Hi Folks! Sandi 2L checking in. I am writting in haste as the day continues to get away from me here. I am scheduled to be in Spokane by dinner time and with a 6 hour trip in front of me, I still have to finish packing, get the raspberries picked, drop off my plants at the neighbors, run the dishwasher and get dressed. Honestly! It's almost noon here, so I hope dinner isn't planned before 8 p.m.

I have decided to spend the family reunion time with Mom in Spokane. I am sorry to miss you all, but my heart is there with her and the rest of our family right now as we adjust to the changes before us. I hope to make a trip later this year - I want a turn on the waverunner without there being a line!

Mom and I were going through pictures and we found some that will answer a question Aunt Sue has asked me several times. She remembers a visit with Aunt Rose to our house back-in-the-day and riding some of our ponies. She kept asking me what the other pony's name was besides Duchess. I recited all the ponys' names that I knew of, but she wasn't certain of the one she and Rose rode when they were there. In amongst Mom's pictures was the answer! It was our black pony named Smokey. (We used to sing: "On top of old Smokey, all covered with hair....") Mom let me borrow the pics long enough to get them scanned into my computer when we came to my house for Dan's graduation and so Viola! Here they are! Aren't Sue and Rose and my Dad so cute!!!! The first one from l to r: Uncle Jack, Kaye-Kaye, Dad, Aunt Sue on Smokey, Anna petting some dog we had. If you look closely, you can see Grammie in the picutre window!

The next one shows Uncle Jack, Aunt Rose on Duchess, Kaye, Dad, Aunt Sue on Smokey and Peggy hugging the colt called Twinkles. We had these ponies for years. My Dad was especially good at giving us ponies. I remember him trading a load of hay for Twinkles. Mom might remember how we acquired the others. We never had much money so bartering was always a creative and effective way to keep us kids in pets and projects. I love these photos!

Our get together for Dan's college graduation, (Steve's second son), was a fun time. We got a family photo - kind of. We missed getting Anna and Dan in. They came all the way down on Saturday to the beach (Pacific Ocean, that is), back to Portland on Sunday for the brunch and then home to Spokane. (Remember is six hours away...tick, tick, tick....)

Back row (l to r): Monica, Dan, Dave, Jake, Sandi, Glenn.

Front row (l to r): Tammy, Mom, Aaron, (Matt down front), Steve, Debbie, Kyle, Cyndi and Kaye.

Proud Dad and Proud Grad! Who do you think is happier?

We love getting together! I hope the days ahead will continue to bring good times and draw us closer to each other. We have so much to be thankful for and the family we cherish is at the top of it all! Hope to keep in touch with you all. Enjoy the time at the lake!

We love you!

Sandi

Just a quick update after talking with the neurologist who administered the tests I took last week. She had not met with the other neurologists yet but from her results there was very little cognitive damage from the viral encephalitis that I suffered in November of 04. She will meet with the other neurologists in the next couple weeks to confer with them about further treatment. Of 100 people with similar symptoms, I scored 14 out of those 100. The 'other neurologists' are mostly young and handsome residents who are puzzled by my condition and tend to hover over me whenever I'm in the hospital. I try to keep my hair combed. The neurologist I spoke with this morning won't need to see me for six months unless I have some sort of surgery for the seizures. Right now, they are trying different medications to try to stop them. They say my other condition has nothing to do with this condition. Physical therapy, exercise, and IVIG are the current treatment they're trying for that. I'm a medical mystery. Keep praying.

We put a copy of the picture of Brayden riding his two wheeler on the refrigerator so we could look at it often. He is so proud. Joe says they made their kids keep a flag on a long pole attached to their bicycle long after they learned to ride a two wheeler. This was so cars could see them. The kids were as glad to get rid of the poles as they were to be rid of the training wheels.

Pete called Saturday with his weekly update. His household is still in the mess of the painting. Some of his offspring were floating the Salmon River and he and 'Ma' were forced to be dogsitters, but it sounded like they were enjoying it.

Rose, Shirley, Chris, Shelly, and I went to a new seafood restaurant nearby last Friday evening. Most of the items on the menu were things we couldn't pronounce so we just pointed when we ordered. I ordered what I thought was going to be crabcakes. They were not like any crabcakes I've ever eaten. I ate some of what I thought was the edible part and asked Chris if he wanted the rest. He said he'd try them and see what he thought. The women got to talking and a few minutes later I looked over at his plate and it was empty! Either he's more worldly than I am or he ate some crabs - shells and all.

