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| Newsletter #4 April 3, 2007 |
| Jeanne's House of Angels Newsletter |
| Featured Angel: Harold Hipple |
| Harold "Hal" Hipple was born on June 02, 1933 to Edward K. Hipple and Mildred M. Hipple in Pittsburgh Pa. He is survived by his wife Marian, two sons, James and Jefffrey; three daughters Donna, Dianne, and Darlene; nine grandchildren and two great grandchldren. He was called back home to Heaven on January 22, 2007 at the age of 73. This information can be found on Harold's memorial site. but his daughter, Darlene, has graciously shared the following story, a story that gives more insight to the husband, daddy, and grandpa that was Hal Hipple. If i have heard this story once, I have heard it a thousand times but never grow tired of hearing it. It was 1956 and a beautiful night, both Harold and Marian went to the Royal Ballroom not knowing that their lives would change that night. Marian had a falling out with her friends that she was to go with and asked her mother if she would drive her because she really had to be there. She arrived at the Royal Ballroom and was there a short time when she seen the most handsome man walking down the stairs and said Thats him, he is the one i am going to be with and he must have thought the same thing because he walked right over to her and said My name is Harold Hipple but my friends call me Hal. He asked her to dance and the song that was playing was The Great Pretender by The Platters. This was the only song that they danced to that night, they went back to their seats and were completely enamored with each other,talking for hours acquainting themselves. This was the first day of the rest of their lives. Married on July 1, 1961 5 yrs later they would spend another 45 yrs together with their 5 wonderful kids Donna, Dianne, Jim, Jeff and Darlene along with 9 grandchildren and 2 great grand children. In January 2007 we were told the most devasting news, our father was going to leave us shortly. He had very aggressive Lymphoma. So we brought him home from the hospital and were to keep him comfortable for the remainder of his time with us. My sister Donna who lives at the house with them took care of him pretty much around the clock toward the end and the last couple days of his life I took over when she couldn't but together we helped change him and keep him as comfortable as we could. When I was saying what i had to say before he left us, I sang Happy Birthday to him because I missed out on it last year and wanted to do it. He sang in a very soft voice the happy birthday to you part. It was so amazing and sweet, this was the last time I heard my dads voice. On January 22 the hospice nurse told us that it will be any time now. We got the entire family together that was able to be there and said our goodbyes. My mother layed down across my dads body and said Why won't you just go honey, Its ok there is nothing to be afraid of. I told him the usual stuff, that we promise to keep the lights off when not in the room and gas in the car different things that he would fret about but brought a little humor to the moment. I was looking around wondering what was keeping him back and then I knew what it was. He loved music, some of his favorites were Don Williams and Elvis Presley, growing up i remember him singing Don Williams to her alot. So i said maybe that is what is holding him back so we got a cd that my sister Dianne had made for them with Don Williams on and played that and this time my mom was singing them to him. Well as soon as he heard the music his eyes perked up which they hadn't done in awhile as my mom sang the songs of their life together. I looked at the cd and noticed that one very important song was missing...The Great Pretender and I took off downstairs and searched and searched for the song that started it all. It was only by the grace of God that I finally came across this song after searching through dozens upon dozens of cassettes and records. I ran upstairs and noticed that only my mother was in the room with him now and i put the song on for them and left the room. The song was going on and she was in there talking to him and i went into the room to get ready to turn the stereo off that the cassette of The Great Pretender was playing on when the song was over mom and i looked at daddy and he was gone. It was the same song that brought them together in the beginning that he closed his eyes for the final time. We miss you daddy and love you so much. Save a place for us, we will be along one of these days. You didn't really think you would get rid of us that easily, now did ya? :) I love you Daddy....You will forever be my Hero. |
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| Hal Trivia: |
| Favorite color: green or blue Favorite movie: Tough Guys Favorite Actors: Dean Martin Jimmy Stewart Favorite singers: Don Williams Frank Sinatra Favorite Car: His '55 chevy with Hal on the front plate |
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| "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye."
