumble that there was nothing for the World War II vets....There was a Korean Memorial, there was a Vietnam Memorial.
So when we heard that they were building the World War II Memorial, I just prayed that Dad would be able to live long enough to visit there. We watched anxiously as they began to build it and they dedicated it on Memorial day 2004.
The world war II Memorial honors the 16 million who served in the Armed Forces of the United States, the more than 400,000 who died and all who supported the war effort from home.
Peace on earth...
That's what our dad fought for.
He left in peace and we are grateful for that.
We are thankful for the staff at Whittenberg that took such good care of him the last few years.
When your roles reverse and you become the parent to your parent and their quality of life diminishes, we cannot be sad that they have left this world and now have eternal life with those who have gone before them.
In our service today we have tried to celebrate the life of our Dad, our American hero.
Many of you know that Mom's sister, Mary, lived in Washington DC and in our visits there Dad would always grumble that there was nothing for the World War II vets....There was a Korean Memorial, there was a Vietnam Memorial.
So when we heard that they were building the World War II Memorial, I just prayed that Dad would be able to live long enough to visit there. We watched anxiously as they began to build it and they dedicated it on Memorial day 2004.
The world war II Memorial honors the 16 million who served in the Armed Forces of the United States, the more than 400,000 who died and all who supported the war effort from home.
Dad was living in assisted living in Whittenberg and the following year 16 of us took him to see the Memorial. Like Dave said he was so touched when strangers came up to him and thanked him for his service. It was one of the proudest days that we had with our Dad.
The next year I found this video by Dr. Sam Bierstock. We'd like to close with that. it was made for those men and women who served our country in World War II, the greatest war, to whom we owe so much. We want to share this with you and thank any of you who have served and those that are serving. Dad has a grandson now, James, we appreciate your service, James; And to all those great grand kids to come may you share those stories. Conner asked me last night, somebody said something about Dad being a hero, he says "was he a hero?" We need to share those stories with all those great grand kids that will follow.
So please watch this video and may Dad go in peace.
The next year I found this video by Dr. Sam Bierstock. We'd like to close with that. it was made for those men and women who served our country in World War II, the greatest war, to whom we owe so much. We want to share this with you and thank any of you who have served and those that are serving. Dad has a grandson now, James, we appreciate your service, James; And to all those great grand kids to come may you share those stories. Conner asked me last night, somebody said something about Dad being a hero, he says "was he a hero?" We need to share those stories with all those great grand kids that will follow.We closed the service with this song that left us on our feet standing next to our hero:
"If tomorrow all the things were gone,
I’d worked for all my life.
And I had to start again,
with just my children and my wife.
I’d thank my lucky stars,
to be livin here today.
‘ Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
and they can’t take that away.
And I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.
From the lakes of Minnesota,
to the hills of Tennessee.
Across the plains of Texas,
From sea to shining sea.
From Detroit down to Houston,
and New York to L.A.
Well there's pride in every American heart,
and its time we stand and say.
That I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.
That I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA."
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Say a prayer.
Keep praying for Aunt Gladys.
They initially were told that the surgery went well, but Pam said she took a turn for the worse in the afternoon and had a lot of pain and is on oxygen and it was "touch and go" most of the day.
They initially were told that the surgery went well, but Pam said she took a turn for the worse in the afternoon and had a lot of pain and is on oxygen and it was "touch and go" most of the day.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Got an email from Pam today.
Susie and I talked to Aunt Glady's tonight..Please pray for her and that all goes well tomorrow morning.
From Pam:
"Just a quick note for you and to pass on to your family. Mom will have carotid artery surgery tomorrow morning. We have to be at the hospital at 6 but the surgery may not be until 10:30. Hope all is well with everyone. Tell them all hello. Love Pam"
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Go...
Go!Directions to here:
About the view...well...
I was sure it was the view from Dad's side of the bed. What he would have seen every morning and every night.
But after all the discussion and looking at other pictures of the house and the placement of the tree, I'm confused.
I'm still pretty sure it's from Mom and Dad's room.
About the view...well...
I was sure it was the view from Dad's side of the bed. What he would have seen every morning and every night.
But after all the discussion and looking at other pictures of the house and the placement of the tree, I'm confused.
I'm still pretty sure it's from Mom and Dad's room.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Flashback Friday...Remembering Dad some more.
Thanks to all of you for stopping by.
Sorry I've been missing in action in blog land.