Rose has some problems with her 'hired help'. Her cleaning ladies miss a lot of things, don't do windows, don't see cobwebs, and only mop the middle of any room. Their mothers never taught them how to make beds. They do drive a nice car - an Infiniti. She hired two young men to do some yard work, and she knew she was in trouble when they drove up in a new looking extended cab pickup.

Plans for the family get together are going well. Sandi from Oregon called. They are all helping Maudie and spending time with her when they can so they won't be here. Rose, Chris, Shelly, Jana, John, and Ellie will be there from St. Louis. Sally Jackson, a relative from Kansas Joe has discovered who vacations at Laurie, MO., (which is on the lake about 30 miles away) will be there with some of her kin. Debbie and Joe and lots of their offspring will be there. I remember how much they enjoyed it, and how much I enjoyed them last year. I hope Tricia and her fellow and Sandi and Kathy and theirs will come, too. Harriet will be there. Joe is coming and he wasn't sure if Dave and Mar'Ellen can make it or not.

If I've forgotten anyone, it's because my typing is slow, but I didn't leave anyone out on purpose. Please come. The big dinner will be on the 7th and we'll probably put everyone to work. I've already warned John he may have to ride kids on the waverunner all the time he's there.

The neurologist who performed the tests last week was going to confer with some of the other neurologists who have been treating me for the seizures and is to call me in the morning. They may have decided what the next step in my treatment might be OR whether to continue the current medication I am on for a while longer. They had two or three different options to choose from if the medication doesn't work out.

This is fireworks weekend at the lake. Doug is our pyromaniac, and I think he loves the Fourth as much as he likes Christmas. We all line up on the deck as soon as it gets dark and wait for the big show. It's become a neighborhood tradition and all the neighbors chip in for the display. Scott, Sherry, and the boys are coming over from Louisville for the occasion.

Here are various photos from recent days. Brayden riding his two wheeler WITHOUT training wheels; Jalen and Brayden climbing a tree; Jalen at his computer; Jalen, Mark Goldman, and Brayden; Sue; Joe; Pete; Chris; Scott, Brayden, and Jalen. [We never know the order in which the photos will appear when published.]

I spent the weekend at the lake with my 'harem'. Chris, Maddog, Goldman and I went down on Friday afternoon and came back yesterday afternoon. They took really good care of me. When they were younger they rode the waverunner, rode in the boat, water skied, swam in the lake and the pool, and only came in to eat and sleep. Now they hardly move off the deck. Occasionally one of them will jump in the lake to cool off and 'bathe' as they call it. My friend Mary called today and,, after following the blog, wants them for herself. They are very considerate guys. The potato baker did explode a baking potato in the oven, and we had medium rare French toast for breakfast one day--but I'm not complaining. Other than that, they were great chefs.

Rose and Shirley drove to Louisiana this weekend to go to Shirley's niece's wedding. Shirley's nephew gave the bride away, and three great nieces were flower girls. Rose and Shirley both said it was a beautiful ceremony and a fun reception. They're enroute home right now.

I had the battery of neuropsychological tests this morning. It was mostly brain work, and I didn't have to take off my clothes. It took almost 4 hours. Chris took me and picked me up. We went to lunch at a Greek restaurant. I decided I'm not a fan of Greek food.

I didn't get Pete's usual Saturday call since they were on their 50th anniversary trip along with the rest of their family. I hope 'a good time was had by all'.

I'm back home again, feeling much better but not quite myself yet. I have to go back on Monday to do a battery of tests but then just

to the doctor's office. I continue to be a puzzle to them.

Plans for a big family reunion tend to be up in the air but those who can and do attend will be put to work. About all I can do is be as good a hosress as I can. Typing is taking longer than usual today but I am improving every day.

Maudie, I had a note from Wanda Jean (cousin to us)extending her sympathy to you. She said she hadn't seen Bernie for at least 41 years. She is Aunt Mit's daughter

Chris, Goldman, and I are going to the lake tomorrow. I had concrete poured out front for driveway and parking so I'm eager to see it. It'll be fun, too, to see those two men doing all the cooking, dishes, and cleaning.

