For Carmen--A new beginning--A new journey: I am back

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

I am back

This was taken in the winter of 1968, close to Gail's 23rd birthday. We are standing on the steps up to our basement apt in Ms Cox's house on the hill in Minot. Our first year of marriage we moved in June, in August, in December and again in March. What fu??!!
I have returned from the gravesite and breakfast. We missed having A/A there but everyone else was there and it was nice to do that. On the way home I stopped and bought a mocha for Gail and drank it myself as I sat in Barns and Nobles to read Wood magazine. The rest of the day will not be exciting. Low key and at home with some work on papers, a nap as I didn't sleep much last night and I am sure many many memories of the "good times". Maybe I will do some dreaming of "good times" in the future. I have not been able to do that yet but I may try today.
Gail would have loved the day. Not too cold at +21 and there are snow flurries in the air. I think Gail would have wanted to get the grandkids to make snow angels. For sure she would want to go on a long walk. I did drive home along the river as Gail and I often did that. The gates to the parks are closed for the winter so could not go there.
The grand kids were so good at breakfast this morning. All of them wanted to sit by Uncle Travis and Faustina got to sit on his lap. When Travis got up to use the restroom it looked like the pied piper going some place with that trail of kids behind him. If I was not sure of who I am grandpa could have been jealous. As it was I just smiled and had another sip of coffee.
I will end with my all time favorite Gail's birthday story. When she turned 50 I ordered an Amish table and 8 chairs and it was a surprise. We got it and stored it in Lizzia's garage. Then we got Lizzia to invite her over for tea and while they were having tea we brought the table over and set it up. When it was ready we rushed over, covered her head with a blanket and brought her home. It was such a surprise and so much fun. After that it was no more visitors falling through the seat of our dining room chairs!!!!! Then that night we had a surprise party at our house and had Al/Deb invite us out for pie. Then in the middle of pie we had them get a phone call and they said they needed to go home because of the kids. When Gail and I arrived home there were 50+ people in the house and she was so surprised. For sure our marriage and Gail's time on earth was very full of life, of love and I am so thankful.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...: I only knew Gail by sight, when I saw her at meetings with you Carmen. Thank you for sharing these past months a little bit about your thoughts, your feelings and your emotions about the wonderful gift of Gail to you and your family. I can envision her being honored this day around the banquet table of the Lord. Prayers continue for you in 2010 and for your family. Your sharing on this blog is a gift. Keep it up!

David Limberg; December 30, 2009 at 2:20 PM

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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

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

I am back

1 comment:

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

Our Story

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