Posts
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
Dear Samantha and Andrew,
I am so glad that you met and were loved by "history's heroine" and a true "Tennessee original".
Your Great-great Aunt Alice was one of a kind. She was loving, hard-working and never compromising (in a good way). I wanted to tell you about the last time you spent time with her. We were lucky that you all had seen her three time this year. She came to your birthday party, Andrew. I know it wasn't easy for her to be there with 12 kids running around, but she wasn't there for herself- she came to wish you a Happy 2nd Birthday. Just a few weeks later, we were blessed to have dinner with her, Cousin Pat and Bruce when Granddaddy came to town. Samantha, you shared your meal with her and listened to her tell stories. Oh, could she tell stories. I was so proud of you two and your behavior that night. Then just over one week ago, I was determined to get you both to the hospital to see Aunt Alice before her surgery. We went in and you both sang her happy birthday, danced for her and gave her hugs and kisses. She told you both how special you are. And Andrew, when you kissed her hand saying good-bye, Aunt Alice made a big deal about how chiverous and galant that token of your love was. We prayed for Aunt Alice and Samantha, you colored a picture for her in the following days. Each day you asked if we could go back to the hospital and I found some excuse to say no. It wasn't fitting for you to see Aunt Alice after surgery, she needed her rest. She found her rest. She is in Heaven now. Reunited with Uncle Reuben and with Jesus. Samantha, you handled the news better than I expected but I know you are strong and see the truth for what it is. You told me, "We will see Aunt Alice again one day. I will color a picture for cousin Pat and Becky. They need the pictures now." Tears we sheed when a loved one passes are so often for ourselves. If you see a tear in my eye this weekend, it is for you. I do wish you would have heard more of Aunt Alice's stories and seen her "in action", but time separated those possibilities and one day you will hear her stories and be amazed by her all over again.
I found some moving obituaries and tributes written when Aunt Alice passed away. I am going to copy them into this blog for you to have when you are older...while these words are moving, they will never do justice to the 84 years Aunt Alice spent loving and working for her family, friends, the State of Tennessee and the United States of America.
May her memory be eternal!
By Robin Smith (running for Congress)
We have lost a Tennessee original today. In the passion she brought to the Republican Party, in her work to preserve Tennessee’s historic treasures and in all phases of life, Alice Algood made Tennessee a better place. She was a role model and mentor to countless Tennesseans, a trailblazer for women in Tennessee politics and never once wavered from her beliefs. As Chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party, I often drew upon the knowledge and experience gained from her service to the party as our National Committeewoman. My thoughts are with her family today.
Anyone who ever heard Alice speak knew that underneath the visage of a genteel southern lady and the commanding voice there was a spine of steel and an unyielding conviction for the values that make America great. Her legacy of grace and dignity is one we should all try to emulate.
While Alice’s voice may be silenced here, I am sure it has found new expression as she is reunited with her beloved Reuben. I have no doubt that she has already set about the task of making her new home a better place. She will be sorely missed.
History’s heroine, 84, dies
Algood known for bold opinions
By ALEX MILLER/ amiller@c-dh.net (The Daily Herald, Maury Co. News, TN)
The woman considered by many to be Maury County’s historian-in-chief died Tuesday at age 84.Alice Algood is remembered as a devoted mother and friend, a talented author, an outspoken Republican and an unwavering advocate for the preservation of history.“Alice was the type of person to get the job done,” said Maury County Archive Director Bob Duncan. “She didn’t spend a lot of time being wishy-washy. She had very definite ideas of how things ought to proceed, and she went to work — rolled up her sleeves.”
In her lifetime she served as president of the local and state branches of the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities, the Maury County Historical Society, the Tennessee State Museum Association, the Capt. James Madison Sparkman chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, regent of the Tenasee chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, chairman of the Rippavilla Plantation Board and Tennessee Governor’s Executive Residence Foundation, head of the Maury County Planning Commission, secretary of the Community Concert Association and was appointed by then-President Ronald Reagan to the National Museum Services Board.“She was a wonderful person and a wonderful historian,” said friend Sylvia Gray. “I doubt if there’s anybody who knows more about Culleoka and the whole county.”She helped preserve local churches and cemeteries, researched antebellum homes for the Tennessee Historical Commission, wrote for the Maury County Historical Quarterly magazine, collaborated with artist Mildred Hartsfield for the book “Historical Homes of Maury County,” contributed to a book about the history of Culleoka and most recently wrote “Ursula,” a book tracing her family lineage back to Europe during the Middle Ages.“She worked hard to renovate the Athenaeum, to make it is what it is today,” said her friend Jenny Hardison. And while restoring the Rippavilla plantation home, Hardison said Algood worked tirelessly to scrub floors, move furniture — whatever it took.
