Wednesday, January 4, 2006

An update for the New Year!

First let me wish everyone a very Happy New Year.  The year 2006 hold so much promise, may we use our time this year wisely

 

I want to thank one and all for the outpouring of support I received after my last post.  Your kind words brought me comfort and gave me strength to get through a bit of rough water.

 

Trenton is still living with us and will be for some time to come.  We have no idea how long his stay will last, but take it one week at a time and make sure he has a regular routine and maintains his good habits.  He is a good student and we make sure he completes his studies each day before we allow him to play.  He’s used to it and doesn’t mind, there is plenty of play time left after the homework is done.

 

Trenton had a great Christmas.  He received a letter from Santa two weeks before the big day and was thrilled.  I’m just glad he didn’t recognize my handwriting, LOL! 

 

Christmas day dawned with the little guy getting up at One AM and waking us to let us know Santa had already come to our house.  We coaxed him back to bed and he slept ‘til we woke him at seven to open his presents.  He thought it was cool that Santa had eaten the cookies he had left out and drank most of the milk.

 

Santa was good to Trenton and he received some gifts that he had been wanting for up to two years now.  There were presents under the tree that we placed there from his absentee parents, and one from each of us in the household, as well.

 

We devoted a lot of time to Trenton every day and he had a ball getting so much attention.  Then it was back to school Monday and he was excited to be able to tell his school buddies what he got for Christmas.

 

I was very sick during his first week off from school.  I had flu-like symptoms.  It was a virus that went through this community like wildfire.  Mine changed from virus to bacterial and I had to get antibiotics from the doctor before I could shake it off.  I didn’t start feeling human again until Christmas Eve Day. 

 

Calls from the parents, both in different places, were regular at first, and now sporadic.  His Dad calls at least every other day, but it’s been a few days now since his mother has called. 

 

 The last we heard of Danielle, she had still not reached her Father’s house in California.  It became apparent she was lying to us about her whereabouts early on.  I mean, how many times does one have to pass through Tennessee to reach California?  She would forget where she told us she was on her previous calls and at one point was in Nebraska and two days later driving through Tennessee again.  What a pity her education did not extend to include the geography of the United States.  We can only pray that she eventually reaches her father and that he gets her into the drug rehabilitation program she so desperately needs. 

 

I knew I would be away from this keyboard for a bit of time but I have surprised myself by finding I’ve not posted in a full month.  I have had very little time for visiting other journals in J-Land and the web, as well.  I find that there is not any single aspect of my daily routine that has not been changed by the presence of Trenton living in our home now.  As the weeks go by, I will be able to make the slight adjustments and recoup some of my journaling time again.  Thanks to all of you who understand.

 

No, today’s post is not another story of daring rescues at sea or exciting adventures on the water.  I realized after my last post just how many of you care and I just wanted to update you on the situation.  I also wanted you all to know why I seemed to just drop off the face of the Earth for a whole month. 

 

I made it half-way through the comments on my last post, sending thank you notes to each commenter.  Then, I got sick and had to give up on it.  Please know how much each and every comment meant to me.  You are all so very nice and a wonderful community to be a part of.  I’m going to try and get around and visit all of you as I can over the next few days.

 

Yes, Christmas 2005 was a warm and wonderful day at our house.  I can only hope that each of you had a wonderful Christmas Time as well.

 

My special thanks to Donna over at D's Design for the graphic at the top of this post.  Donna does some wonderful work and is kind enough to share it with those who would like to use it.  She does ask for some sort of credit, and with talent like hers, it's very easy to give her a mention when I snag some of her artwork.  Thanks Donna!

 

41 comments:

Anonymous said...

Glad you are feeling better Sam. I did not forget your family during Christmas. I have been sending up prayers for all of you and the parents of Trenton that they get the help they need. You did good to answer any comments made in your journal. You had quite a lot. I have found that very few journalist answer comments. I just try to answer questions people ask mostly. Hope things go well with your family. Hope you are soon feeling up to snuff as the old saying goes. Helen

Anonymous said...