Rose and Shirley are off to a wedding in Louisiana early in the morning. Yvonne, Shirley's favorite niece who lived with her and Rose in Chicago for a while, is getting married Saturday night. Shirley's whole family will be there, and Shirley and Rose are really looking forward to it.

Speaking of whole families, I heard from most of my family while I was in the hospital. I left there Tuesday afternoon, 'took a turn for the worse" as they say in the country

and went back that evening. Some of the staff didn't even know I had left.

Margaret and Norm are going back down to the Valley tomorrow. (She corrected me for calling it the lot like she used to call it.) Sally and Larry are there and plan to stay most of the summer.

Sue was released from the hospital last night. She is pretty much back to normal except for the fatigue from three days of being tethered to a hospital bed. I'm sure she will provide her own update later in the day. She is relieved that her primary neurologist plans to continue IVIG even with this (turns out, mild) reaction. Her plan is to return to the intensive therapy and exercise that, coupled with the regular IVIG infusions, are helping her so much.

I just returned from the hospital and have an update. Sue probably has asceptic meningitis, a very common reaction to the IVIG. According to the neurologist, there are many antibodies from various people in the immuno-globulin so that it is not uncommon for someone to have this reaction. The plan is to keep Sue again overnight, treating her with IV fluids since she can't eat and Tylenol for her headache. She is a lot better this morning. For a while, it looked like she would have a lumbar puncture ("spinal tap" for all you who have seen "Miss Ever's Boys"), but now that appears unnecessary. She has her cell phone now: 314 452-3685.

A quick note to let you know that Sue is back in Barnes-Jewish Hospital. She went in on Monday for her monthly IVIG treatment, came home Tuesday morning, then became so ill in the afternoon that her neurologist put her back in hospital. No firm diagnosis yet; perhaps a reaction to the treatment, perhaps a urinary tract infection. She is actually in the same room she vacated yesterday morning. Having been on the 11th floor now seven times since January, 2007, she is acquainted with many of the staff. It was good to see her get such tender care last night from so many people who have grown to love her. It must be her sense of humor.

A small example of the humor: When we arrived in her room Monday morning, there was no bed for her. Sue told the nurse, "Well, once I got no lunch or dinner but I always had a bed before."

Sue's phone number at BJH is 314 361-8106. I'll post more information later today.

We never know how photographs will be positioned on the blog. The two below sort of placed themselves before I got a chance to label them. Maudie, Bernie, Rose AND Bernie and Rose at our last year's reunion. We found them on the computer and wanted to share.

Here I am back at Barnes-Jewish Hospital again for my monthly IVIG. One of the doctors was just in and sees some improvement since my visit last month, which makes me a bit hopeful. The bad news is that I had two small ‘spells’ (petite mal seizures) yesterday and will see a different neurologist for that condition later today.

Rose and I returned yesterday from Spokane and the sad event of brother Bernie’s funeral. All his surviving children and siblings, Maudie’s sister and two nieces from Conway, MO., a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, other relatives, and many, many friends attended the ceremony. The service was conducted by two priests who are friends of the family. The funeral was held in the funeral home chapel followed by a military ceremony at the gravesite. The military portion of the graveside service which commemorated Bernie’s service in the United States Army consisted of a color guard with a 21 gun salute and presentation of the US flag to Maudie. The friends and club members of Maudie, Bernie’s widow, prepared a wonderful dinner for a host of people at a local church immediately following the interment.

The informal portion of the day’s events following the delicious dinner epitomized the essence of Bernie. His children had spent some time compiling a 10 point list of Bernie’s attributes through their eyes as children and as adults. The one word they had trouble finding was “forceful”. Other words for this attribute were discussed and rejected until “forceful” was agreed upon by the majority and approved by Maudie. This choice of word brought some discussion and laughter from the room. Several people told stories and incidents of their association with Bernie that showed the love, admiration, and respect that Bernie had earned throughout his lifetime.

Margaret and Norman separately spoke to two outstanding attributes of Bernie’s—his generosity and his hard work. Norman told of his first meeting Bernie when he and his small family visited Spokane in the early 60’s. Bernie put him to work the entire weekend.

Bernie and Maudie’s offspring are a tribute to both of them. The offspring are caring, loving, and thoughtful, not only for other people but for each other. Being around them makes one see what a joy big families are. They hovered around their mother to try to ease some of the pain she was going through while enduring their own.

