Dec. 9th, 1978

Well my love,
I got 3 letters today and I was pretty thrilled-to say the least. I sure am glad that you got a job-Guess what I got the job at Peaches. Only thing is I'm making 2.75 /hr. while you're making 2.90. Boy o boy-I found out yesterday (fri) and I start work tomorrow at 5:00 pm (we don't go to church at night around here).
The question of the day is...w0uld you like to marry me in March 1979 around the 15th?? If so-let me know!! In talking with my family they seem to think it would be easier for everybody if we did it then. I, myself, heaven;t decided yet if we should, but I must admit it does sound good. Please talk it over and pray about it with your parents. Understand that not only is my tuition paid for for the next 2 1/2 years-but out apt and utilities as well. Really all we'll need to buy is food and other necessities. Financially there is no problem-which I thought there was at first. Of course, it would mean that we would have to get this wedding together fast, but it can be done-and all my family will be able to make it. We'll talk more about it tonight-
I saw Kathy yesterday. It was an interesting experience. We had dinner together because that was the only time and place that we could talk alone. There was much to talk about and she understands the situation now. That is important to me. We parted friends-close friends as we will always be.
But I am still going to marry you-maybe sooner than expected. I love you so much, Tricia, and miss you terribly.
I'll write more later.
I love you forever
Scott

Dec. 7th, 1978

Dearest Tricia,
Hey Love! How are you today? It sure is good hearing from you every day. I sure look forward to you letters - poems etc. As for changing the colour of the wedding to "sand" - it looks to me from looking at the picture like sand coloured tuxes. Personaly- I get enough sand on the beach, but I'll leave it up to you and your mother. I'll be in white anyway.
I'm really surprised that you are 140 lbs. That's skinny! I really don't want my woman to be as skinny as me-there's nothing to grab or hug. I guess I could stand you at 140 but absolutely no less than that. And start eating!!!
I agree pretty much with what you said in your letter about God causing us to grow more in Him while apart. I had talked about that in previous letters. I know I am growing and am glad to hear that you are too.
Speaking of job-I took my lie detector test today. I was so nervous that I'm sure all my answers registered lies. It's kind of hard to be calm when you've got a belt around your chest, a pressure band on your arm and two little bands for 2 fingers. He got me all wired up.
I should hear from Peaches tomorrow whether or not I'm in-I shouldn't be over-confident, but I think I'm pretty well in. He seemed to be impressed with my musical qualifications-at least somebody is. Anyway I'll let you know tomorrow for sure.
Dad and I worked on the Cougar today. We changed the oil and greased it and other odds and ends. It runs great except for the brakes. I think I will have to replace them. It's long overdue anybody.
It looks like I am going to keep this car for awhile. With the divorce and everything Dad feels it would be best to wait until it's over or at least in order. We also just bought 2 cars and he thinks we should wait on a 3rd one especially if its going to be a major investment like 4,000 or more.
I understand and respect both arguments and will lay lack on looking for a van until later. It will give me an opportunity to save more money. Everybody says that we'll need it. I'm not worried, though. I'm too excited to be worried.
I talked to Mrs Hancox today and she said that the offer still stands for the room. She also said that it wouldn't cost you anything. She said you could pay her back by singing in her daughters wedding or something.
There are many other questions, pros and cons, I know. I haven't yet decided what should be best thought I want you with me so much. But sometimes we have to give up our wants if God asks us to. We've got to decide what He wants and stand by that whether it makes us happy or sad. We should be happy in any case knowing that we're to marry in a few months. (I like the word "few"-it sounds shorter).
Well, love there's more to say, but I must get to dreaming about you-
I love you so much
Scott
maranatha!

