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This site dedicated as a memorial of love to:
James and Eunice Stevenson  Welcome, yours is visit #    
to this circle letter!Since May 13, 1998 |
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Johnny Martin 6/16/1967 ~ 2/15/2010
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
Here is a photo of John with Johnny and Elizabeth (Buffy as we call her) at our amazing reunion last
year!!! The time went too fast but what we had SURE WAS A BLESSING!!!! We were with John on his last
day on earth ALL DAY ... it was a happy, FUN day and not in a MILLION years would we have expected to
get a phone call 15 hours later saying he was gone... In the blink of an eye... like Sal said a few
weeks ago... our lives are but a VAPOR!!!! If I've learned ANYTHING from Johnny's sudden death it's
that I need to be ready... and I need help to get rid of my PACKRAT stuff so my kids won't have a HUGE
mess on their hands after I am gone.... So if anyone wants to help...call me!!! (LOL!)
No but seriously....I want my SOUL to be filled up with so much of the PRESENCE of God that all the
other garbage that tries to get in the way has no room and everyone will be assured I left with
complete peace& love in my heart....THAT IS MY DESIRE!!!!
I love you all so much and THANKS FOR ALL THE LOVE YOU'VE SHOWN US!!!! It's JUST INCREDIBLE!!!!
xoxox,
Mary
- Friday, February 19, 2010 at 20:55:41 (EST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comcorrections regarding funeral
Hey everybody~
Sorry about the misinformation... Here is first hand from the
Lynch & Sons funeral home website... ( the Clawson
location~you can also go there and leave condolences...)
A funeral mass will be celebrated at the Church of St. Alan,
Coolidge Road (between Maple and Big Beaver Rds.) Troy, Monday
10:30am. Friends may visit at church beginning at 9:30am.
Visitation at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Rd.
(between 14-15 Mile Rds.) Sunday 2-8pm. Prayer service Sunday
7pm.
Believe me... we will certainly understand if any of you
cannot make it... I know it is quite a distance from alot of
you... Everyone has been simply AMAZING to us with their
thoughts and prayers and well wishes!!!!
We love you all~
John & Mary & family
- Friday, February 19, 2010 at 20:38:17 (EST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comFuneral arrangements
Regarding Johnny Martin's funeral~So far this is what we
know...
The funeral home is : LYNCH & SONS ON CROOKS ROAD IN CLAWSON
VIEWING: 2 pm to 8 pm this coming Sunday and the funeral will
be Monday we think at 9:00 am but not sure on the actual time
but it will be at St. Allen's church in Royal Oak.... that's
all I know so far....
We are trying to plan a little memorial on Tuesday at our
house for those who live around this area... we don't know
whether we should do it in the evening so people will be off
work or what.... but we'll keep you all posted....
We can't thank everybody enough for the outpouring of LOVE &
PRAYERS & CONCERN.... it means so much!!!!
We love you all so very much~
John & Mary
- Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at 16:50:44 (EST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comthese are trying times...
John and Mary,
We are so sorry to hear about the death of John Martin.
We are also so happy that you had such good times with him.
We all realize that we do not know how many days we each
have on this earth. We know that as a fact, but we still
never expect a young person to go.
A few years ago, we were in Pennsylvania with our Amish
friends. They told us that a very young man who was a
husband and a father of young children had died very
suddenly in an accident.
One of our friends summed it up by saying"
"HIS HANDS ARE FOLDED, AND HIS WORK IS DONE".
I thought that was such a peaceful approach to death.
Certainly dreadful for those left behind, but God knows
lots more than we do !
John Martin's work is done, and he is at peace.
We pray that time, faith and your memories will
eventually bring peace to your family.
Love,
Tom and Esther
- Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at 15:54:34 (EST)
Author: tomnesther@comcast.netSO MUCH NEWS SO SHORTLY
Oh, John and Mary I am so sorry to hear of your very great
loss. I'ts great you were reunited on Thanksgiving. So young
and tragic to go so young.I'm so glad you got to spend his
last day with him. Now Thanksgiving will take on an even
greater meaning.
Star was born on Thanksgiving so it has a very special
meaning for our family.
Nancy, your response was the reason I decided to put the
poem on The Circle Letter. I was going to keep it to myself
but thought maybe some would realize how prescious each
moment is with all our loved ones. So may little ways I miss
him.
Our little silver dog Puppy died Sunday 2/7/2010. He was so
devoted to James we sometimes called him Shadow because of
how close he would follow JAMES around and wait patiently
for him to make another move.
Whenever James would sit or lie down he would rush to him
and give him a thousand kisses every time til James would
push him away.
At first when we got Puppy I tried to win him away by taking
him for walks, rides in the car, pieces of chicken breast
and other treats but every time he would rush to James.
He died beside me on the bed and I buried him in the cactus
garden in the back yard.
This is the kind of event James and I would go through
together and it made it especially hard.
Thank goodness I have this big loving family and friends to
help me through these times.
Janie, I've been told you were the heart behind the
Valentine card campaign.I thank you so much because it
warmed my heart that all of you cared so much. It's the
first holiday since James is gone and would be so much
harder without all the love you all sent my way. I never
realized before how much comfort a card and loving thoughts
could mean.
- Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at 15:17:52 (EST)
Author: ladywithart@gmail.comOur Sympathies
John, Mary, Cole, Sarah, Johnny, and crew
We are so saddened to hear about John Martin. I was so
nice being able to get to know him a bith this past year,
he was so happy at the family events. I jsut saw him
about a week ago at your house when i picked up the kids.
So glad for that time. the good news, God's timing is so
good is that you DID get the time to re-unite this past
year and give each other great gifts of time and love and
healing, something you will alwasy be able to hang on to.
We will hold you close in our prayers, Love, Tomy Jeanne
adn crew.
- Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at 08:42:36 (EST)
Author: thomaspaul@wowway.comToo Much Sadness
My Dear Family...
John Garlak's son from his first marriage (John Martin)
passed away suddenly last night at the age of 42. His uncle
found him and they think it was a problem with his heart (a
condition that runs in his Mother's family)
As most of you know, John and Mary were reunited with him
last Thanksgiving and he loved his new found family and was
so happy to be a part of the Stevenson gang.
Please keep John and Mary and their kids in your prayers
and they go through the next few days. I will post more as
soon as I have more information. Give all of your kids big
hugs and kisses. One good thing...John Martin did spend the
day with John and Mary yesterday.
Love to you all...Janie
- Monday, February 15, 2010 at 18:09:17 (EST)
Author: jimnjane@comcast.netInspirational Poem
Dear Suzanne,
Once again you have touched our hearts with your beautiful,
heartwarming poem. Since I read it I more fully realize
that every day is precious with your spouse and can never be
taken for granted.
Thank you for sharing these personal thoughts with us, and
for allowing us to know the very special and deep love you
two shared.....truly a unique "love story".
God bless you.....Nancy
- Monday, February 15, 2010 at 07:52:27 (EST)
Author: newwine2009@comcast.netBeautiful Love
Suzanne,
What a beautiful poem. Thanks for sharing. I love you so much.
Bethie
- Sunday, February 14, 2010 at 20:52:20 (EST)
Author: bsings@mac.comWhy??? BECAUSE WE LOVE YOU!!!!
Suzanne~
We are all so Happy that you got our cards and Valentines
wishes... I loved your poem about James and I forgot that he
used to call you Moosie!!! I loved that!!! So Happy
Valentines Day to you again andn have a Wonderful relaxing
time with your friends and family today~
With ALL our Love,
John & Mary & the rest of us :)
- Sunday, February 14, 2010 at 10:15:48 (EST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comHAPPY VALENTINES DAY EVERYONE
Thank you so much for the many valentines everyone. I've
never got so many valentines since grammar school. Remember
how much fun that was giving and getting? And hoping you get
a special one from your secret crush and you usually didn't.
I don't know who started this wonderful campaign but I so
appreciate it. What a amazing wonderful family we have.
I've opened some already but I've saved most for tomorrow
when it will be the hardest.
A very good friend is going to give me a massage and have me
for dinner with her husband so I won't be alone.
Thank you wonderful family. We are so very lucky to have
each other.
Love,
Suzanne
- Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 22:35:30 (EST)
Author: ladywithart@gmail.comGOOD BYE JAMES
Goodbye James
I'll never feel your arms around me again.
I'll never feel your soft lips on mine again.
I'll never see your great smile again.
I'll never hear your laughter again.
I'll never hear you play the piano live again.
I'll never see you mow the lawn again.
I'll never drive with you to the ocean again.
I'll never be silly with you again.
I'll never dance with you again.
I'll never go to the doctor with you again.
I'll never hold your hand again.
I'll never look in your eyes again.
I'll never call you again.
But I'll always love you deeply and truly.
Moosee
January 30, 2010 Saturday
- Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 21:58:28 (EST)
Author: ladywithart@gmail.comTHE WIND CHIME MAN
James I. Stevenson known as “The Wind Chime Man” for over 22
years on River Road passed on to the big jam session on Jan
6th in Hospice Care at Friends House in Santa Rosa.
James had many repeat customers and more and more customers
would say, “ I came here as a child and now I want you to
meet my children.” He always had a big smile for every one
and often helped those in need with cash and gas. He kept a
5 gallon can of gas for those out of gas and would only
accept refilling the can as payment.
Sometimes he would give credit to someone who was a wee bit
short of getting just what they wanted and he was almost
always repaid.
He loved waiting on people and setting up his elaborate
display. People would tell him, “ I know winter is over when
I see your beautiful colorful display.”
James moved to Santa Rosa in 1968 to be with his lady,
Suzanne E. Roach, whom he met during Expo 67 in Montreal Canada.
Last summer he was unable to set up and sell as they were
repairing the mountain across the street.
James had customers from all walks of life, judges, lawyers,
working stiffs, tourists from around the world, and even
returning important Bohemians.
Little known by most, James was an important jazz musician
in Detroit, Las Vegas and ten years in New York City. He
played string bass with many famous musicians and singers
including Johnny Mathis, Chick Corea, Zoot Sims, Chico
Hamilton, Archie Shepp, Tom Wayburn, and many more. He then
learned the piano and had his own group “The Jazz Circle.”
James [Jimmy] Stevenson was recently included in book “The
Jazz Loft Project” with a full page photo of him wildly
playing the piano at his loft at 821 Sixth Avenue. The Lofts
were “a scene” where internationally famous photographer W.
Eugene Smith also had a loft and photographed and recorded
the musicians that jammed there including Thelonious Monk,
Roland Kirk, and Miles Davis.
James is mentioned over 20 times and was the youngest of the
jazz players to be there regularly.
James is survived by his children, Beth Stevenson Bucanhan,
James Christopher Stevenson, Sherry Roach, Jerry Roach. Zip
Stevenson, Scott Stevenson, and Star Stevenson. He also has
11 brother and sisters and their spouses.
Any one wishing to make a memorial donation is requested to
make it to smiletrain.org or the charity of their choice.
Suzanne Roach
ladywithart@gmail.com
Reprinted from The West County Gazette
- Wednesday, February 03, 2010 at 16:51:37 (EST)
Author: ladywithart@gmail.comJames' laughter...
It was absolutely AMAZING to hear and see your Dad laughing
on that slide... and to hear his voice again.... what a gift!!!!
Thanks so much Scott!!!! This site is even MORE of a
treasure than it already was!!!!
I love you~
Aunt Mary
- Tuesday, February 02, 2010 at 09:20:51 (EST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comFUN Smilies!
Scott, thanks for this great video!
Sunday was truly filled with great smiles, wonderful
memories and a great memorial! How blessed we are.
Love, Tommy
- Tuesday, February 02, 2010 at 08:58:54 (EST)
Author: thomaspaul@wowway.comDad's Memorial Today - A Moment I'll Share Here
Beth told me that there is a memorial for dad today. I so wish I could be
there. I've been crying today thinking about him and watching videos from
when he was last visiting me here in Paris in February
2007.
Dad having lived in a "Big City" like New York was a bit disappointed by Paris'
lack of a big city feel. He wanted to see some sky scrapers and modernity. I
took him out to La Defense, the financial district for Paris that is connected to
the city but not actually properly part of it. He was pleased to see this island
of big cityness but I had the impression that he was still a bit underwhelmed.
I had lived in London for a time back in the mid 90s and knew that he'd
probably like it there as it definitely does have a big city feel. So I suggested
we take an excursion up to the home of Big Ben and he was enthused by the
idea. We took the Eurostar under the chunnel to the heart of the city and
spent a long weekend there and had a blast!
While we were there we decided to hit all of the excellent London museums
(ie: the British museum, etc). I had been hearing about how awesome the
Tate Modern Museum was and so decided that we should go there. Well let
me tell you the Tate was ASTOUNDING and dad loved the place (just like me)!
It is a truly remarkable museum. It wasn't like any other museum I had been
too (and likely dad neither). It was open and had an airy feel. There was just
not a sense of oppressive security so typical for a big museum of the Tate's
stature. The fact that the Tate has essentially a billion dollar (or more)
collection of art just made this feeling so odd because it felt so breezy just
to stroll around and see multimillion dollar works of art "casually" displayed.
Near a Picasso or a Salvador Dali painting one might expect an attendant or
some other visibly prominent security deterrent but no, it was nothing to just
walk up to them and examine them closely (an arm's length or so away).
When we walked into the foyer of the museum we were greeted with the
image of three large metallic metal slides of various heights by the artist
Carsten Holler.
(see: http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/exhibitions/carstenholler/)
After having visited the entire museum we decided to take a trip down the
largest slide (a 3 story tall one). I had worked it out with dad that I would go
first and that I would prepare myself at the bottom to capture his exit on
video. We worked out a signaling system (using one of my lasers) so that I
could cue him when I was ready to go. We here's the video of that below. As
you watch the video one can hear yelling and playful screams. Those are dad
making noise as he's coming down the slide!
Get the Adobe Flash Player or enable Javascript / Flash to see this player.Click here to download this video file (or right click and select "save as").
This video goes so far to capture dad's smiling spirit of happiness during this
time of his life!
Anyways I hope that dad's memorial will have gone well and that you all will
have shared more smiles than tears when remembering dad!
Love you all,
-Scott
- Sunday, January 31, 2010 at 17:55:19 (EST)
Author: netscott+circleletter@gmail.comTom...you rock !!
Author: sallyjlucca@aol.com Boys and Girls
Suzanne, to answer your question on the number of boys and
girls:
Grandma, Grandpa: 1 boy 1 girl
12 kids: 8 boys 4 girls
38 grand kids: 25 boys 13 girls
56 great-grand kids: 31 boys 25 girls
3 great-great-grand kids: 1 boy 2 girls
add in all the wonderful family additions through
marriages and we are at 200!
102 Boys 98 Girls
Provided all my info is up to date, which I believe it is
now.
- Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at 10:24:32 (EST)
Author: thomaspaul@wowway.comJAMES MEMORIAL BY A FRIEND
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <fitzhugh@sonic.net>
Date: Sat, Jan 16, 2010 at 10:24 AM
Subject: James' Memorial
To: ladywithart@gmail.com
I extend my sympathies to Suzanne and James' family and
friends. I am sorry that I cannot be there with you today. I
met James through Suzanne back when we produced Celebrate
Sonoma together. I was in charge of music and booked James
to play piano in the East Auditorium. That started an
enduring friendship. I was amazed at James' capacity to
focus. While his family lovingly referred to him as "The
Diddlemaster" because of his tendency to continually tweak
with the minutia of whatever he happened to be working on at
any moment, I marvelled at his persistence- which among
other things helped him master playing piano in a year (or
so). He subseqently produced a concert which was reviewed in
Downbeat magazine. Being included in Downbeat is an
accomplishment for any musician, and to gain that kind of
attention with such little playing time was, in my opinion,
miraculous.
I had the opportunity to work with him out at his wind chime
stand on River Road. We spent many pleasant hours there. The
phrase "Everything here is 25 to 50 % off" is indelibly
burnt into my brain. I will always fondly remember those times.
In addition to his genourosity, humour, friendship, his
artistic skills and musician man ship, I think that the
legacy James left the world was his family- all loving,
intelligent, wonderful people. I had the pleasure of getting
to know his sons in Santa Rosa. They have all evolved into
fine men that manifest the best that any man could hope for
in his sons. My best wishes to all of them as they carry on
the best of James.
James- See you in the next life......
Chris Fitzhugh
- Monday, January 25, 2010 at 22:47:19 (EST)
Author: ladywithart@gmail.comNO MALE SINCE 1872!
Wow! That is some record Tommy and Jill. It's a good thing
she married a STEVEN SON. Mom had 8 sons and 4 daughters,
Jsmes and I had 3 sons. Does any one know how many sons and
girls there are in the family?
I'm doing OK although sometimes I cry a lot. All of our
children have been so wonderful to me. They took care of so
many things without me even asking. Jerry and Star come by
and do things that need to be done and they all call to see
how I'm doing.
All in all I'm so very blessed but I miss James so much.
Last thursday I went to the .99 store and walked into the
Valentine's display and almost starting sobbing because I
don't have any Valentine anymore. But then I remembered I
have my children and my grandchildren and they are my
Valentines.
I'm so glad James got to see all of you who came from so far.
James went out smiling at everyone, enjoying the singing,
music and winking at his sisters.
Miss you all so much. I'm so glad we had Beth and Dave's
wedding,
Tom and Esther's 50th Celebration, and the great big family
reunion. It was so wonderful that James had all of that
before he left.
Love,
Suzanne
- Monday, January 25, 2010 at 18:40:01 (EST)
Author: ladywithart@gmail.comFebruary B'days
Happy Birthday to all those coming up in February!
Birthday (Connection to the 12)
2/4 Cody Hussey (Nancy/Mark)
2/9 Andy Stevenson (Dan)
2/13 Al Sarkozy
2/13 Nick Roach (James/Jerry)
2/15 Emily Hussey (Nancy/Brian Jr)
2/20 Leah Stevenson (Terry)
2/23 Roxanne Kight (Billy/Lisa)
2/25 Anthony Gonzales (Janie/Sally)
2/25 Debbie Stevenson (Tom/Mike)
2/25 Erin Boudreau (Nancy/Jimmy)
2/25 Theresa Nichols (Janie/Vic)
2/27 Esther Stevenson (Tom)
- Monday, January 25, 2010 at 08:29:28 (EST)
Author: thomaspaul@wowway.comJanuary Birthday's
Happy Birthday to the January B'days
(Better late that never!)
Birthday (Connection to the 12)
1/2 Tommy Stevenson (Terry/Leah)
1/4 Liz Spencer (James/Zip)
1/10 Darren Nichols (Janie/Vic)
1/10 Dylan Nichols (Janie/Vic)
1/10 Laura Stevenson (Bob/Gregg)
1/13 Jatomis Stevenson (James/Jimmy)
1/17 Lauren Hussey (Nancy/Matt)
1/18 Tommy Stevenson (Tom/Danny)
1/23 Heather Boudreau (Nancy/Jimmy)
1/23 TJ Lucca (Sally)
1/24 Luke Lyons (Nancy/Nancy)
1/27 Rory Stevenson (Billy)
1/28 Jennifer Buchanan (James/Beth)
1/29 Lillian Stevenson (Tom/Danny)
- Monday, January 25, 2010 at 08:24:24 (EST)
Author: thomaspaul@wowway.comCongratulations!!!!!
Dear Danny & Jill
Congratulations on your new son Tommy! (Wonderful name -
named after an amazing man)
Grace & Lilly,
Congratulations on you new little brother.
Wow Jill - that is such a cool story about Tommy breaking
the drought.
xoxoxo
Beth
- Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 16:25:56 (EST)
Author: bsings@mac.comSeven Babies
Dan...
Congratulations!!! How wonderful for your little family!! I
just wanted to point out that this round of babies was like
74-75 and 76. You being the first in 1974 followed by Amy
and Cole. Andy, Erin and Gary in 1975 and TJ in 1976.
This round of babies was Norah (Dec.2008) Lola, Amber,
Jordon, Tess and Sparrow in 2009 and Thomas in 2010.
How this family is growing!!!
- Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 08:37:51 (EST)
Author: jimnjane@comcast.netThomas Hamilton Stevenson
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
Here is the last (I think, unless I have missed anyone pregnant right now) of the 2nd happening of 6
children born in one year in our family. I thought that was pretty cool, especially since I was the
first of the original 6!! Tommy was born yesterday weighing in at 8 lbs. 4.9 oz and 21 1/2 inches
long. He is happy and healthy and Jill is doing well also. In Jill's family, on the Coppock side,
there has not been a single male born (her dad was a fraternal twin) since 1871!! Tommy broke a 139
year drought!! Tommy is named after my dad and Jill's dad (Hamilton is his middle name) and we are
so very excited that he is here and we can't wait for everyone to meet him!!
Love you all,
Dan, Jill, A. Grace, Lilly and Tommy
- Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 08:19:52 (EST)
Author: Baileynspike@Gmail.comThanks for the memories!
Amazing! Jeanne, Sophie and I just watched this amazing video!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Love you all, Tommy and crew
- Sunday, January 17, 2010 at 18:24:44 (EST)
Author: thomaspaul@wowway.comWords of Love
Dearest Mary,
Thank you so very much for your words of love.
Unfortunately I also was unable to be at the California
memorial. I don't think Jim and Zip could make it either.
I so look forward to the Michigan memorial on January 31st.
(More info will be posted in a few days)
Your words are so comforting to me. Scott wasn't able to
access skype. I tried to listen by phone but it was
difficult. He told me that he was video taping the
gathering. I know it will be beautiful to watch. Maybe we
can watch it together.
I love you so.
Beth Buchanan
- Sunday, January 17, 2010 at 14:45:39 (EST)
Author: bsings@mac.comThe Gathering...
Suzanne,Jerry,Cindy,Zip,Liz,Scott,Star,Jennifer,James,
Chitomi,Beth,Dave,and all of the grandchildren...
I am SO sorry we couldn't be at the Memorial for James...I
worked today and then went right over to our couzin Keith's
memorial at Mountain Veiw Country Club... Seeing all the
family members there that we haven't seen in ahwhile ( some
in years!) We all talked about how sad it was that 1st
couzins and "across the street for our whole life"
neighbors...that Keith and James should die only 3 days
apart from each other .. both WAY TOO YOUNG ( 70 and 62) it
was alot to take in!!! Then I got home only to see the video
of James and all of you singing SMILE, the SHADOW OF YOUR
SMILE etc... songs that were also sang at Gramma Eunice's
funeral memorial... my eyes were so swollen and my heart
too...I could hardly contain myself..
I found myself on the phone with Aunt Nancy for over an hour
just trying to relive it all!!!!!
Sarah and Johnny were both gone to work (along with their
computer) .. so I had no ability to try to skype :(
I PRAY that you videotaped the ceremony...James was like NO
OTHER~ of which this family will NOT see the likes of for
many,many a year I suspect!!!
Though I know that in the distant past there were some MAJOR
hard times in all your lives but I also know now that you
ALL..WE ALL.. have been mightily blessed to have had him in
our lives!!!
It is still inconceivable for me... I think of ALL that we
will miss... mostly people are saying how much they will
miss their BIRTHDAY CALL...A simple gesture of love on
James' part but HUGE now that he is gone...such a simple
gift! We never know how much what we do in this life will
affect others around us...OH MY GOODNESS!!!!
I am OVERWHELMED with all of the photos people have
contributed to Uncle Johnny's LOVIN' DOZEN SITE ...some I've
never seen but ALL of which I want to get put in one booklet
for sure!!! I hope you will get a chance to check that site
out as well...
Please keep us in your heart now that OUR Patriarch is
gone... you know... James was our connection to you all...
and we will have to continue his legacy of love for the rest
of us left behind...
I love you all so much...more than I'm sure you could ever
realize!!! Take care of each other for your Dad and NEVER
forget his memory... he'll be there in every clinking of
some windchime you'll hear somewhere in the wind...
God bless you all~ you will continuously be in my HEART and
in my PRAYERS!!!
With all my love,
Aunt Mary
- Sunday, January 17, 2010 at 10:05:49 (EST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comI Love this video
This video is so sweet. Thank you Scott for capturing this
beautiful memory. I am so sorry I was not able to be at the
gathering today. I know it was wonderful. I look forward
to seeing the video of the gathering.
I love you so much.
Sister Beth
- Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 23:04:50 (EST)
Author: bsings@mac.comHow Wonderful!!!
Scott~
How will we EVER be able to thank you enough for this
treasure... I'm sitting here at my computer sobbing with
sadness AND JOY ...the video is breaking my heart but I am
so HAPPY that we will be able to see your Dad whenever we
are feeling lonely or having a hard time comprehending it
all...he'll always be here...on the circle letter... So
THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!
I love you~
Aunt Mary
- Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 20:13:56 (EST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comFarewell Songs, The Brothers Say Final Goodbyes
Today is dad's Santa Rosa wake at Star's wife Jennifer's mom Judy Ogne's home.
he wake officially begins at 3 p.m. California time (6 p.m. Michigan time) and
will probably last a couple of hours or so. I am going to try to have skype
running for those
who want to try and drop in and say a word. My Skype name is scottinparis.
Alternatively folks can try me on dad's phone # 707-
579-0500. I'm not sure how the wake will be coordinated and proceed and but
personally I sure would like folks back east and in
Arizona and Alabama to be able to share a word if possible and desired.
In commemoration of today I am adding the following unedited video. This is
after we thought we had had our final words to dad
when he came out of the ICU and into a normal hospital room. Relative to my
previous entries this is the day after I had spent the
night giving dad apple juice and blueberry yoghurt. This day was one of the
happiest of my life being able to talk with him and him
talk with us. On this video we can get a bit of a feel for what this was and see
how he was truly 'with' us right till the end. His
brothers Bob and Dan had to leave just after this brief exchange and Terry had
to leave later on in the day.
I love you all and I wish you a Happy New Year!
-Scott
Get the Adobe Flash Player or enable Javascript / Flash to see this player.Click here to download this video file (or right click and select "save as").
- Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 17:30:54 (EST)
Author: netscott+circleletter@gmail.comBurningman Tickets on sale 1/13/10
My dear family,
It was James wish to have his "final Hurrah" at Burningman.
It was his dying wish. We are going to honor that. If you
would like to join us...the 1st level tickets go on sale at
10:00am California time. I have added the link below.
The 1st level cost is $210.00. (for the 1st 9000 people)
then it goes up from there. The highest price ticket is
$300.00. On January 23rd I believe you can submit a request
for a low budget ticket. That cost is $160.00.
Check out the link below. It will give you all the info you
need.
I love you all and hope you can join us.
http://tickets.burningman.com
- Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at 16:08:56 (EST)
Author: bsings@mac.comBeautiful Picture of James
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
I LOVE this picture. It was taken by my photographer at the
wedding. This picture says it all.
What a beautiful spirit!
I love all of you so very much.
Bethie
- Sunday, January 10, 2010 at 21:02:01 (EST)
Author: bsings@mac.comRoadside Photo
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
I wish this pic was clearer, it's the only one I have of it...If anyone has a clear one, please e-
mail it to me..this really is a cool photo
love John
- Sunday, January 10, 2010 at 15:29:10 (EST)
Author: njoynjohn@gmail.comFamily Obituary for James Stevenson
James Stevenson
WIND CHIMES ON SALE
Known for his colorful roadside stand, James made more
friends than money. He sang his final song on January 6th,
2010. He died from complications of living the life of a
young jazz musician. Born in Detroit Michigan on May 22,
1939 he has lived with his partner Suzanne Roach in Santa
Rosa for 43 years. "Jimmy" was the oldest of 12 children
born into a musical family and was recently honored to
assist in the production of "The Jazz Loft Project", which
details the jazz scene in New York's Flower District from
1957-1967. (www.jazzloftproject.com) James became a wine
country icon selling colorful wind chimes and gifts on
River Road for the past 22 years. He is survived by his
children: James Stevenson, Elizabeth Eunice Buchanan,
Jerry Roach, Zip, Scott and Star Stevenson. He loved his
grandchildren and his many friends. Please come and share
your memories of James at 3:00 p.m. Saturday January 16th
at 4271 Petaluma Hill Road. In lieu of flowers, donations
may be made to the Smile Train (www.smiletrain.org).
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/pressdemocrat/obituary.asp
x?n=james-stevenson&pid=138316615
Love that photo of him at the roadside.
Star
- Sunday, January 10, 2010 at 00:52:31 (EST)
Author: starstevenson@hotmail.comPassword for Lovin Dozen Site
I thought I mentioned the password in my note at the
bottom of the tribute page....no matter..the password is
blog
I hope you can all access it with that...if not, send me
your e-mail address' and I will send you the official
invite...
Very much love
John
- Saturday, January 09, 2010 at 19:37:28 (EST)
Author: njoynjohn@gmail.comPASSWORD NEEDED JOHN
Dear John,
I love your tribute site. I left a long thank you but when
I tried to post it, it wanted a password.
Also Zip and Scott tried to access it, I guess a long time
ago, but didn't have the password.
Please put password on Circle Letter so we can see and
respond to all your loving hard work.
love,
Sister Suzanne
- Saturday, January 09, 2010 at 17:26:50 (EST)
Author: ladywithart@gmail.comMore Sad News
Dear Family,
I heard today from Kent La Duc, and he told me Kieth
passed away this a.m. I don't know much info but I will in
the coming days. If anyone would like to send a card or
note to the boys I'm sure you could do it C/O
Kurt LaDuc 2716 Baybery Waterford, Mi 48329
My my, The bible says that our lives are but a
vapor...aren't we learning that now. God Bless us all at
this sad sad time. I love you Sal
- Saturday, January 09, 2010 at 10:18:12 (EST)
Author: sallyjlucca@aol.comBeautifiul....
Wow...
The person who wrote that obituary did a magnificent job...
I felt like I was reading a Biography.... ( someone should
consider writing their own book!!!Seriously) It was just so
perfectly written! Thanks for putting it up on the sight
Suzanne...
We'll be thinking and praying for all of you in these next
coming months...the "firsts" of everything are the hardest...
but we'll help see you through with this continuation of
family LOVE!!!
XOX,
Mary
- Saturday, January 09, 2010 at 09:47:04 (EST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comJAMES OBITUARY
Obituary: James “Jimmy†Stevenson
Published: Thursday, January 7, 2010 at 8:01 p.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, January 7, 2010 at 8:01 p.m.
James “Jimmy†Stevenson, a free-spirited jazz man who played
with some of the greats in New York City decades ago and
more recently toyed with his keyboard while waiting for
motorists to pull up to the colorful wind-chime stand he ran
for 22 years alongside River Road near Forestville, died
Wednesday. He was 70.
Stevenson lived in Santa Rosa and just recently perused a
new book, “The Loft Jazz Project.†He's included in the
book, which features late photographer W. Eugene Smith's
pictures and taped conversations of jazz musicians who
jammed the nights away in a funky loft in Manhattan's flower
district in the late 1950s and ‘60s.
Stevenson was one of them. Having grown up as the eldest of
12 children in a musical family in Detroit, he took up the
standing bass and ventured off to play with the likes of
Charlie Parker, Chick Corea, Johnny Mathis, Thelonious Monk
and Archie Shepp.
He was playing in Montreal in 1967 when he met the young
woman with whom he'd spend the rest of his life, Suzanne
Roach of Santa Rosa.
“I met him at a hippie crashpad,†she remembered. A short
time later they came to Santa Rosa together and sank roots.
Stevenson never stopped playing music after moving to
California but he gave up performing. He went into
recycling, became a sculptor and created and sold glass wind
chimes.
“Oh my God, we've been through so much together,†said
Roach, his life partner and mother of his six children. “We
didn't have a lot of money but we had a lot of fun and a lot
of love.â€
The two of them made glass chimes and more than 20 years ago
sold them to high-end retailers at San Francisco's
Ghirardelli Square and on Cannery Row in Monterey — “even
Nieman Marcus for a while,†said son Star Stevenson of Santa
Rosa.
Roach recalled that one summer in the mid-eighties,
wholesale sales of the chimes were slow so she decided she'd
set up a table in a turnout on River Road between the
Hacienda Bridge and the Korbel winery. She invited Stevenson
to come with her but he wasn't interested.
“So Star and I went,†Roach recalled. Sales were pretty good
that first day, so they went back. She said, “On the third
day I got a $50 bill and I came home and snapped it in his
face and he said, ‘Maybe I will come and help you!'â€
For the next 22 years, until just last year, he manned the
roadside stall at least on the weekends and up to six or
seven days a week when warm weather boosted the traffic on
River Road.
One of the great surprises of Stevenson's life came in 2003,
when he was contacted by Sam Stephenson of Duke University's
Center for Documentary Studies. The researcher asked his
help in identifying the jazz musicians who appeared in
thousands of photos and hundreds of hours of tape recordings.
All of the photos had been shot and the tapes recorded by
renowned and obsessive photographer W. Eugene Smith from
1957 to 1965, the years he lived in a shabby loft on Sixth
Avenue in New York's wholesale flower district.
Smith photographed and recorded the jazz musicians who
gathered in an adjacent loft to play, sometimes all night.
Jimmy Stevenson, who'd lived in the jazzmen's loft from
early 1961 through 1964, took time away from his stand to
help Duke's Stephenson identify musicians in the photos and
on the tapes.
Stevenson told the researcher, “You can't imagine somebody
calling you up out of the blue and telling you that they've
got tapes — many, many hours of tapes — of you talking and
playing music 45 years ago.
“Hearing these tapes is like somebody playing back your
memories for you, only these are memories you forgot you
had. But these aren't just memories, this is real!â€
The result of Stephenson's research is a multi-dimensional
project (www.jazzloftproject.org) that includes the new
book, an exhibition to open Feb. 17 at the New York Public
Library for the Performing Arts and a multi-part radio series.
James Stevenson was living with complications of Hepatitis C
and liver disease when he was hospitalized on New Year's Eve
with bleeding of his esophagus. He was too ill or sedated to
speak for several days, but shortly before he died was able
to say good-byes to his family.
In addition to his partner and sons Scott and Star,
Stevenson is survived by daughter Elizabeth Stevenson
Buchanan of Milford, Mich.; sons James Stevenson of Azusa
and Zip Stevenson of Los Angeles, stepson Jerry Roach of
Santa Rosa, siblings Tom Stevenson of Salisbury, Maryland;
Billy Stevenson of Las Vegas, Bob Stevenson of Chandler,
Ariz.; Dan Stevenson of Phoenix, John Stevenson of Cullman,
Ala.; Mary Garlak of Commerce, Mich., and Nancy Hussey,
Janie Nichols, Sally Lucca, Terry Stevenson and Gerry
Stevenson, all of Waterford, Mich., and 11 grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held in Michigan.
Stevenson's family suggests memorial contributions to The
Smile Train, 41 Madison Ave., 28th Floor, New York, NY.,
10010, or www.smiletrain.org.
- Chris Smith
All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be
re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.
- Saturday, January 09, 2010 at 00:05:22 (EST)
Author: ladywithart@gmail.comPhoto Essay of James and His Family
Hi Everyone,
I've put together a page on the Lovin Dozen Site, with
many
photo's of James, Suzanne, and other members of their
family, and of course
photo's of the Lovin Dozen....here's the site address
www.stevenson12.shutterfly.com/james
I love you all! John
- Friday, January 08, 2010 at 20:43:06 (EST)
Author: njoynjohn@gmail.comOur Gentle Giant...May you finally rest in peace...
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
Our Dearest James~
You're now at peace... you've found the way...
We'll all catch up with you...someday
but till that time ~ we'll make it through...
and smile though tears with thoughts of you~
You've left behind such vividness...
your smile...your laugh...your tenderness...
A million memories live on~
should e'er a time~ we come upon...
when we should feel so all alone~
We'll think of all the love you've shown
and hear you whisper "in the wind"
or see your gentle giant grin...
We'll feel you here and walk along
and sense a strength to carry on~
Until the day we'll join you, dear
we'll do the work left for us here
continuing this family Love
with blessings from the Lord above
to carry on your Legacy
Sweet James~ through all eternity...
with all my heart~
Mary
- Thursday, January 07, 2010 at 00:41:35 (EST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comSweet brother James (May you Rest in Peace)
Dearest Family: Our brother James is now at rest. I was at
choir practice at church when I got the call. I was fixated
on a large crucifix in our church when I was given such
peace and the Lord comforted me in knowing James is now with
him. I was so moved I had to leave and come immediately
home. What a lover James was and it has been so very obvious
on how much we Love each other and no matter what we go
through or have been through, our family just keeps loving
each other more. What a legacy of Love Mom and Dad taught
us. How happy they must be this night as we sit sadly
remembering our partner, father, papa, brother, uncle. They
have received their first born back to them again. I know
the three of them are smiling down on all of us. I so feel
their presence. We must keep loving and caring and share it
with those who don't know the joy of having such a very
special family. We will always love you madly James and will
keep keeping on for you!! Gerry and Kelly
- Wednesday, January 06, 2010 at 21:42:03 (EST)
Author: gerryandkelly2@aol.comJAMES WINKS AT SISTERS TONIGHT
Tonight the three graces sang to James with other members of
this big loving family.
They then said how much they all loved and enjoyed our
children and Jane piped up something like, "And your sisters
aren't bad either." And he smiled and winked at them. So he
is still all there. Later he spit up more blood and Zip
raced over and picked me up and raced me back to be with
James in case this was the end and James wanted me to be there.
Scott and James Christopher are holding vigil tonight with
the help of a comfortable futon,pillows,and blankets.
How very blessed we are to have so much family love.
I love you all so very much. Thanks for sharing your brother
with me.
Suzanne
- Wednesday, January 06, 2010 at 03:49:06 (EST)
Author: ladywithart@gmail.comLove call from James
Today was the best of 2010 for me too!! This year has been
off to a very rocky start for Kelly and I. Having been
looking after Al Sarkozy since becoming hospitalized on
September 2 we were told at Christmas that he must go into a
nursing home. We have been going 40 miles one way almost
daily cleaning out his house! We received a call that
Kelly's aunt from California passed away. She was a lovely
lady. A friend of mine that I retired with lost her son in a
snowmobile accident a couple of days ago. All this while we
have been on an emotional roller coaster loving and praying
for James' every breath. Wanting to be there to hold him and
let him know just how very much we Love him but not able to
see him or talk to him has made it harder to say goodbye or
let him know once again that WE LOVE HIM. I told Kelly I
need to hear a good phone call rather than something else is
bad. Today I got that call. It was brother James calling us
to tell us that he loved us before we could call him to tell
him. Although very weak he talked to me and Tony as we were
cleaning out Al's rental house. Thank you so much Scott for
calling me for your Dad. I will treasure that phone call
like no other. I feel the same Love 2000 miles from you as
you all feel there. The Stevenson's were never rich but boy
are we wealthy with Love for each other and we always have
been. Suzanne, you have been so in our hearts and prayers
and I pray you know how much we Love you too and always
have. Please accept this huge e-mail long hug from Kelly and
I. We Love you all and are so with you in thoughts, prayers,
and LOVE. Gerry and Kelly
- Tuesday, January 05, 2010 at 19:08:29 (EST)
Author: gerryandkelly2@aol.comYet another wave of family
Hey there troopers!!
Praise God we're a coming!! Nancy, Janie, and I ( with
Mary in our hearts ) leave today, Tuesday for Santa
Rosa, we HAVE to get in on all this loven !! Our prayer is
that we get there on time. I know all of you have felt
this way too so keep us in your thoughts and prayers please.
Weather...crazy airports, long lines, we want none of
it !! Can't wait to see you all. Hang on James !! We
know you're in the best of company !!
We love you,
Sally Janie and Nancy
- Tuesday, January 05, 2010 at 09:01:01 (EST)
Author: sallyjlucca@aol.comWhat a Day!
Scott again writing here from the hospital via my dad's iPhone. We've had
an extremely joyous day today! It was one of the happiest days of my life!
