Our New Grandson

Well here it is December 11, 2008. We had been waiting for the arrival of our first grandson due December 13th. But much like his father, he was in a big hurry. Michael Salvatore Giglione arrived Monday morning, December 1st. He is beautiful! A head full of black hair and the sweetest face you could imagine a boy could have. How difficult it is to live so far away and not be able to be there for this amazing event. We plan on making the trip to Florida on Dec. 23rd, which wouldn't have been such a wait if he had been born on the 13th. But now, it seems like forever. Our son sends us pictures daily and it thrills our hearts to see our child with a child of his own. The last picture was our son asleep on the couch with his son asleep on his chest. Wonders never cease to amaze. Our daughter in law, Monica is doing well after a long labor and a cesarean section. She went into labor on Sunday November 30th. The funny story is that our son bought her a piece of jewelry for her birthday on November 25th. It was supposed to be the birthstone for December, the baby's due date. When Monica went into labor in November, he was afraid that now it would be the wrong birthstone. But God has a sense of humor and allowed the baby to come hours later to make a December birthdate. Michael was born alittle after 1am in the morning. So Monica can keep her necklace after all---after all, she certainly worked hard for it. God you are so awesome. We have been truly blessed this year. We thank you for our family and the new additions, Sweet Cheeks and now little Michael. Love Mom

The Circle of Life

As I lay in bed Thanksgiving night 2008, I suddenly realized that I had not taken time to thank the Lord for His blessings. It was 12:01 midnight, and my mind was racing all over the place. I felt so unworthy of being in His presence in prayer because of my selfishness. I asked for His forgiveness and then proceeded to mention one by one what came to mind. I first thanked Him for the wonderful man lying beside me for 35 years of love and dedication to me and our family. Next was for the job He had just provided after 16 months of heavy prayer and searching since our move here to Tennessee. For the lessons learned during this season of waiting on Him. I thanked the Lord for a good medical report for our daughter Danielle who was awaiting lab results this week. For her husbands salvation which is still to come. I thanked Him for our son and daugher in law who are expecting their first child (a boy ) in two weeks. Last week he was telling his father how awesome it was to lay in bed and watch his baby move all around Monicas' belly, and poke his feet and hands around. It immediately took me back years as I happily reminisce of the same senerio. Lastly, I was thinking of my "sweet cheeks". This was her first Thanksgiving. Our precious granddaughter is now 6 months old. She spent her first Thanksgiving alittle under the weather with a nasty old bug. It was so sad to see her little face without her usual big smile and bright eyes. I thanked the Lord for her mom and dad who so love her and take such great care of their llittle one. They just surround her with lots of hugs and kisses, the best medicine. I spent the rest of my waking time thinking of all the many nights John and I stayed up worrying and praying, seeking and searching and praying again for illnesses, crisis and seasonal ups and downs. I thought how so good you are Lord to get us through those tough times. I said, here I am again, worrying and praying for the next generation in my family. Then it came to me, this is The Circle of Life.....Love Mom

You are a TERRIFIC mom

Dear Jessica, well it has only been about 10 weeks since you have become a mom for the first time. Have I told you what a great job you are doing? I've told you before that being a mother is a high calling on a womens life. It takes an extra amount of love and grace to wake up every day to the challenges of taking care of now, 3 people. One of them being a "little person" totally dependant on you. Oh the sacrifices we make! All so well worth it and amazingly gratifying along the way. You my dear daughter are doing a terrific job. I know that it was alittle scary at first. This tiny baby was a stranger in your home. It took love and patience to get to know all of her sounds and motions as well as she getting to know you. I think that in no time at all, you two bonded and embraced the world of a mother and daughter relationship. There is nothing like that bond and with all your love and the Lord it will never be broken. Cherish every day for it goes by quickly. Just spending moments in one day that is deep quality time will be like jewels in her life. Make memories, good memories and make them her memories too. Remember, she will be the best of you because she will remember the best of you. Love Mom