My other editors will (or maybe already have) make entries about the happenings of the past few days and relate things in more detail. They also have lots of pictures to post. I’m a slow typist and they’re ready to start my IVIG. More later.

I am hearing wonderful stories of the beautiful service and celebration of such a magnificent man. If possible, please let those of us who were unable to make it to Spokane know how we can obtain a copy of the DVD, as I understand everything was taped. My heart and prayers are with the entire family, but especially Aunt Maudie and their children.

Hi Folks!

We were greeted this morning with an early visit from Aunt Margaret, Uncle Norman, Aunt Sally and Larry. Cyndi and I were out on a walk and were pleasantly surprised to have more family at the farm when we got back. Aunt Sue and Aunt Rose arrive in a few minutes and so an entourage is heading out to greet them at the airport. Uncle Joe, Uncle Pete and Aunt Janet arrive later today and Uncle Donald will be here Saturday morning.

Mom is holding up well. She told a friend the other day that she was so blessed to "have Bernie longer than I deserved". I think we all feel that way, but coming from Mom it was an understatement. (I have to confess that I am a bit emotional writing this, so please bear with me as I try to give you updates.)

Mom felt that donations would be Dad's preference in lieu of flowers, but wanted people to do what was in their hearts to do. We have coordinated with the American Diabetes Assocation to recieve donations in Dad's name. (The address is at the end of the obit attached.)

Also, there is a wonderful slide show available at www.mem.com. Find the Fellin name and it opens up a biography. From there you can click on the video and see the slideshow. I haven't seen it yet, but I heard it is very nice. This is the same video we will show at the services on Saturday.

Thank you all for your prayers and support. Mom is especially comforted to have those come alongside her. I know that we all feel grateful for the time we had with the "Old Guy".

We'll update this again.
Love,
Sandi

Dear Family,

The following is a quick update for my Dad's funeral. Thank you all for your support and prayers. We are planning on the service on Saturday June 9, at 1:00 our time with a graveside service and reception following. I'll add more later, but here is the obituary that will be in the Spokesman's Review tomorrow.

Bernie Dean Fellin passed away peacefully at home June 3, 2007 at the age of 78. He was born in Marshfield, Missouri, June 28, 1928. When he was 17 years old, Bernie left the family farm and joined the Army to support his mother and younger siblings after his father died suddenly. He served in the Army Signal Corps in Korea. Shortly after completing his pilot’s training in the Army Air Corp, he was diagnosed with diabetes and was honorably discharged with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in 1954.

Bernie married Maudie (Larimore) Fellin on October 6, 1951 in Conway, Missouri. He moved his young family to the Spokane area, settling on Moran Prairie in 1960 where they remained until his death. The last five of their eleven children were born in Spokane. He is survived by his wife, Maudie, his children Anna, Steve, Sandra, Kaye Peterson, Doug, Glenn, Mike, Tammy, and Cyndi Langston, fifteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two of his children, Randy Eugene in 1957 and Shirley Jean Mattox in 2003.

Bernie was the oldest of eight children. He is survived by three brothers; Joseph of Springfield, Missouri, John (Pete) of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Donald of Birmingham, Alabama, and three sisters Margaret Ann Abbott of St Peters, Missouri, Rose Emma Holt and Martha Sue Boaz both of St. Louis Missouri, many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Robert (Bob) of St John, Kansas.

He worked for the Spokesman Review as a typesetter for 22 years. In 1980 he purchased A & B Printing, turning it into a family-run business and teaching his children the trade until retiring in 1989. Two of his children continue to operate the business today.

He was known to all as a forceful, but generous, man who never met anyone he wouldn’t help and never found anything he couldn’t build or fix. To help support his family, he raised cattle, did custom-farming and taught his children how to drive combines, tractors, bale and load hay, and to find satisfaction in hard work.

He was active in many organizations including the Moran Prairie and Pomona Granges, the Spokampers Camping Club, and the Jim Beam Club. He was also a lifetime member of the VFW 1435 and DAV. At one time he served as president of the local chapter of the International Typographical Union. He enjoyed many activities including square dancing, playing card games with his family and friends, watching wildlife on his farm and rooting for the Mariners.

