Where to start

It has been a busy month. The most major is that I went to the funeral of my Grandmother. There is something about burying your grandparents. I think we will always say I wish we had spent more time.  This first post is going to be a little different instead of me writing on some topic that I mostly don’t know anything about I’m going to let my cousin tell you about her. First my last living grand parent Joseph Allen then the eulogy to my grandmother.

EULOGY – MRS GLORIA JANE ALLEN

Rev. Thomas, Dr. Prendergast, Pastor Burnett, Aunt Preshous, Uncle Vaughn, My Mother Thelma, Family and Friends, please indulge me to offer this eulogy for our beloved, Mrs. Allen, Mama, Mother, Miss Gloria, Sister Allen, Grandma, Grandmother, Aunt Gloria, Mother G – a remarkable and Godly woman, whose life/death we celebrate today.

Grandma was a Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, neighbor, friend the one who brought a smile in the face of hardship, encouragement in the face of life battles, soft, tender, forgiving, kindhearted, a Peacemaker and passionate about living a life pleasing to God her Savior and always conscious and careful to note that this life on earth is not the end but we look forward to a heavenly home, a greater resurrection, imperfections, yes, but she carried the hope and faith daily that she enters heaven not on what she has done but the work of Christ on the cross.

Grandma was born December 1915, to Ophelia Graham and Uriah Graham. She is the youngest of five children- Louise, Gertrude, Clifford, Hilda all now deceased. Mass Urie as great Grandfather was affectionately called, loved to farm and Great Grandmother, Miss Phelie was a stay at home Mother tending to the garden and taking care of her 5 children. Miss Phelie and Mass Urie were strong Baptists and sang in the Choir at the Brown’s Baptist Church for several years and instilled Christian principles in her children.

Grandma was fortunate to attend school as few in her time did. She excelled at school but had a bit of a problem with Math – “sums” as she referred to it but that did not deter her from excellent financial management during her life. Grandma knew the art of stretching a dollar to two. Grandma however had a very creative mind and later in life enjoyed that. We often told her that she could have become a famous artist or musician (you may recall the impromptu song she rendered in this church called “Jesus is excellent”)

Grandma loved to live and was full of ambition so as a young woman she left home to “seek her fortune” (as seeking a career was called back in the day) in Kingston to locate employment…something that was not common in the day for young women. The independent spirit that Grandma had surfaced….she learned dressmaking and many a garment was made by her hands for her children and without a sewing machine..too poor to buy one. Sometimes it was remake from her own clothes when she could not afford to buy new cloth. Her dressmaking skill explains why she was so well dressed, coordinated and everything matching. Aunt Preshous recalls coming home from “Infant” school to find a beautiful rag doll that Grandma had made for her and how it delighted her so much she has never forgotten, only wished she had kept it, that was the skill and tender kindness of heart she had.

On one of Grandma’s home visits from Kingston, Grandma was walking along in Brown’s Town, going about her business when “a tall brown man” started to approach her. She brushed him off as of course she was now a “Kingston Girl” and had no interest in a country boy and a very poor country boy at that! However, Grandpa Joseph Allen pursued her relentlessly and even before she could say “yes” to any forthcoming proposal, Grandpa purchased a wedding band and was ready for a marriage and the next thing you would know on March 26, 1946 they were married here by Dr. DeCateret, much to the chagrin of Mass Urie but blessed somewhat by Miss Phelie as when grandpa visited the home he would take with him the biggest bible and so Miss Phelie thought “tall good looking brown man with a bible..poor but not bad as the large bible indicated a large man of God! The young couple briefly lived in Retirement as Grandma decided that was not for her and moved back to Wilberforce hotly pursued by Grandpa. She never left Wilberforce to the day she died except for a stay in the United States.