Without trying to overburden dad and tire him out too much we did our
best to speak with him throughtout the day. It was truly a magical day as
he slowly came stronger and stronger back 'online' :-). We're now able to
essentially give him as much as he wants to drink and we will be slowly
transitioning him back to more and more solid foods as he regains more
and more strength. He's now resting comfortably asleep after having
consumed quite a bit of liquid nutrition mixed with a bit of rice earlier as
well as the better part of a cup of ice I served him when I got here. James
Christopher (James jr. - Jimmy) has been keeping vigil alone tonight until I
came at about 3:30 am. He managed to get another fold out bed chair
earlier and was sleeping when I showed up and is sleeping now. We're all
a bit exhausted from 'running the relays' of keeping dad comfortable and
and ensuring he is well looked after and cared for.
Earlier today there were some extremely memorable moments with folks
singing to dad like uncles Bob, Dan, and Terry. As he sang Terry played
the guitar that Dr. Mihalik lent us. These three uncles had to leave today
with Bob and Dad heading out in the afternoon and Terry in the evening.
We're all still quite aware that dad's life is still very much holding on by a
quite thin thread but just being able to talk back and forth with him and to
hear his wishes has been enormously comforting. Each word he has
expressed has been a joy to hear and it has made me think of a line from
one of those funny Dos Equis (XX) 'Most Interesting Man in the World'
commercials where the narrator says of the man, "people hang on his
every word....even the prepositions!" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYdwe3ArFWA&feature=youtube_gdata) :-)))) That is very much the
case right now with dad!!!
More to come later....
With love,
-Scott
- Tuesday, January 05, 2010 at 08:18:45 (EST)
Author: netscott+circleletter@gmail.coma quick tired note
It has been an honor to care for dad and help mom. We have
patiently packed 6 months of love into 3-4 days. So cool
to see a gentle giant speak so sweetly.
This from the author of the Jazz Loft Project;
Dear Star, thank you so much for the kind note. I also
got a moving voice mail message from Sandy in Detroit.
And I got an email from Tom Stevenson. I'm very thankful
for your reaching out. I offer you my deepest
condolences. I got a very nice voice mail message from
your father in mid-December and I was intending to call
him back this week after the holidays. He didn't mention
he was ill. I wish I'd known so I could have called him
back. I'm so glad he was able to see the book and enjoy
it. I saved his voice mail message and I'll burn it on CD
and keep it. He was one of the most meaningful parts of
our project. It was a pleasure knowing him.
I hope one day you and I can cross paths in person.
Many thanks again for reaching out to us.
Sam
--
Sam Stephenson
Jazz Loft Project Director
Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University
1317 W. Pettigrew Street
Durham, NC 27705
919-660-3608
919-681-7600 (fax)
www.jazzloftproject.org
- Tuesday, January 05, 2010 at 02:32:17 (EST)
Author: starstevenson@hotmail.comSuch AMAZING news!!!!
This is all so exciting... for every "ONE MORE DAY" we get
it is SUCH a blessing!!!! We will be very quiet on our end
of the skype until you give the go ahead :) Just to see him
will be a joy! I am so grateful that Sally, Janie, and
Nancy will be with James and all of you tomorrow!!! It's
been pretty cool that your Dad has proved the 24 to 48 hour
thing WRONG!!!! And most exciting is that you can now hear
his voice like normal...YEAH!!!! My continued LOVE and
PRAYERS to you James... and to ALL the family surrounding
you in person... can't wait to see you on SKYPE!!!!
love,
Mary
- Monday, January 04, 2010 at 20:17:36 (EST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comPossible video confrence call
Scott and I might try to put together a Skype.com video confrence call in
a couple of hours maybe ( around 11am our time?) if Dad has te energy
at the time.
My skype ID is ZIPHTC
- Monday, January 04, 2010 at 12:00:00 (EST)
Author: zipsIphone@gmail.comHe's Talking!!!!!!!!!
Dad is talking!!!!!! He's coming around a bit now and he's spoken to a few
people including my mom Suzanne to whom he said, "I love you babe!".
His first fairly clear statement was a response to my brother Jerry's "Good
morning" greeting at around 7 am with his own faint "good morning"!
I know that everyone is going to want to be talking to dad but I fear that
we might overstimulate him and perhaps get his blood pressure raised too
high which could potentially spark another burst vein crisis only with a
permanent end. I counsel everyone to be very patient and go slow in this
and to let dad regain his strength as he is still EXTREMELY tired and
weak!
I love you all and I am overjoyed to be able to share this news with you
all!
-Scott
- Monday, January 04, 2010 at 11:18:36 (EST)
Author: netscott+circleletter@gmail.comDad is talking!!!!!
I just heard my Dad's voice!!! Scott has been giving him juice all night
little by little and it did the trick and gave him enough strength to say
"Hello" in his distinct voice! I can't wait to share his voice with so those
that might like to hear it!
God bless you all for all the prayers and vigilance!
Love,
Zip
323-855-9521 (you can text me here if you like or call me)
- Monday, January 04, 2010 at 11:08:30 (EST)
Author: zipsIphone@gmail.comAnother Night Vigil
Scott here with another update this time via my dad's iPhone. I relieved
Uncle Dan and Uncle Bob around 2:30 am. Dad has been moved out of
the ICU and appears to be doing better tonight. It's now 5:30 am and he's
not had to have any blood or other fluids evacuated from his mouth/throat.
Today we discussed dad's health status with doctor Zhang who performed
the life saving balloon catheter operation to stem the flow of blood from
the vein(s) in dad's esophagus. Dad hasn't been able to get much if any
nourishment since he was administered to the hospital and has been
really weak. We think he's probably partially weak from no food. Given his
overall health issues we're sure that dad wouldn't want to die from a
simple lack of nourishment so long as he was able to eat in a normal
fashion (not nourishment via IV) so we decided to start slowly giving him
clear nutrient rich liquids to see how he supports them. Essentially we're
letting him let us know if he wants to eat/drink or not. Obviously if he
doesn't want to have anything he'll just refuse. According to the nurse on
duty tonight he was given a little bit of nutritious liquids earlier. As soon as
I got here I decided to go ahead and SLOWLY give dad some apple juice
and then a bit of liquid yoghurt with a juice washdown. He's responded
very positively and enthusiastically. With a bit of patience I'm giving him bit
by bit a small juice box's worth of juice as he wakes up intermittently on
his own throughout the night. Hopefully this will help nurse him back to
strength enough that he might be able to talk and directly express his
wishes about how he wants his care to proceed given the very tenuous
hold he currently has on life with respect to ultimate cause of all of his
health problems: his diseased liver.
I wanted to take a quick aside and express a big thank you to the folks
who with their love, work, time and finances have helped our family as we
cope with these developments surrounding dad's health crisis under. In
particular to those including Star's friend(s) and Jennifer's family (Thank
you Judy!) who've helped with lodging. Also a big thank you for the warm
hospitality expressed by Star & Jennifer, Jerry & Cindy, and Judy Ogne
(Jennifer's mother) who've hosted us for delicious meals at their homes!
And to all of the little gestures of purchasing food & drinks for those of us
keeping watch over dad. And lastly a big thank you to all of you who've
shared expressions of love and support in this time if need. THANK YOU!
Love,
-Scott
- Monday, January 04, 2010 at 08:53:24 (EST)
Author: netscott+circleletter@gmail.comHow we can help
may people have been aasking jenny, "how can we help"
Here is a very practical way we can. She sent this out
this weekend:
Happy New Year Everyone:
As the new year begins, so does our next adventure at
Johns Hopkins. Chris will begin his first treatment
session this coming Thursday. He will receive treatment
every 8 hours for 5 days, then he gets to come home for 14
days,... then repeat again. After the first 2 treatment
sessions, everything will be re-evaluated and he will
either continue on this course or move on to whatever
plan B may be.
Everyday, one of you wonderful people asks how you can
help, well, I have come up with a plan. A dear friend of
mine is creating a huge, decorative wall fan, and I will
be placing pictures of all of our friends in photo
pockets. This fan will decorate the wall of Chris'
hospital room wall to serve as a reminder of why he is
fighting and all of the amazing people fighting right
along with him.
So, how can you help? Become a member of Chris' "Fan
Club"! Send me a picture of you, our friends, and I will
put it up on his "fan". We received so many wonderful
Christmas cards with photos of your children, but I need
pictures of YOU too. I am not sharing the fan story with
Chris until he see it in his room after we check in, so
please don't mention it to him. As the "president" of his
fan club, it is my job to keep his spirits soaring, and
having your faces in view will certainly be a great head
start.
Emailed photos are fine, I can print them out, or just
throw them in the mail 26273 Pemberton Drive, Sby
21801. If you would like to pass this email on to others,
please do, it's a huge fan with lots for room
for "members".
Thanks for being such wonderful family and friends. We
are truly blessed to have you in our lives.
Wishing you a joyous and healthy New Year!,
Jenny barleysgirl@comcast.net
- Monday, January 04, 2010 at 08:46:05 (EST)
Author: thomaspaul@wowway.comPHOTOS OF JAMES BY FRIEND
To see some touching photos of JAMES by a wonderful friend
of ours go to
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fogline/4239160633/
Thanks for all your loving support and prayers.
We love you all. Suzanne
- Sunday, January 03, 2010 at 15:21:41 (EST)
Author: ladywithart@gmail.comamazing grace
We have an amazing family. Lately we have been enjoying
the wit and smile and music of Terry, the musical voice
and concern of Beth, the warm handshake of brother Bob and
his worldly stories of the East, the glow of TJ talking
about his expanding family, the subtle humor of Dan, Dan's
smile and his too good to be under the radar singing
voice! My dad's wheelchair bound friend sat with him for
hours before any of us got there and politely motored
around the crew when he notice the room filling up. Weve
had amazing and compassionate advice for Sandy's Tom, his
voice is warm and comforting even on the speaker phone of
a cell phone! Zip help Scott get here from Amsterdam and
it has been so sweet to see Zip'saffection for dad,I know
being a father and the oldest like dad in the clan that I
grew up with has very special meaning for him (they went
around and around when Zip was younger!)
I know that I am forgetting much more, can't imagine why...
Beth and Scott have sat vigil and some of us got a first
chance to sleep a night in our own beds since Christmas.
Funny to see that my dad's best friend Cal who I notified
of dad's difficulty got the first huge smile out of dad,
proving that a good friend can be family if we allow that
to happen.
In 11 years working in the hospital setting, I have never
seen a patient sang to by so many people in the ICU.
Music and family has been the grease and oil that has
helped make this chapter flow.
OK, no more writing Beth has come home to sleep and the
computer is in her room.
Love you guys.
Star
- Sunday, January 03, 2010 at 11:38:26 (EST)
Author: starstevenson@hotmail.comAll Night Vigil
Dear Family,
I love you so very much. There are so many amazing
blessings occurring right now. Dad feels your love. I spoke
to the nurse in the ICU. She told me that in an unusual
manner the ICU ward is has fewer patients than normal which
almost never happens. That being said, it has allowed us to
have all of the family able to be in the room with James.
There are too many things to put into words. Scott and I
have sta yed with Dad all night. I'm happy we have done
that because we can answer to his every need.
When those who are sleeping arrive they will continue on.
I gave him my down pillow. a last compfort to ease his
resting.
Dear God, Thank you for getting me here.
My family, a song that has been my theme song for so long
is an old gospel song "We've come this far by faith"
And here it is again...
I Love this man. I am such a lucky girl. I love all of
you too. I'm a wee bit delirious...forgive the ramble.
He is being so well cared for right now. We are going to
make sure we stand with him until the end. I know you are
standing with us too. SO many miricals are happening
because of your vigils. We are an amazing loving family.
The assistant night nurse Becky said that all the staff is
talking about what love they are feeling in this icu. She
said she feels such a "movement" of love. It is so true.
More later. I love you.
Bethie
- Sunday, January 03, 2010 at 09:10:05 (EST)
Author: bsings@mac.comContinuing to Bleed
Dad unfortunately is definitely continuing to bleed into
his digestive tract (his stomach). Towards the later half
of this night Beth was exhausted and sleeping and so I've
been up keeping an eye on him this whole time. I noticed
that he was struggling to breath and coughing a few times
over the course of the night and each time I've been sure
to call the nurse over to suction out any liquid build up
in the back of his throat. Up until about 1/2 hour ago all
of the liquid that had been suctioned was more or less
clear/transparent. Then the last suctioning that he had was
full of blood including a bit of congealed blood which got
caught on the suction device. This can only mean one thing
and that is that dad is slowly bleeding into his stomach.
With this unmistakable evidence of that occurring I
communicated with dad trying to determine how to best
ensure that he remains comfortable. I asked him if he
wanted his upper half raised a bit and he nodded in the
affirmative. Then at the new position I asked him if he
wanted to be raised further and he again nodded in the
affirmative. His upper half is now nearly vertical but he
is sleeping intermittently and it is likely that he'll have
less fluid build up in the back of his throat (it should
all drain to his stomach)and remain resting fairly
comfortably. I requested that the nurse give him liquid on
his tongue and she proceeded to place a couple of chunks of
ice there. It brought a smile to see this because it was
very obviously a pleasure for him in that he very
obviously "danced" the chunks of ice around on his tongue.
Unfortunately he's only being hydrated via an IV line
because if he were to drink normally he would likely
dissolve the bit of clotted blood keeping his current
bleeding to a trickle which would greatly hasten the
arrival of his death. At this point I also asked dad if he
was in any pain and he shook his head no.
What this very very likely means now is that dad will
probably slowly die from blood loss in a matter of hours.
I've informed him of the fact that Esther and Tom are
coming and that they would very much like to see him. Such
knowledge in his mind may help keep him alive until they
get here so hopefully they will arrive without much delay.
Oh how I wish everyone could be here now.
One of the doctors working here is a guitar player and has
offered to bring his guitar for us to use. Uncle Terry (who
was amazingly waiting for me at the airport when I arrived
in San Francisco) cracked a big smile when the doctor was
offering the guitar and one could see by the twinkle in his
eye that he'd put the instrument to good use. I know that
it would be a big comfort for dad to here some music
including some guitar playing so hopefully he'll get a
chance to here some!
With all of my love,
-Scott
- Sunday, January 03, 2010 at 08:23:54 (EST)
Author: netscott+circleletter@gmail.comCommunicative
What follows is a brief description of some of the
significant things that happened today as I watched them
unfold. I've tried to be as accurate as possible with
respect to the medical details but I can't guarantee that I
haven't made any mistakes in explaining these aspects.
Hopefully others will later get a chance to fill in their
views of the day's events and also fill in any detail gaps
that I might have made or correct error(s) I've made.
The good news: Dad is breathing on his own off of the
breathing machine and the sedative and has been able to
communicate with us. He had been on propofol (yes the same
drug that Michael Jackson was using) which is what the
doctor had been using to keep him in an induced sleep state.
While he was still intubated propofol administation was
ceased. A short while later the balloon tube (a kind of
balloon catheter) that had been in place staunching the
blood flow from the ruptured vein(s) in his esophagus was
deflated with the hope that a clot would have formed strong
enough to stem the blood flow. After removal no significant
bleeding appeared however there was some blood in his mouth
that had to be evacuated which did appear somewhat fresh
leaving open the possibilty that he is still bleeding from
the original point(s) but at a much reduced rate. He has
not been choking or showing signs of discomfort so far so
if there is bleeding happening at this point it is likely
at a much reduced amount, this given that his vitals appear
fairly stable (blood pressue, etc.).
Relative to ceasing the drug administration the general
expectation was that dad would come out of the drug induced
sleep / foggy state fairly quickly (in 20 minutes or so).
He didn't come into much consciousness with his eyes open
for a number of hours though, the nurses think that his
poor liver function likely played a role in this time delay
due to it not clearing the system of the drug very
efficiently. When he finally did come to he clearly
responded to us. First with some acknowledgements via some
eye blinking and nods and then after a while giving a
fairly clear smile at the sight of his good friend Cal Ares
entering the ICU room. Later on he became a bit more lucid
when Zip was talking to him. Zip asked him to stick out his
tongue if he loved him. Dad stuck his tongue straight out!
We spent the afternoon and the evening communicating with
dad as best we could. Many of those in attendance sang him
songs and then via cell phone-speaker phone the ladies in
Michigan (Sally, Mary, Janie? I think at Tony & Sally's
place?) sang him some more songs which moved him as he
smiled. After this it was suggested that he appeared to be
lucid enough to be extubated (have the intubation tube
removed) and so with some medical consultation and family
discussion (upon what should be done should any problems
develop) it was decided to have the breathing tube removed
and hope for the best. The tube was removed and dad
breathed fairly well on his own. Fortunately outside of the
issues with his liver and the veins in his esophagus his
other organs appear to be functioning fairly well (it can
happen that when one significant medical issue crops up in
one organ other organs will fail but so far this hasn't
appeared to happen for dad).
Now everyone save Beth and I has left the hospital to go
rest and come back tomorrow. Beth and I have decided to
take turns keeping watch over dad as the hospital has
provided a one person fold out bed in his room that we can
take turns sleeping in. We're here and dad appears to be
resting normally and his vitals are remaining fairly
stable.
I've made video recordings of most of what's happened here
today.
With any luck after a good night's rest dad will be in
better shape to try and talk with us tomorrow.
The not-so-good news: Unfortunately the issue with the
overtaxed veins in dad's esophagus is not going to go away.
It is very likely that even if he does come into full
lucidity that before too long the overtaxed vein (or veins)
will once again rupture and he'll once again be faced with
bleeding to death via such a rupture. As well he is faced
with poorer and poorer liver function due to the
tumors "crowding out" the good portions of his liver that
have not so far been affected by the hepatitis C afflicting
him.
The staff here at the Kaiser Permanente ICU Santa Rosa have
been very attentive to dad and very accomodatind towards us
family members with hospitality and warmth. We are thankful
for such care.
Look for more updates to come in the next days.
Love to all,
-Scott
- Sunday, January 03, 2010 at 03:44:55 (EST)
Author: netscott+circleletter@gmail.comToday is the day
I thankfully have arrived here in Santa Rosa safe and sound yesterday. I had a
chance to see dad although in his induced sleep state he wasn't conscious but I
held his hand and it was warm and he appeared to be resting ok. Uncle Bob and
Dan showed up here yesterday as well as Tony (TJ) and from what I hear there
are more people coming. We're all going to see my dad at the Santa Rosa Kaiser
Permanente hospital intensive care unit around 1 o'clock (4 o'clock Michigan
time) where with some luck dad will be brought out of his induced sleep state
and we'll be able to communicate with him and have him acknowledge us. He
unfortunately won't be able to talk because of the intubation that is helping to
keep him alive but if he has a bit of strength and can understand us he should
be able to recognize we're there. We're all very hopeful that once he's brought
out of his sleep state that he'll come around and see us all there to support him.
If it feels appropriate I will see about video recording this such that those who
couldn't be here will be able to experience on a more personal level what we're
going to experience with all of this.
I love you all and am very appreciative of all the words of support and gestures
of comfort!
Thank you with love,
-Scott
- Saturday, January 02, 2010 at 13:35:23 (EST)
Author: netscott+circleletter@gmail.comJazz loft recordings
Andy thanks for that link. Jeanne and I have been
listening to the recordings this morning. Uncle James is
mentioned in each one we have heard so far, severall wiht
interviews or recordings of him. There is a great tpe of
him talking in number 2 and and interview in two or three
from a few years ago.
As we hold Uncle James and his family and all our family
close in our prayers today, this is a wonderful way to
honor the gift he is to us.
Love, Tommy
- Saturday, January 02, 2010 at 10:52:52 (EST)
Author: thomaspaul@wowway.comJimmy Stevenson and Chick Corea
I saw Star's posting on Facebook that he had recieved the
Jazz Loft Project Book for Christmas.
I went to the website and wanted to see if they had any of
the music available to listen too.
http://www.jazzloftproject.org/index.php
They have a radio series that is being produced. I just
randomly picked out episode #9. About four mins. in...
they start talking about Jimmy Stevenson, and then play
a recording of him playing with Chick Corea.
http://beta.wnyc.org/shows/jazz-loft/
Wow... I am glad I discovered that tonight.
My love and thoughts are with you Uncle James.