The Cradle

This is kind of a funny story that is shared with our daughter Jessica and her brother John. We have a wonderful cradle in our family, that was beautifully and lovingly made by their dad years ago. It is made of strong wood and stained in a deep rich brown color. It rocks back and forth and made especially for one of our children. Over the years we have kept it safe in our garage, wondering if it would ever be used for our grandchildren. Jessica, our middle child, who is a "planner" always wanted this cradle on standby. For many years she lived in Tennessee and we lived in Florida. The plan was for whenever we moved to Tennessee, to have the cradle be the first piece of furniture on the moving van. Well that time finally came, May 2007 we were to make our move to the Nashville area. Jessica and Dave were planning their family and now was the time to get that cradle in position and ready to "go". It made it! safely, no nicks or cracks or broken pieces. While we were setting up this special cradle, we realized that all this time Jessica thought that it had been built for her. This was the reason why getting it to Tennessee was so special, to be used by her first child. The realization was that the cradle had been made for our son John who is now 28 years old. We had a good laugh and proceeded to get it in shape for our new grand-daughter who was to arrive that following May. The time finally came and our little Caroline Hope arrived happy and healthy. She enjoyed the cradle only for alittle while and we took some pictures with its big pink bow for our photo albums. But guess what? John and his wife Monica are now expecting a baby in December and he found out that this is his cradle and he wants it to be shipped BACK to Florida. I was just thinking how our lives are so unpredictable and we can feel like we are set back and forth and tossed about, but like this cradle was made, we were made with love and tender care by our Heavenly Father. We can stand the test of time. Love Mom

Grandma Florence

To all my dear children: It has been 24 years since the passing of Grandma Florence. I have hoped that time would not whither away the memories of my wonderful mom. I see little glimpses of her in you my dear children. She was quiet in spirit but had a big heart. Her maiden name was "Buonocore" which means "Big Heart". My mom was a very generous woman, in that I mean she shared whatever she possibly could. She would cook and bake and always sent a dish of something good over to a neighbor or two. She remembered everyones birthday and anniversary and made it a special occasion. Did you know that Grandma Florence never knew how to drive a car? She was definitely a "stay at home mom". It was very comforting to come home from school everyday, greeted at the door with a smile and the wonderful aroma of dinner cooking on the stove. This is a luxury that we all don't have today. It is funny to call that a luxury, when living as we do now, the desire for "luxury" takes you out of the home into the work place. I guess, my children, you are all trying to find that out for yourselves. I so wish that your grandmother had been around to see you grow into the wonderful adults that you are now. I wish that she had met your wonderful spouses and the great-grandchildren that God is blessing us with. Danielle you have grandma's great sense of compassion for people. You enjoy the quiet times in your home and love to cook. You also love to give gifts and choose them carefully and personally. Jessica you have grandma's "dimples" when you smile. (which has been passed down to my little "sweet cheeks"). You always consider others before yourself and make people feel very comfortable and special in your home. John, it was on your 4th birthday that Grandma Florence passed away. You really never got to know how wonderful she was. But you are an awsome cook, just like she was. Maybe there are some things from me that I have passed down to you from the generation before. Maybe there are some things that only God has put in us to pass down to our children and our children's children. Whatever it is, may it be good and loving and acceptable in His sight. Love Mom

"SWEET CHEEKS" My First Grandchild!

Dear Sweet Cheeks, today you are 7 weeks old. Someday you will know how fast time goes by. But right now you are enjoying the sweet peace of days passing and night-time visits with mom and dad. Have I told you how much I love you? I never knew how fast someone can fall in love, I guess it was love at first sight. I don't remember ever feeling this way so soon after giving birth to my own children. Maybe because I was young and anxious about that new experience. But somehow, with a grandchild, it seems different. My cousin Phyllis said it right, "you feel like you did with your first love, it hurts deep down in the pit of your stomach when you are apart and can't wait until you are together again". Sweet Cheeks, you are the first thing on my mind when I wake up and you are in my prayers before I go to sleep. I pray for you to have the hand of the Lord upon your life. To be safe and secure and know that you belong to a Heavenly Father who has blessed you with two Godly parents who will train you and guide you with His love. I also pray that grandpa and I will be around for a long time, to see you grow into a beautiful young lady full of love and desire to serve God and people. I love you Caroline Hope, my Sweet Cheeks Love Grandma

