For Carmen--A new beginning--A new journey: A new day, a new year, a new decade, a new life!

Friday, January 1, 2010

A new day, a new year, a new decade, a new life!

Please forgive the way these pictures are. I can not figure out how to put them in a good way. I am starting the New Year with a quiet at home time and spending much time thinking about Gail and other family loved ones that have gone on to their heavenly Father. As I think about each one I remember things about them and then try to put down how I can be a better person because of who they were. I am not sure if this is a recommended way to start a new year but for me so far it has been very good. It also helps me put losing Gail in a better perspective. As I think and pray it is easier for me to be realistic about life, how short it is and how family is so important, certainly more important than success, money, fame and any other worldly things one tends to strive after some times. Mark and Mary lost little Scott about in 1982 or so but I could not find a picture of Scott. I will let people figure out who is in these pictures but some clues:

Grandpa Saunders was in the Coast Guard in WWII
Mark Kohler often smiled and he was our neighbor
In the picture of my grandma and grandpa my grandpa has on bib overalls.
Deeanne has on a pretty dress
My brother Ronald and sister Janet died in the 60's and the pictures look like the 50's or 60's.
My brother-in-law Charlie Hunt went for a walk with us.
I actually found a picture of my parents where dad was smiling-unusual
Of course you know our Gail as here she is hugging her one and only daughter.

Cynthia, Mike, Travis and I (along with Jude and Faustina) had a nice quiet New Years Eve. For the first time in my life I purchased lobster and it was very very very delicious. I may be able to do that once a year as it is oh my so expensive but it was a real treat. I felt a bit guilty as Gail and I never did that but I am sure Gail is OK with that.
I do not know if I am excited about the new year or not. When a person goes through difficiult times it almost can make you gun shy to think about what may be coming the next year. I know that is not a good way to think but there is a bit of that there. I know that there are several house projects that are "musts" like new electrical service, painting the garage and working on storms and screens. This may sound really funny and it may tell my age but I have always dreamed about driving and camping alone route 66!!! I think it is from Chicage to LA. Now that may never come to pass but........ I also would like to travel to Havre Montana to visit an old friend Larry. Of course we will start working on Servant Camp soon and that will be Aug 8-13 so mark it on your schedule to come, enjoy, have fun and met our Jesus in a upclose personal way.
We start out the new decade on a cold note. The high is supposed to be 9 today but at least it is not way below zero.
Enough words, I have not had my first 2010 breakfast so will go eat a bit.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...: Carmen;
I think it's a great way to start the New Year! I've found myself thinking of deceased loved ones and how they have impacted my life for the better. My own Grandma McCoy was a shining example of what it was to "give of yourself". She had a love of life and a spirit of giving that knew no limits. Losing a child is very hard for a parent to have to see however, and Mom's sudden death while in her 50's was very tough on Grandma. (on us all in fact...and I think I am gaining some insights as to what Dad must have gone through) A woman with a zeal for life was my Grandma, and I hope some of that lives on in me. A blessed New Year to you Carmen!

Steven Lane; January 2, 2010 at 2:45 AM

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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, January 1, 2010

A new day, a new year, a new decade, a new life!

1 comment:

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

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