Praying - Hoping - Grieving; The Life of a Mining Family

The look on Gov. Manchin's face tells the story of a long week in a coal mining community in WV. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families and friends of the victims of the coal mine explosion on April 5, 2010 in Montcoal, WV. The community - as well as the state, nation, and world - started praying once the news was released of the mine blast that had taken the life of seven miners; two injured; and 22 who were missing. All were praying for the safety of those missing and that the would be rescued. Sadly, the week went from hoping for a miracle to the realization that 29 men had lost their lives. Last week was a week of praying - hoping - and now the grieving has begun.


In the beginning, the extraction of coal from the earth was generally done close to the surface. As the realization of the importance of coal and the impact it had on the economy and the industrial aspects, new techniques needed to be used. Holes were dug into the side of the moutains when a vein of coal was located. In the early days, birds were placed in cages to help warn the miners of the "bad air" that could cause their deaths. If the bird died, then the miners had better leave that area Ventilization pland have been put into the mines to help with these problems. Modern technology has meters that read the air qualities, which is suppose to help the miners. None of these new and modern tecnological means are 100% safe. Miners enter the mine each day not knowing if it's for the last time.

A coal company provided not only a job but a unique way of life for the miners and their families. Since most of the mines were located too far from established towns, the coal companies built their own towns and provided inexpensive homes, a company store, a church, and often recreation facilities for the miners and their families. Because of the need for daily supplies from the company store, a simplified method of bookkeeping was established, using coal scrip.

These communities became a means for generations to support their families. Grandfathers, sons, grandsons, uncles, nephews, and as the years went by women went into the mines day after day. Many families lived in the small houses near the mine until transportation became more available and cars were affordable. The mining camps soon became a thing of the past as they were once known.

I had many family members who worked in the mines and ended up with "black lung." They worked these mines before many of the safety features they have in place today were implemented. Granted, there is probably a lot that still needs to be done to make working in the mines even safer. It appears to be a never ending battle for all involved to come up with plans and keep them updated in making all mines safe.

As I heard a miner said today on the news: "You know what could happen each time you enter the mine, but it is how I support my family. You just have to push these thought of what could happen to the back of your mind and not think about them!" The fear that the miners and their family, as well as the mining community, live with has to be a heart wrenching decision to stay where they are - especially after a mining accident.

When I look at a picture of the entrance of what many of the coal mines in WV use to look like, I wonder how can anyone go into that dark hole in the side of a mointain? Not all mine entrances look like this now, but in the beginning, this was what they faced when going to work. Yes, many changes have taken place, but most mines are still entered by the miners riding a mine car deep into the side of the mountain!

The final trip from the mine for these 29 miners was a sombering scene for all who witnessed it in person or on the news. These men were hard working men who were trying to make a living for their family doing something they knew the dangers that went along with this job. We pray that they are at peace and that their families will find comfort as they go on with their life!

There are many miner's prayers, songs, and tributes out theie that could sum up what it is like being a miner and/or a member of his family. A song has been running through my mind for weeks. It is a song with a message that we could relate to - things happening in our lives whuch may be turning our lived upside down. They may not be of the magnitude that these miners' families are going through, but our lives are still in turmoil.

"When You Believe" is an Academy Award-winning song composed by Stephen Schwartz for the 1998 DreamWorks animated feature The Prince of Egypt. It is one that stays with you once you heard it.

A couple of weeks ago we saw Celtic Woman in concert. This was one of the song Chloe sang. It was mesmerizing. Their are many others who haave sung it, but Chloe's voice is the one I hear. This was the song that has constantly been going through my head since I heard Chloe sing it on stage!!! If you haven't heard her, Mariah Carey, whitney Houston, just to name a few, sing it -please do so. It gives us hope that whatever may be weighing heavy on our hearts if we believe, miracles may happen.

Saddly, the miracle that we all were hoping and praying for did not happen. Why? It was not in God's plan! Yes, this is hard to understand, but we must believe in His Word!

I am going to post the lyrics for this song and pray you will believe in miracles!