Hello friend. It is good to hear from you. AOL is messed up some of your entry but I could read enough to understand. Whenever you can write again, we will all be here waiting. God bless.

Anonymous said...

(((SAM))) I'm so happy to hear from you; to know that all of you had a nice Christmas. SO sorry you were so ill. A lot of people seemed to suffer from the same thing during the holidays. My sister is home, very ill from an infection but will still have the triple bypass when the infection is gone.
Happy New Year to you and your family.
Barb- http://journals.aol.com/barbpinion/HEYLETSTALK

Anonymous said...

Never mind. I can read it now. Weird!

Anonymous said...

Sam... it is so nice to read your words and know that you are settling in to the new routine at your household.  What you all are doing for Trenton is truly a wonderful thing for this little guy.  No matter where his life takes him he will always remember the kindness and caring that his grandparents have shared with him.  When you doubt yourself, know that your extended J family is here to support you.

Kathy

Anonymous said...

What a coincidence!  On my way home today I was wondering about you and how you were doing.  Ah!  God listens and I checked my email and there you are.  I'm so glad that Trenton had a wonderful Christmas and that Santa was so good to him.  He is fortunate to have a Santa like you in his life! Sorry to hear you were sick but glad to know you are better.  Happy New Year Sam and God Bless You!

Sam2

PS Don't waste time reading my journal...I'll give you the low down....all you missed was an ending and beginning of a relationship.  All in less than one month!  LOL

Anonymous said...

Sam, I was a very new reader of your blog, came to it through Donna. I was very moved by your last post in the past year and believe it or not have often wondered how you and Trenton were doing. I felt that it would not have been appropriate to reply to it at that time. But now I am moved again and must send you my wishes.
I am so glad that Trenton has you and hope I could do as well for my grandchildren if the need arises.
Wishing you and your family all of the best in this New Year.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sam...
you & your family were in my thoughts not long ago. Glad to receive your entry alert and glad to read how your holidays went specially with Trenton. I hope Danielle is fine and that things work out soon.
Take care,
Gem :-)

Anonymous said...

You must've been reading my mind.... I was thinking of you today :)

Well, I am glad Trenton's dad is making an effort.  Maybe there is hope for him to recover quickly, even though his calls are becoming more sparsley spaced.

As for his mom, well, I don't have to tell you what her actions are saying....  having walked in her shoes, I can say she is still wanting the lifestyle she has.  Shame that.  I still hope she makes it to her Dad's.....

Sorry you've been sick, I have missed your presence here, but understand the circumstances...  I'll still be around when you get some time :)

Glad you're feeling better and the holidays were good.  I'm sure Trenton will relish this memory his entire life!  He is so blessed to have such loving people in his family....

Until next time~

Cat

Anonymous said...

YOU are a sight for sore eyes!  Welcome back!  I am so glad to hear that Christmas went well and Trenton enjoyed himself.  I had no doubt that you and Paulette would make this a special day for him.  I'm glad you're feeling better and no doubt your routine will settle down and all will be good!  Don't worry about us, we'll be here.  Take care of you and the family.
d

PS thanks for the nice words on the graphics :)

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry you've been sick (me too!), but it sounds as though Trenton had a great Christmas, thanks to you!  Hang in there with all this stuff that's *really* important, and we'll be glad to see you when we can. - Karen

Anonymous said...

Welcome back!  I'm glad to hear everyone is getting into a routine.  You are doing such a wonderful thing.  He's very lucky.  And you are too!  How funny that you posted today.  I was just thinking about you and yours about an hour ago and wondering how it was going and I get on my computer and find your post.  Happy New Year!

Chris
http://itsallaboutmeithink.blogspot.com
http://myphotographiclife.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

It is a treat to read your post even if it isn't "daring rescues" or "exciting adventures on the water". It's a kind of warm, comforting, coziness.  You are there for Trenton (or whomever may be in harms way) and that is so admirable. When he grows up he will know how blessed he was to have you. I love the way you always go the extra mile to do the job to the best of your ability no matter what it is. Whether it is packaging a friends surprise or putting together a grill. I love reading about it. Your decency always is obvious and in days like we are in, that is great to see. Thanks for taking the time to share!
vonda

Anonymous said...