DANIELLE'S BIRTHDAY TREE

If I were to tell you about the most beautiful tree in the whole wide world, it would be your Birthday Tree Danielle. I am sure you remember it. It was huge and seemed to be as wide as our entire backyard. It's branches went on and on, way up into the sky. The most glorious part of this tree was that it bloomed in May, just in time for your birthday every year. It had huge pale pink blossoms, thousands of them. We would plan to have your birthday parties outside under this magnificent tree. Remember the year we tied all different colored balloons to the branches, that was a sight to behold. We used to have picnics under the tree in the afternoon. We would look up to see the blue sky between the branches and the pink blossoms. It was the best time of the year, May. The weather was perfect, warm breezes and sunny skies. Then before you knew it, the petals started to fall from the tree. The soft wind would blow the blossoms around and it almost looked like pink snow. The end of May, the end of your Birthday Tree. I am in awe everytime I see the handiwork of God through the seasons. How trees can go from a vibrant flowering pink to multi-colored leaves to the shedding of its leaves. How in one season, Winter, a tree can look as if its life has gone out of it. But soon again, comes May and back are those glorious blossoms. Just a reminder, that God is awesome and He is always in control. Happy Birthday Danielle-May, 19th Love Mom

"My Monica"

I call you my Monica because I couldn't love you more even though I didn't have the privilege of giving birth to you. But I do have the blessing of being your mother-in-law. What a scary word, mother-in-law. I hope I don't fit the evil description the world attaches to that name. Did I ever tell you that when our son John was born, I immediately started praying for "you". A special little girl to be born who would someday be his wife. Over the years as we prayed for John to grow and become a man of character and have a compassionate heart, we prayed the same for that certain woman who would become the love of his life. The Lord has truly blessed us. I love your sweet spirit and your gentleness. I love how you love our son, even when he is unlovable at times. (that will probably get him mad but I don't care, he knows I always take your side). I feel your personalities compliment one another. You bring out the best in each other and work together towards the rest. I love that you give each other "space" when you need it and allow the other to try something new even if it doesn't work out. I am so glad he found out what a great golfer you are so you could join him on the golf course. I think it is so cute, the way he likes to cook and entertain and he lets you clean up after. I am not so sure who has the better deal...Most important of all, I wish you both a lifetime of happiness and fun and love. Lord willing, He will bless you with babies!!! But most of all, let God be the center focus of your home, your life and your love. To you both, that is my daily prayer. Love Mom

"Larry"

Today I felt led to write about my sons-in-law. Now it is your turn. Yesterday was your birthday. I wish we were there in Florida to celebrate with you. I just wanted to tell you "thank you" for loving our daughter Danielle, the way you do. That is very comforting for a mother and father-in-law, especially living so many miles away. I appreciate your many qualities that I've notice over the years. I hope you know that. Besides your quiet sense of humor, you have a gentle and giving spirit. You have been a blessing to John and I in so many ways and often in time of need. I want you to know that John and I pray for you everyday. Our prayer is for the blessings of the Lord to be upon you and that you will recognize them when they come. I really feel that you do know the times when the Lord has answered prayers in your life and blessed you on your job. We don't take those things for granted. God knew you before you were born. He created you and all the good things in you. You and Danielle have a good life. I pray for many, many years ahead full of wonderful times and events. So go ahead and enjoy life, and don't forget to give thanks to the one who gave you life. Love, your mother-in-law

"Dave"

