50!!!!!

Happy Birthday to my beautiful, loving and too-young-to-be-50 wife, Julie!  It seems like just yesterday I was mucking your barn with you in high school.  Can you really be 50?  We're looking forward to being with you tonight and celebrating - but there was one other birthday party we threw for Julie recently.

A couple months ago I was trying to figure out how to get some of the special people in Julie's life together to celebrate her birthday.  There were scheduling problems with the weekend before and after her birthday. Staring at the calendar I was trying to figure out what to do - when it popped out at me!  April Fool's Day was a Sunday.  I hopped on the phone and confirmed that this date, would indeed, work out and hatched a plan to surprise Julie.

Palm Sunday, April 1st started out like any other Sunday morning for Team Henderson.  We arrived at church and enjoyed a morning of worship.  But, by then, the plan was already seriously in motion.

Joel had flown in the night before as did Janice, Julie's sister. Hannah and Eric deserve tremendous credit for their courtesy late night pickup and hotel services; hiding them away until the morning.  They made it happen.

So, while we coming out of church after having enjoyed Dean's sermon,  Joel, Janice and a bunch of our other friends were preparing for their grand arrival across the street.  At the anointed time they piled into a 20 passenger stretch Hummer Limo and took the short drive across the street.

We had Julie positioned down by the street in anticipation of what would happen next.  The limo pulled into our parking lot and stopped right in front of the entrance.  I had asked Joel to wait for 30 seconds or so to add some drama to their entrance. Finally, with all eyes trying to figure out what the deal with the limo was - Joel opened the back door and emerged.  Check out Julie's reaction as she saw Joel!

She kept repeating "that's my son!"  As he walked toward her and they embraced.  The middle right picture below makes me so happy when I look at it (thank you Emily!!). Julie was overjoyed to see him pop out of that limo and give her a big hug and crown her Queen for the day.  Priceless!

Next out of the limo was Janice - another huge surprise for the birthday girl! Can you tell Julie was pretty excited to see her? That's a Happy Birthday sash Janice is putting around Julie.

Well, then the floodgates opened and the rest of the crew hidden in the limo poured out to greet Julie, including our friends the Logans and Auntie, as well as friends from church.

After the greetings at the church, we were off for a joyous afternoon!

 I didn't take a lot of pictures.  This is one of those occasions where I wanted to step away from the camera and just be present - but here's a couple shots from Loma Prieta Winery where we ended up after lunch for a little wine tasting.  This picture is what I can the 'money shot'.  First, do you notice how Julie and Janice are wearing the exact same outfit?  Seriously?  But mostly, it was just such a pleasure that she would come all this way to celebrate with Julie.  It really made her day.

 I swear, those Rexford girls all think they are sooooo funny!  Here's Janice photo-bombing:

 It was a glorious Spring day for a celebration.  Loma Prieta Winery is positioned high in the Santa Cruz mountains and the scenery and ambiance were incredible.

Next, it was off to Julie's favorite ice-cream place - Marianne's in Santa Cruz for some cake and ice-cream.  I had such great help in organizing the day.  Many thanks go to Barbara whose amazing memory (Julie had mentioned how much she loved this style cake) and enthusiasm to order and pick up the cake to keep it a secret from Julie was so appreciated.  And, yes, to Eileen - who graciously shared her actual birthday with Julie :)

 I'd say we nailed this one - as evidenced by Joel peacefully drowsing on the ride home :)

Happy - Actual Birthday - Julie!  I'm so lucky to have you and pleased to welcome you to the over 50 crowd!  Hannah's so happy to have a 50-year-old mom - she's jumping for joy :)

The Griffioens

We don't get to see Julie's sister, Janice and her family as much as we'd like to.  So, it was a treat to be with them at Bill's party a couple weeks ago.  Janice has a beautiful smile - and can pretty much light it up on cue.  She is very photogenic!

Here she is with Ryan.  How cute.

She also has an infection laugh.  Sometimes she gets to laughing so hard ... well.. it's hilarious.

Here's Julie imitating her.  I think it might have made it worse..

Here's the whole Griffioen family.  Team Blue.

The boys, Arie and Andrew, both have girlfriends.  Grandpas house is .. well.. communications challenged.   In fact, the only place they could get their cell phones to work was in the boat sitting next to the dock.  So, started calling the pontoon boat 'the phone booth'.

John and Janice.  Looking good. 

The Griffioens love the water.  Here's John working the Jet Ski.  Awesome air!  And Andrew wasn't to bad himself.