HI Sam!
I think that virus thing went through the whole stae of Ga... I thought I was gonna die with it, lol,. I had to go to the dr. twice and had it for three weeks..mine, like yours ended up having to have antibioticss. I am so glad that yall are there for little Trenton...I can not imagine how sad I would have been without my mama and daddy on Christmas and  being only five years old...Thank God for you and Paulette.  The best thing you can do for this child is give him plenty of love and attention...which you already do.
Take care and God Bless,
Carlene

Anonymous said...

Sam
thanks so much for your post! I emailed you awhile back and I am glad to see that youare among the living after being that ill! Trenton is so lucky to ahve such great grandparents! I am so sorry that no one can find his mom hopefully soon someone will locate her..anyway youare doing sucha great job lol I loved that bit about Trenton waking upat 1 lol! what a character! hugs and love and Happy New year! nat

Anonymous said...

Carlene was right the whole darn state has had it! Lucky fo rme I missed it but everyone one else has had it.
I am glad that Trenton has you two. I know how important it is for him to have a stable home. I suggest taking steps to make it permanent. Make sure that papers are filed with the court so they cannot just say ok I resind the agreement. It may be years before his mother sees him again. I know the pain you are going thru. It is so hard when it is your own child that is responsible for what is happening to this child.

Anonymous said...

so happy to have you back Sam!!

Anonymous said...

Oh Sam...Hugs upon hugs hon'...hugs upon hugs.  Trenton is a lucky little guy to have you two.  No worries about touching base with us...we all have you on alert and look forward to you getting acclimated with your new situation.  My heart and prayers go out to you and your wife...I've been where you are...very recently. ;)  C.  http://journals.aol.com/gdireneoe/thedailies

Anonymous said...

    Oh, Sam .... I am SO happy to see you back with us !  I am glad to hear that you enjoyed Christmas.  It sounds like Trenton had a wonderful day, and that you are giving him lots of love and attention.  I am sure he will thrive in your care.  I know it's quite a change for you, and yes ... it will take time to work your journaling back into your routine.  Well, I certainly understand that, so take your time and know that  I am thinking of you.  I am wishing you and yours all the best in the coming year.  I am looking forward to hearing all of your news, the trials as well as the tribulations.  Take care,  Tina  http://journals.aol.com/onemoretina/Ridealongwithme

Anonymous said...

So glad you were able to let all of your friends and supporters know how things have been going, Sam.   Was great to hear that you all had a nice Christmas!  Really sorry about your sickness however, sounds like it was dreadful!  (I've sent you an email with a question)  HAPPY NEW YEAR!    Judy in CT ...

Anonymous said...

So glad to see you're still there for Trenton, Sorry you were sick but at least it went by Christmas eve and you were able to have a good day with Paulette and Trenton. I doubt if Danielle will ever change, lying seems to go hand in hand with drug taking. I hope Trentons' dad can get back with him one day. Till then I know you'll take good care of him. thank God he has you to put some stability in his young life. We'll all still be here when you get back to journalling, the family are more important right now. You're right; Donna does wonderful graphics, she's animated some of my photos I took in Hawaii, she's very clever.  Take care Sam. Jeannette.

Anonymous said...

Im sure what you are doing for Trenton is much more important at the moment Sam ,we will be here whenever you find yourself with some time, meanwhile ,you and Paulette are doing a grand job for which we all admire you .........Jan xx

Anonymous said...