When You Believe

Many nights we've prayed
With no proof anyone could hear
In our hearts a hopeful song we barely understood
Now we are not afraid
Although we know there's much to fear
We were climbing mountains long before we knew we could

Chorus:
There can be miracles when you believe
Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles you can achieve
When you believe
Somehow you will
You will when you believe

In this time of fear
When prayer so often proved in vain
Hope seemed like the summer birds to swiftly blown away
Yet now I'm standing here
With heart so full I can't explain
Seeking faith and speaking words I never thought I'd say

(repeat chorus)

Who knows what miracles you can achieve
When you believe
Somehow you will
You will when you
Believe

Saying Sorry

Wednesday - April 7, 2010

Have you ever thought about how many times you've said "I'm sorry" in the last week, month, or year? What prompted you to say those words?? Did you really mean them or were they the words you felt needed to be said???

Many times during my teaching career I witnessed students saying "sorry," but realized it was only words to them. It was a way of getting out of trouble - or so they thought!!! As a very young child I remember many times my brothers and I (well maybe my twin and I) would do something and we would tell Mom we were sorry. Was I really, or was it a ploy for me to get out of trouble? Hmmmmm - at the time I think it was a way to get out of trouble, but I was also truly sorry about what I had done - maybe because we got caught! I think that's typical with most kids!

When you say sorry - do you really mean it, or are they words you feel obligated to say? Had you thought ahead, would you have done, said, or not done the deed that prompted you to say those words? Why do we say or do things that we know will hurt someone and then expect those magical words take away the hurt??? Sometimes the hurt is too deep and it will take a little time to let that hurt heal!

The quote from Love Story - "Love never means you have to say sorry" has been quoted many times. I really don't think we should take the quote literally. Even with the ones we love, albeit a hard love, we may do or say things that hurt, but in the long run we pray it will be for the betterment of that person!

For those women, or men in some cases, who have an abusive spouse, friend, or family member - do they really mean they are sorry for what they've done to you?? Many times it is a way of getting you back. They want complete control. When will you realize you have had enough???

To those people who voice their opinions - whether asked or not - knowingly they will upset and hurt some one's feelings, do you ever stop and think before you speak? Many times I have heard some of these people say I am just being honest. This may be true, but did you really have to say what you said at that particular moment? Being honest or truthful are fine traits, but when do you really need to voice these comments. To say something you know will intentionally hurt someone just because you can is not good. I have worked with many people who did this not only to the kids, but the adults as well. Was anything ever accomplished because of this "honesty?"

I am a person who carries her feelings on her shoulder - always have and probably always will. Even when teasing by loved ones gets out of hand, yes my feeling are hurt and the tears start flowing! I know they don't mean to "hurt" me, but it still happens! The "sorries" are said and all is well - but the hurt is still there for a short time!

A friend of mine and I were talking on the Internet last night -we both want to help others fix their problems - even those who have a tendency to be "mean and hateful." Why do we do this? This is just our personalities - friend or foe - we try to make the world a better place for everyone. Doesn't God want us to shower everyone with love and understanding and to show them the way all Christians should be?

I try so hard to please all I love; to make their life a little better; and many times I have no idea if they even care! I'm sure they do - they just don't what to say or do. Many people have tunnel vision and only see what they want to see or feel. We can't take care of all the problems, but we can pray for all of those who need it!

When Bill and I first got married, we made it a promise never to go to bed mad/upset. If anyone does, tomorrow might be too late to say "I'm sorry!"

You might wonder what has prompted me to write this blog! The last two weeks I have noticed how many "young" people have passed away. Some due to extended illnesses, others suddenly with no apparent known cause! Most were good Christian people who were living their life according to God's will. I have read comments written to many of the family and friends of these young people, and the words "I'm so sorry" has been said hundreds of times. Those who wrote the words, I am sure, truly meant them, I am sure they will give comfort to the families.

There are so many young people out there right now who have been hit with the realization that tomorrow may never come for those they know and love. Always let those you love know they are loved! You may never get another chance to say that in this world! Never leave yourself in a position where you need to say I'm sorry, and never actually say it! Sometimes these situations can fester just like a sore - don't let that happen! Life can be too short for some!

The viewing tonight of one of these young persons will have so many young people there. "I'm sorry" will be said so many times with each person saying it really meaning it! The family will be comforted in knowing their loved one was loved and will be truly missed. These young people are sorry also in that they will not have another chance to talk with their sweet departed friend. Life as they knew it will never be the same.

May God be with them all - family and friends - and comfort them as they accept the loss of a loved one.

Taking Life as It Comes and Trusting!

