Mother's Day special for soldier mom

May 8, 2005

By TASHA STEIMER
Index-Journal senior staff writer

HODGES – When 7-year-old James Wallace leaves for school, he always asks his mom, Spc. Kittie Kline, the same question.
“He asks me, ‘Mommy, will you be here when I get back,’ and I say, ‘Yes, baby, I sure will.’” Kline, a member of the 111th Signal Battalion, recently came home after being deployed in Iraq with other soldiers from Company D in Hodges.
More than 80 troops from companies D and A, in Abbeville, returned to the area Tuesday.
Kline said the deployment was the first time she had been away from her four children – 17-year-old Anastasia, 15-year-old Lisa, 9-year-old John and James.
“It was hard being away,” she said. “I had always been there for every birthday and holiday until I left. Missing their birthdays hurt more than anything.”
Unlike most soldiers who took a two-week leave during their deployment, Kline said a family emergency brought her home for four months.
“My oldest daughter was in a bad car accident a couple months after I was deployed, and I was able to come home for her,” she said. “She’s still in a wheelchair but she’s gained feeling back everywhere now. I wish I’d been there more to do more for her. Everyone was great and had the best intentions, but no one can take care of your kids like you can. She’s a great girl and has always been strong-willed.”
Although being away from her children was difficult, Kline said the three oldest understood why she had to do it even though James could not.
“I think he was really traumatized during my absence,” she said. “When my sister picked him up to bring him to the homecoming Tuesday, she said he kept looking out the window and not saying anything. I told her he probably thought she was lying because I already left him twice.”
Being in communications, Kline was able to keep in contact with her family by phone and e-mail so that did make it easier.
“We could call home but only for 20 to 30 minutes at a time if someone else was waiting,” she said. “I only called once a week to give others a chance to call. We shared communications with Special Forces, Navy Seals and other units so you didn’t want to tie up the phones and the Internet.”
Kline said it was sometimes difficult to know what to say or write because she didn’t want to worry her children.
“There was a lot of times when I felt the immediate danger of a situation,” she said. “We did convoy duty and a couple people did it all the times. They got into fire fights but no one was ever hurt from our unit. We talked to people in other units and they would tell us about their casualties.”
Kline said the unit was able to maintain high morale because they were fortunate enough not to lose anyone there.
“Talking with others and seeing them function through those experiences and deaths, it helped us and we realized how fortunate we were.”
Kline said she was looking forward to spending this Mother’s Day with her children and attending church with her mother.
“I’m on leave until May 20 but I’ll probably take a few more days off,” she said. “I just want to spend time with my kids. I missed them so much.”

Mother who played father for a year can be mom again

May 8, 2005

By TASHA STEIMER
Index-Journal staff writer

ABBEVILLE – Crystal Wilson said her mother-in-law, Pennie Brown, took the place of her son, Staff Sgt. John Wilson, while he was deployed for a year in Iraq.
“Pennie was the father,” Crystal said, laughing. “I had my parents, but I live next door to (John’s) parents and I don’t know what I would have done without them.”
Brown said the family is thankful this Mother’s Day to have John, a member of the 111th Signal Battalion Company A, home.
“This is definitely a better Mother’s Day than last year,” she said. “Our families are close anyway, and we spend a lot of time together. While he was gone I kind of just took his place.”
Wilson said leaving was hard because he had never been away from his family longer than three weeks for occasional training.
“At first it was hard, but then I settled in,” he said. “It got easier with time until it got close to coming back.”
Crystal said their son, 5-year-old Johnathan, was excited when he heard his dad was returning last week.
“He said, ‘My daddy’s coming home and I’ll have someone to play with.’ And that’s what they’ve been doing,” she said.
Brown said the year that her son was deployed was difficult, but the family made it through.
“It was rough worrying about him, missing him,” she said. “We didn’t know what was going on day-to-day with him, but we’re so glad to have him home.”
Wilson said he had almost a month off before going back to work, and he planned to spend the time with family and getting back into a routine.

U.S. senator to Lander graduates: ‘Always finish as strong as you can’

May 8, 2005

By WALLACE McBRIDE
Index-Journal senior staff writer

Graduates at Lander’s 134th commencement ceremony wait for their names to be called Saturday as degrees are handed out.

