For Carmen--A new beginning--A new journey: I'm so lucky

Saturday, October 24, 2009

I'm so lucky

I finished reading a book "Forever Ours" by Janis Amatuzio. It was a wonderful book for me to read and I think anyone would really really like it. It tells many real life or death experiences and certainly gives one food for thought and hope in eternal life. On one of the last pages a man explains how defeated, how sad and how difficult it is to deal with his wife's death. A doctor turns to him and say how lucky you are. The doctor goes on to say that most people live a life time and are not loved like that man was or can't love like he did. As I read it I thought that certainly could be about me. Gail had a special and unique ability to love and much of it was directed at me. I think in return I loved her in a way that was rare and special. So, as of today I will go forth with that attitude. I know there are tears ahead and sad moments but I promise I will do everything in my power to live like a very lucky and blessed man. I have been saying and thinking that the upcoming holidays will be difficult. I am going to change my thinking. I know that I will shed tears from time to time BUT I am going to go towards the holidays with an attitude of honoring Gail and enjoying every minute with family.
Deb/Dale stopped by last night on their way to Goshen IN. That was fun.
I got together with Dan L yesterday afternoon for a Surly beer and wings. As I usually say the treats were good but the conversation was better.
I will leave tomorrow and will return Wednesday evening. Ernie/Carmen, Ed/Carol and myself will spent 3 nights at a B & B in Door County WI. Those 2 couples are mature in age and young at heart so it is always a fun time. Gail and I survived 3 North Shore vacations with them and then 3 weeks in Hawaii so I have no fear!!
I am looking forward to having lunch with Jenny Dodge today. How lucky can an older guy get than to enjoy lunch with a pretty young lady. Don't worry, she is happily married and my focus is and will be for a long time kids, grand kids, cleaning, clearing and my wood shop!! Jenny and her family have been special to Gail and I for many many years and today will be a time of catching up as our paths have gone in different directions. It also is important that she is bringing some home made brew that she and her husband make!
I just realized that I need to prepare and pack myself so better get going. I actually think I may have to put in a load of clothes.

1 comment:

Connie said...: WOW, the Dodges. That is a fond memory. The Dodges and I were in Free Church Fellowship together in POP. Please give them my best. Jenny was a little girl at the time.; October 26, 2009 at 1:48 PM

Post a Comment

The first reading at Gail's funeral September 18, 2009

I know of no one who fit this better than Gail

Proverbs 31: 10-31
A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm.
all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.
She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously:
her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her;
Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Well done good and faithful servant, your praise is much and your reward is to be with God forever.

Our Story

Our story begin in 1951, when Carmen was 4 and Gail was 5! We met as our parents were at a camera club. Fast forward--Carmen begin to attend grade school in town in 1957, the same school that Gail went to. Fast forward--We had our first date in the winter of 1964 in Gail's senior year of high school. Again--we were married June 1st of 1968. We moved to St. Paul in October of 1977 and lived at 2094 Niles Ave until Gail's death September 14 of 2009.
Gail first breast cancer was found in October of 2003. After surgery, chemo, radiation and infusions for a year she felt well and we lived life in our normal mode. Carmen retired in June of 2007 and shortly after that we quit doing the paper route as well. In the fall of 2007 we went on our dream vacation. We camped for 7 weeks in Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia and in the New England states. Sleeping in our truck and eating over an open fire we felt that we had experienced heaven. Then in January of 2008 we spent 3 weeks in Hawaii with friends and again had so much fun. In the fall of 2008 we did much work on the outside of the house and we were so excited to enter 2009 with big plans and dreams. In January Gail was diagnosed with new cancer. For the next 7 1/2 months we prayed, changed our life style, laughed and cried often. As the end of Gail's life drew near she was peaceful and family cared for her at home until she met Jesus. It was a journey that was wonderful, exciting, blessed, full of life and full of love but of course it was too short. Gail is so missed but I know she is in a better place so my journey must continue on without my true love.
I enter a new decade as the "I" that I never wanted to be but I have hope. Hope of things not experienced and hope that life will again, in 2010, become something that I look forward to each morning. My hope is based on our Lord who gives all, who is all and who gives love to all who believe. I enter this new decade with so many questions and so few answers but with faith that all will be well.

For Carmen--A new beginning--A new journey

Saturday, October 24, 2009

I'm so lucky

1 comment:

The first reading at Gail's funeral September 18, 2009

Our Story

Followers

About Me