He will be remembered in a ceremony on Saturday, June 9th, 1:00 p.m. at the Hazen & Jaeger funeral home at 1306 N. Monroe. Friday, June 8, 2007, there will be an open casket viewing from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hazen & Jaeger.

Bernie will be interred at the Moran cemetery with a reception following at Moran United Methodist Church, 3601 E. 65th Avenue, Spokane, Washington.

Donations may be made to American Diabetes Association in Bernie Fellin’s name at P.O. Box 10835, Spokane, WA 99209.

Looks like cool weather in Spokane for the next few days. Take a look: http://weather.aol.com/main.adp?location=USWA0422&zip=99201

Our updates aren't showing up immediately upon posting. You may have to click onto the June 07 Archives section to get all the latest posts.

The sad happening of Sunday has us all making arrangements to attend the funeral. The service will be held on Saturday, june 9, and will be a military funeral. Bernie had wanted to donate his body to science but, since he died at home, that wasn't possible so there will be a burial. The funeral home in charge of these arrangements is Haven and Jaeger in Spokane.

Bernie's nine surving offspring have gathered around and, as Sandi says, their mother is "like a rock". Maudie indeed has always been "like a rock" for everyone, especially for Bernie.

Bernie's surving siblings will gather in Spokane soon. Margaret is driving up with Norm, Sally (Bob's widow), her friend, Larry and left this morning. It's an 1800 mile trip and will take them three days to get there, but they have four drivers and promised to take it easy. Pete and Janet are also driving to Spokane from Idaho Falls, and I think they said they're stopping in Missoula, Montana. [I hope I don't have my geography mixed up.] Joe is flying out of Kansas City Thursday, and Rose and I are flying out of St. Louis also on Thursday. I haven't heard what arrangements Donald has made. Most of us are staying at the Shiloh Inn where we stayed when went to Bernie and Maudie's 55th wedding celebration last October. Rose and I have to return on Sunday because I have to check in to the hospital at 8 AM on Monday for my once-a-month IVIG treatment.

Goldman took Scott's boys to Mt. Carmi, Il. yesterday to meet Scott and deliver his boys. Goldman took them in the Lexus and left us his 1979 Cadillac. I had to go to therapy so Rose drove me there in it. Needless to say, we got lots of attention. The attention wasn't always admiring attention.

We had some really bad news yesterday. Bernie, our oldest sibling, passed away sometime in the early afternoon. So far, we have few details about his passing or about arrangements for his services. Sue and I have been communicating with our siblings about plans to travel to Spokane. Margaret and Norm plan to drive to Kansas where they will join up with Sally (Bob's widow) and her friend Larry to travel on to Spokane. Sabrina, Margaret and Norm's daughter, has been very helpful with checking airline arrangments, even offering frequent flyer miles should we need them.

Joe was in Oklahoma on business, and we don't yet know his plans.

We'll post additional information as we receive it.

I've been at lake for over a week with no time to update the blog. Last weekend Doug, Suzanne, Luke, Josie, Goldman, Maddog, Scott and boys were here. They all(except for Jalen and Brayden) left and Rose arrived. Joe came on Thursday evening, took us to dinner (on Pete"s credit card), and spent the night. Shirley and her two adopted grandchildren arrived on Friday. We have to leave today and are hating to go.

Rose had never ridden or driven a waverunner before but soon beame very good at it. She got it down off the lift and was able to back it out AFTER she unhooked the front of it. It took her a bit to figure out why it wouldn't move.

Pete and Janet just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
They celebrated by taking their grandchildren to West Yellowstone. They're going back to West Yellowstone with more relatives in a couple weeks.

Joe's grandaughter, Lydia, and daughter, Lisa (Lydia's aunt), are going to Costa Rico for a month this summer. The rest of the family, especially grandpa, are probably going into mourning.

Joe made his usual trip to the cemeteries this Memorial Day. Some of his family, according to him) refused to ride in "Poppa's van" because because of the dog hair so they had to take two cars.

Margaret and Norm are spending a lot of their summer at their lot, as they call it. They take their camper there and leave it most of the summer and only go home to tend to Norm's garden, I think. I'll be glad when tomatoes come in.

I talked to my neighbors who work at Southwood Shores near here, and they say they are filling up fast, so make your reservations soon. We need RSVP's by the 10th. We hope everone can make it.