Do you know that the first time I ever saw a picture of you was over the fax machine? It was the picture of you and Jess sitting at a table at your friends wedding. I'm sure you know which picture it was, the one where you both look like you were meant for each other. I remember Jessica couldn't wait for me to see the man who she knew God was preparing her heart for. I didn't know anything about you at the time, but I knew that God was "birthing" a relationship as only He could. I remember thinking how awesome you two looked together. Your looks complimented one another. A great match I thought. The picture was black and white but I remember Jessica telling me you had red hair. All I kept thinking about was how much my mother loved guys with red hair. I wished she was alive to meet you. You would have liked her alot. As we finally got to meet you (remember the trip from H---?) Final-Four weekend, I knew that this was really serious. We trusted Jessicas decisions, but most of all we trusted in our Heavenly Fathers plan for your lives. The rest was the beginning of your story. We have been very proud and blessed to have shared in your lives together. Now we see how well you compliment each other in your walk with the Lord. As we turn the page to continue your story, we await the new chapter. Our little Caroline Hope, an addition to Gods awesome plan. We love you, John and Janet

The Hair Cut

When we think of my Danielle, one of the most striking things about her looks, is her hair. Not only the great way she styles it but also the variety of shades of color she chooses. She likes to change often and it seems like fun. If you know Danielle well, then you know that she would always make us late for functions because of her hair. It had to look just so perfect... and it usually did. No matter where we went together, the Mall, doctors office, restaurants or just social gatherings, people would always come up to her and compliment her color or style of cut and ask her "who does your hair?" Well let me tell you who did her hair at about six years of age. We were scheduled to take a "Family Portrait" at our church. I had all of our clothing picked out so carefully so we would all match and look like we belonged in a magazine. All of a sudden, out comes Danielle from the bathroom. Did you guess it? She had taken the scissors and cut her bangs so close to her head that they looked like a long mustache. Guess what, we all got in the car and proceeded to the church and got our Portraits taken. Remember, BEAUTY is only skin deep and Danielle, you are beautiful. Love Mom

"SWIMMIES!"

Do you remember Jess, swimmies? They were bright orange blow up bands, that were used to keep you afloat in the pool. They were bigger than your arms were at that time. You were so confident in the water as long as you were wearing your "swimmies". You were so comfortable wearing them, that you left them on all the time you were running around in your bathing suit. I clearly remember the time when you were four years old, we were vacationing at the PTL grounds in North Carolina. We had gone there with about fifteen families from our church. We rented a beautiful cabin with the Pierros and the Calabreses and the LaBellas. What a great time we had, especially in the evenings. We would have all of you young ones singing and dancing to whoever brought out their guitar that night, the worship was wonderful. What I remember most of all, was the day we were all swimming in the Olympic size pool. Dad and I didn't worry about you or Danielle around the pool because you had your "swimmies" on. Well, wouldn't you know, dad and I were in the shallow end (because I didn't have my swimmies on) and there we see you running towards the BIG diving board. Before we could scream out to anyone for help, there went Jessica with a flying leap off the diving board into the deepest end of the pool. You immediately popped up to the surface and all we could see were two orange "swimmies" and two pig-tails between them. I think that that day, Jesus was in the pool also. Love Mom

"OPEN DOORS"

To my children: I just wanted to share with you a dream I had about one week ago. I have been asking the Lord to show dad and me direction in our life, an open door so to speak. Well about a week ago I did have a dream. I was walking in a building with alot of hallways and doors. I thought I was actually looking for a bathroom. I was knocking on the doors, they were locked but no one answered and I couldn't open them. Dad came beside me to try to help me find an open door. We knocked on a few more and nothing opened. Then a man came along side us with a key and he followed us as we knocked and knocked on the door. He tried the key and nothing opened up. Finally we came to another door, which the man used his key to open up. The door opened wide and a glorious bright light shone through. The man put his hand on my back and gently led us through to the other side. When I woke up, it was clear to me that the man in my dream was Jesus showing us the open door. We haven't gone through the open door yet, but I know that the Lord was showing me in His time, it is coming! So my wonderful children, I guess what I want you to know is that, look for the open doors, make sure they are from the Lord, and boldly walk through them. Love Mom