For her efforts, Algood received the Lucille Queener Courtney Community Service Award in 1997, which recognizes dedication to community service in Maury County.Her friends and family also remember her involvement in politics. She has served as vice-chairman of the Republican Party in Tennessee and a delegate to the Republican National Convention.“Politics wasn’t a game to her. It was principal,” said her daughter, Becky Algood Moon. “She was always working toward slaying the dragon.”In 1976, Algood campaigned unsuccessfully for a seat in the state House of Representatives. Twelve years later, she traveled the state campaigning for a seat in the U.S. Senate, losing in the primary to Bill Anderson who later fell to entrenched Democratic incumbent Jim Sasser.She campaigned on a platform of limited government and accountability.“I always referred to her as grand dame of the Tennessee Republican Party because she goes way back to the time when this was solid Democratic territory — back when Republicans weren’t cool at all,” said Wally Beasley, chairman of the Maury County Republican Party.
A Culleoka native, Algood lived for 45 years on Athenaeum Street in Columbia. She and Reuben Algood, her husband of 55 years, lived in Japan, Turkey, the Middle East, Egypt and New York City.“Mom, from the get-go, was always involved,” said daughter Pat Junkin. “Her life has been dedicated to giving back to others. She had a great character. It was something you wanted to emulate.”
Your Great-great Aunt Alice was one of a kind. She was loving, hard-working and never compromising (in a good way). I wanted to tell you about the last time you spent time with her. We were lucky that you all had seen her three time this year. She came to your birthday party, Andrew. I know it wasn't easy for her to be there with 12 kids running around, but she wasn't there for herself- she came to wish you a Happy 2nd Birthday. Just a few weeks later, we were blessed to have dinner with her, Cousin Pat and Bruce when Granddaddy came to town. Samantha, you shared your meal with her and listened to her tell stories. Oh, could she tell stories. I was so proud of you two and your behavior that night. Then just over one week ago, I was determined to get you both to the hospital to see Aunt Alice before her surgery. We went in and you both sang her happy birthday, danced for her and gave her hugs and kisses. She told you both how special you are. And Andrew, when you kissed her hand saying good-bye, Aunt Alice made a big deal about how chiverous and galant that token of your love was. We prayed for Aunt Alice and Samantha, you colored a picture for her in the following days. Each day you asked if we could go back to the hospital and I found some excuse to say no. It wasn't fitting for you to see Aunt Alice after surgery, she needed her rest. She found her rest. She is in Heaven now. Reunited with Uncle Reuben and with Jesus. Samantha, you handled the news better than I expected but I know you are strong and see the truth for what it is. You told me, "We will see Aunt Alice again one day. I will color a picture for cousin Pat and Becky. They need the pictures now." Tears we sheed when a loved one passes are so often for ourselves. If you see a tear in my eye this weekend, it is for you. I do wish you would have heard more of Aunt Alice's stories and seen her "in action", but time separated those possibilities and one day you will hear her stories and be amazed by her all over again.
I found some moving obituaries and tributes written when Aunt Alice passed away. I am going to copy them into this blog for you to have when you are older...while these words are moving, they will never do justice to the 84 years Aunt Alice spent loving and working for her family, friends, the State of Tennessee and the United States of America.
May her memory be eternal!
By Robin Smith (running for Congress)
We have lost a Tennessee original today. In the passion she brought to the Republican Party, in her work to preserve Tennessee’s historic treasures and in all phases of life, Alice Algood made Tennessee a better place. She was a role model and mentor to countless Tennesseans, a trailblazer for women in Tennessee politics and never once wavered from her beliefs. As Chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party, I often drew upon the knowledge and experience gained from her service to the party as our National Committeewoman. My thoughts are with her family today.
Anyone who ever heard Alice speak knew that underneath the visage of a genteel southern lady and the commanding voice there was a spine of steel and an unyielding conviction for the values that make America great. Her legacy of grace and dignity is one we should all try to emulate.