I've thought about writing everyday and there are lots of great pictures to post.
But I've just been....
Anyway, I owe you a couple flashbacks so here we go.
Do you know how sometimes you remember being at an event even if you weren't there, because you saw the pictures?
For example, Susie was convinced that she remembered being at Aunt Mary's wedding. Well, maybe she was, but she was like 2 weeks old. After talking about it she said she feels like she remembers, but she's probably just remembering seeing the pictures.
I remember events and important dates by images, visuals and pictures.
If I want to know what happened in July of 2006, I think about what pictures are in that folder. I think that's why I'm such a Rainman when it comes to the "what year was it?" game.
But have you ever looked at someone else's pictures from the same event?
It throws a completely different angle on how you remembered the event.
I noticed this when I was at Aunt Mary's and was looking thru her pictures. There were pictures from events that we both have pictures of, but her pictures were different.
It's as tho they were taken "from the other side of the room."
It made me remember things I hadn't before.
So it is and was with remembering Dad.
As you remember and for those of you who weren't at the funeral, we had a time for anyone to share a memory of Dad.
I'm so glad we did this.
It was touching and wonderful to hear what made Dad special to each individual. It was great to hear familiar stories told from someone else's perspective. It made me think of all new images and pictures and gave me an deeper appreciation for my Dad and his relationship to our family, and his friends and the way he lived his life.
Thank you all for sharing.
I may post some of your stories here in the future.
I know there are others who had memories and stories to tell.
And I think all of us would love to hear them.
If you write them down or tell them to me, I'll post them here.
I'd love to hear many more stories taken from "the other side of the room."
Directions to here:
leave a comment or send an email: justagirlon66@yahoo.com
and by the way...
i did end up adding more pictures to the previous post, in case you missed them the first time!
Also can anybody guess who's view this picture was?
Sorry I've been missing in action in blog land.
I've thought about writing everyday and there are lots of great pictures to post.
But I've just been....
Anyway, I owe you a couple flashbacks so here we go.
Do you know how sometimes you remember being at an event even if you weren't there, because you saw the pictures?For example, Susie was convinced that she remembered being at Aunt Mary's wedding. Well, maybe she was, but she was like 2 weeks old. After talking about it she said she feels like she remembers, but she's probably just remembering seeing the pictures.
I remember events and important dates by images, visuals and pictures.
If I want to know what happened in July of 2006, I think about what pictures are in that folder. I think that's why I'm such a Rainman when it comes to the "what year was it?" game.
But have you ever looked at someone else's pictures from the same event?
It throws a completely different angle on how you remembered the event.
I noticed this when I was at Aunt Mary's and was looking thru her pictures. There were pictures from events that we both have pictures of, but her pictures were different.
It's as tho they were taken "from the other side of the room."
It made me remember things I hadn't before.
So it is and was with remembering Dad.
As you remember and for those of you who weren't at the funeral, we had a time for anyone to share a memory of Dad.
I'm so glad we did this.
It was touching and wonderful to hear what made Dad special to each individual. It was great to hear familiar stories told from someone else's perspective. It made me think of all new images and pictures and gave me an deeper appreciation for my Dad and his relationship to our family, and his friends and the way he lived his life.
Thank you all for sharing.
I may post some of your stories here in the future.
I know there are others who had memories and stories to tell.
And I think all of us would love to hear them.
If you write them down or tell them to me, I'll post them here.
I'd love to hear many more stories taken from "the other side of the room."
Directions to here:
leave a comment or send an email: justagirlon66@yahoo.com
and by the way...
i did end up adding more pictures to the previous post, in case you missed them the first time!
Also can anybody guess who's view this picture was?
Friday, September 12, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
Flashback Friday...Remembering Dad
It's been an emotional week.
As we lost Dad, there was much remembering and reflecting on his and our days with him.
I want to thank my incredible family for all the love and support we give to each other.
And we, The Vandercars want to thank our extended family and friends for the love and support you have given us.
I think Dad would have liked the service on Monday.
If you were able to make it, thank you for being there.
If you were unable to attend, here's part of our tribute to our American Hero.
NANCY:
Those of you who knew my Dad, knew that when it came to telling you how he felt, he was a quiet man of few words. It is surprising then, that the best advice that anyone ever gave me was a few words from him early on in my life.