Lander said goodbye Saturday to another graduating class of seniors.
As with any academic milestone, many students saw the commencement ceremonies as the end of chapter in their lives. Experience can color perspective, though, with the day’s speakers stressing that graduation is as much a beginning as an ending.
Graduate Samantha Byrd said she is applying for a public relations job with Universal Studios in Orlando.
Wesley Watson is going to work for North Side Baptist Church as a media specialist, while Sarah Hershey is working as a theater projectionist but sees a career at Lander in her future.
And endings have value, too, said U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint, who delivered the day’s commencement address. After years of hard work, most students were probably anxious to get their degrees in-hand, he said.
“What I say is not as important as how fast I say it,” he told the audience. “You’re thinking about a job, a place to live. Some of you are thinking about that special friend you want to spend the rest of your life with.”
He reminded them that many of their parents were their same age when they were born.
“While they had to help you grow up, they were still growing up them selves,” he said. “You wouldn’t be here today if your parents hadn’t done something right.”
As a child, he thought of himself as a fast runner. In middle school, he said, there were older kids both bigger and faster, and by the time he joined a track team he had resigned himself to quit rather than lose.
He stopped short during a race, and his coach forced him to walk the remainder of the track to the finish line. The team didn’t finish first, and he regretted that his decision to quit meant he didn’t contribute anything to the team that day.
“Never quit, and always finish as strong as you can,” he said. “I wasn’t the best dad in the world, I wasn’t the best businessman in the world, I wasn’t the best candidate in the world. But I second and thirded them to death, which is why I’m standing here before you.”
“Perfection is the robe that is worn by critics who stay on the sidelines of life,” he told the graduates. “Mistakes are part of moving ahead.”

Symbol of life marks Hospice celebration

May 8, 2005

By WALLACE McBRIDE
Index-Journal senior staff writer

Symbols have power and are rarely selected by chance.
Butterflies symbolize life, death, rebirth and the eternity of the soul, so it should be no surprise that the insect found its way into the imagery associated with an institution devoted to terminal illness and grief counseling.
Saturday, hundreds of butterflies were released at HospiceCare of the Piedmont, an annual event bringing together friends and family of Hospice patients.
Bridget Ashley was one of those present to help decorate for the event. She lost her husband, Lt. Col. Jeff Ashley, to cancer in January.
“When they fly away, I’m going to think about him not being in pain anymore,” she said.
“The butterfly symbolizes new beginnings,” said Kelly Buckshorn, director of development for Hospice. “It’s a national symbol for Hospice, a national symbol of hope and new beginnings.”
More than 500 butterflies were sold for this year’s celebration, she said. They were ordered from California in chrysalis form and were fed Friday with sugar water to give them energy for Saturday’s release.
“We have a lot of bereaved families,” Buckshorn said, “a lot of supporters and volunteers. It’s really grown. This is the sixth year that we’ve had the butterfly celebration, and it’s continued to grow. Even the year it rained, we still had more than 100 people here.”

Bobby Frank Parker

HONEA PATH — Bobby Frank Parker, 71, of 100 Rouse St., No. 241, widower of Maria Patton Parker, died Thursday, May 5, 2005 at Anderson Area Medical Center.
Born in Anderson County, he was a son of Emory and Annie Gambrell Parker. He was a member of Liberty Baptist Church where he served on the male chorus. He was a graduate of Gantt-Rosenwald School in Honea Path, retired from Belton Blanket Co. and was a veteran of the Army, Korean conflict.
Survivors include a sister, Dorothy Reeder of Honea Path; two brothers, T.C. Parker Sr. of Honea Path and James Robert Parker of Cleveland.
Services are 2 p.m. Monday at Liberty Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Kenneth Harrison, assisted by the Rev. J.L. Robinson and Minister Freeman L. Frazier. The body is at Robinson-Walker Funeral Service and will be placed in the church at 12. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers are David Brenson, Selvine Jamison, Marcellus Lee Jr., Michael Patton, Raymond Posey and Raymond Sampson.
Flower bearers are Margie Clinkscales, Etta Cureton, Mammie Donnalds, Hazel Griffin, Jean Jamison, Diane Patton, Ruby Sanders and Ola Mae Williams.
Visitation is 1:15-1:45 Monday at Liberty Baptist Church.
The family is at the home of his sister, Dorothy Reeder, 100 Rouse St., No. 211, Honea Path.
Robinson-Walker Funeral Service, Ware Shoals, is in charge.

