SOME GAVE ALL

On the way home from the ballgame yesterday, we stopped by Prospect Hill Cemetery in York. One of the best reasons to go to a game in York is to get to drive by and see all the American flags. I am proud to have served our country in the United States Navy and thankful for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. On this Memorial Day when we remember what they did for us, "Thank you" just seems so inadequate. I love the words to Billy Ray Cyrus' "Some Gave All" and know that many have their Sandy Kane. Happy Memorial Day America!

I knew a man called him Sandy Kane

Few folks even knew his name

But a hero was he

Left a boy, came back a man

Still many just don't understand

About the reasons we are free

I can't forget the look in his eyes

Or the tears he cries

As he said these words to me

All gave some and some gave all

And some stood through for the red, white and blue

And some had to fall

And if you ever think of me

Think of all your liberties and recall

Some gave all

Now Sandy Kane is no longer here

But his words are oh so clear

As they echo through out our land

For all his friends who gave us all

Who stood the ground and took the fall

To help their fellow man

Love your country and live with pride

And don't forget those who died America can't you see

All gave some and some gave all

And some stood through for the red, white and blue

And some had to fall

And if you ever think of me

Think of all your liberties and recall

Some gave all

Honoring Papa

After Papa died, Blake wanted to get patch for his uniform like the Phillies wore for Harry Kalas. I went to AC Moore to try to find something, but all I could find was iron on letters. I put "Papa" on his sleeve without him knowing and when he put on his uniform Saturday he had a huge smile and gave me a huge hug. I'm so thankful that he has such a tender heart and he's old enough to have great memories of Papa.

Let's Go Mets!

I can't believe that is the title to my post! Gavin had a great game on Saturday beating the Angels 22-21 (in his mind). He loves playing ball and always asks how many days til his next game. With Memorial Day weekend upon us, he'll have to wait just a little longer.

My Mom is the Greatest

Things have been quite hectic around here for the past month or so. We've had the opportunity to spend time with family that we haven't seen for a while and that part has been great. The events surrounding the visits...not so much. By now you know that Papa went home to Heaven last week. 82 years is a long time, but selfishly wish it could have been just a few weeks longer.

Blake nominated Debbie for a contest that the Lancaster Barnstormers are having called "My Mom is the Greatest". We found out the day before Papa's funeral that Debbie is a finalist. I wish he could have been here to celebrate even if she doesn't win. I know he is looking down and smiling and his chest stuck out with pride!

I have been so blessed to have Debbie as my wife. No matter the outcome of the "contest" I have a winner! She is one of a kind and will do anything for the boys. She is so unselfish and puts the boys (and others) ahead of herself. She does so much for others that she does deserve something for herself...and I hope she gets it! Below is the writeup on the Barnstormers website.

http://lancasterbarnstormers.com/momvoting.cfm

Letter to Papa

The past month or so has been tough on the whole family. We knew Papa's life on earth was soon ending but we had many special moments together...singing, praying, laughing, crying, hugging, and hoping. We spent many long nights in the hospital, followed by Hospice in Mount Joy. Blake was really struggling with losing his Great Grandpa and broke down in tears many times. Debbie and I shed plenty of tears ourselves, but it is really tough seeing your children hurting. Blake asked his teacher if he could write some of his feelings for Papa and came home with a great letter. We were able to give it to Papa while he was still able to understand everything that was going on. We are so thankful for the grandfather and great grandfather he was and glad to know we will see him again in glory!

Dear Papa,

I love you so much you've been great to me. Thanks for fishing with me. I remember when me & you caught eighteen fish together using hot dog as bait. I'll miss you so so so much. Thanks for being a good Papa. I wrote this note in school I've been asking all week. You don't know how much I love you. Did you hear us sing the other day? I sang two songs for you. Have fun in Heaven. We all love you so much but out of all the great grand kids I'll miss you the most.

Love,

Blake

Papa

James A. Colyer, Jr.

James A. Colyer, Jr., 82 of Elizabethtown, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, May 10, 2010. Born in Cincinnati, OH, he was the son of the late James A. and Lillian Graham Colyer. He was the husband of June M. Sewell Colyer, Elizabethtown. They were married for 61 years in July 2009.

Mr. Colyer was a member of Mount Calvary Church in Elizabethtown where he served as a greeter.

An automobile salesman for 44 years, he retired from Faulkner Oldsmobile in Lancaster. He enjoyed fishing and camping with his grandchildren, and loved spending time with his family.

In addition to his wife June, he is survived by four children: James A., husband of Judith Baker Colyer, Kansas City, KS; John A., husband of Judith Foster Colyer, Ankeny, IA; Phyllis, wife of Gary A. Glass, Columbia; Joseph A. Colyer, Lancaster; 12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, two sisters: Jean Bauer and Ada Balzhiser; and a brother, John Colyer. He was preceded in death by a sister Joan Riddle and a brother Jerome Colyer.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, May 14, 2010 at Mount Calvary Church, 625 North Holly Street, Elizabethtown at 12:00 Noon. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 10:00 until the time of service. Interment will be held in Conestoga Memorial Park, Lancaster.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be to Hospice of Lancaster County, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.Arrangements by Miller/ Sekely Funeral Services, Elizabethtown.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

Happy Mothers Day to the women in my life. I love you and am thankful for you.

Barnstormers Opening Weekend

Friday, April 30th started our official summer. The Lancaster Barnstormers had their home opener and Gavin and I were there to take in the action. Blake and Debbie went to a science fair they were helping out with at school so Blake didn't get to go. The boys love to get autographs and talk to the players. We did get to go to Sundays game and it felt like summer! The boys got to enjoy the bumper boats in home run harbor...and it did look refreshing! They lost both games we were there this weekend, but lots of season left to go. Gavin did get a ball from the pitching coach so we are going to keep track of all the balls they come home with this season.

CUBS WIN!!! CUBS WIN!!!

Tonight we beat the Yankees 12-5. Blake finally got going at the plate going 3-4 with 2 singles and a double. He did a great job catching and playing shortstop. Next up: Dodgers on Wednesday.

Baseball, Baseball, and more Baseball

Anyone that knows us knows we love baseball! Well both boys are playing this year so it keeps us on the go. Blake is playing for the Cubs and Gavin is playing tball for the Mets. I'm coaching Blakes team this season and it has been a lot of fun. We are 1-1 so far losing to the Rays 8-3 and beating the Angels 18-1. They don't keep score in tball although Gavin says they beat the Dodgers 40-4 and lost 18-10 to the Red Sox. He has quite the imagination and I'm not sure where he comes up with his scores. Blake has 2 games and 1 practice a week and Gavin has 1 game and 1 practice a week. Lots of running around, but we love it!

1st Post!

Well here it is! My brother has been blogging for several years now and has been after me to start one of my own. With the boys baseball schedules, school activities, and games we attend I hope to keep everyone updated on what is going on in the Glass house. So this is my "Wacky Pack"!