My Garden Retreat

My Garden Retreat
photo Gridley Graves for Country Living

Think of me...when this you see.


First,
Let me start by telling everyone who reads my blog...Thank you for all of your Prayers, loving comments and emails.
One week ago today I recieved a call from my mom that completely put my life into a talespin.

You see, for some time now my I have had 2 people in my life in two different  Intensive Care Units 1200 miles away.





Because of the season, I could not get away until the VERY day that This critical thing occurred.
(The Lord, always in control....)
The man my mom had spent the last 33 years of her life with was dying.



mom and coony bear (Lee)
I left Indiana on Thursday morning at 5am, went to Chicago, then to Dallas/Fort worth and finally arrived in Austin at about 2 in the afternoon.
Each time the planes would land, I would check in.
The last call I made from DFW, I was told that they were now waiting for me...the machines were being turned off.


coony bear with my two children...Justin and April


I landed and was taken directly to the Hospital, 1 hour later they removed the ventilator and started cutting back on meds. Lee never regained consciousness. He struggled with his every breathe and left this world 3 hours after they removed him from the equipment.

This has been the hardest thing I have had to do ...almost ever!
You see, What I haven't told you is that only recently have I been working on having any type of relationship with my mom or Lee.
He was always a grandfather tto my children...
for that I am beyond words grateful...
I just was not ever in the picture.

This trip here to Texas has been hard in so many ways...but I am glad I made the trip.


Lee and April Lea...my daughter


In about an hour...we will leave for the viewing. And tomorrow the full-on military funeral.
the funeral had to be delayed due to the fact that he's being buried at Fort Hood.
And the tragedy there left many to be buried at the same time.

I know this is a different type of post than you are accustomed...Please forgive me.
I had alot of stuff pinned up inside of me and I guess I needed to share it with my closest friends...you.

My rock and my lifeline is not here to get me through all of this.

So please...keep me in your prayers.

I love all of you and can't wait to get home, back to blogland to see what's been going on in my absence.
I wish everyone a blessed week...donna


Here is Lee's Obituary

Leland G. Coon Master Sergeant U.S. Air Force Retired (1962 - 1982) Master Sergeant Leland G. Coon, United States, Air Force, Retired (1962 - 1982) passed away on November 12, 2009, in Round Rock, Texas. He was born on January 17, 1942 to Willis Glenn and Rowena Leone Coon in Jackson, Michigan. Leland was survived by his loving life partner, Patsy Widup; children, Cathy Coon; grandchildren, Cody Glenn Coon, April Lea Starnes and Justin Forrer. Master Sergeant Leland Coon passed away from Lymphoma caused by Agent Orange from service in Vietnam. Visitation will be held 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17, 2009, at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 on Wednesday, November 18, 2009, at the Memorial Chapel of Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home. Burial with Full Military Honors will follow at 1:00 p.m., at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen.

15 comments

  1. I will keep you in my prayers. Jules

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  2. Oh Sweetie... my heart is hurting for you. Your Rock is actually there with you... just look up and he will help you through this heartache. The Lord will make you stronger and love your Mom as hard as it may be... I do not know your trials with her... look to God to give you strength and courage to mend this relationship. I will be praying for you.

    Sheila

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  3. Oh Donna, I am so incredibly sorry! I had no idea, I just knew we hadn't heard much from you in a few days. I'll be keeping your whole family in my prayers.
    Much love to you, sweet friend.
    Anne

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  4. Oh Donna ~ I am sorry to hear such sad news. I thought something might be going on in your life but not something like this.
    I want you to know that I am thinking of you and your family and will be here if you should need more help and support. My sincerest condolences to your mother.

    Hugs ~ Rebecca

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  5. Donna,

    I have had you on my heart since the day you left. I have been praying for you and your family. I am so sorry to hear this. I will continue to pray.

    Love you,
    Adrienne

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  6. Oh Donna... this explains your absence. SO sorry, hon.

    I'll keep checking back here to this post as a reminder to keep you before the Throne.

    Love you, friend...

    Ruth

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  7. Dear Donna, you really are going through a trial. I am, and will, keep lifting you up to the Lord, your Comforter and Strength.
    Angex

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  8. Oh sweetie I am so terribly sorry for all of the sadness and difficulties you are going thru right now! I will most definitely continue to keep you in my thoughts and my prayers. Blessings to you Donna~

    T

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  9. Hi Donna, I'm so sorry, I wish I would have read this post first. I didn't realize things were so bad. I'm sending prayers for you and all your family, especially your mom. I know this will be a very hard Thanksgiving. I'm so glad you were able to be there, for your family. We all love and miss you, take care, and have a safe trip home.
    Big hugs,
    Debra

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  10. Donna, my heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to you and your mom and your whole family.This is indeed a hard thing to go through, and I am sure you rmom is thankful that you are there helping her to get through it. Time like this, the past just isn't important anymore. What is important is family, coming together to honor, love, and help each other. Blessings to you for being willing to take that step....

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  11. Donna, I am so sorry that you have had to endure all of this alone. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sending you a big hug from here.
    June

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  12. I love all of you so much! I can'y thank you enough for your posts.
    During this time, they are tiny lifelines for me.
    Yesterday was very hard...When I return home, I will try and explain why it's so dangerous for my family.
    Just know, Even the police in this town are aware of the danger we are in. And are driving by frequently to check on us.
    What we know, Cannot be shared until after the will is read.(Several weeks from now!) But we have a new Security system going in Friday.

    Love you all...We leave for the funeral in 2 hours...donna

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  13. Donna- my heart is saddened by what you have been going through. I will keep you close in my prayers, thoughts and my heart. And remember you are not alone...you have so many people that are here for you..please be safe...may our dear Lord surround you.

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  14. For the first time in days
    I have had a few moments to sit here quietly and read all of the wonderful thoughtful comments that everyone has left here for me.
    Thank you for your prayers...they are much appreciated!
    I am flying out tomorrow and can't wait to see Mr. Bill and Otis!!!

    This has been such a difficult time but I am still grateful that I was able to make this trip!
    So...very much healing has taken place...even in the midst of such drama!
    I have been living in a bubble...courtesy of Mr. BIll!
    He calls our home "A drama free zone"
    Have a fantastic evening and please keep our family in your prayers!

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  15. Hello Donna
    So sorry for all that life has thrown at you lately but praise God for what He is doing! I pray the healing continues and your sadness turns to happiness throughout this Christmas season.
    Blessings
    Rebecca

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Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to leave me a comment!
I love reading them~they truly make my day!
~Donna Reyné