– Antoine de Saint |
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| The Rose
Author unknown John Blanchard stood up from the bench, straightened his Army uniform, and studied the crowd of people making their way through Grand Central Station. He looked for the girl whose heart he knew, but whose face he didn't, the girl with the rose. His interest in her had begun thirteen months before in a Florida library. Taking a book off the shelf he found himself intrigued, not with the words of the book, but with the notes penciled in the margin. The soft handwriting reflected a thoughtful soul and insightful mind. In the front of the book, he discovered the previous owner's name, Miss Hollis Maynell. With time and effort he located her address. She lived in New York City. He wrote her a letter introducing himself and inviting her to correspond. The next day he was shipped overseas for service in World War II. During the next year and one month the two grew to know each other through the mail. Each letter was a seed falling on a fertile heart. A romance was budding. Blanchard requested a photograph, but she refused. She felt that if he really cared, it wouldn't matter what she looked like. When the day finally came for him to return from Europe, they scheduled their first meeting - 7:00 PM at the Grand Central Station in New York. "You'll recognize me," she wrote, "by the red rose I'll be wearing on my lapel." So at 7:00 he was in the station looking for a girl whose heart he loved, but whose face he'd never seen. I'll let Mr. Blanchard tell you what happened: A young woman was coming toward me, her figure long and slim. Her blonde hair lay back in curls from her delicate ears; her eyes were blue as flowers. Her lips and chin had a gentle firmness, and in her pale green suit she was like springtime come alive. I started toward her, entirely forgetting to notice that she was not wearing a rose. As I moved, a small, provocative smile curved her lips. "Going my way, sailor?" she murmured. Almost uncontrollably I made one step closer to her, and then I saw Hollis Maynell. She was standing almost directly behind the girl. A woman well past 40, she had graying hair tucked under a worn hat. She was more than plump, her thick-ankled feet thrust into low-heeled shoes. The girl in the green suit was walking quickly away. I felt as though I was split in two, so keen was my desire to follow her, and yet so deep was my longing for the woman whose spirit had truly companioned me and upheld my own. And there she stood. Her pale, plump face was gentle and sensible, her gray eyes had a warm and kindly twinkle. I did not hesitate. My fingers gripped the small worn blue leather copy of the book that was to identify me to her. This would not be love, but it would be something precious, something perhaps even better than love, a friendship for which I had been and must ever be grateful. I squared my shoulders and saluted and held out the book to the woman, even though while I spoke I felt choked by the bitterness of my disappointment. "I'm Lieutenant John Blanchard, and you must be Miss Maynell. I am so glad you could meet me; may I take you to dinner?" The woman's face broadened into a tolerant smile. "I don't know what this is about, son," she answered, "but the young lady in the green suit who just went by, she begged me to wear this rose on my coat. And she said if you were to ask me out to dinner, I should go and tell you that she is waiting for you in the big restaurant across the street. She said it was some kind of test!" It's not difficult to understand and admire Miss Maynell's wisdom. The true nature of a heart is seen in its response to the unattractive. "Tell me whom you love," Houssaye wrote, "And I will tell you who you are..." |
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| Kids Say the Darndest Things...
Never trust a dog to watch your food. Patrick, age 10 When your dad is mad and asks you, "Do I look stupid?" don't answer him Heather, 16 Never tell your mom her diet's not working. Michael, 14 Stay away from prunes. Randy, 9 Don't squat with your spurs on: Noronha, 13 Don't pull dad's finger when he tells you to: Emily, 10 When your mom is mad at your dad, don't let her brush your hair. Taylia, 11 Never allow your three-year old brother in the same room as your school assignment. -- Traci, 14 Don't sneeze in front of mum when you're eating crackers. Mitchell, 12 Puppies still have bad breath even after eating a tictac Andrew, 9 Never hold a dust buster and a cat at the same time. Kyoyo, 9 You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk. Armir, 9 Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts. Kellie, 11 If you want a kitten, start out by asking for a horse. Naomi, 15 Felt markers are not good to use as lipstick. Lauren, 9 Don't pick on your sister when she's holding a baseball bat. Joel, 10 When you get a bad grade in school, show it to your mom when she's on the phone. Alyesha, 13 Never try to baptize a cat. Eileen, 8 |
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| This week's recipe is for Harold's favorite meal: meatloaf |
| This meat loaf is an old-fashioned favorite, made with lean ground beef, chili sauce, oats, and other ingredients and seasonings.
