A big thanks to our hostess, Joyce!! You can be a Hodgepodger by clicking HERE!
Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 505
1. May 24th is National Brother's Day. Do you have a brother? Yes, but he died of cancer at age 48 back in 2003. Older or younger? Three years younger. Did you raise brothers? I didn't raise them but they became mine when I married their dad. They were 16 and 20. Tell us something about your brother or tell us something about your own children who are brothers.
My brother, Paul Randall Kelly (Randy) was an amazing man. He was giving, caring, fun-loving, a very strong believer in Christ, and led Bible studies (and more) for his church. He was an amazing son, brother, husband to Jo Anne, and father to Sara and Michael. He volunteered for Habitat, he was a business owner, put himself through college (Ohio University) doing construction work, and then fought cancer for seven years. Sara was 15 and Mike was 10 when Randy died. Our family lost such a special person but so did his community and all who knew him. We all still miss him. He would be so proud of Jo Anne as a single mom to the kids, who are both brilliant and successful and strong.
Me and my little brother!
I am so blessed to have these two amazing men in my life.
2. A great book you've read or a movie you enjoy that features brothers? Ha! How about The Godfather!!
3. Something you think is overrated? Beauty. Something you think is underrated? By many, the amazing power of prayer!
4. How much does your past shape you? My past shaped me but it doesn't define me. (I've heard that quote before!) What parts have shaped you the most? My parents, for sure (my secure childhood), and then learning to navigate life after a divorce and even now, as a widow. I like to think I am still being shaped and my God is the sculptor!!
5. What's your favorite simple pleasure? Ice cream is one and I haven't had any for weeks and weeks. I may have to 'cheat' on the diet soon! I've lost 17 pounds according to my doctor's records (but only 14 since I started the diet and keeping track here at home).
6. Insert your own random thought here. Do any of you like Ancestry.com and the two shows on TV... Who Do You Think You Are? and Long Lost Family? I've been streaming them both (for a second time). Genealogy fascinates me and I need to start working on mine again. It can be all-consuming though.
Peace & Hugs
Psalm 139:13-14
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
The Godfather...Lolol...love it!
ReplyDeleteI'm SO sorry for the loss of you dear Randy.]
Big hugs
Donna
I guess it never connected with me that you lost your brother at such a young age, and that he left behind such a young family. Much like my Matthew, who was 41 when he passed, leaving behind his wife and son Noah, who is now 23 and here with us, but some amazing miracle! Anyway, my heart goes out to you as you will always miss that special brother. Oh, I love how God gave you "brothers" to raise! They are very special indeed, and I love how they love you! I love that Psalm...one of the best ever. I've never heard of those programs on TV. I may need to look them up. They sound interesting to me. Have a wonderful day today!!
ReplyDeleteGodfather! Now that's a good movie & story right there. Sad, tragic and violent but that's how some families are.
ReplyDeleteI have two half-brothers on my biological maternal side, don't know how many on my paternal side (I'm adopted). One passed from substance abuse and one is spiritually lost. I pray for him daily.
#4 ~ I like that saying! And it's so true. Totally "stealing" it. *giggle* Well said.
Have a blessed day my friend. Hold on, Jesus is coming back very soon.
Love xx
Love the picture of you and your brother and also of your boys! Yes, I love genealogy too. I worked on ours a long time ago and I have Ancestry.com and I plan to get back to it again. Sometimes it just seems there isn't enough time in the day. lol
ReplyDeleteLove this post Terri: Your photos are lovely, mt best book is the Bible as a Catholic many think we do not read the Bible many do. We had great parents sadly they passed and two of my brothers passed do to cancer, I had wonderful parents, my fav is chocolate lots of it.
ReplyDeleteCatherine
Well your brother sounded like a terrific person. It is good to know he is in Heaven. I lost my older brother when he was 51 in 1997 - heart issues - I trust in Heaven too. We have that in common.
ReplyDeleteI think since you and your brother are Christians - your parents had a lot to do with that.
Wonderful weight loss girlfriend.
Hi Terri! I love the show "Who Do You Think You Are" and also "Finding Your Roots" on PBS! I don't think I've ever seen "Long Lost Family", I'll have to look for that one. Congrats on your weight loss! I'm also on a weight loss journey due to health issues and it is challenging for sure! Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteYour brother sounds like a real gem, Terri, and I know he is still missed by all who loved him. I have one brother whom I love dearly; he lives in Brunswick, GA, with his wife and son.
ReplyDeleteAnd we should never underestimate the mighty power of prayer. Have you read the newest book by Harris Faulkner called "Faith Still Moves Mountains"? I recommend it highly!
Blessings!
I just ordered the book, Martha! Thanks for the recommendation!! Might be a good study for my church group!
DeleteWhat a resemblance I see between you and your brother! No doubt, he left footprints on many hearts along his earthy journey.
ReplyDelete"God is the sculptor" ... I love that thought! Being an only child, then giving birth to an only child I recused myself from today's Q-and-A. Maybe that, and having so few relatives, I never caught the genealogy bug. I hope you'll share what interesting tidbits you discover along the way!
Enjoyed some vanilla ice cream just an hour ago, so I share in that one with you! Also, I enjoy just coloring inside the lines with my colored pencils. Simple but calming for me.
ReplyDeleteGreat answers today. I loved reading about your brother. He sounds like a great guy and what a blessing to know he is in heaven. I have one brother, 14 months younger than me.
ReplyDeleteI love those ancestry shows!