Mary Louise Eklund

Blog

  • Time to Carry On

    Time to Carry On

    I am at a loss as to what to say about the past few weeks.  They were deeply painful in the losses we suffered.  When the time is right I will write about it as I always do but for now that would be opening healing wounds.  So I shall carry on with healing and with writing.

    I am so behind on blogging given the list of topics I have… but the good news is that means I’m not out of ideas.  The good news for you is you don’t have to see bottom of the barrel scrapings of writing I have fodder for months!  Today I’ll turn to how plain dusty records that are bland in and of themselves tell a vibrant story of a very interesting man.  Now on with the post…

    Confederate Pvt. Joel Dennis Jr's loyalty oath to the Union.
    Confederate Pvt. Joel Dennis Jr’s loyalty oath to the Union.

    You know I love a good story.  That’s partly why I love genealogy – the records tell stories of people long gone.  Let’s take Joel Dennis Jr. born 1828 d 1896.  He was your basic subsistence Appalachian farmer. His relation to me is 3rd great grand uncle, which is neither here nor there just why he’s on my list of potential Civil War vets in my family tree.  He was the right age at the right time to get swept up in the war.  So when I ran a list of new tree additions that met the criteria to serve he showed up.  Well yesterday I found his service record and POW record.  Pretty dry stuff until you read it and glean out his story.  He was 5’8″ tall had a dark complexion from working in the fields, his hair was dark but I bet his blue eyes were piercing from their darker setting.  He could read and write which was unique at the time in that area for those in his situation.

    First off know his father was a Col in the Union Calvary and his brother was a Pvt in the Union mounted infantry.  So I was surprised to find he was a Confederate (one of 7 so far in my tree and yes I’m a Southerner but come from predominately Union area of East TN) He enlisted in Cocke County Tennessee where he lived with his wife Matilda and son Robert.  He signed to Capt. Lynch’s Company (Tennessee Light Artillery) as a Private.  He mustered into the Confederate Army on 30 Jun 1863.  On 4 Jul 1863 he was captured by the Union in Vicksburg Mississippi. His glorious career was all of 4 days.

    Here you gotta know a bit of history – Vicksburg was big awful battle.  The Union captured a lot men in this battle but really didn’t have the capacity to imprison them all.  So given as oaths and signing them were very important back then they offered parole to their Union families to those whoo would sign a loyalty oath.  Joel refused to sign.  I could see an arrogant just enlisted young man refusing such a thing.

    He was in the Marine Hospital in Vicksburg on 17 Jul 1863 and was granted mercy parole by Lt. Col. W. P. Davis of the 23 Indiana Volunteers (a Union regiment) without signing the oath.  He must have been faking it or not very sick/injured given what he did next.  Not having signed the oath  Joel fought again against the Union and was captured in Memphis on 20 Jul 1863.  On 3 Aug 1863 he was sent to St. Louis military brig as an “ardent Rebel who will not reform.”  There he was held there until 14 Aug 1863 where he was transferred to Camp Morton in Indianapolis.

    Here I go back to his home in Cocke county.  Matilda died of typhoid fever in 1864 while he languished at Camp Morton.  One can only guess that when word reached him his resolve was crushed.  His boy was an orphan living with his mother, the wife of a Union Col.  If he ever wanted his family again he’d have to go over to their side.  I’m only guessing that’s what happen but seems reasonable as he requested the loyalty oath parole still available to POWs from Vicksburg.  On 2 Jan 1865 he signed the oath that he had refused to sign a year and half before.  I am sure he was a changed man after such a long time as a prisoner. He then returned home and took up farming again, married a Union widow, and had two daughters.  He never claimed a Confederate pension.

    I find it interesting in my great grandmother’s notes about the Dennis family she didn’t note he was a Reb.  She did note it on others.  I think it is possible she didn’t know.  I could see that he returned and the family took him back never mentioning it again.

    You see there is a story in the old dry service records, POW files, death certificates and such.  When you put them together the life of a farmer more than 100 years ago during a turbulent time comes back.  Joel, Matilda, and their son Robert were just one family of many that knew the hardship of war.

    Until next time.

  • When it Rains, It Pours

    After Rappy’s death on Friday, I learned my mom’s aunt (my great aunt) Ruth died on Saturday.  She had been ill but was improving and her death was unexpected.