Graciela T. Huron

Graciela T. Huron passed away May 4, 2005 at the age of 79 years. She was born in Mexico, but lived most of her life in the United States. Mrs. Huron is survived by her husband Joe, her daughters Grace, Denise and husband Randy Dennin, sons, James and wife Tamara, and Arnold and her grandchildren Brandon and Miranda Dennin. Also she is survived by her sisters, Lidia Tena, Blanca and husband Guillermo de Icaza, Yolanda and husband Donald Pottorf, Silvia Tena, and Patricia and husband Luis Borja, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was a member of St. Luke’s Catholic Church for many years.
Visitation will be held Monday, May 9, 2005 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 pm in St. Luke’s Catholic Church. Visitation will continue 9:00 am Tuesday, May 10, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church with a Mass of Resurrection to be celebrated at 10:00 am. Flowers may be sent to St. Luke’s Catholic Church or donate to a charity of your choice. Interment will be private. Funeral services entrusted to: Memorial Funeral Home.
PAID OBITUARY

Denise Ruth Baylor Omogun

Denise Ruth Baylor Omogun, 41, of 306 Manning Road, died Friday, May 6, 2005 at her home.
Born in Greenwood County, she was a daughter of Cleveland Baylor Sr. and Dora Timpson Baylor. She was a beautician, a member of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church, a Deaconess, a Sunday School teacher, a member of the Young Adult Choir and the Praise Team.
Survivors include her father of Ninety Six; mother of Greenwood; two sons, Demar Baylor and Kenan Omogun, both of Greenwood; a daughter, Ometere Omogun of Greenwood; two brothers, Cleveland Baylor Jr. of Phoenix and Eric Baylor of Atlanta; and a sister Bridgette Baylor of Greenville.
The family is at the home of her mother, 113 Balsam Lane.
Services will be announced by Robinson & Son Mortuary Inc.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at robson@emeraldis.com

Kenneth Warren Owens

GAFFNEY, S.C. — Kenneth Warren Owens, 64, of 121 Chaucer Road, husband of Eleanor Clary Owens, died Friday, May 6, 2005 at his residence.
Born in Trion, Ga., he was a son of the late Edward Anderson Owens and the late Gladys Woods Owens. He graduated from Trion schools and Carlisle Military Academy in Bamburg. He attended the University of S.C. and was an avid Carolina fan. He was a member of the Gaffney Jaycees that participated in many community projects. He began his textile career at Magnolia Finishing Company in 1963. He was instrumental in founding the first Explorer Scout Troop at Magnolia and was very active in scouting most of his life. He was an Eagle Scout and earned the God and Country Award. Mr. Owens was employed with Milliken for 42 years as Director of Customer Support. He was a member of the First Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife of the home; a daughter, Meredith O. Jones and husband, Christopher L. of Greenwood, S.C.; three brothers, Wallace Owens of Mount Airy, Ga., “Pete” Owens of N. Augusta, S.C. and Louis Owens of Simpsonville, S.C.; two grandchildren, Owen Tyler Jones and Olivia Grace Jones.
She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Ashlyn Paige Jones.
Memorial services are 3 p.m. Monday at Shuford-Hatcher Funeral Home, conducted by Dr. Bobby Morrow.
The family will receive friends at the home, 121 Chaucer Road, Gaffney.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Greenwood Genetic Center, Autism Research, 1 Gregor Mendal Circle, Greenwood, S.C. 29646.
Shuford-Hatcher Funeral Home is in charge.
PAID OBITUARY

Kyle Thompson

ABBEVILLE — Kyle Knox Thompson, 44, of 1472 Highway 284, wife of William “Billy” Thompson, died Friday, May 6, 2005 at Abbeville County Memorial Hospital.
Born in Georgia, she was a daughter of James “Jimmy” Knox of Greenville and Alice Faye Knox of Abbeville. She was a homemaker, former Pro Shop manager at High Meadows Country Club and attended Main Street United Methodist Church.
Survivors include her husband of the home; a son, Jeffery Thompson of the home; a daughter, Taylor Thompson of the home; two sisters, Patti Nickles and Mary Hyman, both of Abbeville; a half sister, Jamie Knox of Greenville and a grandson.
Graveside services are 2 p.m. Monday at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, conducted by the Rev. Bob Clemons.
The body is at The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home.
Visitation is 6-8 tonight at the home of Mrs. Ruthie Harris, 208 South Main St., Abbeville.
Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home is in charge.

Abner Booker T. Washington

DUE WEST — Abner Booker T. Washington, 63, of 88 Holmes Road, Route 2, Donalds, died Saturday, May 7, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center.
He was a son of the late L.T. Washington and Essie Corley Washington.
The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Abbeville & White Mortuary.