From that union, three children were born – Gloria (so named because at the birth registration, Great Grandma Albertha Allen forgot the name given “Angela” and just figure that Gloria was just as good as any. As she was the firstborn she was called Precious. Son Vaughn was next and Thelma (called Curly because her hair was so very curly at birth)

Grandma was always fired by ambition and she worked hard to instill that in her three children. As she would often say “I can’t stand someone without ambition….might as well ‘dem dead” and she lived what she preached. With three children and very poor she was burned with ambition to make sure that they attended school and become “somebody”. She worked diligently and hard at it. She kept cows until one pulled her down and she decided that she would not lose her life from a cow and that was the end of the cow. We eat beef for months! She kept pigs, chickens, rabbits, and planted vegetables for the dinner table. Poor but there was not a day that food was not on the table..many times by a miracle. She made sure that we had food so that we would learn at school. Oh that hot cornmeal porridge made with the fresh cow’s milk that Grandpa had just milked and hardough bread for breakfast. Walking 2 miles or so to school was not a problem, all the children were fed.

She made sure that all the children had clothes. Well, new ones for Church and when those were short and tight they became “yard clothes”. She did not have the patience for sloppiness and clothes had to be starched ironed and shoes shining clean. No matter that it was only one set of church clothes, one set of uniform, one pair of church shoes and one school shoes. She made sure everyone, Grandpa, and all the children were always well “put together” as she would say before they leave the house. And as you know she was a good dresser herself….even to this day.

As I mentioned before education was very important to her and school was a given, Preshous went on to York Castle High, Durham College of Commerce, Thelma to Business school in Kingston becoming one of the fastest Stenographers on graduation, and Vaughn to mechanic training.

Not only was education important but a Christian upbringing was paramount for her. She attended the Catholic Church briefly as a young woman and when she had children and they were ready for church around 2 years old she started them out at the Catholic Church. That did not work after 2 visits because Grandpa had been saved under the fiery preaching of Dr. Johnson and would have none of it. So they were sent off to the Brown’s Town Tabernacle and under the ministry of Dr. Kennedy, Grandma accepted Christ and never looked back. As she said on the day of her baptism, there is no turning back. All three children also accepted Christ under Dr. Kennedy’s ministry. There was no compromise. It was to Church every Sunday.rain or shine sustaining what God had begun. Night services were not included as “night have no governor” so no one was allowed to go out of the house at night.

Grandma was a business woman at heart also. She could not sit still and when things were not looking to her “suit” she began to travel to Kingston and purchase bales of cloth at Princess Street and hire a seamstress to make all kinds of clothing and she would sell at the market for a profit. However, frequently, she would always take out the best cloth to make dresses for the two girls and shirt and pants for the boy. She did this business for a long time and she did it well.

Then in her mid 50’s Grandma decided she would travel overseas.. always wanted the experience. The earlier England migration was not appealing to her as she loved her children so much she would not leave them. They were grown now and so off she went to the United States. A tremendous risk but she is a brave woman at heart and fearlessly she worked there for 15 years and returned home and lived a great life. Don’t be fooled, her life was one of humility. Grandma disliked intensely a haughty and “show off” lifestyle. She was very kind, always giving to someone in need and offering a helping hand but quietly without a word…”because yu no haffe mek people know wha yu a do”. She never hesitated to share some food or clothes with the ones in need. She considered it a sin to have 2 shoes when someone had none. She was so kindhearted; she did not like to have too much for herself. She did not like to have too much for herself so she was always giving away clothes, shoes, food to those who did not have. We recall a lady who was sick and everyday Grandma would take her some soup for a long time and there are many who received her kindness but she did not talk ..you had to only observe it.

She was totally devoted to her husband and children were the apple of her eyes and would wisely let us know that she does not love one more than the other so there was not the rivalry that happens sometimes with siblings. As she would often say, when the hair on the head of one of her children hurt, she hurts. She was a lot of fun and when the children were small there are fond memories they recall of them all playing in her big bed while waiting for Papa to come home from work. When one of her Daughters became ill as a result of untreated Post Partum complications, she did not hesitate to standby by her 110%. She taught us during that time to the day she died how to love unconditionally. As she would often say, there is nothing like the love of a Mother for her child. She was quick to forgive, never held a grudge or a spirit of un-forgiveness. She was always a peacemaker and hated to hear bickering, quarrels and discord. She wept openly when such a thing happened and prayed the more for anyone involved. She was always conscious of not doing anything wrong to upset Jesus. And was constantly praying and asking Jesus to forgive her if she has done anything wrong that she is not aware of. As she always says, “we have to forgive as Jesus did for us”

She lived an authentic life not seeking to impress or to be pretentious. Her life was the truth. She was adamant about the truth…when the children would be naughty or stepped out of line she would cup the face in her hand and say as sternly as she can “Tell me the Truth because I can’t stand a dam liar”. Once she had the truth she would work on fixing the trouble of course with a reprimand.