When I was in 5th or 6th grade, I discovered among my mother’s belongings an autograph book. It was about the size of a diary or an address book and she explained that the popular thing to do was to collect your friends and family’s autographs. There were all types of cute phrases and rhymes and some people took up a whole page and some just signed their name.
I must have been impressed with this book, because I received my very own autograph book. It was red and I’m sure I carried it everywhere and to everyone…collecting thoughts, phrases and signatures. I remember my mom signed the last page: “by hook or by crook, I signed the last page in your book.” My brother, dave, prophetically signed, “Keep on Truckin’ “ and it was in this book that my dad gave me advice that I’ve used everyday of my life.
I don’t remember if this is all he wrote, but the last phrase was
“remember, a smile goes a long way.”
Now you may be wondering, really?
The man that at times could have had a starring role in the movie grumpy old men?
…giving advice about smiling?
Yes.
For as long as I can remember, no matter how rough, tough, gruff or silent my dad could be…he always followed his own advice and offered a well timed joke, silent “laugh” or a sly nod and expressed his feelings with a simple, silent smile.
SHELBY :
Aunt Nancy made one of her awesome videos for Grandpa for his 80th birthday…A story of his life…our American hero…
Grandpa was born in Eagle Creek township to George and Fern Vandercar on August 22, 1921.
He and his older brother Wayne were soon big brothers to their sister Gladys. If you want to know where he got his got his mischevious smile ask Aunt Glady’s to tell you some stories about growing up with Bobby! 
They were raised on a farm during the years of the depression and….moved from farm to farm…always in Lake County. Grandpa grew to love the land and continued to farm part time while he ran the Log Cabin gas station and fruit market. 
He graduated from Lowell High School in 1939.
SHELLEY:
Grandpa joined the army when WWII broke out. He left his family and home and after basic training in the states he joined our combat forces in Germany.
Even thru the horrible experience of war, Grandpa’s letters home were always positive, telling his folks not to worry that he would be okay. Then came the awful day when George & Fern got the telegram…Bob was missing in action. He was held prisoner of war for 5 months until May 8, 1945 when he got up and the gates were open….the war was over. What a happy day that was for his family when they got the news that he was OK. Grandpa was honorably discharged and awarded two purple hearts, sharpshooter and other medals for his service.
There was not a lot to smile about during these years and Grandpa never shared much about that time with his family. He carried that mental anguish inside him as he quietly went on with his life.
Now that I am married to a soldier…I better understand the agony that Grandpa and his family went through. Our family keeps all veterans and active service men and women in our prayers today.
SARAH:
Upon returning home from the army, Grandpa’s smile returned when he began to notice sister Gladys’ best friend, Helen Jean Bryant. It was a quick courtship and they were married on November 10th, 1946…could it be? During deer hunting season???
Grandpa worked at the steel mills for a few years and they bought the Log Cabin.
They raised their six children in the house they built behind the Station.
Many of you remember the Log Cabin as a meeting place where friends would stop for a coke and candy bar. Grandpa was always busy at work, but you could always count on him for a joke or a wisecrack and locals knew you could find a game of cards on Tuesday or Friday nights in the winter. 
But to our aunts and uncles….Tuesday and Fridays meant “fruit nights” Grandma would yell “here comes the fruit truck” and it would be all hands on deck to unload, and sell the produce that people would be lined up to buy. Strawberries, peaches…ice cold cans of frozen fruit. Grandpa’s kids learned early on his work ethics…selling groceries, candy, and pop….watching the station so he could go eat supper….or setting up the card table in the middle of the driveway so they could all eat together.
JAMIE:
As their kids grew and married, Grandpa retired from the station.
Grandma and Grandpa got to enjoy their winters in Florida.
Wandering the everglades, fishing with Verle Little, Bob Swett and Jim Hardy became his favorite pastime.
Some of the widest smile’s you’ll ever see on Grandpa’s face were when he posed for a picture with the fish he caught! 
Games of shuffleboard and card games filled their days and nights.
The 14 of us grandkids liked spending time with him….exploring his basement….enjoying the wood toys he made…learning his skills of hunting and fishing…and finding the pumpkins with our names carved on them.
He was saddened as were we all, when after 53 years of marriage he lost Grandma Helen.
His love and admiration still showed on his face whenever her name was mentioned and he would talk about her strength and their lives together.
Grandpa is one of the last of his generation
and we are sorry that he did not get to know his newest great grandson, Drew just 6 weeks old. But by telling our stories and sharing our memories, we will keep the memory of that“greatest generation” alive and our circle will grow on.
