Its the last week of September and time to start my morning walks with Belle. It was 71 degrees when I left the house and only 73 on my return so I did very well until a couple blocks from home when my hot flashes resumed and nearly took my breath away. I dragged into the yard dripping wet and feeling like I had run a marathon instead of walking a mile. (Yes, I am starting slow.)
What I had forgotten was the unexpected memories of my Dad that come upon me out of nowhere on my walks and soon we were walking together and singing. Dad was a great singer in that he would just belt it out no matter how it sounded. He taught us plenty of good songs and some funny ones on car trips to see Grandparents and Cousins. I often serenade Belle and anyone in listening distance when I walk or even just sit on the deck. I guess I do take after him in some ways.
Someone in the neighbor hood had seeded their yard and put up yellow tape around it. Of course, Belle wanted to pee on it. What I noticed amid the weeds, grass, and straw, was clusters of clovers and upon closer inspection...many four-leaf clovers! I wanted to run and tell my sisters, but even more than that, I wanted to pick some. Then came the song...."I'm looking over a four leaf clover, that I overlooked before....1st leaf is sunshine, the 2nd is rain...." Oh, what fun!
And you know that one memory will lead to another and I am at the dining room table on the farm making a poster for 4-H....drawing out a four-leaf clover...practicing square dancing with my club for the Variety Show At the NDSU Field House, which may have been called the Alex Nemzick Field House at the time...baking bread and sewing for the Red River Valley Fair demonstration exhibits. Ah, another world.
I thank you God for the good memories. I am glad I can never forget my Dad and would never even try.
Monday, September 26, 2016
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Celebrating Uncle Will
When I was young, I thought Uncle Will was so exotic, like a South American with his dark hair and skin, his slow smile and deep,laugh. And so tall! I was so excited to be "picked" to help serve at their wedding. He was so handsome and Lynda was such a beautiful bride that I believe it was at that point I started dreaming of my own one day wedding. And, I was also drawn to tall, thin men.
Time went on and Lynda and Will had three kids. They lived an extremely exciting life in the Cities...at least it seemed like that to me, and I loved to go and visit. Those days are a little bit hazy but I remember the apartment with outdoor access through a window, I think....but lots of stairs to climb to get there.
There was a period of time during my first marriage when I was out of touch with family but the great thing about family is that one can magically appear after several years and everyone treats you the same, no explanations needed, hugged back into the fold. Well, that's exactly the way Lynda and Will were with everyone who came into their lives. Like an oasis in a desert, they extended a helping hand. In every situation.
I always admired Will for his ability to adapt and his sportsmanship. He went along with some things he may not have particularly picked or thoroughly enjoyed...because people he loved enjoyed them. He put others first. Even recently on a visit from Gayle and I he agreed to play some cards, but just a couple hands. Still, he did it.
When Will had become ill the first time, Jim and I were newly retired for the first time, too, and were in a position to help out. We came and stayed about three months while Will underwent treatments and eventually successful surgery. The plan was for Jim to help out with the business during this time and I thought I could be some help or company too, since Lynda was still working part-time.
Well, my sweet computer nerd engineer got to participate in puremidwest manual labor during a colder winter than Jim had ever experienced. The first day of work, before they even went outside, Will tried to define COLD for Jim. He told Jim, "When you get in the truck and the seats don't give, you know it's cold."
Uncle Will showed Jim the ropes and Jim was amazed at his strength. He said Will could fling big tractor tires like frisbies. After a bit, Lynda was Jim's partner on the route. When they came to the first tractor tire, Jim thought, oh no....this is gonna be tough. Lynda said no problem as she proceeded to stack regular tires. First a stack of three (about truck level), then two, then one and she just rolled that tractor tire up those tire steps. Jim was impressed.
Will and Jim enjoyed watching some TV together in the evenings. We were already hooked on NCIS, like Will, but while we were there we got hooked on 24 and also enjoyed Boston Legal. In the truck and at home there we'd listen to Rush and sometimes Hannity. When we travel now we will still look for them on the radio.
Many of you may have heard stories about Belle, but in case you haven't, Belle is our Jack-Rat who came along in the McCullough package deal. We found out that she is a cancer-sniffing dog....at least that is our claim. She jumped up in Will's lap, sniffed his chest and layed down and stayed right there - day after day. However, after Will's surgery, Belle jumped up in his lap, took one sniff, and jumped back down. She didn't get up in his lap again.
Jim and I consider Lynda and Will as immediate family and their big hearts put together have been a huge powerhouse. We received the blessing of living life with them and we love them so much. I can't wait to join you in heaven one day, Uncle Will...farewell until then.
Time went on and Lynda and Will had three kids. They lived an extremely exciting life in the Cities...at least it seemed like that to me, and I loved to go and visit. Those days are a little bit hazy but I remember the apartment with outdoor access through a window, I think....but lots of stairs to climb to get there.
There was a period of time during my first marriage when I was out of touch with family but the great thing about family is that one can magically appear after several years and everyone treats you the same, no explanations needed, hugged back into the fold. Well, that's exactly the way Lynda and Will were with everyone who came into their lives. Like an oasis in a desert, they extended a helping hand. In every situation.
I always admired Will for his ability to adapt and his sportsmanship. He went along with some things he may not have particularly picked or thoroughly enjoyed...because people he loved enjoyed them. He put others first. Even recently on a visit from Gayle and I he agreed to play some cards, but just a couple hands. Still, he did it.
When Will had become ill the first time, Jim and I were newly retired for the first time, too, and were in a position to help out. We came and stayed about three months while Will underwent treatments and eventually successful surgery. The plan was for Jim to help out with the business during this time and I thought I could be some help or company too, since Lynda was still working part-time.
Well, my sweet computer nerd engineer got to participate in puremidwest manual labor during a colder winter than Jim had ever experienced. The first day of work, before they even went outside, Will tried to define COLD for Jim. He told Jim, "When you get in the truck and the seats don't give, you know it's cold."
Uncle Will showed Jim the ropes and Jim was amazed at his strength. He said Will could fling big tractor tires like frisbies. After a bit, Lynda was Jim's partner on the route. When they came to the first tractor tire, Jim thought, oh no....this is gonna be tough. Lynda said no problem as she proceeded to stack regular tires. First a stack of three (about truck level), then two, then one and she just rolled that tractor tire up those tire steps. Jim was impressed.
Will and Jim enjoyed watching some TV together in the evenings. We were already hooked on NCIS, like Will, but while we were there we got hooked on 24 and also enjoyed Boston Legal. In the truck and at home there we'd listen to Rush and sometimes Hannity. When we travel now we will still look for them on the radio.
Many of you may have heard stories about Belle, but in case you haven't, Belle is our Jack-Rat who came along in the McCullough package deal. We found out that she is a cancer-sniffing dog....at least that is our claim. She jumped up in Will's lap, sniffed his chest and layed down and stayed right there - day after day. However, after Will's surgery, Belle jumped up in his lap, took one sniff, and jumped back down. She didn't get up in his lap again.
Jim and I consider Lynda and Will as immediate family and their big hearts put together have been a huge powerhouse. We received the blessing of living life with them and we love them so much. I can't wait to join you in heaven one day, Uncle Will...farewell until then.
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