Dec. 6, 1978

Dearest Tricia,
Today I found out why my family wanted me home. My father broke the news to Traci and I that he and mom are getting a divorce. I was a little shook up and still am. I suspected this coming about, but always hoped that they would work the problems out. They are not succeeding in that.
Dad said that mom would get the house in FTL. and he would live in New York on or near The Island. Please pray for them and Traci and I as times are going to be rough for while until this is all settled.
Dad is pretty shook up over the whole thing. He almost cried when he told Traci and I. I have never seen that from him before. I can only hope that during this God can draw him to Himself. I pray so. I pray God is working within this.
Please keep this within the family for present, Thanks.
On a happier note-mom said that she'd love to have you come down for 3 months and even live with us in my room. I will convert the back room to a bedroom. I haven't checked on the Hancox's room. I will let you know about that too-
I had a relatively productive day today-aside from getting up at 10:00. I looked for a job-transferred bank accounts-picked up some supplies-went to a movie with dad (Heaven Can Wait, for the 3rd time)-practiced-inked my piano piece for 3 voices (the short and pretty one)-labeled my music boxes-and squared away my Shaklee stuff. I decided to get the rest of my Christmas present from them. (Promotion!!!). I even bought you some hairspray. I'll send it up with your mother's items. By the way her stuff comes to $8.27 including tax. I'll send a bill with the stuff-
I've got more to say, but I'll wait until tomorrow-
Bye for now love
I love you "truly"
Scott

Dec. 4th, 1978

Dear Tricia,
Well, here I am-and there you are-I'm already lonely! I sure am glad you called today, I really missed your voice. I wanted to call but I know that I shouldn't. Anyway-I'm glad (estatic) to hear the good news. It is a load off of both of our minds.
Right now I'm in the middle of cataloging the rest of my music. It's tedious but I think it's worth it. Even today I had to use the music file to find a Nocturne to play. It was quite helpful. With as much music as we both will have together, we could open a music store.
The Lord has caused me to be quite fruitful since I've been home. It helps to keep my mind occupied so I don't get down and depressed. I got my room clean. applied for a job, looked at vans, got my music straightened out, decided what to practice on piano and went to church and a concert all in 36 hours.
Tomorrow Dad and I are going fishing in the ocean with our boat. I'm excited because it will be the first time in years that we have done anything together alone. I pray that it goes well and that we draw closer together.
We sure had a great time together last week outside the group. I can't wait until we can have those times 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the rest of our lives. I'm so excited about our future ahead. You better be also! Please don't be afraid of losing me or anything like that. I love you and am married to you for all practical purposed. We know how we stand before God and I am strong and happy in that.
I could write all night, but I will be writing again tomorrow when I can say more. I will make the attempt, God willing, to write everyday. I hope you do too. It's so important to keep in some kind of daily touch.
My devotion this morning had to do with patience (of all things). I took one aspect of patience and researched it fully. It was "patience in quarrels." I came up with 3 good references. I will share a little about my daily devotions with you and you with me. Ok?
the verses I came upon via Strongs Exhaustive Concordance were 2 Tim. 2:24,25; James 5:8-9; and I Tim. 3:3. The best version of the last verse was in Jerusalem bible. "...not a heavy drinker, not hot-tempered,but kind and peaceable. he must not be a lover of money." So goes my devotion--
I best sign off now, love. Take care and dream about me. I will dream about you-
I love you (forever)
Scott
maranatha!

A new/old beginning

As many of you know, my beloved husband Scott of 32 years past away in March. It is by far the most difficult thing I have had to journey through, and that journey is far from over. If you knew anything about Scott and I, you knew that we loved each other more than life despite the many difficult years that we had together. When you find out at age 30 that the love of your life has brain tumors you really discover each day how "to live like you are dying". We NEVER gave up hope! Anyway for those of you that care to read, as part of my healing process I've decided to blog. I am not a writer by any means., but so many people seem to think that this works and I'm willing to try anything to help deal with the pain. Let me start by saying, I am not angry with God. God gave Scott to me for a short period and I wouldn't trade the love that we shared together in Christ for anything. I recently told some people at Griefshare that Scott's diagnosis 22 years ago was a gift. It was difficult to hear, but we learned how to appreciate every moment that we had and so many people don't get that chance.
I recently discovered a box of letters that Scott sent to me during our engagement when he was in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. and I was in Durham, NC. I though it would be nice to start with them. The one thing that I noticed while re-reading all of these letters is that Scott stayed true to himself. He was very transparent and loved life and me unconditionally. A rare gift in today's society.

