For Carmen--A new beginning--A new journey: Out the door but not out of mind

Friday, October 23, 2009

Out the door but not out of mind

After about 5 weeks of hanging in the doorway between the entry way and den several items of clothing that Gail wore most of the time went to Goodwill. I am not sure I should have been surprised but it was emotional for me. I almost stopped in mid stream and hung them up again but I knew that there is much use left in them and someone who buys them will really like them. I will see them often in the future in pictures etc so they will not be forgotten. I also cleaned out Gail's traveling desk. I gave her a very nice brief case several years ago and she only used it for her writing things when we would travel. I emptied it out yesterday and I think I will use it for the same purpose. Again it was not easy. I still have a Lunds plastic bag sitting on the steps. In it are my swim suit, a towel and other items that Gail packed the day Jude was born. She thought maybe I could take Faustina to Wabun Park swimming during the day if the baby did not come in the morning. I just have not had the heart to unpack it but soon I will do that.
I was looking at pictures on the camera the other day and there are 2 of Cynthia rubbing Gail's feet just a few days before she died. I am not sure if I want to keep them. I would rather that image of Gail as she quickly lost weight in her face fade into other memories of good health.
I was able to put the disk of Gail's wake program in the computer yesterday and watch and listen to it. I plan to make several copies of it for the kids. Hugh Springer did a wonderful job with it.
Don F was here for breakfast this morning, Dick Larkin picked up Aaron/Amy's meat, I will get together with Dan L this afternoon and Deb/Dale will stop here tonight. Sounds like a full day ahead. It would certainly be Gail's kind of day---doing something all the time.
I had lunch with the Schwab's and Rineharts yesterday to talk about our WI trip that we will leave on Sunday. For being more mature adults they sure are a wild bunch!! I may have to find myself new friends who are more laid back and reserved---just kidding.
I am going to do some running around this morning so will get going. I sure miss Gail, Lord continue to come with your love to sooth my heart and soul.

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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

Friday, October 23, 2009

Out the door but not out of mind

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

Our Story

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