-Andy
- Friday, January 01, 2010 at 23:57:36 (EST)
Author: stevensonforest@yahoo.comGrace under fire
Yesterday dad began to vomit copious quantities of blood
and again became unconscious. Many of you know that while
his is physically on his way the the hall of fame, his
mind is sharp. He was teaching us how to use his I-Phone
the day he was re-admitted and never needed a cane or help
physically. Beth spent the day before his re-admittance
helping him to make Cat Scan appointments in San Francisco
and took mom and dad out fo dinner. So grateful that Beth,
James and Zip are going to be here. Grateful that so many
of us were able to get together for Beth's Wedding and
reunion. Amazing to be in the grinder during Christmas and
all the usual craziness that the holidays bring.
We learned yesterday that actually the cirrhosis was much
more advance and that blood was having a hard time getting
through the liver and had cause a back-up that put a
strain on very thin vessels lining the stomach and
esophagous. Essentially the vessles were stretched like
ballons to their breaking point with no ability to recover
or heal. Doctors tried to wrap rubber-band like material
around a bleeding vessel, but dad had compensated for
years the huge vessel would simply throw the rubberband
off. To keep dad alive for family to arrive the placed a
long cylinder tube in his throat and inflated it to hold
manual pressure against the bleeding site. He had to be
temporarily intubated on a breathing machine and sedated.
In addition, we learned, after dad was sedated that the
cat scans Beth helped him with revealed 3 new liver tumors
outside the treatable field set-up with gold pellets for
the cyberknife surgury that dad wanted to see through. He
explained that it was experimental and would help make it
easier on other families in the future.
I promised him that we would not let him 'hang out' on
life support, but I know he would be thrilled to see his
children even if it were for the last time.
Amazingly, doctors say that because his brain, lungs,
heart, kidney are fine, he could go home but his tissue
paper thin clot hold the bleeding at bay will rupture and
he would again be vomiting until he passed out. Finding a
graceful way to allow him to finish his career is coming.
He explained in the ER, that he wanted to be creamated and
his ashes spread at Burning Man, he wanted a wake with a
fun atmosphere and people could say a few words. he kidded
me that he was surprised to have made it past 40 years and
that he burned hot in his day...WOW, think god for the
Jazz Loft Project. I recieved the book as a gift Christmas
morning and had him admitted Christmas night. Not an
accident.
If he goes home, we want to have hospice involved and hope
for grace to take its course.
I hope that my dad is the first of 12 to pass, he is the
oldest, it is poetic and he would have wanted it that way.
Star
- Friday, January 01, 2010 at 13:33:49 (EST)
Author: starstevenson@hotmail.comFamily is with you!
January 1, 2010
Dearest Suzanne, Jerry, Cindy, Jim, Chitome, Beth, Dave,
Zip, Liz, Scott, Star and Jennifer and your families: We are
deeply saddened to hear of James rapid health decline. It is
so very hard to be so many miles away at times like these.
Everyone here seems at a loss as to what we can do. Our
prayer is that Scott will be home before God calls James
home. I so wish Kelly and I could fly out there to be with
all of you but it is not at all possible for us at this
time. I hope that after he passes that we can have a living
memorial celebration of life gathering here in Michigan as
we did when my dads brother Uncle Dan passed. I know that
you have all been through so much over the years and you
have had great times as well as difficult ones. Being the
youngest of the 12 I never knew James in daily life, only
when he would come home for visits. Those times were always
special. I remember on one of his visits, James taught me
how to tie a tie!! A good one at that. James was always so
very special to Mom and Dad as he was their first born. I
remember when Fr. Delaney retired and we went to this fancy
club where everyone was dressed up and James came to the
event dressed in jeans and tennis shoes with his long hair
and beard and despite stares from those who didn't know this
stranger once he got up with the band and played the bass
and seen how proud Dad was of him he was no longer stared at
but rather loved and accepted by everyone after that first
jam session. This past summer was magical as have been most
times of late when the 24 of us had been able to gather
together. James was such a lover and he just couldn't get
enough of us while he was here. We so enjoyed our visits
when you were able to come here and when we were there for
Star and Jenny's wedding. I remember all 4 of us sitting in
the hot tub at our hotel just laughing and loving our time
together. Please know that James will always be alive to us
as Mom and Dad are and our family's legacy of LOVE will go
on forever. With heavy and loving hearts once again how I
wish we were there in person to hug everyone of you. With
lasting memories he'll forever be in our hearts. Loving
James and the rest of you madly!! Gerry and Kelly
- Friday, January 01, 2010 at 12:35:03 (EST)
Author: gerryandkelly@aol.comUnable to speak
For those who might want to call James to say goodbye, please
understand he is in an induced coma will be essentially be revived in
order to "see whoever is present". Because of the breathing apparatus
and the tubes running down him he will be able to verbally respond to you
although he should be able to hear you fine.
He is well aware of all the powerful love our family has for him and it is
truly awesome for me to behold!
Much love,
Zip
- Friday, January 01, 2010 at 01:30:18 (EST)
Author: zip@htcamerica.comVERY BAD NEWS - Doctor says James has around 24 to 48 hours of life
With tears in my eyes as I write this, it is with great sadness that I've learned
from my brother Zip who is now in Santa Rosa that our father's doctor gives him
between 24 to 48 hours to live. I am flying out of Amsterdam in about 5 hours to
arrive in San Francisco at 1:30 p.m. (SF time) tomorrow to say goodbye.
According to Zip they have managed to temporarily get his bleeding under
control using a sort of 'reverse tourniquet' down his esophagus which must
remain in place lest he expire immediately. He is currently in intensive care,
intubated and the doctor is essentially saying that they will try to keep dad alive
until I get there. A significant part of why his imminent death is so suddenly this
harsh reality is that in diagnosing what has caused this latest bleeding episode
the doctors discovered additional malignant lesions in his liver which combined
with the fact that he has hepatitis C and is in such a weakened state now
precludes him from essentially all possible avenues of curative recourse both
surgical and non-surgical.
This very much looks like we all will be saying goodbye very very shortly. To
anyone wishing to say goodbye to him at the hospital now would be the time to
make travel arrangements (flight, car rental, etc.) with the earliest departure
possible.
For additional information my brother Zip can be reached at this number: 323-
855-9521
With heavy heart filled with love and sadness,
-Scott
- Friday, January 01, 2010 at 00:38:16 (EST)
Author: netscott+circleletter@gmail.comMore info about James - going in for surgery
Dad's going in for surgery as I write this. According to my brother Star and my
mom, he developed nausea today and subsequently began to vomit congealed
blood and then fell in the bedroom. He appears to have additional internal
bleeding and it is not exactly clear at this point what's caused it and where it is
happening at other than somewhere in his digestive tract. The Santa Rosa
doctors are trying to implement a sort of stop gap procedure to stop the
bleeding and get him stabilized so that they can possibly get him transfered
down to San Francisco to work out a more permanent solution based upon
whatever is causing this latest issue. I called from here in Amsterdam where I
am at currently and spoke with him and expressed that I loved him and he
responded by saying he loved me. I told him that I hoped he would be alright
and that we'd talk again after which he was whisked away and didn't really have
a chance to respond. I am really hurting right now not being there and have had
tears in my eyes as these latest developments unfold. I've been talking to him
nearly everyday (where possible) since he's gone in for the initial surgery for his
CyberKnife procedure and I just spoke with him yesterday where he sounded
much improved.
Normally I'd wish everyone a Happy New Year here now but I am just not feeling
it. Thank you to my mom and brothers (especially Star) for keeping us apprised
and thank you to everyone for your support!
Love you all,
-Scott
- Thursday, December 31, 2009 at 21:31:49 (EST)
Author: netscott+circleletter@gmail.com"Uncle James Stevenson" back at the
Dad found himself back at the Hospital in Santa Rosa. They will probabily
move him back to San Fran to be able to give him better care tomorrow.
Signed,
Zip
(from the Rental car shuttel at Oakland, CA)
- Thursday, December 31, 2009 at 21:10:06 (EST)
Author: zip@htcamerica.comJAMES COMING HOME TODAY
James sounds a lot stronger and he expects to come home today.
Beth will be here this afternoon and will stay with Star and Jenifer at their
lovely home.
James and Sammie are driving and will be here sometime today. They will stay
in the trailer in our back yard.
Star and Jenifer have been such a great support system for James. Taking him
blanket, hat, scarf, etc to help keep him warm and great coffee and visiting
him at least once a day.
I've been exhausted but now only tired from the stress, sitting in the hard
chairs in the hospital and not getting to bed til 2am. fri and sat nights. I'm
resting as much as I can so I can take care of James when he comes home.
I'm better now especially with James coming home.
Star just called. He is bringing him home shortly. HURRAH!!!!!
Call on my # as James only phone now is his cell 707 579-0500 and it is
dead.
My number 1 707 578-3983 3 hours earlier from east coast.
Love to you all and thank you so very much for your prayers and good wishes.
Suzanne
- Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at 15:06:22 (EST)
Author: ladywithart@gmail.comnews continues to get better!
Dad (James Stevenson) took a long walk in the halls of the
hospital without a cane or device and his bowels are
moving with fury!
His moxie :) is coming back and he told the nurse, perhaps
a little to premature for my comfort, that he is ready to
return home.
I have left notes for the doctor as to the new diarrhea
and hope to set up and outpatient schudule in which he can
drive back to the hospital on a routine basis and have his
blood sampled to check for blood loss anemia (he continues
to be quite cold despite the blankets I took him)
His cyber-knife consultation appointments have been
cancelled for now.
I left his number in the letter below and he would love to
hear from people, I recommend calling just before
breakfast, lunch or dinner our time (he sleeps after meals)
Love,
Star
- Monday, December 28, 2009 at 14:58:05 (EST)
Author: starstevenson@hotmail.comI Love You
My Dear family,
I love you very much. Thank you for your prayers. Mary you
said it very well, it is so difficult when your family is
going through crisis and you can't just hop in the car and
physically be present with those you love so much.
Jenny & Chris, I have been lifting you up in pray everyday.
I do wish we could all be closer.
Looking at the positive, it is great that we have so many
ways to communicate with each other. This circle letter,
facebook, Skype....
Star, I so appreciate you filling in everyone with all the
medical details. When you are so far away it feels so much
more out of control. When you spell out all the specifics
it helps to clear things up for me and all of us.
I am glad I made the decision to come out now and not wait
till February. However, Dave and I plan to both go out in
February as well.
Again, Thank you our dear family for all your love...(that
was a beautiful analogy Aunt Nancy)...and your prayers. We
are so blessed to have the support system that we have.
Beth
- Monday, December 28, 2009 at 08:40:13 (EST)
Author: bsings@mac.comThanks for the prompt updates...
Hey Star and Suzanne~
Thanks so much for the quick updates on all that is
happening to James... just like with Chris Palmer... it is
very frustrating NOT to be able to run right over and hear
first hand the status of Chris or James... THIS, I think,
is the HARDEST part about living far away from the ones we
love... in times of crisis...it's very difficult because
you just want to run right over and hug the ones sitting on
pins and needles...who need some extra love and support to
calm fears and even to pray with...so to all the Maryland
families and the Santa Rosa families...Thanks for keeping
us "in the loop" ...it does ease the fear and give us
specifics to pray about...
Is James up to talking on the phone? I know this Big old
family would love to talk to him but if we all call one
after the other ...he'll tire out pretty fast!!! How can we
know who's called him or not? Any kind of a system we can
set up? Let me know if you've got any ideas...Thanks!
So once again~
To you James and to you Chris...we continue to send ALL our
love and support! God bless you both...
xoxoxo,
Mary
- Monday, December 28, 2009 at 07:58:33 (EST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comLatest news on James "Jimmy" Stevenson
Dad is resting comfortably in the local hospital. Today he
recieved 2 additional unit of blood and continues to
receive IV fluids; constipation has been an issue and he
likely has a slight fever as an expected reaction to
having 7 donor blood transfusions in 2 days; fatigue has
been omnipresent. As for the constipation, perhaps the
crowding on the intestines from the liver fluid or ascites
is a factor. Not sure if being chronically dehydrated is
an issue as well, perhaps his food material is not
recieving as much water and has therefore become thick and
hard to pass(wow that was a polite way of saying that!)
The nurse was surprised to hear that at age 70, dad was
only on 3 medicines related to his liver cancer and has
never taken pain meds! (not even tylenol)
His blood is being sampled every 6 hours to ensure that
his blood loss has slowed or stopped, and will not be
released from the hospital until he has consistent blood
levels and stops having low blood pressures.
We had hoped that doctors had "nicked" or damaged one of
hundreds of small and fragile blood vessels in the liver
while having gold pellets installed around his liver tumor
last week. The gold pellets "light up" during x-rays and
give radiation doctors the best chance of directing
radiation directly at the tumor without harming critical
structures nearby (Bile duct for food breakdown and portal
(hepatic) vein for food absorbtion)
Turns out that infact the tumor itself is now bleeding and
is the source of his near fatal blood loss. The tumor has
attracted 4 "rouge" or wild arteries to itself, so last
night doctors poisoned (embolized)the 4 vessels with the
hope that this would stave the liver tumor, shrink its
bulk and reduce or stop the oozing of blood from the
liver. (apparently the tumor is like tightly wooven ball
with tiny holes that can leak bleed into the tissues
between organs)
The interventional radiologist (Dr. who performs small
surguries under the guidance of real time x-rays or
flouroscopy)explained that srinking the tumor would have
been the goal of the cyber-knife procedure, but he did not
rule out dad still having the additional cyber-knife
procedure once he was stable to travel.
For now we are waiting to hear about how recent events
will affect the cyber-knife procedure; one thing is for
sure, that IF it is still on the table and can further
diminish the size of the tumor than dad wants it....The
ICU doctor seemed to indicate that the global/medium
range?? situation is serious (which is well know to us),
but not a lot of experience with prognosis, so we are
taking it
day by day, and it DOES seem to be a situation that can be
managed with transfusions, so that decisions can be made
very methodically, without rush and with dads
participation. For now he certainly seems to be out of
imminate harms way and I bet he comes home in the next 1-3
days.
Dad is at Kaiser Hospital Santa Rosa in room 204 bed #1
and can be reached by calling:
707-393-4000 ask to be connected with patient James
Stevenson. :)
Star Stevenson
Cell 707-483-5876
- Monday, December 28, 2009 at 00:43:13 (EST)
Author: starstevensn@hotmail.comJAMES SUNDAY UPDATE 5:00 PM
James taken by ambulance to Santa Rosa Kaiser West 2nd floor.
Room 204.
707 393 4938 Had another blood transfusion this morning.
Out of intensive care.
I'm exhausted, slight sore throat, resting today, catching
up on chores.
Love you all so much. Thank you for all your prayers. It's
working.
Beth coming Tues. Will stay with Star and Jenifer.
More later.
Love, Suzanne
- Sunday, December 27, 2009 at 20:09:16 (EST)
Author: ladywithart@gmail.comBack to Santa Rosa
Hi Family...
Gerry called to say that Suzanne called him and they are
transporting James back to the Hospital in Santa Rosa. They
have stopped the bleeding.. I believe he said that the Cyber
surgery may be delayed until he is strong enough.
Keep up your prayers and watch for updates from the kids.
Say an extra prayer for Beth as she flies out to California
on Tuesday. Love you all...Janie
- Sunday, December 27, 2009 at 18:40:33 (EST)
Author: jimnjane@comcast.netWhat a Lyric!
HOW EXCITING IS THE NEWS ABOUT JAMES!!!!! I am SO HAPPY!!!
Hopefully James can heal and the cyber surgery can go on as
planned..
you know Nancy... it's interesting how we sing a song year
after year and sometimes never REALLY check out what the
words are truly saying... that line in Oh Little Town of
Bethlehem... reading it like that made it come to
life..."The hopes AND FEARS of ALL the years are met IN
THEE tonight"... so powerful...
I wonder how the day to day lives of the world were before
Jesus was born ....did they talk about a coming Savior? Did
they know He would be born in a stable somewhere? did
anyone REALLY believe it could be true???
...I was thinking about us that day at your house on
Archdale when Douglas was telling us about the "end times"
coming when there would be a time when there would be no
need for money and how very subtley it would all take
place...beginning with this "NEW" thing called a "DEBIT
CARD" eventually easing into a system where everyone would
get a mark on their hand or forehead representing how much
money they had in a "world" system.etc..etc.. WE ALL
THOUGHT THAT WAS SOOOOOO WEIRD!!!!! We tried REALLY hard
to understand how ANYONE IN THEIR RIGHT MIND would give in
to "having a mark tatooed into their forehead or hand..."
it was just too far fetched but Douglas said the process
would be so"slick" no one would think it's weird at
all...well, that was 30 years ago and TODAY people are
having micro GPS systems implanted in their pets to find
them if they're lost and now parents are thinking: " What a
great idea for our children or ALl people... no one would
dare kidnap anyone cuz they would be discovered
immediately..I would definitely do that to my children and
myself... " and NO ONE thinks they are OUT OF THEIR MIND
for thinking like that now...hmmm... I mean not that far
off from using an implanted micro chip for all of our
banking system, health info. etc... no need to carry a
wallet.. ALL our information would be IN us... whoa...if
that doesn't sound exactly like what Douglas was talking
about... it's almost right on the money... CRAZY huh?
Well... it can't be any crazier then what people must've
thought about a SAVIOR coming... and when He came... and
lived His life and ALL the things prophecied about Him came
true... WHAT did they think? Some believed and
followed ...some didn't .... It's ALL so interesting to me
what the people of this world choose to hold as
truth...ok...
I know I just when off on a tangent there but ... ya have
to admit ...it IS food for thought...
Thank the Lord for giving the Doctors great insight as to
fix the leak in James's body and give him some more time
here for us to love him and hold him dear...
God bless you, James! you are ALL in our thoughts and
prayers continuously!
Love,
Mary
- Sunday, December 27, 2009 at 12:42:38 (EST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comGood News Indeed
So happy this morning to read about the marvelous work of
the doctors at San Francisco's Kaiser Hospital taking care
of our beloved "patriarch"....not to mention the hundreds of
prayers being heard by God above to restore his weakened body.
I told James recently that healing's just another word for
love. And there's no doubt about the outpouring of love
from family and friends everywhere. How could this not be
when he is so loving toward everyone else....and charming.
What is MOJO anyway? I love that expression.
Now we will continue our "vigil" for you, James, and for
Chris and for all of the needs in our family. Where would
be if we didn't have the Lord to turn to. "The hopes and
fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight".
Keep this good news coming. I love you all so much.
Nancy
- Sunday, December 27, 2009 at 08:22:10 (EST)
Author: newwine2009@comcast.netUpdate on Dad (and Uncle to most)
Good news! Dad was moved to San Frandisco to be stablized at a well
equipped Kaiser Hospital and the proceedure was a success! He was
suffering from internal bleeding and the MD was able to cauterize it.
Thanks for all the prayers!!
Star, Jennifer, Suzanne and Zip
- Sunday, December 27, 2009 at 00:12:52 (EST)
Author: zip@htcamerica.comJames Stevenson Update
Dad had a combination of dyhydration and impressive anemia
(blood loss). He essentially passed out from having low
oil pressure in the engine and should not be passing out
now that they have re-hydrated him, gave him transfusions
of blood and transfusion of platelets which allows our
blood vessels to clot. The platelets should act as a
temporary dam to stop futher internal bleeding.
He is being transferred out of town to San Francisco,
because they expect to have to cauterize a bleeding blood
vessel near his already watery liver. We are hopeful that
they can do this laproscopically (4 holes the size of a
pencil) rather than opening up a man who has a tendency to
bleed too much.
I would imagine with the Holiday weekend, he could be in
the hospital a couple to several days :(
Of course, he thinks it is all facinating and continues to
charm the doctors and nurses with his Stevenson MOJO!
Nothing says Merry Christmas like getting "the call"
I'll keep ya posted here and perhaps facebook if we get
the chance.
My Cell Number is 707-483-5876 (try this or mom's below
first)
Jennifer's is 707-483-5601
- Saturday, December 26, 2009 at 17:10:04 (EST)
Author: starstevenson@hotmail.comJAMES IN HOSPITAL
James passed out last night fell on bathroom floor. I called
ambulance. He is in Kaiser Santa Rosa. #707 393 4000 RM 207
#2. Having blood transfusion now maybe plasma next. Morphine
last night for liver pain where he had gold put in on the 21st.
My number 707 578-3983.
Please let everyone know right away.