INGREDIENTS: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 2 ribs celery, chopped 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef or 1 pound lean ground beef and 1/2 pound ground pork 3/4 cup oats, quick or old-fashioned 1/4 cup chili sauce or ketchup 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 large egg, beaten 3 tablespoons water or milk PREPARATION: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped celery and onion; cook, stirring, until tender, about 7 to 9 minutes. In a large bowl, mix ground beef or beef and pork mixture, oats, chili sauce or ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, beaten egg, celery and onion mixture, and the water or milk. In a 13x9-inch baking pan, shape meat mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf. Bake at 375° for 1 hour. Using 2 spatulas, carefully move meat loaf to a serving plate and slice. Serves 6 to 8. |
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| Dessert? |
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| "If you do not hope, you will not find what is beyond your hopes.
" St. Clement of Alexandra |
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| Links |
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| Cancer Online: Welcome/Group Instructions |
| Disaster Action members have written a number of leaflets for distribution to survivors of major disasters and the friends and relatives of those who may be killed or seriously injured. . |
| Canterbury bereavement support group links |
| Vicnet Directory
Family Support Groups |
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| "Knowing is not enough; we must apply.
Willing is not enough; we must do. " Johann Wolfgang von Goethe |
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| Suggestions for Helping Yourself Through Grief
This title is not meant to indicate that others in our lives do not help us through grief. We do need the help of relatives and friends, and may need the help of professional counseling. At the same time, it is important for us to make the effort to help ourselves. Remember that grief takes a lot of energy. Treat yourself with the same care and affection that you would offer to a good friend in the same situation. Most of us are aware of "LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR"- we forget the part- "AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF." Not all suggestions will be helpful to everyone. Grief has its unique sides. Chose the ideas that appeal to you. Be Patient with Yourself - Go gently. Don't rush too much. Your body, mind and heart need energy to mend - Don't take on new responsibilities right away. Don't overextend yourself. Keep decision-making to a minimum - Don't compare yourself to other bereaved. It may seem that you aren't adjusting as well as they are, but in reality you don't know what's behind their public facade - Throw away notions of a fixed period of mourning: one year and then you're "over it." This is fiction. Grief takes time.. whatever time it takes. Ask for and Accept Help - Don't be afraid to ask for help from those close to you when you need it. So much hurt and pain go unheeded during grief because we don't want to bother anyone else with your problems. Wouldn't you want someone close to you to ask for help if he/she needed it? Our family and friends can't read our minds. Some relatives and friends will not be able to handle your grief. It is very important to find someone who cares and understands with whom you may talk freely. Seek out an understanding friend, another bereaved person or a support group member - Accept help and support when offered. It's okay to need comforting. Often people wait to be told when you're ready to talk or if you need anything. Tell them - Pray to the person who has died - If you are troubled and need help, contact your local 24-hour hotline - Join a self-help group. They offer support, understanding, friendship and HOPE - Give yourself some time to sort out your thoughts but don't build a wall around your life instead of distancing yourself from them - If grief is intense and prolonged, it may harm your physical and mental wellbeing. If it is necessary, seek out a competent counselor. Check to see if your health insurance covers the charges. It is important to take care of yourself Accept Your Feelings - Feel what you feel. You don't choose your emotions, they choose you - It's okay to cry. Crying makes you feel better - It's okay to be angry. You may be angry with yourself, God, the person who died, others, or just angry in general. Don't push it down. Let it out (hit a pillow or punching bag, scream, swim, chop wood, exercise, etc.). - Thinking you are going crazy is a very normal