Uncle Bernie’s Last Phone Message

Uncle Bernie was also a big fan of the Internet, but never really got into those newfangled things like facebook.  He loved E-mail, especially forwarding jokes.  He also was one of about four regular readers of this blog, back when I actually used to update it.  Therefore, it’s only appropriate he gets a mention here.

Bernie C. Milam

Bernie C. Milam, 82, husband of Jane Anderson Milam, died Saturday, February 19, 2011. He was born October 28, 1928 in Shepherdsville, son of the late Bernie B. and Bertha Wise Milam, and was a graduate of Shepherdsville High School. He was also a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a B.S. degree in Agriculture and M.S. degree in Extension Education. He was drafted in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict and was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant. After completing his tour of duty in Korea, he returned to the University of Kentucky to complete his degree. He taught Vocational Agriculture at Meade County High School before going to work for the U.K. Cooperative Extension Service. He went to Nicholas County as a 4-H agent until December 1957 when he became the 4-H agent in Bourbon County. He served the people of Bourbon County for 36 years before retiring on his 65th birthday.

He is survived by his wife Jane Anderson Milam and three sons, James, John, and Robert (Sonya). There are 10 grandchildren; Christopher, Daniel, Elizabeth, Josh, Adam, Lauren, Alexandra, Justin, Conner, and Matthew. He is also survived by one sister, Helen Newton; and one brother, Dr. Robert Milam.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 22, at the First Baptist Church of Paris, KY. Visitation will be 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Monday at the church.

Casket bearers will be his nephews, Mike Milam, Charles Milam, Steve Milam, Todd Milam, Kevin Cundiff, Eric Cundiff, Mark Cundiff, Mike Anderson, and Brad Newton.

Donations in lieu of flowers are requested to First Baptist Church Building Fund, Hospice of the Bluegrass, or one’s favorite charity.

www.hinton-turnerfuneralhome.com

JOURNEY OF THE FABULOUS FUDGE

Fudge and Baby Ben on Thanksgiving

By Carolyn Milam

Late winter in Kentucky—homeless dog and lonely young physician bond as they walk.  Nine dollars seals the deal.  I am yours, Dad, and you are mine.  Do you think Mom will love me, too?  Dad, your red pickup?  LET’S GO!

GO…thousands of miles from Lexington to St. Louis to Virginia to Nashville, to Houston, to the Lake House.  Dad,  I’ll ride shotgun.

CHEESE…string cheese, marbled Colby-muenster, plain old American.  I’ll shake, lie down, talk.  Feed me cheese.  Or turkey, tofu casserole, those luscious bourbon-pecan chocolate brownies…so near the edge of the counter.  Sorry, Mom.  Quick—my elixir—you know—birdbath water.  Hey, Ben and Jack, send a few tidbits under the table.  I’m waiting.  But Ben, peanut butter sticks to the roof of my mouth.

SKUNKED…Old Mike, look at those friendly black and white kitties.  I must meet and greet.  What!  The smell,  stinging in my eyes.  Steak Lady, how long will I be in the garage and how many more peppermint soap and tomato juice baths?

THUNDER…another storm, or the Fort Campbell guns or Uncle Chuck’s target practice.  Quick! safe spot, cover me with the red comforter, play Pachabel.  Together, we’ll make it through.

DREAMS…chasing deer at the creek and through a few thickets, barking away another pesky Harley on Harmony Grove Road, retrieving Old Mike’s Croc from the lake, guarding Mom while Dad’s away, chasing rabbits and chipmunks and blue jays from my territory.

Now my journey changes.  Remember the Eternal  restores all things.  Then, I’ll fetch, leap and roll again.  So, beloved family, until then, maybe soon, until then.