While Alice’s voice may be silenced here, I am sure it has found new expression as she is reunited with her beloved Reuben. I have no doubt that she has already set about the task of making her new home a better place. She will be sorely missed.
History’s heroine, 84, dies
Algood known for bold opinions
By ALEX MILLER/ amiller@c-dh.net (The Daily Herald, Maury Co. News, TN)
The woman considered by many to be Maury County’s historian-in-chief died Tuesday at age 84.Alice Algood is remembered as a devoted mother and friend, a talented author, an outspoken Republican and an unwavering advocate for the preservation of history.“Alice was the type of person to get the job done,” said Maury County Archive Director Bob Duncan. “She didn’t spend a lot of time being wishy-washy. She had very definite ideas of how things ought to proceed, and she went to work — rolled up her sleeves.”
In her lifetime she served as president of the local and state branches of the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities, the Maury County Historical Society, the Tennessee State Museum Association, the Capt. James Madison Sparkman chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, regent of the Tenasee chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, chairman of the Rippavilla Plantation Board and Tennessee Governor’s Executive Residence Foundation, head of the Maury County Planning Commission, secretary of the Community Concert Association and was appointed by then-President Ronald Reagan to the National Museum Services Board.“She was a wonderful person and a wonderful historian,” said friend Sylvia Gray. “I doubt if there’s anybody who knows more about Culleoka and the whole county.”She helped preserve local churches and cemeteries, researched antebellum homes for the Tennessee Historical Commission, wrote for the Maury County Historical Quarterly magazine, collaborated with artist Mildred Hartsfield for the book “Historical Homes of Maury County,” contributed to a book about the history of Culleoka and most recently wrote “Ursula,” a book tracing her family lineage back to Europe during the Middle Ages.“She worked hard to renovate the Athenaeum, to make it is what it is today,” said her friend Jenny Hardison. And while restoring the Rippavilla plantation home, Hardison said Algood worked tirelessly to scrub floors, move furniture — whatever it took.
For her efforts, Algood received the Lucille Queener Courtney Community Service Award in 1997, which recognizes dedication to community service in Maury County.Her friends and family also remember her involvement in politics. She has served as vice-chairman of the Republican Party in Tennessee and a delegate to the Republican National Convention.“Politics wasn’t a game to her. It was principal,” said her daughter, Becky Algood Moon. “She was always working toward slaying the dragon.”In 1976, Algood campaigned unsuccessfully for a seat in the state House of Representatives. Twelve years later, she traveled the state campaigning for a seat in the U.S. Senate, losing in the primary to Bill Anderson who later fell to entrenched Democratic incumbent Jim Sasser.She campaigned on a platform of limited government and accountability.“I always referred to her as grand dame of the Tennessee Republican Party because she goes way back to the time when this was solid Democratic territory — back when Republicans weren’t cool at all,” said Wally Beasley, chairman of the Maury County Republican Party.
A Culleoka native, Algood lived for 45 years on Athenaeum Street in Columbia. She and Reuben Algood, her husband of 55 years, lived in Japan, Turkey, the Middle East, Egypt and New York City.“Mom, from the get-go, was always involved,” said daughter Pat Junkin. “Her life has been dedicated to giving back to others. She had a great character. It was something you wanted to emulate.”
Saturday, March 13, 2010
I am so in love...
I am so in love with my kids (and my hubby of course). This isn't really a new revolution, but this week I am enamored and feel so overwhelmingly blessed. Maybe its because the grant is submitted (Wed afternoon). Maybe its because I spent 1/2 the week as a single mom. Maybe its because I've been watching a daughter care for her sick mother. No matter what the reason for the increased emotions...I am blessed and I thank God for the time to reflect on what beautiful, loving creatures they are. Of course, along with this feeling is an overwhelming reminder of a task for they are God's children before ours. As always, as words fail me, I turn to beautifully written prayers.
"O God, Maker of all creation, Thou hast made me worthy to be the mother of a family, and through Thy goodness hast bestowed children upon me; and so I dare to say: these children are Thine, for Thou hast given them being, hast infused them with an immortal soul, and hast raised them to life through baptism. And in accordance with Thy will Thou hast adopted them and received them into the bosom of Thy Church. Send down to me Thy gracious help in raising my children, for the glory of Thy name. ..." A Prayer Sighing of Parents for Their Children from the Akathist to the Mother of God "Nurturer of Children".
