There's no place like Home

My dad was born in rural Maryland but was raised in Baltimore MD in this house. There was a lot of love inside. He grew up in this home until he went into the Air Force in his late teens. My dad moved to Philly after he married my mom whom he met when coming home on some weekends with his friend Albert whose mother lived next door to my mom's mother.

 

I miss this house on Bookert Drive. I use to spend my summers there as a kid until I graduated High School. I still would spend every other weekend there with my grandmother after my grandfather passed and I started working at HUP. I couldn't wait for the last day of school because I knew the next day I would be Baltimore bound. I had a happy childhood. My mother's parents lived in the same city as we did and my dad's parents lived a little further out near the country. I think I looked forward a little more to visiting my grandparents in Maryland not only because it was a chance to venture out of city limits but because of the special time that it presented for my grandparents and I. Those cool evenings on the porch covered in off because the mosquitoes were a mess. I loved the sound of the crickets on grandma's quiet drive while we listened to the baseball game on the radio playing in the living room. As much as I loved the cool nights I loved the cool early mornings. Grandma would open the front door to let the fresh air in through the screen door while she cooked breakfast. I can still remember the smell of fresh air coming in as I would come down the stairs for breakfast. Everything is still vivid in my mind; the rides in the car to take my grandmother to and from work, the trips to Gino's for burgers, Montgomery Ward to shop and picnics in Druid Hill Park. My grandfather Jesse was a quiet, laid back man, always full of joy. He left an unforgettable mark on my life. My grandmother Mary, his wife, was a strong woman, the cook, the organizer, the nurturer, the go getter, the one who had a slightly bigger part in creating the wonderful memories in my mind that I miss so much today.

At Holiday time grandma would have the house looking and smelling right. From the tree to the triple candle lights she would have in the four front windows, the hard butterscotch candy on the living room table and the cans of Kathryn Beich Katydids she would have hidden especially for me under the back bedroom bed upstairs. She sold these candies for fundraisers and would always put aside a can or two for me during the holidays. She would have Christmas cards all over the house. The house would be so warm, and the smells of the apple pie and butter cake that she always made filled the air, till this day I know that people love my butter cakes because I was able to duplicate her recipe. I remember many times sitting at the kitchen table watching her prepare with love those tasty butter cakes. The only other two things she made I wish I could duplicated were her homemade biscuits and preserves. My favorite was the Virginia Ham that she would bake. My grandmother was a loving person. She passed away in 1989.

Although it has been 27 years since I spent my last holiday with my grandmother, (for my grandfather died back when I was still in high school), I remember it like it was yesterday. It was January 1987 right after the New Year. I stayed with her for a week, and my husband, who then was just my boyfriend came to pick me up to take me home at the end of the week. He got to meet her. She embraced and accepted him as my future. I am also glad she got to spend a week with us at our apartment in May/June of 1988. I thank God for the sweet memories!

Remembering my mother in law, and others who we miss.

Although this blog is in memory of my dad I cant help but think about the others that have gone on before him that we love and miss. We lost both sets of my grandparents and my mother in law. All of them left this earth at different times and the years have added up but the love and missing them remain. My mother in law would have been 76, this past January 25th. Happy Birthday in Heaven, mom. She was one of a kind. She had class, style, a beautiful smile, a caring spirit, a love for jazz as my dad did and she had mad love for her boys and grandkids. I know she would have rather stayed here with us but the pain of her illness was too much for her bear. I hope to see each and every one of them in Heaven one day. God has a plan and I trust him. Meantime we carry on trying to continue to keep their legacy's going and their memory alive. We thank God for the time we had with each of them and the precious memories they left us with. Rest with Jesus family. We love and miss you all.

Birthdays, Thanksgivings, Christmases

In September we celebrated 5 birthdays, me, my children, and my dad. Mom would buy us a big cake and put all our names on it and we would gather at my house to celebrate.

Nothing thrilled us more than spending thanksgiving together with my mom and dad. It is something we looked forward to annually as we do Christmas.

 

 

I loved when my parents would come to our home for Christmas. It would end our year off great. Mom and dad would not only enjoy our decorations but they also enjoyed dinning with us and spending the close of the Holidays with us as well. We too enjoyed their company tremendously.

 

 

 

Proud Moments

April 29, 1989 The day my daddy gave me away. It was a priceless moment for both of us and from this union yielded him a total of three grandchildren which he cherished and love with all his heart.

 

Daddy holding his firstborn grandson at 2 months. Reese was born on Labor day. I went into labor on Labor day while watching the Jerry Lewis telethon.

 

Then along came Jay, his second grandchild. He could never get enough of spending time with the two of them. Felicia was his last grandchild to come into the world.  The three of them were his pride and joy.