Catch up

Okay, it's been several months since I've written anything. It's been so busy. Thanksgiving and Christmas have come and gone and a New Year has well begun. Harmony is about ready to give birth to our 3rd grandchild, a girl (Grace Noel)in June. This will be the first birth that I get to be present for so I'm very excited about that. Melody is working hard to support her family while Chris is looking for a new job. Musette is finishing up her last term at the NC School of the Arts. It has been an interesting year for us. Scott has had a few set backs in his health, but he keeps on going. I gave my first faculty recital with my colleague and former professor, Jim Fogle, at Meredith College. I was quite pleased with how it turned out. I would have to say that it has been one of the highlights of this year so far. The other being a surprise "50th" birthday party that our children threw for Scott and myself in March. Surprise would have to be an understatement. We couldn't believe that they put together this party along with the help of my dear friend Honey Beth without our knowledge. Hopefully I will have pictures posted soon of that event. Scott and I also celebrated our 29th anniversary in March. The school year is winding down with end of the year recitals to give and play for, and that will keep Scott and I very busy throughout the months of April and May. Well that's the past 6 months is a nutshell (a very small nutshell).

Tricia's Recital

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alabama trip

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I Love Grammy and Chachi

Looking forward to Thanksgiving

Raleigh Marathon

Hooray, Scott ran the Raleigh 1/2 marathon with me on Sunday and he finished and wears his medal proudly. It was very difficult for him during the last 2 miles and very emotional when he completed the marathon. It was a hilly course but pretty scenic. The weather was perfect for running. It was pretty cool running down Hillsborough Street with absolutely no traffic. He was a little sore for 2 days, but now he is actually talking about doing another 1/2 marathon next year. YEAH!!!! I'm so proud of him. We had a great weekend together! Musette is staying at the School of the arts until Thanksgiving. We are really looking forward to Thanksgiving and seeing all of the family again. Well thats the big news for now. Look for pics to follow shortly.

Chicago marathon

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Chicago marathon

Well as most of you have already heard, the Chicago Marathon was extremely interesting. My running girlfriends and myself all met in Chicago last Friday (Oct. 5th) to run the Chicago Marathon. We were very excited as none of us had ever been to Chicago before. The expo was great, the pasta dinner was fantastic, but the weather was HOT! In fact, the hottest weather that Chicago had ever seem for that time of year. Marathon morning went well, with a pretty late start for a marathon (8:00am). We stayed in a hotel right across the street from the race start so we only stood in the long potty line once before the race start. Jo Dee Messina(?) sang the National Anthem and the gun sounded. With 30,000 people running it took us about 20 minutes to cross the start line. I was already sweating from just walking. When we got to mile 4 there was suppose to be water and Gatorade but they had run out. That made all of us feel kind of confused about the organization of the marathon. We continued to run and finally got some fuel aid around mile 6, but we began to hear complaints of lack of fuel ahead of us. We were doing alright, but it was very hot and humid. When we got to mile 14 we began to hear from the side of the road (which was packed with crowd support) that the race had been halted due to heat-related emergencies. We had been hearing ambulance sirens since almost the beginning of the race. We were detoured back to the race finish which was another 5 miles or so very confused, angry, frustrated. We received our medal and then we started hearing reports of 1 man dying and over 300 people being taken to the hospital for heat related emergencies. We were shocked, but also determined to earn our medal. We were right across the street from Lake Michigan which has a nice greenway to run so we headed over to complete our 26.2 miles. The rest of the day was filled with listening to different runners' experiences and venting some of our own frustration (since we had trained all summer in 100 degree weather). We topped the weekend off by enjoying some Chicago styled deep dish pizza. I loved Chicago and would love to go back just to do some sight seeing. Maybe we'll try this marathon again next year but only if the weather is cooler!
On another note...Harmony has informed Scott and I that she is expecting grand baby number 3. Very exciting. I'm on my way to spend the day with Melody. She is having a dye test done today. Fortunatly, I am on fall break and have the day off to be with her. Chicago pictures will be forthcoming.