Love, Suzanne
- Saturday, December 26, 2009 at 13:19:48 (EST)
Author: ladywithart@gmail.comMERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL
HO HO HO
Merry Christmas to you all
and to all a
Very Happy New Year
Papa James
- Friday, December 25, 2009 at 18:45:05 (EST)
Author: jis@windgifts.comBill & Sharon's 50th 6/25/10
Hi Everybody! Hope everyone is enjoying their holidays.
I'm not sure if I posted this already but we were thinking
for our parents 50th anniversary we would take them to
dinner Bucca Di Beppo and if anyone planned on visiting
around that time and wanted to join us and surprise them
we could ask them to put us in the big room (our friends
used it for their wedding rehearsal dinner). Just let me
know if this works, it'll be here before we know it!
Love, Erin
- Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 21:02:45 (EST)
Author: erindell@hotmail.comChris update from Jenny
feel free to forward my last email to whomever you have been
keeping in contact with about Chris. That is the message we
want out there, HOPE! I love you all,Jenny
Yes, there's no place like home for the holidays, and that
is exactly where the Palmer's will be spending it. So,
that's good news!
Now, for the rest of the story...
Yesterday's PET scan discovered more tumors than suspected
therefore putting the lung surgery on the back burner for
the time being. Chris has some soft tissue tumors near his
spine which will now be excisively biopsied on Monday,
December 21 - (completely removed for the purpose of testing
and discovery). The goal here is to 100% confirm the type of
Cancer that it is. His team of doctor's at Johns Hopkins
firmly believe it to be Melanoma, but due to his medical
history, they want 100% confirmation so we can proceed with
the best course of action.
There are so many clinical trials taking place, and great
medical breakthrough's happening all the time that we feel
confident that we can once again fight this battle with
everything we've got and come out VICTORIOUS!
We are so grateful for our family and friends strength,
believe me, we can feel your prayers and positive energy!
THANK YOU ALL!
Yesterday, when Marshall went to school, his teacher, Andi
Coulson, (goddess in my eyes), gave him a Gold Christmas
Bell, and told him to Believe. When we came home last night
and told him we wouldn't be gone for 5 days, he shared the
bell story with me and said, "Mommy, I believed all day and
I wished really, really hard that you and Daddy wouldn't be
gone for 5 days, and my wish came true... my bell works!"
God Love you Andi!
The perspective of our 7 year old is the one we are choosing
to live by. We BELIEVE, and we are quite certain that our
"Bell" will work!
May you all have a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah.
Enjoy and believe in this Season of Miracles.
Love, Jenny
- Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at 21:38:19 (EST)
Author: thomaspaul@wowway.comChili Mac
CHILI MAC
2 lbs. of ground beef
1 large onion (chopped)
1 green pepper (chopped)
2 Lg. cans of crushed tomatoes
1 can of red kidney beans
1/2 c. Brown Sugar
1 tblspn. mustard
salt, pepper, chili powder
1 box of elbow macaroni
Brown the ground beef along with onion, green pepper and
salt and pepper(May use garlic salt if you'd like). Once it
browns, drain off grease and add the crushed tomatoes,
kidney beans, brown sugar, mustard and chili powder. Salt &
Pepper to taste.
Separately, cook the box of elbow macaroni as directed on
box. Once this is done, add the cooked noodles to the chili.
This has been a family favorite as long as I can remember.
Enjoy!! Love Brother Ger
- Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at 21:29:53 (EST)
Author: GerryandKelly2@aol.comCHILIE MAC RECIPE
Hello Everbody,
Does anybody know Ma's recipe for
Chilie Mac? It was so good I ate a ton of it.
I think most of us (the brothers and sister's)
did.
Love You all,
Papa James...
- Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at 16:55:34 (EST)
Author: jis@windgifts.comsuper easy appetizer
Hey Johnny~
We make the most simple appetizer but it's awesome!!
Take a large can of chili ( with or without beans) and a
bar of Philadelphia Cream Cheese ...put the chili in a
microwavable bowl and plop the bar of cream cheese in the
center of the chili and cook for 3 minutes...the cheese
will be easy to stir into the chili and VOILA!!! dip your
tostada chips into it and there you go...you could double
the recipe and that would go a long way for not much
effort at all :)
or a SUPER easy dessert is to take 2 cans of cherry pie
filling and put it in the bottom of a non stick cake pan ~
spread it out and cover it with a whole box of white or
yellow cake mix ( still in the powder form ~ not
batter) ... take a stick of real butter and cut
thin slices of the butter and lay each square out over the
top of the cake mix till it is covered... put in a 350
degree preheated oven and let it bake for 45 minutes to an
hour...Let it cool down somewhat & that's all there is to
it...MMMM GOOD!!! hope you enjoy them :)
I love you guys...have a GREAT time at the party!
xox, Mary
- Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at 23:37:38 (EST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comFood recipe needed......
Hi Everyone,
Joy and I are going to her office party, and we need a
dish to pass.... There will be around 35 people there....
What would be a good one....much love, John
We are praying for you James, and also for Chris
- Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at 22:16:41 (EST)
Author: njoynjohn@gmail.comZIPITY DO DAH!
If you want to see a really sweet feel good video check this
out from the 1947 movie "Song of The South."
ttp://www.youtube.com/user/mmosssc51782
Love you all,
Suzanne
- Monday, December 14, 2009 at 17:56:40 (EST)
Author: ladywithart@gmail.comFor Sale "The Jazz Loft Project"
GET YOUR COPY AT AMAZONBOOKS.COM FOR ONLY $23.40.
JAMES is mentioned over 20 times and his photo by W. Eugene
Smith is included full page.
1.
Product Details
The Jazz Loft Project: Photographs and Tapes of W. Eugene
Smith from 821 Sixth Avenue, 1957-1965 by Sam Stephenson
(Hardcover - Nov 24, 2009) - Deckle Edge
Buy new: $40.00 $23.40
27 new from $23.40
4 used from $25.94
In Stock
Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping.
4.2 out of 5 stars (4)
This is so exciting plus Beth getting married all in one year.
Thank you so much for supporting us in your calls, cards,
and prayers.
Love,
Suzanne
- Monday, December 14, 2009 at 17:04:09 (EST)
Author: ladywithart@gmail.comWhat a THRILL!!!!
WOW JAMES!!!!
How incredibly exciting for you!!! We couldn't be
happier!!! Now I can't wait to check the book out...is it
available at Borders or other chain book stores across the
country? Let us know!!!
God bless you all this Christmas...We are still keeping
you INTENSELY in our prayers (along with Chris P.)
REMEMBER:
we're all in this together :)
Love you madly!!!
Mary
- Monday, December 14, 2009 at 00:44:44 (EST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comSAM STEPHENSON VIDEOS LINKS
Hi Everybody,
I had problems with both Sam Stephenson
video links, and I think these links will work better.
I Love You All!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azzNblu3K8U
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/33909201
Papa James...
.
.
.
- Sunday, December 13, 2009 at 20:21:41 (EST)
Author: jis@windgifts.comTHE JAZZ LOFT PROJECT
Hello Everybody,
A most wonderful thing happened to me
a couple of day ago.
My early days living in New York City
with Sandy came ROARING back to me via
a wonderful new Monograph (hard cover book)
Published by Alfred A. Knopf 288 pages
called the "JAZZ LOFT PROJECT.
Written by Sam Stephenson. (see link)
http://windgifts.com/The_Jazz_Loft_Project/
It is a retrospective of almost everything
that went on in the loft from 1957 thru 1965.
Looking thru this book brings it all back.
Their is much more information (brimming full)
in this book.
In the movie at the top of the list is a recording of
sample section of a tune I wrote called "CB-PB". As a
homage to:
Carla Bley (composer) and her husband
Paul Bley (Jazz player (Piano) extraordinaire)
All of the details for my Liver operation have been posted
else where in this wonderful vehicle Circle Letter.
I love you all and wish this to be the best holiday
season you've ever had!
Papa James...
- Sunday, December 13, 2009 at 18:43:45 (EST)
Author: jIs@windgifts.comMEDICAL UPDATE (SURGRY)
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Hello Everybody,
Tomorrow December 11th my CELL PHONE
will become 707.579.0500. My old cell phone
(707.529.2373) will be discontinued.
On December 21, 2009 at 11:00 p.m. (The winter Solstice)
at Kaiser San Francisco, I will be having a percutaneous
(the reverse of a biopsy) implants of 3 gold fiducial
markers (about the size of a grain of rice) around my liver.
Then:
On December 28, 2009 I will be having a CT
scan at Redwood City Kaiser at 12:00 noon and go
to Kaiser South San Francisco and at 3:00 p.m.
have a specialized CT scan.
Then:
On Monday, January 4, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. and
Thursday, January 7, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. and
Monday, January 11, 2010 at 2:00 p.m.,
I'll be having the CyberKnife Treatments.
Then Kaiser Cancer Department will watch me
like a hawk, to make sure the cancer has not returned.
I'm feeling very upbeat about my surgery.
Once again
I love you,
Everyone!
James...
.
.
.
- Thursday, December 10, 2009 at 16:16:42 (EST)
Author: jIs@windgifts.comChris Palmer Surgery update, Dec. 10th
Hello family,
Here's the latest news about Chris...
Today, Dec 10th, Jenny & Chris are at Johns Hopkins
Hospital in Baltimore where Chris is having a
pulmonary lung function test.
Dec. 15th....he will have another PT scan to see if the
growth has changed in the last month. Later that day there
will be a surgical consultation and pre-op testing.
Dec. 17th....is the tentative surgery date contingent
upon the consultation of the 15th.
Jenny is in the process of setting up a Caring Bridge
website so we can all be on the same page. I will let you
know when we get more info on this.
As always, all of your thoughts and prayers are graciously
accepted and most appreciated.
Love,
Tom & Esther
- Thursday, December 10, 2009 at 15:28:07 (EST)
Author: tomnesther@comcast.netHappy Birthdays
Happy December Birthdays!
12/1/2008 Nora Hull
12/8/1950 Tony Lucca
12/12/1974 Colin Garlak
12/14/1962 Mike Stevenson
12/16/1974 Jennifer Onge-Stevenson
12/17/1962 Jeanne Stevenson
12/18/1989 Jennifer Robinson
12/26/1957 Therese Pazdziorko
12/28/1992 Jacob Stevenson
- Thursday, December 10, 2009 at 15:11:40 (EST)
Author: thomaspaul@wowway.comChris Palmer Updates
(try #2 - the first must have gone to cyber space)
Hello all,
Things are moving along with Chris...
Today, Dec 10th, Jenny and Chris are at Johns Hopkins
Hospital in Baltimore where Chris is having a pulmonary
function test.
Tuesday, Dec. 12...he will have PT scan to see if the
growth has changed in the last month.
That afternoon there will
be a surgical consultation and pre-op testing.
Thurs. Dec 17...tentative surgery date contingent upon
Tuesday's consultation.
Jenny is in the process of setting up a "Caring Bridge"
website so anyone who wants updates will
all be on the same page. Will let you know as soon as she
gets an address for it.
As always, your thoughts and prayers are most graciously
accepted and appreciated !
Love,
Tom & Esther
- Thursday, December 10, 2009 at 14:17:48 (EST)
Author: thomapaul@wowway.comChris Palmer updates
Hello all,
Things are moving along with Chris...
Today, Dec 10th, Jenny and Chris are at Johns Hopkins
Hospital in Baltimore where Chris is having a pulmonary
function test.
Tuesday, Dec. 12...he will have PT scan to see if the
growth has changed in the last month. That afternoon there
will be a surgical consultation and pre-op testing.
Thurs. Dec 17...tentative surgery date contingent upon
Tuesday's consultation.
Jenny is in the process of setting up a "Caring Bridge"
website so anyone who wants updates will all be on the
same page. Will let you know as soon as she gets an
address for it.
As always, your thoughts and prayers are most graciously
accepted and appreciated !
Love,
Tom & Esther
- Thursday, December 10, 2009 at 14:14:43 (EST)
Author: thomaspaul@wowway.comNEW APPROACH TO MS & MEDICAL UPDATE
Their has been a Major Break Major Break through in Multiple Sclerosis
"The Liberation Treatment"
see link
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20091120/W5_liberation_091121/20091121?s_name=W5%20
James Medical Update:
I have a appoint to see Doctor Michelle S. Barry, MD
on December 21, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in San Francisco California.
She will be giving me the percutaneous implants of gold
fiducial (rice grain size) markers around my liver (the reverse of a biopsy)
About six days later Dr Amy Gillis will begin the Cyberknife Operation
on my Liver Cancer at the South San Francisco Medical Center
Radiation Oncology/Cancer Treatment Center
Love you all
~everyone~
James...
.
.
.
- Tuesday, December 08, 2009 at 21:42:04 (EST)
Author: JIs@windgifts.comPrayers for James and Chris Palmer
Thanks for the update James on your cell and especially
the surgery. Please know that we are praying for both you
and Chris Palmer that the cancer will be stopped in it's
tracks!! Please let us know the date so we can gather in
prayer to uplift the surgery. We Love you madly, Gerry and
Kelly
- Monday, December 07, 2009 at 18:14:28 (EST)
Author: GerryandKelly2@aol.comUNCLE BOBBY'S RECORDINGS
Hello Everybody
Below is a link to (as far as I know) the complete recordings
of Uncle Bob (Dad's) brother. The older brothers and sisters should
enjoy some of these recordings.
The recordings in Stereo are from "Steinways Staged for Stereo"
with Henry Rose on the left trac and Bobby on the right.
The recordings, in Mono are from "Patterns in Purple
Love You All. Everyone!
http://www.windgifts.com/BOBBY_STEVENSON//
.
.
.
- Sunday, December 06, 2009 at 22:26:35 (EST)
Author: jis@windgifts.comCELL PHONE AND MEDICAL UPDATE
Hello Every body,
Young Nancy, Great Family Picture!
Can you place it in facebook and add
(as best you can) the names of each face.
Hope you all enjoy the holiday season.
As of Friday December 11th my cell phone
will become 707.579.0500. My old cell phone
(707.529.2373) will be discontinued.
Next week I should be having 4 (rice grain size)
gold pellets placed around my liver cancer and
then having Cyberknife surgery 5 or 6 days later.
I'm feeling very upbeat about my surgery.
I love you, everyone!
James...
- Sunday, December 06, 2009 at 16:18:31 (EST)
Author: jis@windgifts.comGood Job Nanc !!
Nanc,
Great job on the photo shopping !! One of the best I've seen. I racked my
brain trying to figure out who Luke was holding !! Rachel saw it first !! How
funny. You look good too.
Speaking of good...Johnny is doing such an awsome job on the Loven Dozen
Fun Site. Everyday it's so different and better and even more fun !! You all have
to go on it.
I'm in sunny LA and it's hard to feel like Christmas when it's 70 outside. How
do you guys do it in AZ or NV ? Hope you're having fun anyway. God bless you
all at Christmas and always. Love to everyone. Sal
- Saturday, December 05, 2009 at 10:05:59 (EST)
Author: sallyjlucca@aol.comMERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE MICHIGAN STEVENSONS!!
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
- Thursday, December 03, 2009 at 11:52:36 (EST)
Author: jimnjane@comcast.netSURROUND THEM WITH LOVE
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
Happy Birthday Jenny...please know how much you, Chris and
Marshall are being prayed for as I write.
This powerful family has so much love and support during
times like this. You guys will never be
alone. Enjoy the day with your family and friends. YOU ARE
LOVED!!!!!
- Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at 08:27:59 (EST)
Author: jimnjane@comcast.netOne day late....
I believe I missed wishing someone a Happy Birthday
yesterday (11/23)...so here it is ONE DAY LATE ( or 364
days early for next year's birthday!!!)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY STAR!!!
I hope it was one of your very BEST!!!
also I hope you have an AWESOME Thanksgiving this coming
Thursday and get to
spend time with your FAMILY!! Give everyone a BIG hug from
me~
We love you!
Auntg Mary
- Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at 07:00:21 (EST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comPrayers for James
"I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me
from all my fears." PSALM 34:4
We love you James.....
- Friday, November 20, 2009 at 09:00:06 (EST)
Author: jimnjane@comcast.netA Prayer Vigil
James~
As soon as you know the exact date of the surgery let us
know so we can organize a prayer vigil that day... wherever
we are , if we can't all be together, we will try to let
everyone know so we can be lifting you up in prayer AT THE
SAME TIME before, DURING and after your surgery for a
SPEEDY recovery!!!!!
This will be a POWERFUL time for our family and I can't
wait!
We love you more than you could EVER know!!!!
Here are a few GREAT scriptures for you to hold onto in
this next coming week...
"TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL OF YOUR MIGHT AND DON'T LEAN ON
YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING..."
"DRAW CLOSE TO ME (God) AND I WILL DRAW CLOSE TO YOU"
"NOTHING CAN EVER SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD"
I'll send more as I can think of them :)
All my love,
Mary
p.s.
if anyone else wants to add some comforting scriptures for
James to hold onto during this time...PLEASE add to the
circle letter! :) Thanks!
- Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 10:09:44 (EST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comMEDICAL UPDATE (Good News)
Hello Everybody,
I have been accepted into the Kaiser Cyberknife Surgery
program, and will be operated on by Doctor Amy Marie Gillis
about a week after Thanksgiving.
Your loving cards are very special !!
Loveyou
James....
.
.
.
- Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 19:16:13 (EST)
Author: jis@windgifts.comHappy Birthday Dad!!!
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
- Sunday, November 15, 2009 at 10:55:28 (EST)
Author: njpynjohn@gmail.comMEDICAL UPDATE
Hello Everybody,
I will be having a Cyberknife Surgery evaluation at the
Kaiser Cancer Treatment Center at 220 Oyster Point Boulevard in
South San Francisco.
I'll be seeing Dr Amy Marie Gillis on Monday 11/16/ 2009 at 1:00 p.m.,
(Kaiser's Cyberknife specialist)
Love you
James....
.
.
.
- Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 14:34:20 (EST)
Author: jis@windgifts.comThe Prayers and WARM hugs continue...
Thanks, James, for the update...keep 'em comin' so we know
SPECIFICALLY how to fight this enemy in prayer... If we
could you know we'd be wrapping our arms around you in
person so you could feel this HUGE family "security
blanket" around you!!! Remember... God is 24/7... He NEVER
closes his doors...talk to Him FREQUENTLY bringing Him your
concerns and your cares... HE LOVES YOU even MORE than we
all do...so you can imagine HOW MUCH that is!!!! Be back in
awhile~
ALL MY LOVE~
Mary
- Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 07:19:57 (EST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comMEDICAL UPDATE
Hello Everybody,
You have all been so great what with
your prayers, letters, precious thought, great conversations,
and special intensions.
They make me feel so warm, encouraged and
upbeat inside.
I love you guys so much!
I have a Medical Update for you.
I have had the OK from Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Cancer Oncology
Center for a Cyberknife Surgery evaluation at the:
Kaiser Cancer Treatment Center at
220 Oyster Point Boulevard in
South San Francisco.
Hopefully I can get a appointment tomorrow,
(Tuesday November 10th 2009.)
As soon as I have more info I will let you know.
Love you soooo much! I give you big hug !!
James....
.
.
.
.
.
.
- Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 01:16:16 (EST)
Author: jis@windgifts.comPraying
Just wanted to let you know that we love you and are praying
for you everyday.
Much love
Gary and Cassandra
- Thursday, November 05, 2009 at 19:44:51 (EST)
Author: mommy0703@aol.comcontinue prayers of HOPE
Uncle James, Suzanne and crew! Thanks for the update, we
will continue to pray each and every day for you, by name,
for healing, peace and trust! St. Perigrine we ask your
intercession too!
As Mary said so well, we'll be asking for a peace that
surpasses all understanding. Jesus, We trust in you!
Lot's of love to you all.
add a prayer for Dillon too, he's got the flu, it's been a
few days, so hopefully he'll be better soon. We're also
praying it stops with him : )
Love, Tommy
- Thursday, November 05, 2009 at 09:02:22 (EST)
Author: thomaspaul@wowway.comthe case of the disappearing letter...hmmmm...
hmmm... had a letter posted a few minutes ago... watched it
go forth by clicking the processing page...even got a
notice
of my new letter... then poof...it disappeared...
well~ whatever happened to it...the best of intentions went
with it too....
love you, James...
someone must not have wanted you to read it...