    Then yesterday came home to learn Mike’s uncle Gary died Sunday in a motorcycle accident while visiting Florida.

     

    I will be off from blogging this week and possibly next as we deal with these deaths and mourn our losses.

  • Sad news

    I can’t write much now.  Rappy’s spine injury was too much for her age.  She was released from her pain this morning.

  • Things Are Returning To Normal

    Things Are Returning To Normal

    An old picture of Mo and Rappy...
    An old picture of Mo and Rappy…

    It’s been over a month of careening from one family crisis to the next. Things are finally starting to settle down. Mo is doing much better and can even jump up on the bed and chairs without assistance. Her back left foot is finally correcting itself.

    Rappy has improved leaps and bounds. She can go potty by herself now and walk about on flat ground. Stairs we still have to lift her up and down most the time. However a few times when she is well rested she has taken them down without help and up with us steadying her back end.

    I am slowly recovering from my back injury. It’s set back by the lifting of the dog but whatcha gonna do but deal with it.

    Mike’s black eye from the doggie slinging her head in pain as he carried her to the car for the initial vet visit is healing. His back is fine but now he has a bad head cold. Poor man, he kept quiet this weekend while I worked Saturday and we both rested Sunday.

    Aaron is doing well in his AIT school. He actually called this week and we got to hear his voice. He’s making arrangements for his classes in the Fall.

    That’s it in a nutshell. We’re still the family with half of the members in physical therapy but we’re healing as best as aging cat, dog, and woman can.

    Until Next Time.

  • A Tale of The Box

    A Tale of The Box

    DSC_5655

    Okay I have to say I’m exhaustipated (too tired to give a sh**t) today. Doggie rehab is tough when one is working. Today is my first day off since we got back. She goes in for e-stim today and then when get her physical therapy info today. Though she is improving. She met me on shaky legs when I got home from work last night. She now gets her front end up when I sling her back end.

    So I don’t have the energy right now to go though the trip pictures so I tell the tale of the box throne last night…

    As you know Mr. Blue belongs to the box of the month club and he thoroughly enjoys his boxes. However, they are HIS boxes being the alpha of the animals. Last night the wannabe alpha Mr. Red got into Mr. Blue’s current box! I know, I know, I hear your gasps of horror, shock, and indignation. I too was astounded at the outright gall it took. I watched as I did Rappy’s massage therapy. Mr. Blue stood up from his chair and yowled at the usurper.

    That led to a big cat fight of screeches, yowls, growls, and posturing. He hopped down and went back to claim his cardboard throne. There was much noise and odd body postures that led to a few slaps (no claws). Red went from “what, what?!?” to challenging then to submissive and slinked out of the box and away to take the cat bed in the office.

    Mr. Blue being triumphant sat in his box throne for a long time before settling in for a nap. Yes we think no less of our feline alpha for napping in his box with his catnip mouse. He had show regal restraint while asserting his authority after all.

    Time for the vet trip. Until next time!

  • Big Ol’ Update

    Big Ol’ Update

    DSC_5940

    Really quick update – we are home from Missouri. Rappy took her fall just as we were leaving for Aaron’s graduation from Basic Combat Training (BCT) at Ft. Leonard Wood. The vet saw her quickly and had to keep her as you know. It was a good thing as mechanical meningitis set in from the injury.

    Graduation was great – photos and such to follow. Aaron looked awesome as you can see. It was good to see him and spend time with him. Good that he got to have a chance for long private talks with Sara (his girlfriend). Also good that Mike’s parents joined us there to see the graduation.

    As for Rappy, she’s improved. She stood up on her own and took a few steps Saturday. I called the vet and I can come pick he up at 9am after her PT treatment. I do have discharge instructions for her they want to go over.

    THEN I have work today on the evening shift. So good thing I slept most of yesterday – 6 hours on the drive and all night. Yes, it was an emotionally exhausting week. However everything seems to be heading in a positive direction now.

  • Miss Rappy Update

    Miss Rappy Update

    I do not bear good news.  Rappy was improving yesterday but took a turn for the worse last night.  She is running a high fever.  When attempting to walk she goes on her knuckles and crosses her hind legs.  They suspect meningitis from the spinal injury.  We’re doing what we can and hoping for the best.  I gave the vet permission to take any action he deemed necessary should she go in a severe seizure.  He doesn’t know how this will turn out.  I ask for positive support for the girl.