Here's one of my favorite pictures of the whole trip.  Julie's on the dock like she's feeding the Swans.  Janice, apparently, thinks she's a swan - because she's got her mouth open trying to catch some bread!

Julie and Janice had some girl bonding time on the lake in the neighbor's canoes.  Janice can't go anywhere without her Big Gulp!

Here's all three Rexford girls.  I am so glad that they all love each other and have made the effort over the years to remain a tight, loving family. What an example.

We had such a great time together.  It's hard to leave.  Obviously, Janice was heartbroken to have to leave and go back home.  But, we'll be together again, soon.

Martha.. You Little Minx

John G. wrote me an email the other day that included a story about Martha Dooley. Remember Martha? She is the beautiful elder neighbor of the Griffioens that attended Arie's graduation party. Here she is pictured with Janice.

Well, at the time I met her I realized what a lovely lady Martha was.. but I didn't know much about her background. Here's the story as printed Valentine's day on the front page of the Shelbyville News that tells you a little bit more about the woman in the picture. Thanks John for passing this along!

Valentine's Day is usually viewed as a day to reconnect with loved ones, but the special day is also one that brings back memories of past or lost loves.

Today, 84-year-old Martha Dooley undoubtedly will think of Lyman Dooley, her husband of 35 years, but she also will remember her fiancé, Judge Clayton Hellums, who died in a tank battle in Lorraine, France, at the end of World War II.

Martha was 19 when she met a good-looking solider from Mississippi who was temporarily stationed at Camp Atterbury. She and her niece, Rosella Hatton, were a popular vocal duo who often sang in churches in southwestern Shelby County and even entertained the soldiers at Camp Atterbury. The two were introduced after Martha and Hatton sang at the St. Lewis Crossing Methodist Church in 1942. The young couple fell in love and were engaged before Hellums was shipped to Germany in 1943.

"We didn't really keep our engagement secret," Martha said, "but we didn't tell everybody, either. It was wartime, and the future was so uncertain."

Hellums marked the engagement with a gift of two rings to his fianceé, one a diamond and the other a cameo, and Martha has kept both rings as keepsakes over the past 67 years.

Like so many women who kissed their loved ones goodbye as they left to fight overseas during World War II, Martha never saw her fiancé again. She received a telegram from Hellums' family in Mississippi that he was killed in France on Oct. 9, 1944.

"We lost so many boys in that war," Martha said with a sorrowful shake of her head. "I was so sad for a long time."

To deal with her loss, Martha continued to sing with her niece, and she is certain to this day that her music "is how I survived it." She even wrote a song about Hellums that was published, called "He's My American Hero."

The loss of a son, brother and fiancé to Hellums' loved ones was difficult enough, but Martha said the explosion of Hellums' tank was so complete that none of the men in the tank were ever found. There were no bodies to bury.

Along with the more than 10,000 American soldiers buried in the Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial in Avold, France, there are 444 names inscribed on the Tablets of the Missing, and Hellums was among their number.

Martha went on with her life, as people are wont to do, marrying Lyman Dooley in 1951, having three children - Kathy, Mike and Jon - and building a home on four acres in Flat Rock. Dooley even spent some time in Germany following World War II, and he remained in the Army National Guard and was even a member of the Air Force Reserve during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Martha and Hellums' sister, Winnie Sykes of Mississippi, remained in contact following his death, and the two women and their spouses even visited each other in Mississippi and Flat Rock.

"Lyman knew about Clayton," Martha said, "and he was never jealous about my being engaged before I met him. Remember that so many men died during World War II."

59 years later

The story of Hellums and Martha takes up again in 2003, 59 years after his death, when a Frenchman named Gerard Louis spots a shiny metal object, the identification tag of an American soldier, while he is taking a walk in the Forest of Parroy in France where many World War II tank battles took place.

In Oct. 1944, two American tanks were blown up by German fire during a devastating battle in the section were Louis walked. He said that the earth was different were he found the tag, speculating that the area was burned and noting that nothing would grow there.

The metal tag was inscribed with the name "CPL Judge C. Hellums" and his serial number, "34048072," and on the reverse side, the name "Martha" was engraved.

Louis was haunted by questions about Hellums and the identity of Martha, and he firmly believed that the tag should be returned to Hellums' family. The Frenchman decided to search for Hellums' relatives in America.

During his search, Louis was informed that Hellums was indeed listed as missing, and a superintendent at the French cemetery informed Louis that he would attempt to locate Hellums' family.