Mother did her own thinking and did not leave it up to others, whether it is politics or church to do the thinking for her. She spent long period of times talking with God and insights would come to mind as to how god would lead her. She worked out her own salvation. So Godly! She was way ahead in her understanding of God and we think that is because she spent so much time praying to God and cultivating a daily relationship with.

Then the time came, sad time for all, about 5 -8 years ago, her memory started to fade. She had difficulty remembering and was confused. We all thought it was just the usual aging process but she knew something was wrong and she let everyone who would listen know, mostly trying to see if she could fix it. Some people would just dismiss or just rudely turn away, but she knew in her heart that something was not right. You see that was the beginning of altsztimer. A severe form of dementia for which there is no cure. Grandma had the best medical care that is available but thru it all, her one desire was to go home to Jesus. For a long time Grandma just wanted to go home to Jesus. Sometimes she would express her disappointment waking up on earth on not haven. She is the most prepared person we know who with such deep longing and confidence just wanted to be with Jesus.

Jesus answered this remarkable woman of faith wish, desire and prayer on September 6, 2009.

Bigger than this guy

Ok this will be brief. Someone asked me this past week what do you want to do.  I had been thinking of this sort of question lately. So I had an answer. I want to be part of something that is bigger than my self.  What does that mean?  I think that’s part of what im trying to figure out. Now before I get comments about finding myself and some kind of crap like that. I’m not talking about that…..  Being a part of something bigger than myself is more than just being happy. “Hey drew just be happy in what you’re doing” or “Work so you can do what your passion is” I used to say that…This isnt some kind of coming of age story and when I was your age thing.  Bigger than yourself. Fire in the belly.  I’m watching excerpts from graduation speeches. What happened to our college dreams? I ask that not just of myself but for everyone I work with older and younger than me. What happened to our college dreams. I guess replaced with house car mortgage kids…Not high school but our college dreams.  Fire in the belly to be part of something bigger than ourselves. So this is me thinking about it.

great sunday

So I went back to Christ the king Anglican church today. I think I have another reason. I havent given many to why I returned. here are a couple.  This sunday we had a processional that started in the commons area of the chapel. Just a bunch of people stuffed into a little room. They gave out instructions on what to do. here is the part that was great. it was awkward and weird and different. another thing was that we werent putting something on for anyone. You see the whole congregation was in there.  So the church building was empty.  Anyway we make our way out singing awkwardly and different. And then something really cool happened. Dr. Dorsett said Hey Drew Good to see you.  Last week I had emailed him thank you for praying for me and he emailed me back saying anytime.  Yeah its hard getting in touch with a CEO of a large corporation. There is a story herebut it doesnt need telling. So we continue with the service in song scripture reading from the old and the new. Today I said I would take communion. I didnt last week because I was a little nervous about what to do. You see you go up row by row and then they say something to you and you take the wafer and then dip or drink from the cup.  Well I didnt want to screw up so I watched people before. I know that has more to do with me than with what I had to do.

What happened to symbolism? I think we forget sometimes that we follow this Jewish guy who lived by certain stuff. I dont have this part all figured out yet so I’ll get back with you.  The connection to Rwanda is also another story I need some find out about. So I did the church thing.

Then went down to samford trail to do the run thing. It was great running in the rain.  Right now I’m working on the floors in the house and then on to laundry. Oh I did find some new music.

Adele and Artic Monkeys and Kings of Leon (that was care of taylor) Going to wait until pay day then buy a couple albums.

