End of the Volvo 1992-2008

The two year old I used to buckle safely into this "tank" survived this, by the Grace of God. All teenagers should learn how to drive in vehicles like this one . . .hit by a car driving 50 mph. It hauled kids, barbie dolls, legos. Was once vandalized. Carried groceries, bicycles and FM equipment. Carried me, two large dogs, an aloe vera plant and a few precious belongings out of Texas. Seats ripped by Spencer's bike, roof damaged by the gate at St. David's Episcopal Church. Never left me stranded.

Saved Spencer's Life!!!

. . . .goodbye, Uncle Jack

Jack Edward Hogan, age 78, of Springfield, passed away Tuesday, December 2, 2008, in his home. Jack was the son of David Lee Hogan and Theo Bernice Smith Hogan, and was born August 4, 1930, in West Plains, Missouri. He graduated from West Plains High School and entered the United States Navy at age 17, serving on a ship in the Persian Gulf. After leaving the Navy at age 20, Jack moved to Springfield, to work at Thieme Hunt Abstract Company. He started from the ground floor working for no pay doing everything including sweeping the floors to learn the business. In the early days he ran deliveries for the company on the city bus. He worked his way through the ranks to partner and eventually owner and founder of Hogan Land Title Company. His business and his family were his life. Jack thought of and treated the hundreds of Hogan employees as extended family. Jack was a humble and gracious man and always attributed his success to good fortune and the good people in his life. Despite his humility, he was a highly respected businessman and a pioneer in the tile insurance industry. He had a gift for developing systems and technology and wrote software for his industry before it was commercially available. He was a visionary when it came to the technical aspects of the title business. On November 7, 1962, Jack was united in marriage to Rebecca Kruse. They were blessed with nearly half a century together. They weathered good times and bad, joy and sorrow and were comforted in challenges by the serenity prayer. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his four siblings, David Lee Hogan, Anne Baker, Mary Hogan and Martha Crawford; his brother-in-law, Bud Kruse, and his nephew Bud Crawford. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Kruse; his children, Kim Chaffin and her husband, Keith, and their children, Sam, Ross and Anabelle; Crista Hogan and her husband, Tedd Hamaker and their children, Rebecca, Claude, Theo, Joe, Lena, and Dan; David (Bud) Hogan and his wife, Mary and their children, Jack and Nick. He also recently became a great-grandfather and is survived by his great-grandbaby, Soren. Jack is also survived by his dear nieces and nephews and the employees of Hogan Land Title. The family will receive friends in the Nave of Christ Episcopal Church, Wednesday, December 3, 2008, from 4 to 6 p.m. Funeral services will be held in Christ Episcopal Church Thursday, December 4, 2008, at 11 a.m. under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel with burial to follow in Greenlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Diabetes Association, 1944 E. Sunshine, Suite A, Springfield, MO 65804, or the American Cancer Society, 3322 S. Campbell, Springfield, MO 65807.

Dixie Classic Fair

Finally . . .a "hang-out" in our home. After attending the annual Dixie Classic Fair, Spencer and 30 of the fiends arrived for pizza, brownies, and festivities. We decorated with lighted jack-o-lanterns, helium bat and pumpkin balloons. "Witches brew" was served to all---the vapor created by the dry ice in the punch bowl was a hit!!

Hogans

The farmhouse

Ozark Mountain Road Trip

When I read between the lines and realized my Mother's only living sibling is now almost 80 years old and undergoing treatment for a recurrence of cancer, I put Spencer in the car and began the 2000 mile journey to visit the place my Mother grew up in. Mammoth Springs, West Plains, the Mississippi River. Clear, sparkling rivers all around us. Homes made of rock. A visit to the remaining effects of the Mary Holt Estate, including an original newspaper announcing the end of WWII. A trip to show my son the legacy of the Hogan family. Parkside, former home of my great-grandfather, now donated to the city as a children's park. Photos of the Christa Hogan Hospital. A search for the Hogan family plot--headstones for my my grandfather, David Lee Hogan and my grandmother Theo Smith Hogan. My mother's sister Mary, who died when she was only 16 years old from appendicitis. My mother, Anne Hogan Baker and her sister, Martha Hogan Crawford (aunt Marty!). A drive out to the farmhouse I remember from my childhood summers. Spencer had never seen an agricultural farm or the beauty of the thickened forest, alive with butterflies and wildflowers. The only sound we heard was a woodpecker. When I was overcome with emotion at my Mother's headstone, my son held me. When I apologized for the tears, he said, "Mom, why wouldn't you cry here?"

We drove to Springfield and Spencer finally got to meet his Uncle Jack. Along the way, Spencer read the family geneology and now he knows why his middle name is Hogan. The long drive provided ample time for my son to talk, laugh and share himself with me. We drove to my sister Martha's house and knocked on the door. She got up long enough to see it was me on her front porch and to retreat to the bedroom.

I was unprepared for the emotions and memories this journey through my family history would unveil. So sorry the last eight years and our own private journey for survival would postpone this trip. Joy at having the opportunity to sit and talk with my Uncle Jack, who has built a business and a family and served as a pillar of support to all of his family. Many answers to questions long unanswered. Spencer and I both hope to return to the Ozarks soon.

Quick Trip to Texas

Overcome with a huge desire to swim in Barton Springs, I made it to Austin for the first fun time in many years. I did swim in Barton Springs (although a sudden wind storm made a sudden departure necessary). I was fortunate enough to share a dinner with all those who offered friendship and support in a prayer group years ago, who I have not seen in many years. Visit with Lesley and her lovely daughters (finally got her to part with some photos!) Tex-Mex, blistering heat and all the familiar sites and sounds of a place that was once home. Took a cracked glitter glass all the way with me to return at Breed Hardware; alas, the trip was too short to visit that treasure filled "hardware" store!