After not hearing any news for several years, Louis went to a local French newspaper, asking for its for its help in the search, and a journalist named Jean-Christophe Pignon publicized the search in a story entitled, "On the Trail of Corporal Hellums."

Hellums' family was actually found by a military research center in Belgium after researchers received a copy of Pignon's article.

Land of Lorraine

In 2006, Dwight Hellums, a brother of Cpl. Judge Clayton Hellums, received a letter hand-written in French that contained a picture of the identification tag, a copy of the news article about the search for Clayton's family and a map of the area where he was killed.

Louis wrote, "I am now happy to have located his family, and happy to know that your brother will not be forgotten on our land of Lorraine, where he gave his life for our freedom. I am proud to have brought the light on this tragedy."

Following the discovery, several members of Hellums' family actually traveled to France for a memorial service in Clayton's honor where they formally received the engraved tag, but Martha declined the invitation to go along.

"I am afraid to fly," she said. "I can't tell you how shocked I was to hear that the tag was found with my name on it."

In an additional touch of romance, the Frenchman Louis and Hellums' sister Winnie fell in love and married after meeting at the French memorial.

"It all seems so long ago," Martha said, looking at a picture of herself at 19 standing beside Hellums in his Army uniform. "But it is something that you never forget."

THE 2008 BLOGGIES

January is traditionally a month in which major media organizations within the USA and abroad celebrate achievements from the previous year. The Team Henderson blog is pleased to join the chorus by announcing its excellence in blogging awards.

Welcome to the Team HEnderson 2008 BLOG Greatest Items Ever Seen - or simply, THE 2008 BLOGGIES! 2008 was an outstanding year and the competition was fierce. However, voting was simplified by our lead writer making unencumbered, unilateral decisions in each category ;)

Congratulations to all our winners! And now, without further ado, on to the awards!

FOREIGN ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

BEST FOREIGN BLOG
Buckner’s Buzz http://bucknersbuzz.blogspot.com/
The inspiration for the Team Henderson blog – this blog epitomizes excellent in blogging. Written and (hardly ever) edited by Joanne Buckner – this blog presents a wide ranging array of subjects – featuring, in recurring roles, her three amazing children, husband, and dog Jaci.

BEST FOREIGN BLOG ENTRY - WRITING
August 28: The Proposal

by Joel Henderson and Carissa Schutter (not yet Henderson)
This story in dual voices exemplifies the art of encapsulating a moment in time using language. Critics heralded the piece as an instant classic.

BEST FOREIGN PICTURE
Nov 23: Sweet Victory!
Hannah Henderson and her friend Emily are captured at the moment of Big Game victory. This image is particularly effective when considering the photographer was also the subject. This picture – tastefully cropped by the editor - evokes the excitement and exhilaration only possible by dominating Stanford!

ACHIEVEMENTS IN WRITING

BEST BLOG TITLE
Dec 16: Oh No.. Jo.. b’fo Ho Ho Ho.. it’s Snow!
"A rhyming tour-de-force" chimes Times magazine! "I love it like a fat kid loves cake" says 50-cent!

BEST BLOG ENTRY - FICTION
June 6: Elsie: Harley Babe
In this entry – legendary figure - (then) 82 year old Elsie Ness - explores her physical, emotion and sensual connection to the Hog. Not since Jack Nicholson bared his backside in the movie Something's Gotta Give have we seen a more honest portrayal of octogenarian romance. Yet, this selection reigns as one of our most controversial BLOGGIES given the growing rank of pundits that debate its status as fiction.

BEST BLOG ENTRY - NON-FICTION (ALL)

April 22: It’s a (Very) Small World

This epic, chronicalling the early Joel and Carissa days, spans 3 generations and thousands of miles to clearly present the evidence of God's unseen hand in the events of man.

BEST BLOG ENTRY - NON-FICTION (GUEST)

Feb 20: Cow Palace Dog Show

A touching story by Julie, mirroring human and canine friendship forged in the journey of life.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION – BEST BANNED BLOG ENTRY
June 8: Harley Babe in Training – Janice Griffioen.
This story – eventually banned from the blog by our executive editor, Julie – highlighted the life of Janice Griffioen as she took her first baby steps in becoming a full-fledged Harley babe. Revered by early reviewers as a triumph in bad taste.. this entry, alas, was removed before it could find widespread acceptance and acclaim.