Thursday-April 1, 2010

Taking life as it comes can be difficuly at times! In order to do this we must come to terms of reality - we do this by trusting God regardless! Conditions will never be perfect and waiting for them to be is not realistic. We must put our trust in God regardless! We don't need to waste our time in doubt - we must trust Him and obey Him!


Many things have been pressing into my thoughts this past week – actually they have surfaced to the top of my thoughts. I have not been able to sleep well and felt if I wrote these thoughts down it would help me to accept the things I cannot change! I have always been one who has tried to make all things good for all those I love – family and friends. But, there is a lot I cannot do to make that come true for them. Who do I think I am??? No, I really don’t think I can do it all, but I just try to do what I can to make everyone’s life as peaceful and smooth as possible. I do know who in charge and who helps guide us and helps us find the peace we all seek! Why as humans do we think we can take care of everything?

I have witnessed the power of prayer. God is the One is charge – always has been and always will be!!! I pray for God’s guidance every day, but there are times when my emotions just take over and I try to help! Patience is certainly not one of my strong points when it comes to getting a problem “fixed” for my loved ones! I pray that they all are well, happy, have what they need, and live the life God wants us all to live. HE is our Savior and the reason we will have everlasting life, without Him we would be nothing!

I have many concerns that involve my family – what family does not have concern – and have been praying for all! I know God has a plan, and I need to be patient and remember He knows best. Granted, some of the results may not be what we want, but He tries to help us if we will allow Him to. There is so much I continuously pray for while driving back and forth to Mom’s, laying in bed when I wake up, each morning, noon, night, and all times in between. I guess I think the more I pray the closer to the problems and worries will be resolved. They will be resolved on God’s time! So I pray that I will do what God wants me to do and accept the things I cannot change!

Even with all my concerns and worries, I have many things to be thankful for – Mom celebrating her 90th birthday; Cora celebrating her 1st birthday; the love of all my family; the understanding and support of Bill as I go back and forth to Mom’s; the joy and love I have for Dink and Mike as well as their family and John’s family too! I feel so blessed and should be on top of the world – and to a certain degree I am. I just would love to have everyone on top with me!!



This week a former pastor of ours lost his granddaughter at the age of 30. She had battled cancer for the last five years. When I read a journal she and her aunt were writing it made the tears flow. The pain and heartache she and her entire family were going through had to be heart wrenching for them. However, their faith held them strong as was evident in the journal entries. Yes, they questioned “why” this was happening, but accepted that it part of God’s plan. They all knew that when this precious daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, and friend did leave this world it was to be entering her heavenly home and into the arms of our Lord and Savior. She was an inspiration to many and that her belief was what helped her and her family. The pain is there because she is gone, but they know she has gone on to her reward in heaven.

It is hard to lose a loved one, but when we know they are a child of God’s and believe in Him and his Word, we know they are no longer in pain and are with their heavenly family and someday we will be able to be with them for a glorious reunion. Sometimes we have a chance to tell our loved one good-bye and that someday we will be together again. Other times we don’t get that opportunity. I truly believe that through prayers they know we love them and know that it was time for them to go Home to be with God! Knowing they are no longer in pain and have gone to heaven, it is still so hard not to hear their voice, see their smile, and listen to their laughter. I know this is selfish, but it is hard to let go.

This family is such a good Christian family – her grandfather and uncle are pastors; her mother is a music director at their home church; and the family sings beautifully together singing praises to God. This family is hurting but rejoicing at the same time. They know where their loved one is now, and she is no longer in pain. My prayers are with this family as they adjust to life without this precious young lady who believed in God with all her heart. She knew He had a plan and she accepted her part in His plan.
I am going to post a link for her journal. Be warned – it will cause tears to flow, but your heart will be joyous with the faith she and her family had/have!

loveyourguts is the journal kept by the brave young lady – Sarah Beth Napier
http://www.loveyourguts.com/

This post is not only written for Sarah Beth’s family, but for all who have gone through or are going through losing a loved one. It still hurts and saddens me when I think of Dad and John, but I know they are in a far better place and no longer in pain!

Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation.

Why Read Maps?

Tuesday - March 30, 2010

As promised, we are going to write a short story about our teaching careers. There are times when I wish I had kept a journal during my 34 and 1/2 years of teaching. Oh the stories I could write now! :)

This first little excerpt is actually one I remember that happened to Bill, many many years ago. It took place during our teaching careers before the computer was even thought about to be a reality to have access of in the classroom. We were required to teach map skills to all levels in the elementary school! I use to teach my second and third graders how to read a map as part of the reading program! They were introduced to what a "legend" was and the the use of the "symbols" on the map. Needless to say, these maps were very simple. As the students moved up in grades, the maps got a little more detailed! All grades had questions on the state achievement test - so we needed to teach map skills to prepare them not only for the test, but for life as well - or so we thought!

