Halloween 2016

Coming off the shock of the last week and losing Uncle Glynn and Uncle Guy, Halloween was a particularly nice diversion and fun time for our family. Wyatt of course wanted to be a monkey. Georgia wasn't excited about costumes but she did rock a little Halloween tutu. Mama got her "candy tax" and all was well!

Losing our uncles

This past week was a doozy for our Cook/Perry/Mastrario/Mathis family. On Sunday morning, I got a phone call that Justin's great uncle, Glynn, had passed away. We had gotten so close to him. He slid into the spot that was hurting and empty after Justin's grandfather passed away. They had similar mannerisms and told some of the same stories. Uncle Glynn was fighting cancer and deep down we understood that his earthly suffering was over. His battle was hard and well-fought.

We hadn't even had the time to tell Wyatt what happened when I got a second phone call. My Uncle Guy passed away unexpectedly. He was found by my cousin at his home. He seemed to be working on his vehicle when it fell and landed on him. This was obviously unexpected but to get two huge losses in one day was overwhelming. We spent the rest of the week in a daze. We celebrated the lives of two family members that will be missed dearly. We were surrounded by family and friends. Often these bitterly sad moments are what bring far-flung family together for much overdue visits. Our church family came together and supported both the Cook and Mastrario families with a warm embrace, lots of food, and sincere supporting kindness.

Below: Theron and Glynn Cook

Glynn Eldridge Cook

Glynn Eldridge Cook

10/23/2016

After 20 years of fighting a courageous battle with cancer, Glynn Eldridge Cook of Ashburn, Georgia, went to be with his Lord from his home on October 23, 2016 where according to Revelation 21:4 “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” NKJV Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at 2:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Ashburn, Georgia. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, from 5:00 PM till 7:00 PM at the Perry Funeral Chapel. Interment will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Ashburn, Georgia. Born on August 3, 1937, Mr. Cook was a native and lifelong resident of Turner County. He was the son of the late Thomas Dudley Cook and Susan Clements Cook. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dud and Susan Cook and his siblings: Felton Cook, Flora Cook Short, Andrew Cook, Clement Cook, and Theron Cook. He is survived by his brothers and sisters in law and numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Cook attended and graduated from the Sycamore High School in 1955. At age 16, he began his working career by bagging groceries at Sam Rouse’s Grocery. After graduation, he was employed by Keenan’s Welding (Air Products) Company of Albany, Georgia where he worked for 37 years in the welding business. Following the change in ownership, Mr. Cook retired at the age of 57 from Air Products. During his years in the welding business, he went from a stock boy to a salesman and was awarded many pins and plaques for being top salesman. At the age of 57, Mr. Cook, not ready to retire completely, began farming and raising cattle for the next 20 plus years. Mr. Cook was a member of the First Baptist Church of Ashburn, Georgia where he served many years on the Finance Committee. Mr. Cook was married to Faye Williams on August 11, 1961. They had recently celebrated fifty-five years of marriage. They have two daughters: Connie Cook McCard of Acworth, Georgia and Kim Cook of Fairburn, Georgia and a son, Eric Swanson of Beaufort, South Carolina.

Mastrario Family from across the country 

Below: Uncle Guy, Daddy, and Uncle Tony

Guy Mastrario

10/23/2016

Guy Mastrario, 56 of Ashburn passed away Sunday, October 23, 2016 at his residence. The son of the late Tom Mastrario and Virginia Mary Cassell Mastrario, he was a member of the Catholic Faith. He served as a volunteer firefighter for both the Ashburn and Turner County fire departments until his health declined. He was an avid New York Giants fan and enjoyed listening to Elvis Presely. He is survived by his mother, Virginia Mastrario of Sycamore; sisters, Terri DiPietro of Sycamore and Gina Mastrario of Sycamore; brothers, Mike (Sue) Mastrario of Sycamore and Tony (Karen) Mastrario of Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey; and a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to his father, Guy was preceded in death by a sister, Philomena Hunter and a brother-in-law, Louie DiPietro.

October Miscellany

Young Farmers

Here are some photos from the Sunbelt Ag Expo and the Young Farmers Que Fest. Our team did a good job but didn't win the overall event but I think the camaraderie is key to our chapter's success in other events. I mean, who doesn't love a good meal, right?

Wy was able to take a day out of school and visit the expo with Justin. I am glad I was able to sneak away for a little while with them and see the activities through his eyes too.

Cutting Cane

This time of year is so nice. The weather gives you a tiny break from the insufferable heat of summer on occasion. One day Jake, Ben, Sheldon, Justin, Wyatt, and I loaded up to go cut sugar cane. I hope the boys remember the fun of cutting sugar cane, the hard work it was, and the fun results of a family event whenever they eat cane syrup on a biscuit for the rest of their lives.

Brittany's Baby Shower

The girls of the Class of 2004 got together to celebrate our friend Brittany and her future baby girl Harper Marie. I love this group of girls! Together we have celebrated bridal showers, surprise birthday parties, baby showers, welcomed our babies into the world together, and so much more. It is amazing to have life-long friends. We know that we don't keep in touch daily but we are able to pick right back up where we left off whenever we see each other!