ACHIEVEMENTS IN PHOTOGRAPHY

BEST USE OF PICTURES IN STORY TELLING
April 22: It’s a (Very) Small World
An 8 Act story spanning many locations and thousands of miles – this blog entry recounts the story of inbreeding in small towns.

BEST PICTURE – SCENIC

December 2: Holland 2
If only the photographer could have captured this image in spring! Still, the beautiful colors and contrasts make this our editor’s selection for 2008!

BEST PICTURE - JUMPING
Dec 27: Jumping Pictures and More
This highly competitive genre was dominated this year by one picture. Congratulations to the winners.

BEST PICTURE - SENIOR DIVISION
June 11: Nephew’s Rule
Unknown newcomer Martha comes out of nowhere to grasp victory from perennial winner Elsie in this beautiful portrait of beloved neighbors. Special thanks to Lurinda Shrauger for the use of her Nikon to capture this award winner.

BEST PICTURE - SIBLINGS
Dec 24: This Really Happened!
In a staggering upset– Joel Henderson is shut out of this category for the first time ever! Yes, this picture of Rachel and Hannah, siblings, tops 2008! Congrats.

BEST PICTURE – CROSS GENERATIONAL
June 10: Oh What Fun it is to Ride…
A rare combination of athletic prowess and emotional joy combine to bring us this best picture spanning generations. This was truly one of blog managements all time 2008 favorites! Enjoy!

BEST PICTURE OF THE YEAR
Our only tie - this award is shared between..

June 6: Elsie: Harley Babe
John Griffioen is the subject of the distinguished picture of the year award winner. The simplicity of the picture, which captures the subject in his element is both technically pleasing and esthetically satisfying. A 2008 best of!

Oct 5: The Great Glass Pumpkin Patch

Rachel Massey highlights this artistic rendering of life through the pumpkin colored looking glass - a triumph of color, composition and craftsmanship!

ACHIEVEMENTS IN COMMENTING

MOST COMMENTS – INDIVIDUAL BLOG ENTRY
July 14: HJ-112 Rest in Peace
This poignant, insightful, commentary on the loss of a fallen comrade received 15 comments; more than any other 2008 blog entry. Demonstrating that blog readers will rally support to the fallen – this award jointly goes to all who made this entry the winner.

BEST BLOG COMMENT
Dec 23: Admissions of a Fiction Writer
Succinct, flattering, evocative! That’s what it takes to win in this category – as Joel Henderson did in 2008!

His comment:
"Another golden nugget coated in chocolate sarcasm! Ummmmmm, tastes good!"

MOST HIGH-BROW COMMENT
April 15: Get a Job
Being long on big words, flattering, and intellectually stimulating are the keys to success in this category. This entry represents an astounding degree of sophistication and flair; as Joel quite easily distanced himself from the crowd with this award winning effort!

His comment:
You're just a regular Flannery O'Connor aren't you :D Nicely done. The pictures add an appropriate amount of verisimilitude to keep people wondering. The ending is particularly well-crafted, bringing the story back full-circle with a ring-composition and using indirect imagery to close the denouement, allowing the readers' own experiences of the "calm after the storm" to inform their unique visuals of mom asleep on the couch. Again, nicely done.

BEST COMEBACK BY BLOG MANAGEMENT TO COMMENT
April 15: Get a Job
Demonstrating a dogged determination and willingness to dig into the back story surrounding a comment in order to respond with unique and appealing prose, this category highlights the quick mind, internet search, and cut and paste skills of our management staff. Touche!
Our comment:
Joel.. as most of our readers will know.. Flannery O'Connor is really Mary Flannery O'Connor. When O'Connor was five she taught a chicken to walk backwards, and it was this that led to her first experience of being a celebrity.

2008 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Elsie Ness – 83 and loving being on the ‘bloggin’.
This multiple 2008 THE BLOGGIES nominee and award winner exemplifies what it means to be alive and thrive at 83. We are proud to award this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award to Elsie Ness!

Nephews Rule!

It was rewarding to get a chance to see each of our nephews (including Chris who is not pictured here!) on our last trip to Michigan/Indiana.

Every one has a wonderful, distinct personality which seems to grow and expand each year. They are all a blast to hang around with, play with, and just enjoy.

Check out this roster of studs!

Arie - the Graduate


















Andrew - next in line!


















Tyler - in contemplation. I think he might be thinking of a special someone in this picture. Notice the ring on his pinkie finger (it's not a men's ring!)?













Troy - the gentle spirit.. who spends a lot of time being abused by his older brother and cousins!


















Trent - the magnificent ball of energy!