Oh I have a story about my mother but I will need to tell you about that later.  Spelling sucks

Peace,

Drew

I have no good ideas

Ok Church. So Erin a girl I work with invited me to her church with her husband. It was great.  You ever feel like you are somewhere that feels like home.  (other than your home)  I dont know if its that level but it just felt good.  Lately at church ive felt that ive had to do evaluate or well I felt like I was at work.  The minister said something that caused me to pause. he said something about forgetting your own spiritual health.  I’ve done that for sometime.  Anyway this is a little out there and I’m not really writing clear but that’s all I got. I’ll be back there again.  I hope she wont mind.   I’ll let you know how it goes.

Today was a suck day for me. It started with moving stuff in our warehouse early this morning.  The more I moved the more I started throwing stuff around. Seeing stuff that had been moved from place to place. Well lets just say I needed to just move on. It was one of those moments when I should have just gone home.  Never took that comp day or is it days that I was supposed. Guess what folks dont look for me in the month of August. I’ll either be traveling or I’m going to go to some state and  live there for a month. It with be my tenth anniversary so see ya sucker.

Anyway so after moving that stuff I snapped at Taylor (another dude I work with) ( yes, I have apologized, Ive gotten good at that) I think I snapped at Erin (girl who invited me to church) and the list goes on and on.  I kinda failed them when it came to keeping us on a time line for some projects. Maybe I should start a blog about how bosses can screw up. Man would I have a list or am I not supposed to admit those things.  I dont even remember when I started doing this boss thing.

Last I’m watching a new show.  ALong with the other MTv show. Kings.

So you would think a guy who tries to retell bible stories would have gotten it. Once again Chris who has never seen the show had to fill me in. It is a modern day telling of David’s story.  Why didn’t we tell that story.  I really am starting to like it. The funny thing is before I knew the story I thought it was a little mystical how Samuel talked to the king. Is that what Christians look to unbelievers. Yeah I think so. Anyway I’m really getting into it. Good stuff. You should check it out.

Your moment of zen. I dont care who you are this is funny

Have Drew as your guest.

Here is a real treat for you. I’d like to take off for a weekend. How would you like a house guest. Whether you know me or not I’d like to visit you. I dont have much to offer other than the original. So let me know. I’m looking at the end of march as a pre-summer sort of thing.

Got to get to bed

Well it’s been a while since I’ve written anything substantial. I think because I realize that I never really take the time to read all the words that someone takes the time to write so…. It’s hard for me to imagine…well..you get the point.  I spent the weekend at conference tour.  I could see a little bit in Travis on how I felt at times when I was on the road last year.  ( oh and this could be just me but it will help me with my point)  When you are us Travis knows what I’m talking about you feel a bit like you’re out there all by yourself.   You’re with this group of people that you actually like and want the best for but they aren’t your friends. Things will end and they will go on their way.  So here you are every week somewhat floating out there.  I know that many times I felt lonely I guess is the word.  At the end of the week you crawl back to your apartment out house only to do it all over again.   That can be exhausting. So you like it when people visit its like having friends over. I got to visit and soon it will be me.  So yeah I think I saw that today.
I also realized something that has nothing to do with what I just told you so suck it up. Anyway. Here’s a 25 things kinda thing.  I still feel like I’m 25…yeah weird right. Mentally not physically I guess.  I wonder if it’s because I started full time around that age at the place I work now. ( I know I never say the name  but most know suck that up too) OK I had a point. Well I went around today meeting people on this conference thing (do you like how I just went back to that) and one meeting stuck out in my mind…It was a girl…She was telling me about where she was in life.  She was here doing this thing and didn’t know if she wanted to do this thing again or go find something else to do. She said she had this degree …History I think and that she didn’t know what she would do with that..maybe business because she thought people like that type of degree because you know research.  (I’m going somewhere with this)  I didn’t give any advice or anything….remember I’m still mentally 25 but if I did here is what I would say….Why Do you feel like you have to do anything….I think she has a little of that already but I’m sure there are world pressures that say “You finished college so what now?” Listen..You have the opportunity right now before cars and debt and houses and all the crap that we pile up on ourselves to take a different route. I would say be the envy of all your friends when you say “Yeah I was helping migrant workers in southern California sign up for healthcare” (I’m the envy of all my conservative friends) or “yeah I taught English in Thialand and now I’m im digging wells in Togo (that’s a place right)  and I don’t even know how to dig a well” Do you get what I’m saying.  Some of us it isn’t too late, I did say “isn’t” too late. We are just too scared I’m too scared….I think coward is the word….Ok this is at the point where I stop reading so how is this for an abrupt ending peace.