Bill taught 8th grade for most of his 32 years of teaching. 8th graders learn all about WV. They are introduced all kinds of facts and stories about WV. They also are preparing to take a Golden Horseshoe Test in which all 8th graders in WV participate. Representatives from each county who scored they highest on the test are honored with a reception at the Capitol in Charleston and given a Golden Horseshoe. It is a great honor for these students.

One episode that has given us many laughs and shaking of our heads is centered around Bill trying to teach map skills using a map of WV. The students were trying to locate the many places around the state that have a historical value to the founding of the state. This particular lesson not only was about teaching map skills, but locating the main cities in the state as well as the county in which the city is located!

While trying to engage the students into using the legend and symbols to locate the cities, Bill had one student who was having a really hard time with the task. He got frustrated and was going to call it quits! As a teacher we can't let that happen. We try another approach to get the student involved. Bill coaxed and helped this student locate the cities. The student was frustrated and Bill tried to coax him into WHY it would be a great idea for him to learn to read a map - especially one of WV. This student was a hunter - he loved going up into the mountains of WV to hunt deer. Bill approached the student with the idea of getting him more involved with the lesson by saying to him that if he wanted to go to the mountains to hunt deer how he would need to be able to read the state map. "Kids do say the funniest thing!"

This student looked at him being dead serious and said, " I don't need to know how to read a map!"

"Why not?" asked Bill. "If you wanted to get to the cabin to go deer hunting, you will need to know what roads to take to get there."

"No I won't! I'll just get in the truck with Daddy, and he can take me to the mountains!"

Bill then knew he might as well stop the lesson with this student for the time being!!!! This student was never going to have to worry about doing things by himself - there was always going to be someone else who would take him where he needed to go! (or so he thought!)

This student did grow up and ultimately he did have to read the maps to get where he wanted to go! It was almost the "Peter Pan" syndrome - "I'm never going to grow up - Daddy will take me where I need to go! " :)

Map reading has gotten a lot easier to read today - you have a little "talking box" that tells you when to turn right, left, go straight, and stop! So maybe this student knew something about map reading all those years ago we didn't. Daddy may not be taking you, but the GPS will!!!!!

Yum-Yum Pie

Thursday - March 18, 2010

I came across the recipe I am going to post this week and it took me back in time! I had graduated from high school, was a student at Marshall living at home (one of the luxuries of living in a college town), and along with other family members helping with my grandmother - my father's mother. I remember us having a lot of company because relatives were coming to our house to visit with Mammaw.

My cousin Donetta was at the house a lot. She would come by and would help Mom and me make desserts to have on hand. One of her favorites to help us make was called Yum-Yum Pie. I don't remember where we got the recipe, but I do remember we made it a lot!!! It was easy to make and we could change the taste by using different pie fillings - cherry, blueberry, apple, peach, etc.

Donetta and me - 1970

Yum-Yum Pie

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Graham Cracker crumbs
• 1 8oz pkg cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 stick butter (melted)
• Cool Whip
• 1 can Cherry Pie Filling (or a pie filling of your choice)

Procedure:

• Combine 2 cups Graham Cracker crumbs, 1 stick butter(melted), and 1/2 cup sugar
• put half of mixture on bottom of pan ( we used a cake pan)
• The other half is reserved for the top
• Beat cream cheese, 3/4 cup of sugar, and Cool Whip together.
• Take half of cream cheese mixture and spread on top of crumbs.
• Next layer - spread pie filling on top of cream cheese mixture.
• Add remaining cream cheese mixture
• Last - spread balance of crumbs on top
• Chill
• Eat and enjoy!!!!

This post is in memory of Donetta!!!!!!

Family - WWII Registration Card

Monday - March 15, 2010

When I started to get information about Mom's early beginnings and trying to find facts to go along with what we knew happened, I joined Ancestry.com. WOW - the information Bill and I both have located for both sides of the family is unbelievable. We have to be careful as some of the information is not correct, but with further digging we can locate what we know is true.

This picture includes my grandparents, great-aunt, great-uncle, and ????

