Refreshing the Soul

[RednekF350]

I had a very trying week this past week with my 85 year old mother knocking on heaven's door.
She has severe dementia and has been in the NJ Veterans home for 8 years. My father died there in 1997 with Alzheimers.
On Wednesday she was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and a bad urinary tract infection. On Friday all systems were deteriorating and it wasn't looking good. The doctors were giving us a gloomy prognosis.
Yesterday she started coming around and today she was able to muster "Who the hell are you?" when she saw me. I smiled from the heart.
Late this afternoon I needed a woods ride and a beer and my wife and I took a short run to some favorite bogs off 206.
Here are a few pics.
http://gallery.njpinebarrens.com/data/500/medium/pastel_2.jpg
http://gallery.njpinebarrens.com/data/500/medium/pastel.jpg
http://gallery.njpinebarrens.com/data/500/medium/bog_beauty.jpg

A short visit to these bogs and a little quiet thought goes a long way toward putting things in order in my life.
If you parents are still around, give 'em a hug.
Scott

 

[pinelandpaddler]

Yesterday she started coming around and today she was able to muster "Who the hell are you?" when she saw me. I smiled from the heart.

Thanks for sharing that, Scott. Going to hug my mom now.

 

[james ungehajer]

I had a very trying week this past week with my 85 year old mother knocking on heaven's door.
She has severe dementia and has been in the NJ Veterans home for 8 years. My father died there in 1997 with Alzheimers.
On Wednesday she was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and a bad urinary tract infection. On Friday all systems were deteriorating and it wasn't looking good. The doctors were giving us a gloomy prognosis.
Yesterday she started coming around and today she was able to muster "Who the hell are you?" when she saw me. I smiled from the heart.
Late this afternoon I needed a woods ride and a beer and my wife and I took a short run to some favorite bogs off 206.
Here are a few pics.
http://gallery.njpinebarrens.com/data/500/medium/pastel_2.jpg
http://gallery.njpinebarrens.com/data/500/medium/pastel.jpg
http://gallery.njpinebarrens.com/data/500/medium/bog_beauty.jpg

A short visit to these bogs and a little quiet thought goes a long way toward putting things in order in my life.
If you parents are still around, give 'em a hug.
Scott

Best wishes to your mom Scott.

Jim

 

[Teegate]

Sorry to hear about your mom Scott, but nice to hear she said "Who the hell are you?"

Nice photo's. Thanks.

Guy

 

[bobpbx]

A short visit to these bogs and a little quiet thought goes a long way toward putting things in order in my life.

AMEN!

 

[BEHR655]

The Pines are where I went when my dad passed a few years ago. It rejuvenates the soul.
My prayers for your mom Scott.

Steve

 

[LARGO]

Adore her, and...
Thank you.

G.

 

[woodjin]

My best wishes for you and your family Scott.

I also get out to the woods to get my thoughts and emotions centered.

Jeff

 

[RednekF350]

Thanks everyone for the kind words .
She is slowly improving each day and will likely be in the hospital for at least the balance of this week.
The nursing staff has been great and have showed a lot of compassion toward her.

 

[Ben Ruset]

You should have taken a picture of the beer as well.

 

[Ariadne]

My best wishes to your family, Scott.

And, I certainly miss the peace of mind that a quiet walk through the Pines has given me throughout my life. Alas, I have become a city dweller, and now must seek my solace in subway cars.

 

[RednekF350]

You should have taken a picture of the beer as well.

Ben,
We all know that alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited in the State Forests of New Jersey.

 

[james ungehajer]

Thanks everyone for the kind words .
She is slowly improving each day and will likely be in the hospital for at least the balance of this week.
The nursing staff has been great and have showed a lot of compassion toward her.

Great news Scott, i said a prayer for her when you posted about her, now bring her on home.

Jim

 

[Dragonfly]

Beautiful photos, reflecting the miracle of nature. My mom is 87, and I'm "it", so I can relate. It sounds like your mom is in loving hands.

The Pine Barrens have a way of restoring the soul and spirit; the day after 9-11, I went out to Wells Mills and sat on the floating dock at the lake for a long time. Amazing what peace it brings.

 

[MarkBNJ]

I wish you all the best, Scott. My parents are getting up there too.

 

[long-a-coming]

Scott,
Your mother is in my thoughts man. I hope she recovers and sticks around for awhile. My Dad just passed Oct. 2. He was diagnosed with kidney cancer August14 and it quickly took him down. I've been spending a lot of time in the forest too brother.

 

[whippoorbill]

Scott,

Your photos speak a thousand words. Beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

Bill

 

[RednekF350]

Scott,
Your mother is in my thoughts man. I hope she recovers and sticks around for awhile. My Dad just passed Oct. 2. He was diagnosed with kidney cancer August14 and it quickly took him down. I've been spending a lot of time in the forest too brother.

I am sorry to hear about your dad Tom.
I know that he must have been a fisherman because I remember your post about selling the boat that was docked at Matt's Landing.
My dad was diagnosed with Alzheimers in 1990 and died in 1997.
One of my biggest regrets was not being able to get him out fishing in his waning years, when I was finally able to afford a boat.
He was just not physically able to do it.
He loved the ocean and ocean fishing but had never owned a boat.
He got me started fishing and hunting at a young age and loved to be near the water.
I know you must have a lot of fond memories of your father and fishing.
Life is way to short for the good guys it seems.
Scott

 

[woodjin]

I'm sorry also to hear about your Dad, Tom. My Dad passed away 12 years ago. He had a tremendous love for the outdoors and always feel his presence when I am in the woods.

Happier days lie ahead.

Jeff

 

[long-a-coming]

I am sorry to hear about your dad Tom.
I know that he must have been a fisherman because I remember your post about selling the boat that was docked at Matt's Landing.
My dad was diagnosed with Alzheimers in 1990 and died in 1997.
One of my biggest regrets was not being able to get him out fishing in his waning years, when I was finally able to afford a boat.
He was just not physically able to do it.
He loved the ocean and ocean fishing but had never owned a boat.
He got me started fishing and hunting at a young age and loved to be near the water.
I know you must have a lot of fond memories of your father and fishing.
Life is way to short for the good guys it seems.
Scott

Scott,
We had many great days out on the water mostly fishing for blues weakfish, and striper in and around brigantine. He had several small boats in brig over the years and about 5 years ago he got the 25' Welcraft and linked up with Bob from Anchor Marina and his crew in matt's landing (great people) He purchased a second boat so he could have one in Brigantine and one on the D Bay side so he go to either coast when he heard the conditions were right. Made a couple of trips out to the Canyon in his buddies much larger boat, now you gotta have serious sea legs for that trip. My Dad was known for a lot of things but fishing was his thing no doubt.