Cooper keeps EHS going

May 8, 2005

By BRIAN HOWARD
Assistant sports editor

Demetrick Cooper had three chances in the second half to score a goal.
On his first opportunity, his shot went well wide of the target, and the second was high of the goal. But his third was good enough to help lift the Emerald High School boys soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Region III-AA foe Batesburg-Leesville in the Upper State semifinals of the Class AA playoffs Saturday afternoon at Viking Stadium.
The Vikings advance to Wednesday’s Upper State finals to meet Walhalla.
Walhalla defeated Pendleton 3-1 on Saturday.
Results of that game were not available.
Cooper’s goal came at the right moment. Emerald had surrendered a penalty kick goal six minutes before Cooper’s goal, tying the game at 1.
“The first chance I had when Joseph (Taylor) played the ball in I missed the shot,” Cooper said. “I said there is going to be another one (chance) coming and I was able to put it on target for the winner.”
Emerald got its first goal eight minutes into the game, but was unable to get the ball past Panthers goalkeeper Chaz Dachenhaus for the remainder of the first half.
Senior midfielder Brian Amey, who is an Erskine College signee, got the ball off a Panthers defensive turnover in the penalty area and fired a shot toward the far post for the goal.
Despite Amey’s score, Emerald (14-4) had trouble the entire game getting the ball into the back of the net.
“Right now, as we have done all year, we are going to struggle to score goals,” Vikings coach Brad Nickles said. “I am very disappointed in the decision making. You miss shots, you miss shots. But we are waiting, hesitating, trying to kill it, when you need to place it.
“I am tired of talking about it. Getting chances is not a problem, finishing is the problem.”
The Vikings outshot the Panthers, 23-2, and had four chances in the first half to extend the lead after Amey’s goal.
The best scoring chance came with 23:30 left in the half when Taylor fired a shot toward the back post, forcing Dachenhaus to make a diving stop to his right and knocking the ball away for a corner kick.
Emerald, which had 14 shots in the first half, finished with 12 corner kicks.
“It could have been 5-0 at halftime, 7-0 easily,” Nickles said. “They cross midfield for the first time in the second half and get a PK and then you’re in a scrap. They’ve got to make a decision on whether they want to defend their title.
“The better team won today by far. It wasn’t a 2-1 game. All I care about is a ‘W’ now.”
Amey had a chance just two minutes into the second half to give Emerald a 2-0 lead, but his shot just outside the penalty area was tipped over the crossbar by Dachenhaus for a corner kick.
The Panthers broke past the Emerald defense with 12 minutes remaining.
Vikings defender Christopher Tommie was whistled for a hard foul inside the penalty area on Shay Barnes.
Barnes’ shot on the penalty kick beat a diving C.K. Kirkland for the equalizer.
But the Emerald offense controlled the final 11 minutes, as Amey found Taylor on a pass about 25 yards out and the freshman forward saw Cooper making a run on the right side of the penalty area. Taylor played the ball to Cooper, who beat Dachenhaus for the 2-1 advantage with 6:37 remaining.
Kirkland faced just two shots, making one save, while Dachenhaus had 13.

Take opportunity this day to tell mom you love her

May 8, 2005

Mother’s Day, 2005. Where does the time go! Time, they say, changes everything, but there are some things time does not affect. One of those things is a mother’s love.
Time does move on, but no matter how old anyone gets, to a mother, sons and daughters are always her babies. She retains that protective instinct, even if we grow into football-playing behemoths and are mean, ugly and powerful enough to take care of ourselves under any conditions or circumstances.
The core of that caring, of course, is love. It’s a love that has no end, and it is pure and simple. Mothers love us unconditionally. In fact, no child can ever love a mother as much as a mother loves him. We’re simply not made that way.
Nevertheless, we honor our mothers all year long ….. or should. That, in fact, is so important that God included “Honor thy father and thy mother” as one of the Ten Commandments.

IT’S GOOD, HOWEVER, THAT a special day is set aside to give them special attention. Father’s Day comes next month, but for now, it’s time to pay tribute to mothers.
So, do something that many of us have a hard time doing. It, too, is simple, but something that too often is neglected. That, of course, is telling our mothers how much we love them. In communicating that emotion, we often fail miserably.
So, those who are fortunate enough to still have their mothers, take the opportunity this day to tell them how much they have meant. After all the sacrifices they make for us, and the steps they take to make sure we’re safe and healthy, it’s unthinkable that we could ever lose sight of the role mothers play in making us who we are.

THAT’S NOT ENOUGH, THOUGH. They should be told, too, that all these years later they are still appreciated and loved, even though we don’t say it often enough ….. or at all.
We expect children to show their affection, and fathers do all kinds of things to make sure children don’t forget their mothers on this special day. However, how often do fathers remember to remember their mothers and show them the same affection?
So tell her. Show her. There may come a time when you wish you had. No, there will come a time when you wish you had.