Dear Sam I am glad you Paulette and Trenton had a good Christmas - Trenton couldn't be in better hands than with you his loving Grandparents. he is such a lucky little boy to have you both. Loved him getting up at 1am and you having to coax him back to bed....and also that he got presents from his absentee parents.
glad you were feeling better by Christmas Eve.....I think Danielle has a long way to go yet in getting help for herself - unfortunately Drugs and Lying go hand in hand..... However long you may be away from your keyboard we look forward to your entries - and hope 2006 will bring you lots of happiness......Ally

Anonymous said...

Missed you, Kid!  Glad you're back both with us and among the feeling better.  Get your flu shot!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear Trenton had a Christmas, attention and a routine; sometimes, life just takes over and all we can manage is to live it, you are teaching Trenton that lesson by keeping him on track. His heart must hurt.
Best of luck to you and yours in the New Year!
Tess

Anonymous said...

Hi Sam, A very Happy New Year to you and your family, I hope 2006 will be kind to you. I`m so pleased to hear that Trenton had a lovely Christmas and he was obviously thrilled by Santa`s letter.  I hope you are now completely recovered from that nasty virus, they do have a tendency to hang around as I`ve found out to my cost!  :o)

Sandra x

Anonymous said...

SAM, I'm thrilled to see you have made it through the holidays and gave Trenton a great Christmas.  You have been missed my friend!  I got my 1st grandson on the 29th (see "It's A Boy").  What a blessing they are :)

Bless you all!
Tammy
HTTP://mylifeasawarrior.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Nice to hear from you Sam. I hope things really turn around for your family this year.

Anonymous said...

Good to hear from you Sam, and I hope your health continues to improve! I can guarantee that Trenton will remember this particular Holiday as long as he lives, and it's all due to you. You did a wonderful thing, and I hope you realize it.

Take care!

Jimmy

Anonymous said...

I absolutely love the graphic...and I  felt my heart fill with your love for little Trenton. God bless you...I am inundated with overwhelming challenges right now and have ceased blogging; but I am still reading and as always enjoyed hearing the update. You are a marvelous man and a true gift.Have a wonderful 2006 cMp

Anonymous said...

Good to hear you had a nice holiday. I knew you'd make it special for Trenton as I'm sure he did for you. May you and yours have a wonderful 2006. ~ Lori

Anonymous said...

Sam, good to know everything is working out. Trenton is a lucky kid to have such a good gramps & grams! Hope his mother "finds" herself before it's too late. Just lournal when you can, we all understand. Good luck, rich

Anonymous said...

you and Trenton take care of each other. come visit when you can
Marti








Anonymous said...

Happy New Year. So glad Trenton had a wonderful Christmas. All kids need that.

Anonymous said...

Happy new year to  you and the famliy. You are doing a wonderful job.  god bless. hope you are feeling better.

Anonymous said...

You've been tagged!  I know life is busy, but give it a shot when you have a minute!

http://journals.aol.com/mutualaide/LifeOnFlamingoRow/entries/1211

Anonymous said...

Sam, A blessed happy new year to you & yours~Don't worry about writing everyone back. We can keep up through stopping by your journal. I knew Trenton would have a great Christmas already; glad you are feeling better. Love, Deb ;-)

http://journals.aol.com/SassyDee50/SassysWORD

Anonymous said...

I found you by accident - you have a huge following so may not ever get to this message.  I'm really moved by your entries, by your care of Trenton and hope everything works out well for you.  All the best - your family is in my prayers.  

Anonymous said...

Glad to see you back.  It's great to have a kid around for Christmas isn't it?  Hope his parents get it together soon.  Love you Sammy!  ( We're still eating the date nut loaf I made from Grandmother's recipe.  I had forgotten how much it makes.)  Lynn

Anonymous said...

You are a blessing to each other. You will give him love and guidance and he will give you love and the laughter only small children can give.

Anonymous said...

Sam, For some reason your alert didn't alert me!  It's so nice to hear your voice again.  I'm glad that you, your family, and especially Trenton had a nice Christmas, but sorry to hear that you got one of the local virus's.  We had one running wild here too.  Everyone went down at the same time.  Now we are left with a hacking cough.  Take care friend.  We all love and miss you.  Pennie