Last but not least was his great-grandson Izaiah born in 2009. Zeke is what daddy called him. I am so glad he had 4 years to share with him. G G Pop is what Zai called him. LOL

 

 

 

 

 

Remembering the Good Times

It was Father's Day 2009 and he always came to our house. I would make his favorites, we would give him his gifts and he would hang out with us a couple hours. He loved fruit, tuna and macaroni salad, fresh ice tea, cucumbers in vinegar. His favorite fruit was cherries. I remember the pints of cherry vanilla ice cream in the freezer. LOL

Father's Day 2012

 

Blanket Cards

Dear blanket recipient,

This blanket has been donated by Love Fulfilled Prayer Blanket Ministry in memory of my dad, Charles Edward Gutrick. Sickness is not something the Lord wants us to have to endure but some of us will. I believe in the power of prayer and that the Lord answers our prayers. It might not always be the answer we hope for but know that God does answer and you are not alone. He is there to help you endure your circumstances and to give you peace; all you have to do is ask him.

The week before Christmas was very hard for us seeing my dad in ICU helpless and not being able to do much else besides stay by his side and pray to the good Lord for his will to be done. Yes, our hearts were heavy but we knew we served a wonderful God. What touched me were the two women from Pastoral Care who spoke with us and prayed with us at my dad's bedside. Marcy had a conversation with my dad that she relayed to us which gave us comfort before and even more after his passing. Maggie's time, concern, and prayers helped us and let us know that we were not alone. I could not help but be touched in my heart. Maggie also covered my dad in a prayer blanket that someone crocheted. I remember fixing the blanket over daddy and thinking to myself, "What a comforting gift, a prayer blanket." It was a reminder that someone else believed in the power of prayer as we did and they went a step further in covering him with the blanket as if they were symbolically blanketing him in prayer.

When my dad passed at Methodist Hospital on December 19, 2013, I prayed over him with my mom and daughters saying, "Daddy, I am going to make a prayer blanket and give it back in your name just like the one you're covered in now." I began collecting blankets and yarn for future blankets that I would make and donate to hospitals in his name. So this blanket, I give to you with hope that God will be with your loved one, that his will be done, and that he will give you peace in the midst of what you are going through right now. In Jesus name, Amen.

Love in Christ, Sherri C. Walker

Scriptures to read:

Matthew 6:9-13 -After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

James 5:13-14- Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.

Psalm 23 -The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

To much to Forget...

I pray amongst many other prayers that the good Lord keeps the memories of my dad within me. It is so deep how the mind remembers everything in a higher degree after a loved one is gone. You just about play over and over every memory in slow motion savoring its every detail. It's as if you don't realize at first in depth all that is involved in that moment like you do once that moment has passed and you recall it at a later time. It's then when you really appreciate every second of that memory. You find yourself now remembering conversations, occasions spent together, traditions shared, etc. Then there are the dreams that you wait to have hoping to get to see and interact with that loved one that you so miss. I had a simple dream last night with Daddy in it and he was just sitting in the basement talking to me. I didn't even realize it was a dream until I woke up and said to myself, "Hey I just had a dream about Dad and I was immediately grateful to God for it. As time progresses this blog will be filled with  memories of the man I called Daddy for 51 years. I know I am not the only one thinking about and missing him right now. He touched the lives of many. Thank you God for his 75 years here. I miss him. God, I love you, please can you tell daddy I love him too....

Connected with Pastoral Care today

I left a message with the answering service to speak with the person(s) in charge of Pastoral Care at Methodist Hospital where my dad received his final care. Margaret Ainslie returned my call a short while ago and I got to thank her for her time invested with us in prayer for my dad. I also shared with her how the prayer blanket that was placed over him helped me emotionally in dealing with all that was going on at the time. It was that blanket & the prayer support she gave that inspired me to want to give back that same support to others who stand in shoes similar to the ones I stood in mid December 2013 when my dad was at the height of is illnesses. She was happy to know that what she and her partner Marcy does has made a difference in the life of another. I told her I would be donating a blanket to the hospital in my father's name. I too was happy to put a name on the face of the lady who had the last conversation with my dad on Saturday, December 14, 2013. Marcy said she had a conversation with my dad proceeding his dialysis treatment in which he expressed being tired of it all. He also told her he loved us and he knew we loved him especially because we brought Thanksgiving to him in rehab, but he didn't think we would let him go. How comforting were these finals words that she relayed to us from my father. My days are pretty much at peace with daddy not being here and as baffling as it seems I know its only this way because of God. I am a true believer in the peace that he imparts because I have been a recipient of this peace on more than a few occasions and I thank him for it.  Never think that you cant make a difference in someone else's life because you can. When someone else's makes a difference in your life don't forget to thank them and then pass that good deed on to the next person.