Pappaw is the man in the middle and Uncle Sam(Pappaw's older brother) is on the right!

Mammaw is on the right with Uncle Sam's wife - Aunt Crannie (Mammaw's sister) on the left

I will eventually share with the readers what I had discovered about Mom's side of the family as will Bill for his side of the family, but it was a card that caught my attention that my grandfather - William J Layne (Lane) had to complete at the beginning of WWII. The draft was in place and all males were to fill out a registration cards!! My Grandfather was 59 at the time! I was so amazed to have found this - and it is written in his own penmanship!!!! Pappaw lived in Wayne County, WV but was required to travel to Welch, WV to register. I found this to be really interesting and will try to find out why he went there rather than Huntington!

This is the card Pappaw completed on April 27, 1942.

The Register's report had an interesting comment! I am hoping Dink and some of my other cousins can help my memory!! It states that Pappaw's " finger off at 1st jt. on left hand (ring Finger)." I remember Papaw's finger being bent back, but not having a joint missing!!! Okay Dink - I need help with this bit of information!!!!! If there is a story you need to add it to the comment section!!!

This is the card completed by the Register for the draft board!

Pappaw as I last remember him! We all loved him very very much!! He was a great grandfather and took great care of his family!

1920 - 90 Years Ago

My mother turned 90 on Feb 28. Wow - 90 years of changes. I've already devoted a story on her on our other blog "Beyond the Other Side." What I would like to do is give you some of the things that have taken place in history the past 90 years. There are so many things I could put here, but I will share some that was included in the picture presentation for Mom on Saturday.

* 1918 - 1920 the world was experiencing a flu epidemic. Ironically it was the "swine flu." Most of the deaths stemming from this strand of flu took place during 1918-1919. According to the research I did, many deaths from this flu was still taking place in the early months of 1920. My grandmother was one of the victims. My mother was born on Feb 28; her mother died on Feb 29. Yes she was born in a leap year.

* Prohibition began on January 16, 1920, when the Eighteenth Amendment went into effect.

* Babe Ruth becomes a member of the New York Yankees

* 19th Amendment passes – women are given the right to vote.

* Walt Disney starts his first job as an artist for $40.00 a week.

* American Professional Football Association forms. (NFL)

* Warren G Harding elected 29th President of the United States. Some historians say it was the women's vote that helped him win the election!

* Detroit radio station is first to broadcast a news program on the air.

* Bob Hope became an American citizen.

* The following were some that have February 28th as their birthday:

1917 – John B Connally – politician
1920 – Relma Irene Whitman - wife, mother, grandmother
1930 – Gavin MacLeod – actor
1940 – Mario Andretti – Italian race car driver
1944 – Bernadette Peters - actress
1945 – Bubba Smith – American football player and actor

* The following events happened on Feb 28th:

1827 – The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Co. was incorporated.
1854 – Republican Party formally organized
1912 – First ever parachute from an airplane
1935 – DuPont scientist, Wallace Carothers invents “nylon.”
1959 – 1st polar orbiting satellite, Discoverer I, launched

* The number one for Entertainment during 1920 included:

“After You Get What You Want, You Don't Want It” - Irving Berlin.
“The Mark of Zorro” – Douglas Fairbanks
“Whispering” – Paul Whiteman Orchestra
“Way Down East” – Lillian Gish

*If you are at least 90 years old, you have lived during the terms of 17 Presidents for the United States:

1. Woodrow Wilson
2. Warren G Harding
3. Calvin Coolidge
4. Herbert Hoover
5. Franklin D Roosevelt
6. Harry S Truman
7. Dwight D Eisenhower
8. John F Kennedy
9. Lyndon B Johnson
10. Richard Nixon
11. Gerald Ford
12. Jimmy Carter
13. Ronald Reagan
14. George H Bush
15. William Clinton
16. George W Bush
17. Barrack Obama

* You have lived through the Great depression of the 30's

* Survived the country's involvement during WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, and now the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

* Witness through television the assassination of President Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Bobby Kennedy; The Oklahoma bombing; and the devastation on 9/11 in New York, PA, and Washington DC.

* You saw the first man go into outer space; first orbit around the earth; and the first step man placed on the moon.

I could go on and on with all you have seen and experienced, but thats why historians write history books! It is mind boggling when looking at all that has taken place the last 90 years. Hope you enjoy looking at only a dent of those happenings!!!