reaction. Most grieving people experience this. You are not losing your mind, only reacting to the death. - Depression is common to those in grief. Be careful not to totally withdraw yourself from others. If your depression becomes severe or you're considering suicide, get professional help immediately - The emotions of a survivor are often raw. It is important to let these feelings out. If you don't they will come out some other time, some other way. That is certain. You won't suffer nearly as much from "getting too upset" as you will from being brave and keeping your honest emotions all locked up inside. Share your "falling to pieces" with supportive loved ones, as often as you feel the need - You may have psychosomatic complaints, physical problems brought on by an emotional reaction. The physical problems are real; take steps to remedy them. Lean into the Pain - Lean into the pain. It cannot be outrun. You can't go around it, over it or under it; you must go through it and feel the full force of the pain to survive. Be careful not to get stuck at some phase. Keep working on your grief - Save time to grieve and time to face the grief. Don't throw yourself into your work or other activities that leave you no time for grieving - In a time of severe grief, be extremely careful in the use of either alcohol or prescription drugs. Tranquilizers don't end the pain; they only mask it. This may lead to further withdrawal, loneliness or even addiction. Grief work is done best when you are awake, not drugged into sleepiness. - Seek the help of a counselor or clergy if grief is unresolved - Be determined to work through your grief. Be Good to Yourself - Keep a journal. It is a good way to understand what you are feeling and thinking. Hopefully, when you reread it later, you will see that you are getting better - Try to get adequate rest. Go to bed earlier. Avoid caffeine in coffee, tea and colas. Good nutrition is important - If Sundays, holidays, etc are especially difficult times, schedule activities that you find particularly comforting into these time periods - Read recommended books on grief. It helps you to understand what you are going through. You may find suggestions for coping. - Moderate exercise helps (walking, tennis, swimming, etc). It offers an opportunity to work off frustration and may aid sleep - Begin to build pleasant time with friends and family. Don't feel guilty if you have a good time, your loved one would want you to be happy. He/she would want you to live your life to the fullest and to the best of your ability - Do things a little differently- yet try not to make a lot of changes. This sounds like a contradiction, but it is not - Plan things to which you can look forward- a trip, a visit, lunch with a special friend. Start today to build memories for tomorrow - Find quotes or posters that are helpful to you and hang them where you can see them - Become involved in the needs of others. Helping others will build your self-confidence and enhance your self-worth. Join either a volunteer or support group, i.e. phoning; attending meetings; typing; collating newsletters. It does much to ease the pain - Be good to yourself: take a hot relaxing bath; bask in the sun; take time for yourself (movie, theater, dinner out, read a novel). - Put balance in your life: pray, rest, work, read, relax - When you feel ready, aim at regaining a healthy, balanced life by broadening your interests. Take time for activities that can bring some purpose into your life. Think about doing something you've always wanted to do: taking a class, learning tennis, volunteer work, joining church groups, becoming involved in community projects or hobby clubs. Learn and do something new as well as rediscover old interests, activities and friends - Remember: take your life one moment, one hour, one day at a time. Remember- Grief Takes Time - Do not have unrealistic expectations of yourself. Grief takes TIME. It comes and goes - Remember, you will get better. Hold on to HOPE. Some days you just seem to exist, but better days will be back. You will develop a renewed sense of purpose gradually. University of New Hamphire Counseling Center |
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| "If you do not hope, you will not find what is beyond your hopes.
" St. Clement of Alexandra |
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| This is the fourth edition of "Jeanne's House of Angels" newsletter. I would like to thank Darlene for sharing her angel. her dad, Harold Hipple with us.
If you would prefer not to receive a copy of the newsletter, please email me and I will remove you from the mailing list. The featured angel in our next newsletter edition will be Art Polon AnnieHoo49@twcny.rr.com |