A Visit With Paul, Judy & Tayler

Tuesday September 15, 1992

Frank left for carving class at 8 a.m. I arose at 8:15. I dressed and took off for my walk. when I returned I had breakfast and got cleaned up.

Judy called and invited us for dinner. Paul will make spaghetti. I called Debby. We will all go to see her and the kids at 3 p.m. Phil will be at work.

I feel real good today. We arrive at Paul and Judy's at 2:30. Tayler is sleeping still at 3:30 so Frank and I go alone to see Deb, Joey and Sara. As usual Sara is overjoyed to see us. Joey looks thin in the face, especially his teeth seem too large for his face. We visit for an hour or so then return to Paul and Judy's where Paul has made us a spaghetti dinner. Tayler is so tiny but not thin. We stay til 8:30. I have felt wonderful all day.

Paul is Frank's son who lives in Palmdale, about a one-hour drive from Simi Valley. Paul drives more than an hour each way to his job for the Los Angeles Dept of Water and Power. Paul and his lovely wife Judy made a great couple, but sadly have since divorced. I have no photos of their daughter Tayler as an infant, but I did find this one that was taken 8 years later of Paul, Judy, Tayler and their son Nick. Frank's other son Phillip is also divorced from his ex-wife Debby.

Tayler Rae's First Birthday Party

Frank leaves at 8 a.m. to pick up his folks and meet me at Gary's old house in Mission Hills at 10 a.m. to arrive at Paul and Judy's at 11 a.m. for Tayler Rae's first birthday party. I have a hard time getting ready as I'm nauseous this morning. I have to keep lying down. I'm afraid I should call Frank's folks house to say I'm too sick to go. But I hate to upset everyone there by not showing up. I keep trying and finally about 9:45 I'm fine. I took a nausea pill.

We have a lovely time with all the family. Tayler is perfect! We stop in Mission Hills for dinner with Mom and Dad, then we drive them home. On our way home I must stop to see Joan Larson. It's 8 p.m. but I must. They (she especially) are so glad to see us. Her cancer (liver) surgery is next Tuesday. I pray for her daily.

OK, so obviously Tayler is not one-year old in this photo, but it's the only photograph I could find of her. It looks like she is 7 or 8 here in this photo with her parents Paul (Frank's youngest son) and Judy and her younger brother Nick.

Mom was a great source of support for Joan Larson as they battled their cancers together. Joan lived across the street from our family when we lived in the Lemona house from 1954-1974 or so.

A Visit With Paul & Judy

Saturday March 14, 1992

Up and out early for Palmdale to visit Paul & Judy. They are expecting us and serve us lunch. Tayler is cranky until we take her in their new car to Costco. In the car and in the shopping cart she is an angel. She's also at the age she doesn't want anyone to touch her except Judy.

Frank helps Paul work the dirt in the backyard and takes him in the truck to the lumber yard.

Later we stop to see Debby and Joey. Sara is out with friends and Phil's at work.

We get home in time to eat pizza and dress for the Happy Squares dance. It's too crowded so we come back home to watch TV. We were too tired anyway.

In the above photo, Frank's youngest son Paul is shown with his wife Judy and two children approximately 8 years after this post. It looks like Tayler is around 9 years old and her younger brother Nick around 7. Sadly, Paul and Judy got divorced as did Frank's older son Phil and his wife Debby.

Closer to God

Sunday April 21, 1991

This morning I tell Frank, my Catholic husband, that I want more than anything to go to church this morning with Chris, Ric and Justin. I mean, of course, the Methodist Church where we have gone for Christmas Eve Services. He, of course, agrees to go.

I weep alot during church. Each song and prayer seem to pertain to me at this time. It is wonderful being there with my loved ones. I love going to church. The sermon is about gossiping, which we don't do.

After church I feel so good, we call Paul and Judy--we want to drive to Palmdale to see them and baby Tayler. I feel like I have lots of wind in my sails today. I feel slim and beautiful.

Tayler is a beautiful baby and destined to red hair like her mom. I love holding her, a new life, only 3-1/2 days old!

Later at Deb and Phil's, Joey gives me a large card he had made for me. I love it! Sara gives me hugs.

We eat Mexican food out.

Mom's faith was very personal. I never saw her pray or read the Bible, and she only went to church on Christmas and Easter. How I wish we could have prayed together during this time.

Palmdale is on our way home to Northern California so we take separate cars and continue north after our visit with Frank's son Paul, his wife Judy and their new baby Tayler.

Tayler Rae is born

Thursday April 18, 1991

Today I feel awful again. The nausea has returned. I can't eat. I'm still losing weight.

Chris, Ric and Justin are coming tonight. They should be here about 8 p.m. Yesterday I told Chris how good I was feeling and looking forward to their visit but today is another story.

More cards, letters, phone calls, prayers and a lovely floral arrangement from our neighbors, the Mutals, who own a flower shop. I feel so surrounded by love and protected with prayers. I just know I'm going to win this battle with cancer. I must convince everyone else that this is so.

Chris and Ric have car trouble and arrive at midnight after we are in bed. Key is under the mat.

Paul called this morning. Tayler Rae was born at 9:30 last night. Judy and baby are fine. She's 6 lbs 12 oz and 19".

I am fortunate to have a work schedule at Pacific Gas and Electric where I have every other Friday off. This is my 3-day weekend, so we leave after work Thursday with my son Justin, mom's first grandchild, to make the 400 mile drive to Simi Valley. Frank's son Paul now has a baby girl, a petite red head like her mom Judy.