I love you so much,
Mary
- Wednesday, November 04, 2009 at 23:17:47 (EST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comThanks for the update James
Please know that all of us in Alabama will continue to be
praying for your successful surgery, and your successful
follow up. We know who the Master Physician is...we know
who the Master Healer is....We know He can bring you
through this....We've seen it before, and we'll see it
again!
Very Much Love!!
John and Joy
- Wednesday, November 04, 2009 at 22:09:41 (EST)
Author: njoynjohn@gmail.comJames's Update...
James~
Weren't you hoping to be able to go the Cyberknife
treatment route in the first place???? It sound much less
invasive...
You know we will continue to pray for wisdom for the
doctors to know EXACTLY where to go and what to do in the
hopes that they will be able to get ALL of the liver cancer
removed...Plus praying for your inner strength to see you
through.... HOPEFULLY you can FEEL these
prayers from all of us back here~ deep in your heart and
that they will calm you and fill you with hope and peace!!!!
We will never stop praying for you James...We know and
believe that God is in control of EVERYTHING and He knows
EXACTLY what's ahead... we just need to TRUST for a good
report....
I know you'll update us ASAP...we will be anxiously
awaiting...
We love you like crazy!!!!!!!!
Mary, John, Cole, Conner, Cody, Sarah Jane, Johnny, Lucy
Jane and baby Johnny too....
p.s.
Suzanne~
We will be praying for you,the kids and grandkids for GOD
to fill you all with "the peace that passes understanding"
during these next crucial weeks and months! We're here for
you guys!!!!
- Wednesday, November 04, 2009 at 21:23:00 (EST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comTWO STEPS FOWARD ONE STEP BACK
MEDICAL UPDATE:
Hello Everybody
Yesterday, Tuesday November 4th 2009
@ 1:30p.m., I had a appointment to see Doctor
Chang a oncologist surgeon in Walnut Creek
that was set up (more or less) by Doctor Fan
Zhang my oncologist here in Santa Rosa.
I was with Suzanne.
After observing my latest cat scan it was
Doctor Chang's prognoses that he would not
be able to remove my liver cancer via surgery
because of Ascites (abdominal fluid) and told
us about several other procedure that
might be tried, one of which would not kill the
cancer but slow down its progress a bit.
Now I'm hoping to be operated on by a
Cyberknife Operating Tool (the same as I had for my
brain surgery) back in 1996. This technology has
advanced enormously. See the U-tube movie just below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeJwR8cSwXg&feature=related
Below is the URL to the,
South San Francisco Medical Center
Radiation Oncology/Cancer Treatment Center,
they have a Cyberknife.
• The Cyberknife is a state of the art linear
accelerator specialized for the delivery of
Stereotactic Radiosurgery treatments. This machine
can track targets during treatment and move with
the target during this time.
http://www.permanente.net/homepage/kaiser/pages/d17226-top.html/
https://members.kaiserpermanente.org/kpweb/facilitydir/facility.do?id=100319&rop=MRN#anchorRadiation%20Oncology/
That it for now
Love you all Soooo much!
James
.
.
.
- Wednesday, November 04, 2009 at 20:15:07 (EST)
Author: jis@windgifts.comWE LOVE YOU JAMES!!!!!
James..please know how VERY much you are loved. As you said
earlier, November 2nd is the day that you go see the
Oncologist, and this is the day that we storm HEAVEN with
prayers. We will make Mom and Dad proud. You have always
been so strong, and we pray that you remain strong through
this trial. Know that you are in all of our hearts!!!!
Jim and Janie
- Tuesday, November 03, 2009 at 07:47:39 (EST)
Author: jimnjane@comcast.netSixty years young!!!!
Janie... WOW... I can totally remember Mom turning
60 ...like it was yesterday...Dad too!!! Now my sister
who's 4 years older than me... Well YOU LOOK
MAAAAAAVVVELOUS!!!!! I hope this is your BEST TO DATE!!!!!
I love you and I will call you later:)
love,
Mary
- Friday, October 30, 2009 at 23:36:16 (EDT)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comHappy 60th Janie!! Yikes
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
I hope your day is truly fantastic Jane
With much much love!!!
Joy and John
I'll talk to you later!
- Friday, October 30, 2009 at 22:21:20 (EDT)
Author: njoynjohn@gmail.comHappy Happy Birthdays!
Happy Birthday Mary! We hope if is wonderful and oh so blessed!
Happy Birthday to you too, Tomorrow Janie! Hope it is
filled with joy and blessings and Halloween fun!
Lots of love to you both, Tommy, Jeanne, Sophie, Carly,
Dillon and Emilie
- Friday, October 30, 2009 at 21:45:00 (EDT)
Author: thomaspaul@wowway.comMany Blessings To You Mary
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
Happy Birthday Sweet Mary..hope your special day is as
WONDERFUL as you are.
We Love You...Jim and Janie
- Friday, October 30, 2009 at 07:01:07 (EDT)
Author: jimnjane@comcast.netHappiest of Happy Birthday's Mary
We hope this is really a super day for you Mary...filled
with family, friends and fun!!!
October 30, 2009
much love!!
Joy and John
- Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 21:13:48 (EDT)
Author: njoynjohn@gmail.comHAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN
Hope this next year is the best of your whole life. You get old fast so have a
big celebration!
Love, Suzanne
- Monday, October 26, 2009 at 14:03:24 (EDT)
Author: ladywithart@gmail.comHappy Day from us, too!!
Johnny~
Yes~ you surely do deserve the best day because you make
others SO HAPPY...I hope it comes back a 100 times over for
you today and throughout this coming year!!!!
We love you and ask the Lord to bless you immensely!!!!!!
All our love~
John & Mary & crew
- Monday, October 26, 2009 at 07:34:13 (EDT)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comHAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN!!!!
I hope that this day is filled with all of the happiness
that you deserve. I only wish that we could celebrate
together!! I love you...Janie
- Monday, October 26, 2009 at 07:27:27 (EDT)
Author: jimnjane@comcast.netPrayers a comin'
Uncle James, we are putting you at the top of "Emilie's
List" with Chris and will be praying, praying and praying
for your healing too! So glad to hear for the early
detection. Thanks God for that. Know we will all be here
to carry you through.
St. Peregrine (patron Saint of cancer patients) intercede
for our most beloved Uncle James - along with all of us.
We love you all! Please let us know of the surgery date.
Love, Tommy Jeanne Sophie Carly Dillon and Emilie
- Friday, October 23, 2009 at 18:28:12 (EDT)
Author: thomaspaul@wowway.comPrayerMEDICAL UPDATE
Hi Everybody,
New info regarding my medical condition.
I will be seeing oncology surgeon, Dr. Ching-Kuo Chang, MD
on Tuesday November 3, 2009 @ 1:30 p.m.
He works at the Walnut Creek Medical Center
here in California.
See Atachment below:
http://www.windgifts.com/itw/Ching-Kuo_Chang,_MD.jpg
I will post more info as I recieve it.
Lovya All !!
James...
- Friday, October 23, 2009 at 17:30:39 (EDT)
Author: jis@windgifts.comSanta Rosa reunion in 2089!!
James, You have to know that we are storming the heavens
for your total and speedy recovery. I do like the sounds
of you living to be 150 years so let's start planning our
Stevenson reunion in Santa Rosa in 2089. Hey it's only 80
years away. By then it will cost us $10,000 to fly there
so we'll start saving now. Seriously, we know you have the
wonderful support of beautiful Suzanne and your children
and grandchildren and we have confidence the health care
you receive will be second to none. Wish we were closer to
be there hugging you through all this but know we are with
you everyday of your life. You are the family Patriarch
now so we need you around. LOVE LOVE LOVE you James.
Looking forward to hearing positive news. Gerry and Kelly
- Friday, October 23, 2009 at 12:18:46 (EDT)
Author: gerryandkelly2@aol.comWe're ALL behind you James!!!
James~
You've got a MIGHTY force behind you back here in Michigan
and across the globe!!!! Our prayers and thoughts will be
with you throughout this ordeal and if you need us we're
ALL here for you... just a phone call away!
We love you like CRAZY too!!!!!
Mary and 100 others...
- Friday, October 23, 2009 at 01:55:34 (EDT)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comLIVER CANCER
Hello Everybody,
I hope this circle letter find you all in good health,
happy and safe at home with your loved ones!
Happy Birthday Janie, and to each of you
Happy Halloween !!
For those of you who may not had heard
I have liver cancer.
That the bad news.
The good news is that I have caught the
cancer very early, and it is curable.
A Kaiser surgeon in Walnut Creek California will
be removing the tumor surgically in about
7 to 10 days or maybe even sooner.
After that Kaiser will be watching me like a hawk,
to make sure the cancer does not return and if
it does deal with it immediately.
Sooooo__ if things go well I should live to be
say...
150 years years old.
Well that about it for now. When new stuff happn's
I will update you here in a circle letter.
I love you all like crazy!
James...
.
.
.
- Thursday, October 22, 2009 at 23:20:56 (EDT)
Author: jis@windgifts.comBETH'S WEDDING AND THE FAMILY REUNION
Hello Everybody,
First off to Tom Jr,
The good news about your life is truly wonderful.
Great news! (all kidding aside)
Finally after 6 weeks we have all the pictures and almost
all the photos and movies named correctly.
Their are 13 folders following our time in Michigan
Click below:
http://windgifts.com/itw/BETH_and_DAVES_WEDDING_and_the_REUNION/
Also Joe, Beth and I were WebCaming this morning an Beth gave me
the website to her professional photographer "David".
On his site are 500 images from the wedding . Click below:
http://gallery.me.com/nickmiotke#100345
You need the Username and Password.
Username: buchnan
Password: wedding
The wedding was wonderful, what with Beth looking so beautiful
and Dave looking so handsome. !! Yes !!
Dave's daughters are flat out beautiful, Everyone, Wow.
Sandy and Tom were so supportive in the wedding plans,
dinner and brunch etc . Father Bob was a groove.
Hang'n out at Dave and Beth place was so right.
Spending time with Gerry and Kelly, playing the
Baldwin Grand Piano. Gerry, Suzanne and I running into Mary and Nancy
with her great great grand daughter Ryan, what fun.
Being at Terry and Chris's ZOO was very special (the picture
and movies tell most of what happened. I especially enjoyed
Terry's Famous Coffee (umm umm Good), the Boat and the
Fly over (very cool).
The reunion was amazing. Sally and Tony's place is soooo PERFECT and
BEAUTIFUL (the only problem was I couldn't get a dial tone
out of that phone in the weird red phone booth out in the yard.
Being at the wind-down breakfast on Monday July 13th was a great
place to relax before heading back to California. (Check out the movies)
It was so great to see you guy's.
One last item:
Back in the day (1968) I formed a group called "The Jazz Circle".
Some of the concerts were recorded. I have included one song
from one of the concerts "The Shadow of You Smile". It needs
to be edited a little, but I am sending it along anyway.
Click away.
Get the Adobe Flash Player or enable Javascript / Flash to see this player.Click here to download this audio file (or right click and select "save as").
Love you a Bajillion Tons,
James...
.
.
.
.
.
- Sunday, October 04, 2009 at 20:07:07 (EDT)
Author: jIs@windgifts.comI love when the Circle repeats itself!!
Author: njoynjohn@gmail.com I love when the Circle repeats itself!!
Author: njoynjohn@gmail.com TOM'S WONDERFUL NEWS TOM'S WONDERFUL NEWS
Tom,
What great news you have brought us.
Love You
Uncle James...
_________________________________________
Tom,
What great news you have brought us.
Love You
Uncle James...
.
.
.
.
.
- Friday, October 02, 2009 at 15:28:27 (EDT)
Author: Jis@windgifts.comTommy/Jeanne gang update
Here is an update on the Tommy/Jeanne crew. The first
thing is a job change for me. I decided to leave Visteon &
the auto industry to take a job in the healthcare field
with McKesson, in Livonia, about 6 miles from my house!
I’ve been here three weeks so far, and feel great about
the decision. A good friend here recommended me and
McKesson recruited me for a newly created position –
Project Manager for Finance-IT projects. This is very
similar to the job I did at Visteon, a great fit for me.
I’m on the Finance side working with the IT side to bring
home many different initiatives as we grow. Growth is
such a nice word these days. I spent 17 years at Visteon,
so the decision to leave was very prayerful, both by me
and my friend who recommended me. I’m very busy, which is
a good thing. I’ve jumped right into the fray. There is
about three projects that I’m working on to start, so the
learning has been great.
My new work e-mail is thomas.stevenson@mckesson.com
Here is a copy of the announcement my boss sent out so you
can get a feel for what it is that I do:
I am pleased to announce the addition of Tom Stevenson
(Financial Systems Analyst) to the Accounting Department,
reporting directly to me. In his role, Tom will be
responsible for providing strategic direction and
oversight for our financial system applications.
Specifically, he will be addressing our financial system
database consolidation, Hyperion budgeting implementation
and Data Integrity CRM project. Tom will be tasked with
reaching out to business owners to gain a solid
understanding of reporting requirements.
Tom has a broad range of financial and financial system
experience. He worked for Ford Motor Company as a Senior
Financial Analyst. After Ford’s spin off to Visteon, he
worked as a Finance Process Improvement Manager and IT
Manager. While at Visteon, Tom was instrumental in
developing a finance data warehouse used to support
financial analysis which supported new global reporting
requirements for revenue and cost, by customer, product
and functional area.
In addition to his work experience, Tom comes to the
Accounting team with a Bachelor of Science from Michigan
State University and a MBA from Wayne State University.
Please join me in welcoming him to the McKesson family.
Tracy Neil
Vice President, Finance
As for the rest of the gang:
Sophie, who will be 20 on 10-12, is a junior in college
and has started her clinicals in the hospitals for Nursing
this semester. Carly is a Sophomore in High school, made
the varsity volleyball team and is doing very well. Dillon
(7th) Emilie (3rd) are enjoying homeschooling. Dillon runs
cross country and Emilie is enjoying soccer. Jeanne is
keeping busy being teacher, mom, master chef, and her
cards business continues to grow.
We've also been kicking it hard getting debt out of our
lives, I'm a big Dave Ramsey fan, it's been a tough thing,
but a wonderful thing, 4 months to Freedom! no debt but
the house. I love helping out anyone who would like to
learn more! Contact me anytime. No cost to do it, just a
plan and the will.
Overall life is great and we are blessed.
Love to all, Tommy
- Friday, October 02, 2009 at 09:03:50 (EDT)
Author: thomaspaul@wowway.comTommy/Jeanne crew update
Here is an update on the Tommy/Jeanne crew. The first
thing is a job change for me. I decided to leave Visteon &
the auto industry to take a job in the healthcare field
with McKesson, in Livonia, about 6 miles from my house!
I’ve been here three weeks so far, and feel great about
the decision. A good friend here recommended me and
McKesson recruited me for a newly created position –
Project Manager for Finance-IT projects. This is very
similar to the job I did at Visteon, a great fit for me.
I’m on the Finance side working with the IT side to bring
home many different initiatives as we grow. Growth is
such a nice word these days. I spent 17 years at Visteon,
so the decision to leave was very prayerful, both by me
and my friend who recommended me. I’m very busy, which is
a good thing. I’ve jumped right into the fray. There is
about three projects that I’m working on to start, so the
learning has been great.
My new work e-mail is thomas.stevenson@mckesson.com
Here is a copy of the announcement my boss sent out so you
can get a feel for what it is that I do:
I am pleased to announce the addition of Tom Stevenson
(Financial Systems Analyst) to the Accounting Department,
reporting directly to me. In his role, Tom will be
responsible for providing strategic direction and
oversight for our financial system applications.
Specifically, he will be addressing our financial system
database consolidation, Hyperion budgeting implementation
and Data Integrity CRM project. Tom will be tasked with
reaching out to business owners to gain a solid
understanding of reporting requirements.
Tom has a broad range of financial and financial system
experience. He worked for Ford Motor Company as a Senior
Financial Analyst. After Ford’s spin off to Visteon, he
worked as a Finance Process Improvement Manager and IT
Manager. While at Visteon, Tom was instrumental in
developing a finance data warehouse used to support
financial analysis which supported new global reporting
requirements for revenue and cost, by customer, product
and functional area.
In addition to his work experience, Tom comes to the
Accounting team with a Bachelor of Science from Michigan
State University and a MBA from Wayne State University.
Please join me in welcoming him to the McKesson family.
Tracy Neil
VP, Finance
As for the rest of the gang:
Sophie, who will be 20 on 10-12, is a junior in college
and has started her clinicals in the hospitals for Nursing
this semester. Carly is a Sophomore in High schol, made
the varsity volleyball team and is doing very well. Dillon
(7th) Emilie (3rd) are enjoying homeschooling. Dillon runs
cross country and Emilie is enjoying soccer. Jeanne is
keeping busy being teacher, mom, master chef, and her
cards business continues to grow.
We've also been kicking it hard getting debt out of our
lives, I'm a big Dave Ramsey fan, it's been a tough thing,
but a wonderful thing, 4 months to Freedom! no debt but
the house. I love helping out anyone who would like to
learn more! Contact me anytime. No cost to do it, just a
plan and the will.
Overall life is great and we are blessed.
Love to all, Tommy
- Friday, October 02, 2009 at 08:56:13 (EDT)
Author: thomaspaul@wowway.comOCT. 1 HAPPY BIRTHDAY SON SCOTT
Happy 38th Scott. I wanted to be the first to wish you the
best birthday you ever had. It was so great to see you so
happy with Pascal at the 2009 Reunion.
I wish we could all be together and eat and dance all night
to help you celebrate. If we were in Paris we would have a
Nutella crepe with bananas, chopped hazel nuts and whipped
cream with pink champagne.
We would go to the movies and then dancing on the barge near
your home.
Wishing you the best of every thing in this coming year!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Love,
Mom
- Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 15:25:19 (EDT)
Author: ladywithart@gmail.comnew info re: Husseys
Hi Family:
This is a test. I'm trying to get on the circle letter with
a new email address to let everyone know our new address and
phone number and email addresses. Here goes!
Nancy & Brian Hussey
3895 Dorothy Lane
Waterford, MI 48329
248 599 9601 (home # We get better perception with this #.)
248 496 9642 (Nancy's cell) email newwine2009@comcast.net
248 568 4774 (Brian's cell) email bhnhr11@comcast.net
It was so fantastic to see everyone at the big reunion
weekend in July. Esther, I sure enjoyed your thank you
letter. Now that was a thank you letter like I've never
received before. It brought me to tears a couple of times.
It's been an exciting and challenging year but the Lord is
so good bringing us through all the time and blessing us
with all the beautiful babies and more to come.
I have a new full time job at Henry Ford Optimeyes in West
Bloomfield. Can you imagine that. I think I'm going to
like it. I'm a customer service rep. (Mary's an optician).
Well, fall came in quickly after a nice warm September. I
hope we have a mild winter like we had a mild summer. More
news to come.
I love you all.
Nancy
- Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 07:26:33 (EDT)
Author: newwine2009@comcast.netSAVE THE DATE
The Stevenson Christmas Party is going to be held on
Sunday, November 29th. The place has not yet been
determined, but we wanted everyone to hold this date. More
details will follow...Love you...
- Saturday, September 26, 2009 at 13:49:21 (EDT)
Author: jimnjane@comcast.netHappy Birthday Nancy!!!!!!!
Nancy~
May the Lord bless you with an AMAZING day and happiness
beyond your wildest dreams!!!!! You deserve every good
thing!!!! I love you~
Mary
- Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 07:42:03 (EDT)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comNice Try!
Think what you want, but I know! : )
Love ya Mom.
Happy Birthday,
Dan
PS Dad's taking Mom to St Peter's Sea of Galilee Heavenly
Sea Food Shoppe for frog legs tonight.
- Monday, September 21, 2009 at 20:50:41 (EDT)
Author: gorecop@aol.comFavorites?
Sally, I know I told Gerry that Dan was my favorite so don't
tell him this latest info. Love Mom
- Monday, September 21, 2009 at 18:35:55 (EDT)
Author: gerryandkelly2@aol.comThanks you my darling girl !!
Sally,
You always were the one I loved the most.