    I’ll be back when I can.  Until next time.

  • Miss Rappy

    Miss Rappy

    Aging Rappy wants some of that on the grill

    Years ago we adopted a retired greyhound racer. Her name is Arapahoe’s Ace but we call her Rappy for short. She’s definitely MY dog. It was her choice, not mine per se. She was gotten to be a family dog but in the end Mike and Aaron both refer to her as ‘your dog’ when talking to me. It’s okay I love ’em all.

    Greyhounds are an odd breed. They are one of the oldest domesticated breeds. Yep that ancient Egyptian Anubis sitting with ears up waiting…  is a black greyhound waiting for something.  Rappy assumes that pose when I’m getting ready for walk, the treat jar rattles, someone says something about a car ride or the doggie park.    Another of their quirks is stairs.  The have two settings when it comes to stairs “won’t go” and “full speed ahead.”

    Yesterday Rappy took an emergency trip to the vet after a terrible spill down the stairs.  She wouldn’t get up and had to be carried.  (no not me after injuring my back – Mike and Vet tech).  We feared the worst – shattered hip or spiral fracture of the a hind leg.   I anxiously awaited news at home as they worked her in between scheduled patients.

    Good news – nothing is broken.  Bad news she threw out her back.  Greyhound have very complicated spines.  Unlike ours designed for flexible stability – their does that and is designed to aid in acceleration even on turns, a rare mammal design they share with cheetahs. So they have more cushions and stuff to aid in that.  Hers is all swollen.  Vet is keeping her a few days, treating her with pain meds and anti-inflamatories while he watches her for any signs of damage the swelling may be covering at this point.

    So yesterday was a stressful day in which I basically took care of the dog and rode a very emotional roller coaster.  Today is packed making up for yesterday.  Please excuse the missed post due to emergency- I’ll have a vet bill as proof.

    Until next time.

  • Storms Always Pass

    Storms Always Pass

    One of Mike’s business acquaintances died recently.  The man seemed a healthy vibrant man and his obit merely said “died suddenly.”  We wondered if it was a heart attack.  I mean we are getting to that half century mark where that’s more common.  No it wasn’t.  Yesterday we learned he committed suicide.

    I was surprised and saddened that this man felt there was no way out but death.  Those who believe in reincarnation say suicide is a temporary answer to a bigger problem, meaning until you deal with it you’ll keep facing the same issues.  Those who don’t believe in reincarnation say suicide is a permanent answer to a temporary problem, meaning this too shall pass.  I’m not sure where I fall but I am sure that life has storms, some very painful and changing, but for those of us in comfortable first world lives things get better.

    He was our age and you don’t look back on half a century without having weathered some life storms.  Sure things change but they get better.  I know that depression is difficult.  I’ve battled it but never lost hold of the fact if I kept my head down and kept working, life would be colorful and happy again, at least for a time.

    Something to consider from a book I’m reading (Your Brain At Work, by David Rock) one year after the event the majority of lottery winners and amputees are equally happy.   No lottery winners aren’t depressed, amputees aren’t ecstatic but  we humans have a wonderful resilient ability to normalize life, make it comfortable again after big (to us) changes.

    If you are struggling in your life right now know that it will pass.  You just keep moving and the bad neighborhood will be in your rear view mirror.  Hope isn’t gone for anyone.

    monarch

    Hang on, it’ll get better. Until next time!

  • Happy Birthday Beloved

    Happy Birthday Beloved

    My dear husband is a hard worker. He holds down two jobs really – his civilian job and his Navy Reserves job. Tomorrow is his birthday but he’s traveling for the Navy this weekend. So we celebrated a few days ago when we both were home at dinner time.

    Happy Birthday Mike!

    DSC_5663

    As you can see he got the world’s smallest cake. Neither one of us wanted cake leftovers to tempt us so the small cake was enough for each to have a piece and he to have some for his lunch dessert the next day.

    Kinda busy – had to take some extra shifts at work to help out. Which is okay since I’ll be working the Saturday he’s gone. Hey it helps out and I make money – win, win! I just have a lot to do today since I don’t have the whole weekend as I first thought!

    Until next time!