We are never alone

Only God knows what paths our lives will take, but we have his assurance that whatever we endure we are not alone. When things in life sometime seem to be spiraling out of control remember and take comfort in knowing that the presence of God is always near his children. We are never without a comforter, a teacher, a protector, a leader, and a way maker. We don't have to walk or feel alone He is there, grab a hold of his hand and allow God to lighten your journey and help you endure each test this life brings.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

There is Power in prayer. BELIEVE

Hospital Contacts

This week I will begin contacting hospitals to see if they have a prayer ministry and if not I will volunteer in assisting with getting one started if allowed. I will also be on the hunt for more blankets  and picking up some charms to embellish and personalize my blanket donations. Pray with me on this and for God's leading.

Hey Daddy

Just cant stop thinking about you and talking about you daddy. I was talking about you in the ER yesterday and had people looking at your picture on my coat, LOL. It's hard trying to swallow the fact that you are not physically here with us anymore. So many images run through my mind, some many memories of the past. I hold so much joy and mixed emotions. No, I didn't want you to stay to suffer just to have you with us. I knew you were tired. I knew you loved me. I knew you knew I loved you and I so wanted it to be that you would get better and be able to resume the life and momentum that you once exuded but your body was worn and your spirit was tired. I know you wanted to remain to a degree because you loved us and wanted to continue to share life with us but a part of you just wanted to go to sleep and rest from it all. It's so hard daddy, so hard to juggle these emotions. I need to see you so your pictures I have all around. I am working on making an area just for you in my home. I have the vision. I want to get back to work on the blankets which I will. Your little girl had to get some medical issues taken care of first. Every time I close my eyes I think of you. I look forward to sleep in hopes of dreaming of you. I will try my best to hold it together daddy because I know you would want me to and I want you to be proud of me. You will live on through me ok. I will take in views and do things in your honor, you will see. Every time I watch Charlie Brown, see snoopy or watch a western I think of you because I know these things we both liked and don't get me started on the Jazz you loved. I think the next time I visit mommy's I will ask her for some of your albums just to house a collection here in my home. I told you a corner will be yours, new hobbies will be adapted because of you. I declare you will never ever be forgotten you hear me daddy and I will carry on and take care of the kids, well heck they are grown they take care of me sometimes, lol, but you know what I mean. They love you daddy. I thank God you were their grandfather. You were such a blessing and an inspiration to them. Mommy is trying to hold on and continue to live but I know her heart is still so heavy. We are sticking close by her and keeping watch over her. She wont want for nothing If we can help it you hear. We will do the best the Lord allows us to do. I know what this date brings but I refuse to harp on it. I am finally taking some more of the Christmas decorations down daddy you know how I love Christmas. Boy I have so much joy when thinking about you. Our trips to Baltimore, our lunches and chats when I would come past the Library where you worked to go shopping in the area or to stop in to use the computer before I got one of my own. We both enjoyed good meals and loved grandmom's VA hams and butter cakes. We also loved Mommy's cooking, your wife is a cooking woman. Well daddy I am going to lay back down and watch ice skating. I love you so much, talk to you again soon ok. You are forever in my heart!!! ....................your little girl.

My first donated blanket

My first donated blanket will be the one I am working on now. It will be given to the Pastoral Care dept. of Methodist Hospital in Philadelphia in memory of my dad. I have been searching places and collecting blankets in good shape already knitted and I will be adding charms to them and praying over them before distributing them to local hospitals that have a prayer blanket unit and if I find one that doesn't I will see about getting one started within. Pray for me while I embark on this journey.

The beginning..

This ministry was inspired during the last days of my Daddy's life in the ICU of Methodist Hospital. While my dad was on life support Maggie from pastoral care came and prayed with us and she later returned and placed a blanket over him. I was not present at the time when she left the blanket and when I saw it for the first time some hours later I asked my mom from whence it came and she said the prayer lady had returned and left it. She continued to visit us over the course of time daddy was in ICU and she continued to pray for us and my dad.  My dad spent a total of 5 days there. What a sweet sentiment I thought, daddy stayed covered in that precious prayer blanket til he passed away on December 19, 2013.  It was at that moment that the idea of giving back popped in my head. I said I am going to make one and donate it to the hospital in his memory with the intent of it helping to provide a sense of comfort to another family grieving for a sick loved one and as a reminder that they were not alone and that someone else cared about what they were going thru and was praying along with them. Where there is God there is ALWAYS Hope! I am working on my first blanket now and my plan is to continue to do so as well as collect them, embellish them with love and donate them to local hospitals in memory of my dad, Charles E. Gutrick. Rest with Jesus Daddy! I love you. <3