There are so many 'battles' of a mother whether a 'stay at home' mom, a 'work from home' mom or a 'work outside the home' mom. I still am seeking the balance between picking my battles and being a push-over. I recently read an advice article the other day. Something about 10 lessons this working mom learned about balancing work-home. One thing she said is that your one job before 8:30 in the morning is to get the kids fed and on their way to school without any tears. I thought, 'well, I fail at that about 5 days a week (the 5 we leave the house headed to Vanderbilt)'. My kids tell me they won't wear what is picked out for them or they don't want to eat what I put inf ront of them and the battles begin. Even if I give a choice between 2 outfits or there is no choice there is a battle. Or if they choose a particular breakfast toast over oatmeal by the time the toast is made and in front of them they would rather have oatmeal...seriously! So pick the battle or choose to let it go? More often than not I am still standing my ground on these, but I don't know that its worth it. Samantha is getting to an age where she really understands emotions and consequences. She announced in the car one morning (after a rough one I might add), "Mommy, I had a dream that you were a nice mommy." My reply , "Really? How did that happen?" Samantha's answer, "You were happy because we didn't whine or cry that morning". So, thats what we set out to do this week TOGETHER. Thursday was a tear-free, whine-free morning and we all went to Vanderbilt a little happier. Did I give in on this morning to avoid the tears?...maybe, or maybe I just decided not to create the battle. Samantha's favorite dress was clean and ready for her to wear. Because they had baths the night before, AJ was dressed in his daycare clothes (sweatpants and a long sleeve T) to sleep in the night before, and breakfast was pre-prepared trail mix (a mixture of everything so they were bound to find something they liked). I didn't feel like I gave in, but rather that I orchestrated the near-perfect morning for them (and me).
I have made a few comments over the last few blogs about my grant deadline. A few of you are probably aware of the challenges I am facing at work right now. I am NOT so in love with my 'job' right now, and I don't want a career like this. The stress of the last 3 weeks was significant. I won't say it was too much because it didn't break me (although I know that was only by the grace of God). A big grant I sent to the NIH was triaged. Then a company which originally provided a research material for me has changed their policies and Vanderbilt and the company cannot come to an agreement ... therefore after working on a particular model for over 2 years, I may not be able to use it again (and it was a very promising model). Just a day after I found about the NIH grant and the 'disagreement', the VA asked me to submit a grant. I say they asked me because, yes, it is ultimately up to me whether to submit or not but the pressure to submit this grant was overwhelming. Moreover, I am feeling the pressure of needing funding for my salary next spring. What does this all mean? I don't know yet. I know that I like some aspects of research, but I know that I don't like when the stress makes it harder to be a good mom or wife...parenting takes a great deal of emotional strength and when your emotions are all over the place its hard to focus. I know that I really love to teach and I am going to work hard over the next year to incorporate teaching into my life. I want teaching to be a part of my life, my career. I may be more silent on the blog for a few weeks. I am not a silent person, but I need to spend some MORE quiet time this Lent. My big plans came crashing down with the grant deadline and then the trip to Ohio. Please pray that I might see, hear God's will.
Tidbits....the weather was gorgeous last weekend. We got out to play in the yard for the first time this year. Its going to be a hot summer we had the trees topped this week. (big $$ and ugly trees-- hard to look at!) I brought some bubble wrap home for the kids to jump on. Samantha loved it and AJ hated it...they are so predictable!Sunday, March 7, 2010
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
We've been on the move! David has been more on the move than any of us. In the last 2 weeks, he has been in Flordia, Tennessee, Sweden and Ohio. He has riden planes, train, automobiles and even a moped! (and probably a wheelchair or two). He has been in temperatures from -20 to 65 degrees! He has been on grass and in 20 inches of snow.
I wish I could say that he is getting some rest this weekend, while it might be more restful than the past few weekends, he has been spending time with the kids so that I can get some rest and work on my grant....just a few more days!
I just wanted to post a few pictures of the kids and from Ohio. We went up for Father Schleicher's funeral, and I am so glad we did. We laughed and we cried saying 'see you later' to a wonderful priest and spiritual counsellor. He will be missed by the 1000's of people who came to pray for him over the weekend. It was amazing to see how many lives he touched (and will continue to bless by his prayers). Rest in peace!! 
Blackmail photos !
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