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September

Well it's been 1 month since school begin and the calendar says that it's fall. The temp. has yet to recongnize that fact however. In the past month, Scott and I have visited Boone and Blowing Rock (over labor day weekend) and flown to Philadelphia for me to run the 1/2 marathon there. We always enjoy going to the mountains and it was refreshingly cool. Andrew (Musette's beau)showed us his dorm room and around Appalachian's campus a bit. The marathon in Philly is probably my favorite marathon to date. Scott and I enjoyed walking the historic district on Sat. and then I ran the marathon on Sunday in what I consider to be perfect climate. The course was gorgeous and the temps were around 50 degrees for the race start and around 68 by noon. My only complant about the trip is that it happened too fast. We stayed at the Hilton Garden Hotel right downtown where everything was in walking distance. Sooooo much to see and do. We will definately go back.
Scott made his grand run of 10 miles on Sunday. YEAH!!!!!! He survived and I told him that there was no turning back now! I will fly to Chicago next weekend with my running gang to run the Chicago marathon and then Scott and I together will conquer the Raleigh half marathon in Nov. What fun?!?!?!?!? Musette is doing great at the school of the arts and that makes us very happy. Well that is all for now.

Wonderful You- Audra McDonald

For my Musette
Whatever happens this year remember this song

EMPTY NESTERS!!!!!!!!

Well, Scott and I are enjoying our first day of "empty nest." We moved Musette into the North Carolina School of Arts on Friday and Saturday in Winston Salem. I have a feeling that we will get very familiar with the hi-way between Raleigh and Winston-Salem. Her room looks like a typical dorm room which we spent all weekend trying to customize to Musette's style,(see pics below). Then she went her way with scheduled activities and the parents went another, only to re-connect at meal times. Scott and I were very impressed with the school as a whole and the administration made us feel very secure in leaving our daughter in their hands. The administration also stressed that if we were parents of a dancer (because the school caters to all of the arts) then we should be very proud as only 19 new dancers (that includes ballet and contemporary) were selected this year. The total enrollment for dancers is 134. Musette's room mate is a violin student and she will arrive on Monday from Iowa because she is a returning student.
I will start my full schedule this week at Meredith and St. Augustines and Scott will return to NRCA and his home students. The new school year has begun. I'm already looking forward to Thanksgiving.

Musette moving into NCSA

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Son In Law and grandsons having fun

Two Weeks Notice Trailer

I love this movie!

last of the lazy days of summer

Well it's been a great and hectic summer. Scott and I are enjoying 1 last lazy Sunday before the official school year begins. Scot has already been through one week of marching band camp (in over 100 degree weather) and now he has one more week of band camp and two open houses to enlist promising piano students. We both did a long run yesterday in training for upcoming marathons. Scott put in 8 miles (his 2nd week in a row) and I did 20 miles to help train toward the Chicago marathon in October. We both pretty much layed around the rest of the day. Musette has two weeks left before venturing off to the North Carolina School of the Arts. It's very exciting to see her have this opportunity. We pray that it is a great experience for her. Well that's about all for now.

Summer 2007

Well it's been a while since I posted and it has been a very full summer. Scott, Musette, Andrew, (Musette's boyfriend) and I went to Daytona Beach for our usual week of fun in the sun, then spent a couple of days with Scott's mom in Ocala, Fl. before heading to Montgomery to see the Vuycankiats. After catching up with the grandsons and seeing Harmony's new house, we said our good-byes. We left Musette with Harmony for about a week, while the rest of us proceeded to Concord for an overnighter with Melody and her husband Chris, (Oops I almost forgot my grand puppy Autumn).
After about a week of alone time, Harmony, Musette , Donovan (grandson no.1) and Seth (grandson no.2) descended upon us for a 3 week stay. Needless to say, it was total Mayhem, but I wouldn't trade one moment of it. We spent lots of time in the pool,went to the park and of course, Chucky Cheese. Eric (Harmony's husband) flew in for the last weekend and we had the whole family under one roof for one crazy night, (and I do mean the whole family, Melody, Chris, Autumn, Harmony, Eric, Donovan, Seth, Scott, Musette, myself and our two dogs Maggie, and Bosco). We have many, many, many, pictures that I'm sure will be added to our blog eventually.
Everybody leaves tomorrow and Scott and I have decided to bring in the wrecking crew on Tuesday to clean up the house. The next three weeks will be a blurr and we all ready ourselves for the next school year and prepare Musette for her first year at the North Carolina School of the Arts. Well that's the highlights of the summer! Hope you enjoyed the read.

San Diego marathon

This past weekend I flew to San Diego with some of my running buddies to run my first full marathon. We took in some of the sites while we were there. Check out the pics. Scott just bought a new digital video camera so I'm sure before the weekend is over we will have figured out how to include videos on the blog.