NANCY:
I hope that this celebration of life has helped you remember the brother, the veteran, the man who pumped your gas and sold you strawberries, the deer hunter and fisherman, the friend and neighbor, the uncle, the Grandpa and finally, the Dad that Bob Vandercar was. And that even tho he may have never told us with his words, his smile told us that he loved and cared and was proud of each and everyone of us.
He was right, a smile really does go a long way.
Directions to here:
check back later for more pictures!
As we lost Dad, there was much remembering and reflecting on his and our days with him.
I want to thank my incredible family for all the love and support we give to each other.
And we, The Vandercars want to thank our extended family and friends for the love and support you have given us.I think Dad would have liked the service on Monday.
If you were able to make it, thank you for being there.
If you were unable to attend, here's part of our tribute to our American Hero.
NANCY:
Those of you who knew my Dad, knew that when it came to telling you how he felt, he was a quiet man of few words. It is surprising then, that the best advice that anyone ever gave me was a few words from him early on in my life.
When I was in 5th or 6th grade, I discovered among my mother’s belongings an autograph book. It was about the size of a diary or an address book and she explained that the popular thing to do was to collect your friends and family’s autographs. There were all types of cute phrases and rhymes and some people took up a whole page and some just signed their name.
I must have been impressed with this book, because I received my very own autograph book. It was red and I’m sure I carried it everywhere and to everyone…collecting thoughts, phrases and signatures. I remember my mom signed the last page: “by hook or by crook, I signed the last page in your book.” My brother, dave, prophetically signed, “Keep on Truckin’ “ and it was in this book that my dad gave me advice that I’ve used everyday of my life.
I don’t remember if this is all he wrote, but the last phrase was
“remember, a smile goes a long way.”
Now you may be wondering, really?
The man that at times could have had a starring role in the movie grumpy old men?
…giving advice about smiling?
Yes.
For as long as I can remember, no matter how rough, tough, gruff or silent my dad could be…he always followed his own advice and offered a well timed joke, silent “laugh” or a sly nod and expressed his feelings with a simple, silent smile.
SHELBY :
Our family is a circle of love and strength. With every birth and every union, the circle grows.Every joy shared adds more love. Every obstacle faced together makes the circle stronger.”
Aunt Nancy made one of her awesome videos for Grandpa for his 80th birthday…A story of his life…our American hero…
Grandpa was born in Eagle Creek township to George and Fern Vandercar on August 22, 1921.
He and his older brother Wayne were soon big brothers to their sister Gladys. If you want to know where he got his got his mischevious smile ask Aunt Glady’s to tell you some stories about growing up with Bobby! 
They were raised on a farm during the years of the depression and….moved from farm to farm…always in Lake County. Grandpa grew to love the land and continued to farm part time while he ran the Log Cabin gas station and fruit market. 
He graduated from Lowell High School in 1939.
SHELLEY:
Grandpa joined the army when WWII broke out. He left his family and home and after basic training in the states he joined our combat forces in Germany.
Even thru the horrible experience of war, Grandpa’s letters home were always positive, telling his folks not to worry that he would be okay. Then came the awful day when George & Fern got the telegram…Bob was missing in action. He was held prisoner of war for 5 months until May 8, 1945 when he got up and the gates were open….the war was over. What a happy day that was for his family when they got the news that he was OK. Grandpa was honorably discharged and awarded two purple hearts, sharpshooter and other medals for his service.
There was not a lot to smile about during these years and Grandpa never shared much about that time with his family. He carried that mental anguish inside him as he quietly went on with his life.Now that I am married to a soldier…I better understand the agony that Grandpa and his family went through. Our family keeps all veterans and active service men and women in our prayers today.
SARAH:
Upon returning home from the army, Grandpa’s smile returned when he began to notice sister Gladys’ best friend, Helen Jean Bryant. It was a quick courtship and they were married on November 10th, 1946…could it be? During deer hunting season???
Grandpa worked at the steel mills for a few years and they bought the Log Cabin.
They raised their six children in the house they built behind the Station.
Many of you remember the Log Cabin as a meeting place where friends would stop for a coke and candy bar. Grandpa was always busy at work, but you could always count on him for a joke or a wisecrack and locals knew you could find a game of cards on Tuesday or Friday nights in the winter. 