Danielle-Sweetie Pie

You have so many qualities that I see now that you are a grown woman. You are stronger than you ever gave yourself credit for. We see how you have emerged as a great leader on your job, you handle crisis very well. You take charge when no one else comes forward to take the task and you can calm an unruly crowd. Where and when did this all happen? As a little girl you were so sweet and shy. Sometimes you ran away from opposition. You didn't like confrontations and you became a peacemaker to all who were troubled. You always were a great listener, now you have "alot to say". I remember when you were growing up and started with your "marathon" conversations with dad. He would gently say "Danielle, go talk to your mirror". Not because he wasn't interested, but because you would get to the point, then repeat it over and over again. There was a time in Middle School, we were at a teachers conference when he told us how you would be sitting around the desk in the classroom with three other children. The other children would be leaning their heads in their hands listening intently to what you had to say as you went on and on telling a story. You would be getting your work done as you were talking, the only problem was that the others were not doing their work because they were consentrating on what you had to say. Well I guess that was a good thing, because now you have become a wonderful communicator. You are very perceptive of people and their personalities. I love the way you know how to say a comforting word when it is needed. Use these talents God has blessed you with. There are many people out there in need of a kind encouraging word. Love Mom

Jessica-The Gift or the Giver?

Did you ever realize how proud we were to watch your gift unfold through the years? How wonderful it was to attend all of your Middle and High School performances. You were such a natural on stage. You took the lead in many, if not most of the school musicals. Dad and I would sit up front beaming with pride at the way you used your vocal talent. Year after year you were picked to have the leading vocal part, remember Luann and Pajama Game? I have just found out that you always desired to learn how to dance ballet. I'm sorry I never let you pursue that dream. We always felt your gift was in singing. You then developed a desire to sing in Church and turn your voice towards praises to the Lord. We were very excited about the new direction you chose to venture into. Jessica, you worked hard at entering competitions and joining Christian travel groups. After High School, you desired to enter Belmont University to expand your vocal training and pursue a possible career. Sometime between entering college and graduation, your focus turned from the "Gift" to the "Giver". Your heart turned to the greater rewards in life, not being in the lime-light, but allowing the Lord to take His rightful place as the Glorious Giver of your Gift. Whether it be singing, praying, mentoring or just being "you", I see the Love of the Lord shine through. Always keep His song in your heart. Love Mom

TIGGER

My Tigger, my John: I don't know son, if you remember when we had moved to Florida. You were about six years old and very "active". We spent alot of time at the Broward Mall in Plantation, Florida. We were new to the area and did not have alot of friends or functions to attend. So rather than being lonely or bored, we would walk around the mall and window shop. I use the term "walk" lightly when I refer to our son. At that time, the mall design had seats and tables made out of stone or marble. This apparently made great stepping stones for our son John. But instead of stepping from level to level on these seats, he would "jump" like Tigger from Winnie the Pooh. Maybe more like a "bounce" around the mall. I know you are probably thinking "how rude" or "how obnoxious", but I assure you no one else was there. That may have seemed alittle undisciplined, but it launched him into a record breaking High-Jump athlete in Middle and Senior High School. They say never stop a baby from crying (unless he is hurt) because it exercises his lungs (in case he wants to be a vocalist) well, I guess he was in training for his High-Jump days. I wonder John if you wish you could reach those heights today? There are greater heights than that to be reached my son and with God, all things are possible. Love mom

Grandpa Sal

Dear children: Today I was thinking about Grandpa Sal. December 2007 marks seven years since he has passed away. I just wanted to tell you how much you all meant to him. You were his only grandchildren, and his pride and joy. He was a very quiet man and did'nt express his feeling much, but if you looked into his eyes you would know how much he loved you all. Grandpa Sal had a quiet, gentle and patient spirit about him. He was very intelligent. He went to engineering school after high school but never went further because he was drafted into the Air Force. He served in World War II and flew in many maneuvers as a flight engineer. During one of these attacks, he had to risk his life to climb out towards the wing of the plane and release a bomb that would not release. For that brave act he recieved a Purple Heart which is one of the highest awards for bravery. When grandpa came home from the war he met Grandma Florence and they got married. Jobs were hard to find so he took whatever was available. Unable to buy a house, they lived with his parents for many years. They lived together in Brooklyn for many years before grandpa and grandma decided to move to Long Island to buy their first house. I was a teenager by then. They lived there until Grandma Florence died in 1984. He only owned one house after that and it was his house in Florida. I'm only saying all that to say, he wasn't rich or owned alot of material possessions like we expect to have today. He never had the job of his dreams, or went on many vacations. You might say that the life he lived was dull and unfullfilling, but he enjoyed his home, his family and loved his grandchildren more then himself. He never had a charge card or owed anyone. When he put his head on his pillow to sleep, he had peace. He would dance around with Danielle and Jessica to the song "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are grey. You'll never know dear how much I love you, please don't take my sunshine away". John, he loved to fish with you when you had the patience. He would be so proud to know you have all of his medals and pictures of his Air Force days. This is his legacy. We SALUTE you.....Love mom