I love you soooo much !!
Mom
- Monday, September 21, 2009 at 18:19:05 (EDT)
Author: jis@windgifts.comhappy 88th birthday mom !!!
Author: sallyjlucca@al.com THE REUNION CDS ARE HERE!!!
The long awaited CDs of the Stevenson reunion are now
available. To buy one, simply mail a check for $15.00 to
the following:
Alan Wagner
508 Wakeman Street
Fenton, Michigan 48430
email: acwagner@charter.net
Once they receive your check, they will send you a copy of
the CD....how fun!!! Can't wait to see all the fun
pictures. Love Janie
- Wednesday, September 09, 2009 at 10:22:41 (EDT)
Author: jimnjane@comcast.netTHANK YOU
THANK YOU JOHN, JOY, AND MARY for the birthday wishes.
How can I be 69? Doesn't seem possible.
Still doing art work and going to be in another group art
show at the Coati City Hall.
Thanks to those who bought wind chimes on her wonderful trip
to Michigan. It helped defray our exspenses.
It is so hard to believe how huge this clan is now.
Hearing of the Kennedy family this past week and all their
tragedties reminds me how blessed is the Stevenson clan.
So very many times our prayers have been answered for which
we all our so grateful.
Bye for now. Love everyone of you.
Suzanne
- Monday, September 07, 2009 at 13:48:14 (EDT)
Author: ladywithart@gmail.comOh Suzanna.....
Suzanne~
you know...there are SO MANY birthdays and anniversaries
and new babes being born into this humungus family that
EVERY day I think...WHOSE BIRTHDAY is it today??? or Whose
Anniversary is it... I knew that something important was
today...and NOW I know it was YOUR SPECIAL DAY!!! I hope
it's been a great one!!!! You deserve a day as sweet as you
are :)
love and miss you~
Mary
- Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at 22:31:19 (EDT)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comHappy Birthday Suzanne!!!
I hope you have a wonderful day....birthday's only come
once a year, and I hope that this year is one of your very
best...Perhaps you guys are doing something really fun
today!!! (I hope so)
much love,
John and Joy
- Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at 06:56:20 (EDT)
Author: njoynjohn@gmail.comBETH'S WEDDING AND FAMILY REUNION
Hello Everybody,
Being in Michigan at
Mr. and Mrs. Beth and Dave Buchanan's
wedding was a joy! Meeting his four daughters (one's sweeter
than the next) again was great!
Spending time at Dave and Beth's place, hang'n out with
Gerry and Kelly and then spending the rest of the time with
Terry and Chris-e... Nice
The reunion at Tony and Sal's was perfect,
(Almost, I left my camera back at Terrys) Duh.
What a beautiful place. Seeing Nancy and
Brien little spot below, Yah.
I have taken the last images from the Love'n Dozen
site, work with them a little and have them on
line. See the URL below.
http://www.windgifts.com/ITW/SOME_09_REUNION_PHOTOS/
I did take a couple hundred picture with my
camera and will post them as soon as I get the
names right.
================================
Some people, (in fact) most
people people are concerned
about my health.
#1. I feel GOOD! (but look terrible.)
I have lost between 40 and
45 lbs. (stopped eating 1/3 of the
food on my plate to lose weight).
It took me five months to shed the
pounds, but it worked.
#2. I am normally out in the weather
five day a week when I am working.
and generate a good tan. (not this year)
A major land slide has put me out
of work for the whole season.
#3. My doctor has put me on a low
sodium intake regime. I tend to
have excessive abdominal fluid.
The reduced salt keeps the
fluid normal. I also take four
diuretic tablets a day, but they
don't seem to do much.
Well thats about it. I will write more
soon when I put my images up on line.
Love you all,
Papa James...
.
.
.
.
- Friday, August 14, 2009 at 18:54:31 (EDT)
Author: JIs@windgifts.comHappy Birthday Kelley (yesterday)
Hi Kelley,
I sure hope your birthday was exquisite, and so
special that you will remember it all the way till next
year, when I hope that one will be even better than this
one....
love John and Joy
- Friday, August 14, 2009 at 07:11:27 (EDT)
Author: njoynjohn@gmail.comHAPPY BIRTHDAY TERRY
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY TERRY
I hope you had a marvelous birthday with Chrissy and your
family and friends.
Thank you so much for the great time we had with you and
your special family. The boat rides were so relaxing and fun
to get to be close with family.
The food was great, the jokes funny and the music at the
club and Sally and Tonys was so special. Hearing Star sing
was a real treat.
It is wonderful to see and hear how talented you and your
family all our.
Maybe we can get together in Mexico this winter.
Love, Suzanne
- Sunday, August 09, 2009 at 16:28:54 (EDT)
Author: ladywithart@gmail.comHappy Birthday!
Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday Dear Terry
Happy Birth Day to you.
I've never understood why when we sing happy birthday to
someone we also sing happy birthday to a couple of female
sheep. : )
Have a great birthday Terry
Love,
Dan & Nancy
- Friday, August 07, 2009 at 14:42:41 (EDT)
Author: gorecop@aol.comditto to that!
Yes Tom and Esther...
Hope your ACTUAL day was THRILLING!!!!
that party will be on our hearts for the NEXT 50!!!!!
We love you!
John & Mary
- Saturday, August 01, 2009 at 21:34:34 (EDT)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comHappy Anniversary - For Real!
Hey Tom & Esther,
After all the hoopla in Michigan, this may seem
anticlimactic, but...HAPPY 50th ANNIVERSARY!!!!
We hope your real anniversary day is as much fun as the
party was.
Now, start working on the next 50.
Love,
Dan and Nancy
- Saturday, August 01, 2009 at 12:29:27 (EDT)
Author: gorecop@aol.comHappy Birthday Gerry!!!
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
I hope your birthday is superb...Have a great time
babysitting today...(I know you will)
Love and with great Joy!!
John
- Saturday, July 25, 2009 at 16:28:19 (EDT)
Author: njoynjohn@gmail.comThis Is For You James
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
- Saturday, July 25, 2009 at 07:59:34 (EDT)
Author: jimnjane@comcast.netWhat A Treasure
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
We have Gerry to thank for this photo. Isn't it the best? Love to all...Janie
- Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at 06:42:49 (EDT)
Author: jimnjane@comcast.netFINALLY GRANDPARENTS
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
- Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at 06:38:08 (EDT)
Author: jimnjane@comcast.netPhoto Sharing Site
Hi All,
We had such a blast in Michigan and really enjoyed
introducing the boys to their enormous extended family. It
was wonderful to catch up with so many of you
but as always I felt there wasn't enough time to
visit with everyone as long as I would have liked. Hopefully
we will see some of you in Flagstaff in October!
I just set up a photo sharing site on Shutterfly and
uploaded all of our photos from the trip to Michigan and the
various adventures, gatherings, and parties we attended.
Please add your photos and videos and forward the link to
anyone I may have missed. Tommy sent me the latest and
greatest family database (you are fully awesome Tommy) and
I sent an invite to every email address. Please let me
know if you would like to join the group but did not receive
the invitation, the last thing I want to do is exclude anyone.
Here is the URL and password:
http://stevensonsinmichiganjuly2009.shutterfly.com
Password: st3v3nson7
This is the first photo sharing site I've set up with
Shutterfly, so I'm not entirely sure if the password grants
full access or not--however, I know you can definitely see
the pictures. Members can upload their own photos, order
prints, etc etc. It's a very cool utility.
Hope you are all doing great, looking forward to the next
gathering.
Love,
Matt, Amy, Liam & Lochlan
P.S.--Uncle Gerry, Lochlan has asked about you 3x since we
got back to Seattle! I think you've made a buddy for life. :)
- Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at 02:09:13 (EDT)
Author: mattstevenson.geo@yahoo.comLost Items
Brother Dan lost a pair of BLACK Oakley sunglasses and his
son Matt lost a pair of Black (TEVA) flip flops. Both of
these items were exspensive, so could everyone Please look
in your houses and see if you may have picked them up by
mistake? We will be going to Arizona in October, so if
anyone finds these items, let me know and I will come and
get them from you...love to you all Janie
- Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 11:53:29 (EDT)
Author: jimnjane@comcast.netI'VE JUST COME THROUGH A MIRACLE
Hello Everybody,
What a amazing miracle I have
just lived through!
Seeing and hugging most all of you.
Beth's Dave is a wonderful man
and a welcome addition to our family.
I have so much to write about, that
it will take a couple of days to gather
the memories of what I have just gone
thru.
I am also going to put most of the picture I
took while with everybody, On Line.
This will take about a week or so.
One thing I must do right now is put up on the
Circle Letter a copy of:
"That's a Funny Place to Kiss a Girl"
A song my Grand Father "James Ira Stevenson"
wrote. ( circa 1910-1915 )
As interpreted and arranged
by Billy StevensonGet the Adobe Flash Player or enable Javascript / Flash to see this player.Click here to download this audio file (or right click and select "save as").
I love you all!
James Irving Stevenson...........
P.S. Thanks for the sound file Lisa!
.
.
.
- Thursday, July 16, 2009 at 00:39:18 (EDT)
Author: jis@windgifts.comAmber Dell is here!
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
Amber Elizabeth was born Monday, June 22, 2009 at 8:38pm
PST. She weighed 6 pounds, 10 ounces and
is 19 inches long. She has her Grandma's chin, the
infamous Stevenson eyebrows (yeah!! or LaDuc?)
and looks a lot like her cousin Charlene did when she was
first born. She is SO precious!!! Again
I wanted to thank you SO much for all your prayers for
which I think she would not be here if it
weren't for them.
Hope everyone has a great time at Beth's wedding and Uncle
Tom and Aunt Esther's 50th anniversary
party. I only wish we could make it. I love you all!
Love, Erin
- Monday, June 29, 2009 at 03:02:19 (EDT)
Author: erindell@hotmail.comA Tripple Happy Bithday to you Sally Anne!!!
Hi Sally!!
38....yikes....Every time I think of you I always
remember how much fun we had when you were little....I
hope that you can recapture some of that fun starting this
year!!
With much love and lots of Joy!
Uncle John
- Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 07:02:19 (EDT)
Author: njoybjohn@gmail.comHAPPY BIRTHDAY SALLY ANNE
Sally..I pray that this Birthday will be the start of many
wondeful birthdays for you. Have a wonderful day and always
remember how much this whole family loves you!!
We love you...Mom and Jim
- Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 05:31:18 (EDT)
Author: jimnjane@comcast.netHappy Birthday Billy!!
Happy Birthday Bill,
You may not even see this, but I do hope that your
birthday was truly incredible...I hear the new grandbaby
looks just like you!!
Love, and with Joy
John
- Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 22:00:46 (EDT)
Author: njoynjohn@gmail.comSecrets and Surprises
Hello Everyone,
We are thrilled that everyone is so excited about Tom and
Esther's Anniversary!!! Yeah!!!
We have tried to keep some secrets from them, and the
invitation is one of them, they don't know about our theme
of "What a difference a day makes" or the now and then
photos...
So, for now they have been "banished" from viewing this
circle letter.:)
If you have any special memories you would like to shre
with them and everyone, from now and until the party,
please post them at
www.tefiftyyears.com
and we will get them up ASAP.
We can't wait to see you at Beth's Wedding and the
Anniversary Party - It will be awesome to share a weekend
of new beginnings and celebrate the 50 years!
Love you all,
Jenny
- Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 11:51:10 (EDT)
Author: barleysgirl@comcast.netGREAT NOSTALIGA SITE
Want to look at old cars etc? Check this out.
http://www.billsretroworld.com/index.htm
See you all soon but not soon enough.
Love,
Suzanne
- Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 00:46:45 (EDT)
Author: ladywithart@gmail.comThe whole wedding party 50 years later???
Hey is that girl in the wedding party named Kathy Tallier?
and will she be at the Anniversary party? What about Beacom
or Tom O'Connell??? Wouldn't that be amazing if they were
all there and you could get a photo just like the
wedding party photo of back then???
I can't wait....
Love you all~
Mary
- Monday, June 22, 2009 at 23:04:00 (EDT)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comWHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES
50th Wedding Anniversry.
THE WEDDING DAY
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
THE WEDDING DAY ANNIVERSARY
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
THE WEDDING PARTY 8-1-59
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
Hello Everybody.
The three pictures above are commemorative pictures of
Tom and Esther's Wedding Day picture THEN and now.
Hope you like them!
Love You,
James...........
.
.
.
- Monday, June 22, 2009 at 22:44:47 (EDT)
Author: jis@windgifts.comGREAT WEBSITE KATHY!!!
Hey everyone, this website Kathy has put together is
fantastic!!! Be sure to check it out!!!
Not long now and we'll be together again!! Yahoo!
Can't wait!!
love and Joy
John
- Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 22:20:55 (EDT)
Author: njoynjohn@gmail.comTom & Esther's Anniversary
Hello All-
We are 3 weeks away from our parents party!! There are
many questions that have come up... so...we have designed
a website that will provide more detailed information!!
www.tefiftyyears.com
Please visit our website and let us know if you have any
questions!!
The invitations have been mailed... hopefully you have
received yours or will receive it in the next few days!!
We are so very excited for Beth's wedding and our parents
party!
Looking forward to July!!
xoxo-
Kathy
- Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 16:50:38 (EDT)
Author: kathysmarshall@comcast.netLoving It!
I took that picture of (Uncle)James with his "Ma" that was
summer of 1981 in our kitchen in LV. (My parent's kitchen
now) I just loved James' expression in this one. I posted it
originally to the Lovin' Dozen blog site. You can see many
of the others that I submitted in Photo Album no. 1.
Love,
Lisa
- Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 16:56:26 (EDT)
Author: rockets23@embarqmail.comSHE SURE WAS AMAZING!!!
How right you are , James... she looks like our sister
rather than our mother!!!! Oh... how thrilled she would be
at all that's happened in these past 12 years!!! How many
more grandbabes and GREAT grandbabes she'd have... she
surely must be smiling down on this BIG family of ours!!!
- Monday, June 08, 2009 at 23:08:40 (EDT)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comMAN DOES MA LOOK GREAT! WOW
Man, does Ma Look great!
Thanks for posting this picture to the Circle Letter.
Love yal !
James...........
.
.
.
.
- Monday, June 08, 2009 at 22:42:19 (EDT)
Author: jis@windgifts.comA picture is worth a 1000 words!!
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
I guess this one is worth many millions!
- Monday, June 08, 2009 at 21:07:02 (EDT)
Author: njoynjohn@gmail.comPBS Video
I haven't figured out how to get the DVD to load in my
computer....I can play it, I just can't download it....
Not to worry...my computer guru will stop by soon, and
make it happen....(he's the one who upgraded my computer
where it would except DVD's) ...I thought I would be able
to just follow the prompts....only problem is, it's not
giving me any prompts....Once I get it though, I'll send
it straight to you!!!
Love John
ps.... I was going to say I would bring it in July, but
after July, there will be tons of video's of the church
- Sunday, June 07, 2009 at 20:38:44 (EDT)
Author: njoynjohn@gmail.comHAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU SALLY
Sally, I hope you are having a fun filled birthday. How old are you now, 23?
I am remembering the great trip we had with you to Florence, Venice, Pisa,
Murano, Ravena, and all the unfancy hotels we stayed in then. You were such
a great sport and so much fun and fearless.
And then we came home to Zurich and Tony fixed and served us a great
dinner.
And we went to the Broken Haus and found a few treasures.
That was our first trip to Europe and I was so scared of all the things that
might go wrong and a few did but you made us feel so welcome and were so
adventurous.
We all our going to have so much fun in July.
Love you and wish you all the best.
Suzanne
- Sunday, June 07, 2009 at 19:53:10 (EDT)
Author: ladywithart@gmail.comSEEING UNCLE EDDIE AND UNCLE DUKE
How amazing seeing this picture of Uncle Eddie
and Uncle Duke. The picture is so good it looks
like it was taken yesterday at the La Duke Family Reunion.
I think if you get a hold of Douglas, most likely he will know
who the third person is in the picture.
GREAT PICTURE !!
How large (many megs) is the video of Precious Blood
if it is 20 megs or smaller you can send it to me via a
Gmail attachment, and I'll post it to the Circle Letter.
Once again HAPPY BIRTHDAY SALLY!
Love You
James...........
- Sunday, June 07, 2009 at 17:53:50 (EDT)
Author: JIS@windgifts.comMystery Man??
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
Who is the man between Uncle Eddie and Uncle Duke?
- Sunday, June 07, 2009 at 16:56:56 (EDT)
Author: njoynjohn@gmail.comOh Dear Aunt Sal
We love you Aunt Sally and we hope you have a FANTABULOUS
BIRTHDAY!!!
Much Love
The Hull Crew
- Sunday, June 07, 2009 at 16:32:36 (EDT)
Author: mommy0703@aol.comHappy Birthday Sally
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear Sally
Happy Birthday to you
May the dear Lord Bless you
May the dear Lord Bless you
May the dear Lord Bless Sally
May the dear Lord Bless you!
... and Many more!
We all love you! Hope your day is filled with joy and great
blessings.
Love, Tommy, Jeanne, Sophie, Carly, Dillon, Emiliea dn the
entire greater Stevenson family!1
- Sunday, June 07, 2009 at 12:17:20 (EDT)
Author: thomaspaul@wowway.comWhat a wonderfull photo!!!
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
Lisa Kight sent me this pic, and I knew right away it
would be a big hit on the Circle Letter
How much fun are we going to have in a little over a month
from now!!!
Love and Joy to you all!!!
John
- Saturday, June 06, 2009 at 23:50:25 (EDT)
Author: njoynjohn@gmail.comPrecious Blood Church Video
I have a video of PB church also taken last summer, but
the added bonus is that the sound track to this video is
Dad's choir singing that version of Kyrie that is on the
Circle already...I'm doing an upgrade on my computer
tonight that will allow me to get this in my computer, and
then hopefully onto the Circle.....Hopefully this week
sometime....stay tuned!
- Sunday, May 31, 2009 at 19:06:14 (EDT)
Author: njoynjohn@gmail.comMore PB Preview
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
When they did the mosaic, they also did the rest of the ceiling (just like St Peter's Basilica in
Rome)...these guy worked on their backs for months.....(amazing same old light fixtures)
Sure will be fun to see it again!
J and J
- Sunday, May 31, 2009 at 17:36:30 (EDT)
Author: njoynjohn@gmail.comPB Church Photo
That photo was taken last summer....I clearly remember all
the scaffolding that was up for what seemed like
forever....Everyday when we went to mass before school, we
had to be careful moving around the scaffolding and
walking on the canvas tarps that were all over the church
floor...I bet there is a record of all that expense
somewhere....Fun Stuff!
Love John
- Sunday, May 31, 2009 at 17:27:37 (EDT)
Author: njoynjohn@gmail.comPrecious Blood mosaic
Brother James,
Your question prompted me to do a little research.....
all the way to our wedding album.
Sure enough, there is the mosaic - exactly like Johnny's
picture.
It is not a mural, but a mosaic. Don't you remember that
Msgr. Hermes had artisans come over from Rome and do it.
It was a major piece of work. Wouldn't it be fun to know
how long it took to do it - every tiny, little piece; what
it cost and exactly when it was done ??? It will be great
to see it again.
Does anyone know any more details on it ?
Esther
- Sunday, May 31, 2009 at 16:22:19 (EDT)
Author: tomnesther@comcast.netIS THE PICTURE BELOW A RECENT PICTURE
John or Joy,
Do you know when the picture of Precious Blood Church was taken?
I do not remember the mural on the ceiling.
James...........
.
.
.
- Sunday, May 31, 2009 at 14:52:38 (EDT)
Author: jis@windgifts.comSneak Preview of Precious Blood Church
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
This is an amazing building that so many of us grew up
with....everything from the tolling bells,
to the actual songs dad used to play on the bells (using
the organ keyboard) to all that
scaffolding in church while they did the ceilings.....just
think, most of us went there everyday... I can't wait to
see it in person again...But I really can't wait to see
all of you again in person...
much much love....
John and Joy
- Sunday, May 31, 2009 at 06:39:42 (EDT)
Author: njoynjohn@gmail.comI can't wait to bring all my grab!!