But to our aunts and uncles….Tuesday and Fridays meant “fruit nights” Grandma would yell “here comes the fruit truck” and it would be all hands on deck to unload, and sell the produce that people would be lined up to buy. Strawberries, peaches…ice cold cans of frozen fruit. Grandpa’s kids learned early on his work ethics…selling groceries, candy, and pop….watching the station so he could go eat supper….or setting up the card table in the middle of the driveway so they could all eat together.
JAMIE:
As their kids grew and married, Grandpa retired from the station.
Grandma and Grandpa got to enjoy their winters in Florida.
Wandering the everglades, fishing with Verle Little, Bob Swett and Jim Hardy became his favorite pastime.
Some of the widest smile’s you’ll ever see on Grandpa’s face were when he posed for a picture with the fish he caught! 
Games of shuffleboard and card games filled their days and nights.
The 14 of us grandkids liked spending time with him….exploring his basement….enjoying the wood toys he made…learning his skills of hunting and fishing…and finding the pumpkins with our names carved on them.
He was saddened as were we all, when after 53 years of marriage he lost Grandma Helen.
His love and admiration still showed on his face whenever her name was mentioned and he would talk about her strength and their lives together.
As we have grown we now have children of our own and have given him 9 great grandchildren. 
We have many happy memories of moving the Log Cabin for him…
bringing him to Sunday night dinners….
visits at the nursing home…all things that brought a smile to his face.
We have many happy memories of moving the Log Cabin for him…
bringing him to Sunday night dinners….
visits at the nursing home…all things that brought a smile to his face.
Grandpa is one of the last of his generation and we are sorry that he did not get to know his newest great grandson, Drew just 6 weeks old. But by telling our stories and sharing our memories, we will keep the memory of that“greatest generation” alive and our circle will grow on.
NANCY:
I hope that this celebration of life has helped you remember the brother, the veteran, the man who pumped your gas and sold you strawberries, the deer hunter and fisherman, the friend and neighbor, the uncle, the Grandpa and finally, the Dad that Bob Vandercar was. And that even tho he may have never told us with his words, his smile told us that he loved and cared and was proud of each and everyone of us.
He was right, a smile really does go a long way.
Directions to here:
check back later for more pictures!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Taps
My DadBob Vandercar
August 22, 1921 ~ August 14, 2008
Fading light dims the sight
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright
From afar drawing nigh,
Falls the night.
Day is done, gone the sun
From the hills, from the lake, from the sky
All is well, safely rest;
God is nigh.
Then goodnight, peaceful night;
Till the light of the dawn shineth bright.
God is near, do not fear,
Friend, goodnight.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Friday, August 08, 2008
Flashback Friday...Company there?
I answered Susie's phone on Monday and heard Zach's man-voice say:"Company there?"
He was talking about Aunt Mary and the Cobb crew.
More specifically, I know, he wanted to know if Joe, his new-found cousin and playmate was there.
Zach learned this week what we Cobb's and Vandercar's have known for decades.
That these cousins show up every year or so and although there is a little bit of shyness at first, fast friendships are quickly renewed and new memories are made and the time flies by and there are sighs at the inevitable parting and goodbyes.
He was talking about Aunt Mary and the Cobb crew.
More specifically, I know, he wanted to know if Joe, his new-found cousin and playmate was there.
Zach learned this week what we Cobb's and Vandercar's have known for decades.
That these cousins show up every year or so and although there is a little bit of shyness at first, fast friendships are quickly renewed and new memories are made and the time flies by and there are sighs at the inevitable parting and goodbyes.
Here's to the Cobb's and the Vandercar's and the great times we've had together thru out the years!
Monday, August 04, 2008
Isn't She Lovely...?
Directions to here:Channel Stevie Wonder and hum along....Isn't She Lovely...isn't Wonderful?
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Flashback...Wait, What ???
So, I finish Shelley's video at 8 a.m. and I'm watching it once all the way thru to check it for mistakes before sending it to dvd and it hits me...
Shelley is getting married?
Our little Shelley?
Wait....what?
Is she really old enough to be getting married?
Shelley is getting married?
Our little Shelley?
Wait....what?
Is she really old enough to be getting married?
This Shelley....??
Really?
Well, yes, I guess she's not that young anymore...
or more likely, I'm just that much older than I thought !
Really?Well, yes, I guess she's not that young anymore...
or more likely, I'm just that much older than I thought !
Friday, August 01, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
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