John-Gods' Gracious Gift

To my dear son John: Did you know that your name means Gods' Gracious Gift? After having given birth to two beautiful girls, dad and I decided we would like to have a son now. So we asked God to please allow that to happen. I asked my dear friend Linda Spies to believe with us and pray along with me on my behalf. I chose a day to fast and pray and trust that God would honor my request. I opened my Bible to a scripture verse that said "a son will be born unto you" I felt that this would be done because God confirmed it in His word. I did find out shortly after that I was pregnant and was excited about Gods promise. A few months along the way I started to doubt, so I asked God to show me somehow. A few nights later I saw you in a dream. You had a beautiful round face with pink cheeks, black hair and blue eyes. Blue eyes, where did that come from? I thought this is not so, it couldn't be, blue eyes. At that time (1980) we did not do ultrasounds often. I didn't know I was really having a boy, except by faith. The ladies in the Church gave me a wonderful baby shower and all of my gifts were for a baby boy! (they were all believing with me). God granted me the desire of my heart on June 16, 1980. A baby boy with black hair and BLUE EYES! John David----Gods' Gracious Gift Love Mom

MELODY LOVE NOTES

Danielle remember Melody Love Notes? She was your favorite doll in the world. You carried her wherever you would go. Melody had blonde curls and big painted on eyes. She had music note sounds in her hands, feet and stomach. She could play a tune if you followed the notes in a book. Melody was your constant companion for many years. She was your first best friend. You would love to sit and suck your thumb and twirl your fingers around the curls on her head. You couldn't go to sleep without her, or go anywhere without her, even into the bathroom. Melody went into the washing machine many times over the years. So often, her body started to fall apart, but you didn't care, you were inseparable. I remember the time when we were rushing to leave for Church one Sunday morning, and it was raining. Dad and I grabbed all of our stuff for Church and all of you guys. You grabbed Melody and we ran to the car and jumped in before we all got too wet. You started to cry and low and behold, there was Melody Love Notes face down in a puddle of water. You had dropped her on the way to the car. She got a Sunday bath and was fine. The end finally came when all that became of her was a "head". You still carried her around by her curls. I eventually decided to let her gently slip away to "Never-Never Land" I hope you never held it against me. For my darling Danielle, in my heart there rings a Melody and that Melody is you. Love mom

Our Little Laura Ingles

That's our Jessica, dad always called you Laura Ingles from Little House on the Prairie. I guess it was because from early on, you were fiesty and energetic like Laura. Maybe it was because you had a headful of ringlet curls and slightly protruding front teeth. (which were straightened by braces)But all in all you were so much fun to watch scurrying around the house getting busy and being creative. The one time that always comes to mind and we like to tell the story, is when I was upstairs in our house. I was in your bedroom making up your bed. Your room was over the gararge. You were about four years old and had your bike in the driveway. You had some of dads tools and as I watched from above, I could see that you were trying to take the training wheels off of your bike. You managed to get most of it off with dads wrench and didn't want any help to finish the job. Mission acomplished! What were you to do next? You took your bike over to the curb of the street and with one foot on the curb and the other flung over the other side of your bike, you went up and down the curb until you taught yourself to ride without any assistance. Like the bird out of its nest, you became independent. Love Mom