This will INDEED be an amazing weekend...sort of like all
the other amazing weekends we've had whenever we're all
together!!!!
I'm having a hard time waiting...
Much love and Joy,
John
- Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 20:35:55 (EDT)
Author: njoynjohn@gmail.comGood Info
Tom, and the rest of this loving family,
Thanks for putting that info out there. We knew what
the game plan was but didn't realize no one else did. We
can't wait. Tony has never seen PB. I always tell him it
looks like something out of Italy. He said he'll have to
judge for himself on that one. I can also sing (if you're
sure).
Families with kids need to please call or e-mail me
with questions and or for information on what you'll need
to bring. This will be a full house & it is an out
door event. You will need to bring all your grab. There
will be a bouncey thing for the small ones. We want
everyone to have a great and safe time while they're here.
We know it'll be wonderful, and thanks too in advance for
doing your part to make it so.
My love to you all, Sal
p.s. Beth and Dave, nice invites. YEAH another wedding!!
- Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 16:42:04 (EDT)
Author: sallyjlucca@aol.comTom and Esther's 50th party
Just a reminder that July 12th is the date. The plans are for my parents to
attend Precious Blood (Now St Peter Claiver) for Mass that Sunday morning.
Mass is at 10:00am. They are hoping that the Stevenson siblings can sing, and
my Dad got preliminary permission for that today. It is their hope that as many
of the siblings as possible can also attend. This may not have been spelled out
clearly before, sorry about that. My mom woudl also like to take a photo at the
church of all who wre in attendance at the wedding on August 1, 1959.
The party will be at Sally and Tony's starting at 1 or 2 pm (thank you so
much for offering your yard for this. Invites confirming all this will be going out
soon. In the meantime can you send a note to Debbie letting her know if you
will be able to make it to the 10am mass. Thank and looking forward to the big
Wedding andt Anniversary party weekend.
Deb's e-mail is debstevenson@wowway.com
- Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 14:32:59 (EDT)
Author: thomaspaul@wowway.comHA HA HA
Sally,
You crack me up!
love you girl.
James...........
- Friday, May 29, 2009 at 14:23:30 (EDT)
Author: jis@windgifts.comThe Guys
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
I just love this picture and I knew you all would too!
Cassandra
- Friday, May 29, 2009 at 12:32:25 (EDT)
Author: mommy0703@aol.comLATEST MEMBER OF THE STEVENSON FAMILY
Hi Family:
The newest member of our family was born at 12:02 this
morning. Erin Boudreau gave birth to LOLA CATHERINE
weighing in at 7lbs. 15oz.
The Lord has blessed this family with another healthy,
beautiful baby with four more on the way: Jordan &
Christina's due June 8th; Erin & Scott's also due in June;
Jeff & Shelley's due July 18th and T.J. & Rachel's due
October 17th. What an exciting year with sooooo much to
celebrate!
The anticipation is building for Beth & Dave's wedding and
Tom & Esther's 50th anniversary...a brand new marriage and
one that has been 50 years in the making. It doesn't seem
possible. It will be a glorious weekend.
By that time we should be settled in to our new lakefront
apartment. I can hardly wait. It's awesome...waking up
every morning to such beauty (especially in the spring and
summer).
I have a part-time nanny job for Mike Ilitch Jr.'s 10
month old son, Alex. Mike & his wife, Noelle, are very
nice people and Alex is a doll. I'm getting very attached
to him. It's been a good job with flexible hours, close
to home. As he gets older, we'll see if I can keep up
with him....he can really wear me out.
Our gang is doing good; we're all trying to keep our heads
above water in this shaky economy. But we know who our
source is; no need to fret, it only causes harm the bible
says.
See you all in July.
With my love, Nancy
- Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 21:56:06 (EDT)
Author: NEWWINE2009@COMCAST.NET49,000
Hi everyone !!
What are the odds that I would be the 49,000th person on
this site? I was the 45,000th too. I'm good. Speaking of
good...Joseph's photo are awsome !! July is right around
the corner, the wedding is going to be amazing, Tom and
Esthers' party will be fun too. We can not wait. I love
you all. Sal xoxoxo
- Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 18:19:24 (EDT)
Author: sallyjlucca@aol.comIMAGES AND ART OF JOSEPH STEVENSON
Hello Everybody,
Thank you all for your sweet cards,
and thoughts especially you Suzanne!
(I love you to bits)
Every card melted my heart and kept
me on a high that I still haven't come off of.
I have been in contact via Twitter with
my grandson Joseph, and he is doing wonderful
art with his camera. Below are four images from
the web site where he has his images kepted.
(See four images of him and his art below)
He has 100 page filled with Pictures and with
a few thoughts by him. Check them out please
and the URL to his pictures is below the last
image.
JOSEPH #1
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
JOSEPH #2
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
PAINTING WITH LIGHT
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
PEACE AND BEAUTY
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
Hope you enjoyed the images as much as I did.
Love to you all.
James...........
Below is the URL to Joseph's pix (just click on it)
http://flickr.com/photos/picsfromjos/
.
.
.
- Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 01:42:24 (EDT)
Author: JIs@windgifts.comGolf Dream
Dan...I do not understand golf...but if you wrote a letter
on the Family site about it, that had to be some
accomplishment!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
- Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 06:09:31 (EDT)
Author: jimnjane@comcast.netAnother Happy Day!!!
Yes indeed Tommy... I cannot wait to see you again in July
and today I hope all your memories are GRAND and I 'm
excited for you for the NEW memories that you'll get to
make in this upcoming year and on and on...I love you!
Mary
- Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 08:27:08 (EDT)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comHappy 69th Birthday Tom!!!!
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
Happiest of Birthdays to you Tom....I was trying to imagine 50 years ago today (I can't believe I
can actually do that) anyways, I was thinking about how excited you must have been about your
upcoming wedding.....I hope this birthday is also full of wonder and delight including an upcoming
very special anniversary that we'll get to share with you!!! Can't wait!
Love and with Joy!
John
- Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 06:55:56 (EDT)
Author: njoynjohn@gmail.comHAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY JAMES, MY LOVE
It doesn't seem possible I am with a 70 year old man. You were only 27 when I
met in Montreal and you still seem so young to me.
This next year may all the rest of your dreams come true.
How great great Beth is marrying Dave making one of your dreams come true to
have your daughter happily married.
We all love you so much.
Suzanne
- Friday, May 22, 2009 at 18:36:11 (EDT)
Author: LADYWITHART@GMAIL.COMOh HAPPY Day!!!
James.... ENJOY this most SPECIAL day....70 years!!!! Wow~
you should write down all your memories of your life ...it
would be an incredible journey, I'm sure!!!
I love you and I, too, can't wait to give you a birthday
hug in person :)
Love you so much!!!
Mary
- Friday, May 22, 2009 at 08:17:01 (EDT)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comHappy 70th Birthday James!!!!!!!
I hope this Birthday is so wonderful, that you'll always
remember it as your very best!! I love you James, and I
can't wait to give you a Birthday hug in person!!!!
With Joy!!
John
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
- Friday, May 22, 2009 at 07:20:22 (EDT)
Author: njoynjohn@gmail.comA Mere 46 Years
Hiya Family!
Hiya!
Hiya!
Hiya!
As most of you know, I am somewhat of a golf nut. I've
been playing now for a little over 46 years.
I've never been really good at it but I have always
enjoyed the game.
For the last twenty years or so, my goal has been to break
80. For you non-golfers, that may not mean anything but
for the average hacker that's a pretty big deal. I have
come close, shooting 80 forty or fifty times over the past
almost half century.
With all my various parts replacements and the the
associated aches and pains that accompany approaching old
fartness, I thought my window of opportunity was about
ready to slam shut.
Until today.
Today I finally did it. I broke 80, shooting a 79 at one
of my favorite courses.
The only thing that kept the day from being
absolutely perfect was that Nancy had to work and didn't
get a chance to see it.
I may never do it again, but now I can die a happy
man! : )
Life is good.
Can't wait to see everybody in July.
I love you all.
(Brother, Uncle, Cousin, Grandpa) Dan
- Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 19:35:52 (EDT)
Author: gorecop@aol.comCalifornia Crew Wedding Plans for Beth in Warren and Waterford
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
A general heads-up, Jennifer and I will be staying at the Courtyard by Marriott in Warren on July
9th, 10th and 11th and then will switch to the Carriage House Bed and Breakfast in Waterford for
July 12th. I hope this works for everyone. Too cool!
Star & Jennifer Stevenson
707-483-5876
starstevenson@hotmail.com
http://www.carriagehouseeventcenter.com/Rooms.aspx
- Monday, May 18, 2009 at 00:44:43 (EDT)
Author: starstevenson@hotmail.comDitto...Danny!
That goes for us too Dan!!! Happy Happy Birthday Dan!!!
We love you and it will be a BLAST to see you and your "FAM"
in July!!
xoxox,
Mary
- Friday, May 15, 2009 at 16:25:05 (EDT)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comHappy Birthday Dan, from Tiger Woods
Ok, so it's really not from Tiger Woods, but I hope you
get to play a round today anyways! I hope your day is
fantastic!
love John
Can't wait for July!
- Friday, May 15, 2009 at 07:10:17 (EDT)
Author: njoynjohn@gmail.comHAPPY BIRTHDAY.....DAN
Hope that your day is spent doing what you love
most...GOLFING. Love You...Jim and Janie
- Friday, May 15, 2009 at 06:13:22 (EDT)
Author: jimnjane@comcast.netHAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR BRIAN
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
Hope you live to be 100.
James and Suzanne
- Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at 22:45:22 (EDT)
Author: JIs@windgifts.comHappy Birthday Brian Hussey!!!
I should have put this on here this morning....
I hope you had a fantastically wonderful day!
Can't wait till July!!
love John
- Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at 20:03:16 (EDT)
Author: njoynjohn@gmail.comSorry...a FEW corrections!!!!
How could I forget TEEGE AND RACHEL'S BABY???? So sorry!!!
It was very exciting talking to TJ about hearing their
baby's heartbeat!!!! Isn't it just incredible??? Also...
sorry, Erin B. it's LOLA not Nola!!! Silly me~
Ok... ya know... I thought I was missing someone in the
baby line up... I even wrote them down on paper but just
now it came to me ...TJ & Rachel's... I know little Liam is
SO EXCITED to talk to his Momma's belly to tell the baby "I
love you!" Isn't that so sweet???
Well... I will write more soon~
Love and Hugs to everyone~
Mary
- Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 12:03:04 (EDT)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comHow beautiful!
James~
Thanks for putting up those words to that song... they did
my heart good this early Tuesday morning~
Hey does anyone have an actual list of who is coming to
Michigan in July?
It is really sad that Bill & Sharon won't be there but I
know they are "out of this world" excited about Erin &
Scott's baby coming~ so that part makes me happy!!
We are very excited back here for the arrival of Nola
Catherine ( Erin (Boudreau) & Ryan's baby girl) which will
be just about any time now~ then~ Tessa Elizabeth, baby
girl of Jeff & Shelley (Stevenson) to follow here in
Michigan...Jordan (Boudreau) and his wife are in Florida
expecting their little boy... so BABIES~BABIES~BABIES
everywhere!!!
What is the latest Stevenson census? Anyone know?
It's all so exciting and overwhelming...Sally Jean has a
sign in her house that says:
"ALL BECAUSE TWO PEOPLE FELL IN LOVE"...
What a true statement where our family is
concerned!!Our blessings have been extraordinary through
the years,haven't they?
Love to each and everyone~
Mary
- Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 07:54:19 (EDT)
Author: jamg1971@al.com"A TIME FOR LOVE"
Hello Everybody,
I just finished talking with Billie (He sounds fine)
about the Video Liza put up on the Circle Letter.
The song on the Video is:
A TIME FOR LOVE by
Johnny Mandel with lyrics by Paul Francis Webster
from the Movie ~ An American Dream (1966) ~
Below are the Lyrics
~~~~~~~~~
A time for summer skies
For hummingbirds and butterflies
For tender words that harmonize with love
A time for climbing hills
For leaning out of windowsills
Admiring daffodils above
A time for holding hands together
A time for rainbow coloured weather
A time of make believe that we've been dreaming of
As time goes drifting by
The willow bends and so do I
But all my friends whatever skies above
I know a time for spring
A time for fall
But best of all
A time for love
A time for holding hands together
A time for rainbow coloured weather
A time of make believe that we've been dreaming of
As time goes drifting by
The willow bends and so do I
But all my friends whatever skies above
I know a time for spring
A time for fall
But best of all
A time for love
I love you all
James...........
- Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 00:57:00 (EDT)
Author: jIs@windgifts.comWhat a GEM!
Lisa.....
AMAZING!!!! How long have you known about that video and
how did you get it on YOU
tube???? Thank you SO MUCH for sharing that video with
us!!!! It truly is AWESOME!
love you~
Aunt Mare
- Monday, May 11, 2009 at 00:16:31 (EDT)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comHAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO ALL YOU MOTHERS OUT THEIR
(You know who you are)
Lisa the video you posted is awesome!
Do you have any more?
Everybody should check it out.
Love you all.
James...........
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6p02exBTNfU
- Sunday, May 10, 2009 at 21:27:04 (EDT)
Author: JIs@windgifts.comThis is something better!
At long last, I have this little clip from YouTube I
have waited so long to share with ya'll. Hope that you like it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6p02exBTNfU
Love,
Lisa
- Sunday, May 10, 2009 at 18:00:02 (EDT)
Author: rockets23@embarqmail.comFUNNY U-TUBE VIDEO
Hello Everybody,
Our friend Kathy sent a very funny U-tube Video.
Take a look,
Love you,
James...........
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7IZmRnAo6s
- Saturday, May 02, 2009 at 22:28:49 (EDT)
Author: jis@windgifts.comSave the Date!
Hey, just want to let you all know that Rhea and I have set a date for our wedding here in
Flagstaff, October 17, 2009. Hopefully many of you can make it.
The wedding will be held at the Arizona Snowbowl Ski Lodge outside of Flagstaff. The lodge is at
about 9,200 feet elevation. The fall aspen colors should be pretty at that time of year.
To Star: Your bike riding passion is awesome. Thanks for sharing. It must be something that runs
in the family. In the past several years I have taken up endurance mountain bike riding and
racing. Below are some pictures from my most recent race. The Prescott Whiskey off road 50 proof
(50 mile) race.
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
Getting ready for the big ride
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
At the start line!
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
Unfortunately, I crashed during the race and my face became intimate with a rock. Fortunately my
helmet took the brunt of the impact. No worries. I am fine, and went on to finish the race.
- Saturday, May 02, 2009 at 19:17:14 (EDT)
Author: stevensonforest@yahoo.comStar...YOU ROCK!!!
AWESOME, STAR!!!! What an amazing feeling you must have
right now...Congrats! Can't wait to see you guys this
summer!!!
love,
Aunt Mary
- Saturday, May 02, 2009 at 17:00:57 (EDT)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comRockin in the free world!
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
Fun pictures from a recent race that members of my team travelled 34 hours to in Tucson Arizona.
Two teammates and myself beat out 1100 racers and finished with the local professional riders on a
flatish course that allowed for perfect drafting. We finished the 73.4 mile course in 2 hours and
45 minutes with an average of 25.4 mph! Breaking the 3 hour barriers allows us to be seeded in a
special roped off section next year with the pros and tandem racers. At one point we were humming
along at 36mph on a perfectly flat section. I wish I had started riding a bike with aggression in
my very early teens and had spent some time in Europe...
Star
www.2wheelracing.com
- Saturday, May 02, 2009 at 15:08:32 (EDT)
Author: starstevenson@hotmail.comIncredible photo of Mom and Dad
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
This picture is simply the best.....we were so blessed to have them!!
- Saturday, May 02, 2009 at 08:23:08 (EDT)
Author: njoynjohn@gmail.comHappy Birthday little Lucy
Happy Birthday Lucy Jane, we love you!
Love
The Hulls
- Thursday, April 30, 2009 at 17:29:35 (EDT)
Author: mommy0703@aol.comhappy Birthday to ALL!
You know... the people I work with tell me I probably have
a family member with a birthday for every day in the
year... THEY MIGHT BE RIGHT!!!! So I am saying now ..
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to everyone who celebrated a birthday in
April... belated wishes to you all if it was celebrated
yesterday and before and hope your day is AWESOME Nancy
TODAY as you celebrate yours....
TOMORROW ~ MAY 1st ~ Lucy Jane will be TWO years old so for
all the May birthdays we may or may not remember... happy,
happy days to you as well!!!!!
I love each and every one of you with my life :)
Mary ( Your sister,Mother,Aunt, Wife, cousin, etc...)
p.s.
I hear the birds chirping a 7:40 a.m.~
hopefully this last day in April will be an AMAZINGLY
beautiful day for us all!!!!
- Thursday, April 30, 2009 at 07:38:26 (EDT)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comHappy Birthday to Nancy Stevenson
I know your birthday was on the 28th, but with all the
American Idol glitter swirling all around, I have
comepletely lost track of space and time......
I hope you had a great day!!!
love John and Joy
- Thursday, April 30, 2009 at 06:29:13 (EDT)
Author: njoynjohn@gmail.comIs it Brad's birthday?
I was thinking today that it was ANOTHER family birthday...
was it Diane's on the 25th??? And then today ...is it
Bradley???? if so...THEN HAPPY Birthday to both of you!!!!!!
lots of love and excitement for the coming reunion.
Mary
- Wednesday, April 29, 2009 at 22:38:44 (EDT)
Author: jamg1971@aol.com"That's a Funny Place to Kiss a Girl"
When are we going to get audio of this
particular song on the Circle Letter? If you could get the
oldest version, that would be great. Thank you for your
time.
Love,
Lisa
- Wednesday, April 29, 2009 at 10:52:24 (EDT)
Author: rockets23@embarqmail.comWedding July 11, 2009
Hi my loving family. My father called yesterday
frantically wanting info about the wedding to share with
you so you can make proper arrangements.
A formal invition will be coming in late May - but for
those who are needing to make flight arrangements and
such - here you go:
When: July 11, 2009 at 6:00pm.
Where: St. Marks Catholic Church in Warren (address
provided later)
Reception: 7:00pm at the Ukrainian Cultural Center also in
Warren, Michigan - approx. 1 mile from the church.
Hotel options:
We have a block of rooms available at the courtyard by
Marriott. 30190 Van Dyke Ave. Warren, Mi 48093. (586-751-
5777)
There are double rooms and King bed rooms for $69.00.
That includes a shuttle to and from the reception. You
need to book your room by June 17th to stay with the
discount rate.
Love you all. I'm very excited!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 09:48:12 (EDT)
Author: bsings@mac.comI must be getting close
I updated my windows media (although nothing changed when
I did) then I had a message about MIMI or MIME or
something like that....when I clicked OK, I was able to
view the video of Star's fireplace...ok, so now I think
I've got it....and clicked back on to TJ video's, but all
I got was a quicktime Icon with a ? in the middle of
it....the last time I tried all I got was a quicktime icon
broken in two...hmmm
- Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 06:33:54 (EDT)
Author: njoynjohn@gmail.comI got it ... finally!
Hey James~
When I tried to click on the TJ video at the Cafe the
regular way... I couldn't get it to open~ so I went just
below
it and right clicked to "SAVE AS" and it brought it right
up in a new little video window... how cool!
Just thought you'd like to know :)
I love you and ALSO can't wait to see you in July!!!!!!
Yippeeeeeeeeeee!!!!
Msry
- Monday, April 20, 2009 at 22:43:18 (EDT)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comTry updating your Windows Media Player
Johnny, (Sally and All)
Any one who is having trouble opening up the .mp4 files I put up
on the Circle Letter might update their copies of Windows Media Player.
See if that might help.
Love you guys and can hardly wait to see you in July !
James...........
- Monday, April 20, 2009 at 21:17:23 (EDT)
Author: jis@windgifts.comThe movie trailer site opens just fine!
The trailer site opened today, and also when I very first
tried it...but TJ video will not....unless I go to where
you had it already set up...that opens fine...hmmmm
- Monday, April 20, 2009 at 18:26:23 (EDT)
Author: njoynjohn@gmail.comHAVE YOU TRIED TO OPEN THE APPLE SITE
John,
Have you tried to open
" http://apple.com/trailers/ "
http:/