We interrupt your regular programming for this important announcement

So to close out this inauguration season I have one more bit of change.  Dr. Allen and I had a lengthy discussion last night on generational shifts from the 1920 through today or yesterday.  One aspect of that discussion that stuck with me and also has influenced what I’m about to show you is this: the start of the end of the rule of the Baby Boomers. Gen X they put between 1961-and 1981 some have said 1965. Either way with the election of a person outside of the baby-boom generation a changing of the guard is coming.  I dont make this a good thing or a bad thing.  I dont make a is this the end of Christendom or not?” statement.  I won’t make huge statements of “too may people like him… he’s too popular” Or ” He will change how politics is done”  I’ve kinda had enough of that facebook status to fill me up for a life time.  I spent the morning in my office watching the inauguration which I now believe was  a good choice. Uninterrupted.  Dont tell anyone but I think I may be a limp left, baby killing, gay loving, take people’s money never worked a day in his life, government loving, capitalist hating , not even born here, handout, agitator  liberal…Not so fast. It would surprise you who Ive voted for over the years.  Its a funny thing when the sand starts shifting. Ive started a phrase for a video I’m working on. “Know me not my Label”  So know me.  Now to something that Ive never done.  I am posting and linking the new Whitehouse.gov. I do this to show an example of part of that shift.  I’ll tell you one thing that I think is better.  You can see the before and after here.  And now commence to poking holes in that statement.

We now return you to our regular scheduled program.

Drew is still on Water  January.

Christmas eve

Dear, drewfrancis.com

Sometimes I feel like going through you tube listing to people sing.  I try to find ones that have the least viewers and listen to them. Right now I’m going though that song Falling slowly….Amber I remember what song it was. Anyway Ive watched about 12 now.  guilty pleasure I guess.  Three post in one day. Excessive I think.

The house is real quite right now. Ive got the dvr on pause going on 1 minutes right now.  I made a plea out to twitter world for anyone who would like to help me be a better writer. I was serious about that. So many of my friends are better at that than I. So very quiet.  They say the way to attract readers is to have a single focus.  Well I’m sorry but I’m all you got. There is your single focus.  Very quiet. You ever make a list of the things that you wish you were good at.  You know a real list. I’m not talking about a new years resolution but something that you truly wish you were good at..maybe you have been fooling people. Sometimes I wonder if I’ve got a lot of people fooled. I have a sneaky suspicion that there are people out there that think that about me.  I dont talk about work here and that on purpose.  I learned something this past year.  Or a motto of sorts. Just do good work.  No ambition to move up or be the best the top control of this or that just to do good work. It is pretty freeing.  To try to do good work. Sometimes it means stepping out of the way or swallowing your pride and suck it up..(I think that means the same thing) well you know what I mean.  It helps ok so that’s the work talk.  That’s not really that vague.

real quiet.  So here is the list of things I wish I could do or do better.

1. Write

2. Sing

3. Play and instrument. Guitar would be great. i envy a lot of people

4. Taking Pictures with and without flash

5. Design

6. Workout intensity

7,  Better relationship with Lena (I know she reads this folks so settle down its true)

8. Family

9.  Phone talker (really need to work on that)

10. Friend

11.  Paint

12.  Carpentry

13. remember

14. ( I was going to stop at 13 but realized I could not do that.) Tell ( I wrote “her”…then “them”..) how I feel or felt

Merry Christmas

i was looking for a picture to end this with and this is what I found. I like this picture it was taken in SA during the safari.