MY BROTHER
AND
I WILL MISS HIM.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Friday, August 8, 2008
A Red Letter Day
Today is a RED LETTER day.
RED LETTER days rarely occur.
I don’t know from where the term RED LETTER came,
But it certainly applies to August 8th 2008.
Scads of people are choosing to wed on 8-8-08.
As a matter of fact, we are going to witness just such a union tonight.
But that does not color this day.
My RED LETTER day has nothing to do with unexpected money,
Although there was an expected check to me in today‘s mail.
Today is a RED LETTER day because it is a day that ends an ordeal and reminds me, once again (Wake up, Betty!) Who is in control.
Today is the crescendo before radiation helps build and restores Anita to be in control of her life. Twenty four chemo treatments and eating when the thought of food makes things worse, She was challenged from every aspect of her life, and she is a champion in every sense of the word.
Oh, she is one of many on my prayer list,. You would have to know Anita to understand how brave she has been. You may quote me, “I wish I had a poets heart so I could describe things of such beauty that it takes your breath away.
RED LETTER days rarely occur.
I don’t know from where the term RED LETTER came,
But it certainly applies to August 8th 2008.
Scads of people are choosing to wed on 8-8-08.
As a matter of fact, we are going to witness just such a union tonight.
But that does not color this day.
My RED LETTER day has nothing to do with unexpected money,
Although there was an expected check to me in today‘s mail.
Today is a RED LETTER day because it is a day that ends an ordeal and reminds me, once again (Wake up, Betty!) Who is in control.
Today is the crescendo before radiation helps build and restores Anita to be in control of her life. Twenty four chemo treatments and eating when the thought of food makes things worse, She was challenged from every aspect of her life, and she is a champion in every sense of the word.
Oh, she is one of many on my prayer list,. You would have to know Anita to understand how brave she has been. You may quote me, “I wish I had a poets heart so I could describe things of such beauty that it takes your breath away.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
REMEMBERING ANGIE
Geoffrey’s website this morning should not have surprised me for Angie and Maurice are often his photo subject. I knew first thing yesterday morning that she had passed from this life but most of yesterday John and I went opposite directions. When we were together, we were working on projects and just did not take time to hold each other and mourn the loss of this great lady.
Geoffrey posted her Lemon Meringue Pie recipe. Prominent in my recipe files is her Pecan Pie recipe. Oh, I have spent many endless hours trying to get the crust right…bought every imaginable tool known to modern-day chefs…but that gift has completely eluded me. However, I can get the pie innards correct by following Angie’s recipe carefully. Even at that, the pecans don’t look as beautifully placed as hers.
My best “Angie pie story” is about our first visit back to Juneau after being gone some 10 years or so. We did not travel alone but rather invited close friends Gene and Marilee to join us. Naturally, after a morning of worship together, Angie and Maurice were some of the first to invite us for dinner. Discussing our invitations in the car going back to our housing, Marilee said, “I told Angie that I would bring dessert.” I am certain that there is an audible “gasp” every time I tell this story. As soon as I had recovered from thinking of an Angie meal without her pie, I explained to Marilee that some things were forgivable and she needed to apologize to Angie before it was too late for the rest of us. Marilee did graciously repent in time to save the occasion.
Memories flood my mind of hours spent in her living room catching up on news… sharing family stories and photos…listening, time and again, to the story of how she and Maurice had met….of his 12 brothers and sisters; three sets of twins (of which he was one-half). In all their years of marriage, a cross word had never been exchanged.
When you went to Angie’s and she offered you a cup of tea, she never heard you say “No. Thank you.” And with that refreshment came a slice of something she had baked. When you were asked to join them for leftovers, you could expect a meal suited for royalty. Her kitchen was so tiny, I cannot even picture where she rolled out her pie dough. Visiting was always what you were there for; sharing God’s richest blessings.
One more story ...
Our David was playing in the local orchestra, and there was a conflict with getting him into town in time for the performance. So I called Angie and asked if he could stay with them for the hours between school and the evening performance. I told her (knowing full-well that she would not hear me) that he could run down to the local Scarf and Barf for his dinner. Of course, she said they would be delighted. At the end of the evening, the report was not on the concert; David was still starry eyed from the hamburger and milk shake she had “thrown together” for him.
Geoffrey sent us a copy of the text of a sermon he gave last Sunday; Juneau Church of Christ is between preachers right now. His subject matter was "Hospitality." If Webster had lived in Juneau when he wrote the dictionary, seekers would find this definition for "hospitable" -- Angie and Maurice Long.
Geoffrey posted her Lemon Meringue Pie recipe. Prominent in my recipe files is her Pecan Pie recipe. Oh, I have spent many endless hours trying to get the crust right…bought every imaginable tool known to modern-day chefs…but that gift has completely eluded me. However, I can get the pie innards correct by following Angie’s recipe carefully. Even at that, the pecans don’t look as beautifully placed as hers.
My best “Angie pie story” is about our first visit back to Juneau after being gone some 10 years or so. We did not travel alone but rather invited close friends Gene and Marilee to join us. Naturally, after a morning of worship together, Angie and Maurice were some of the first to invite us for dinner. Discussing our invitations in the car going back to our housing, Marilee said, “I told Angie that I would bring dessert.” I am certain that there is an audible “gasp” every time I tell this story. As soon as I had recovered from thinking of an Angie meal without her pie, I explained to Marilee that some things were forgivable and she needed to apologize to Angie before it was too late for the rest of us. Marilee did graciously repent in time to save the occasion.
Memories flood my mind of hours spent in her living room catching up on news… sharing family stories and photos…listening, time and again, to the story of how she and Maurice had met….of his 12 brothers and sisters; three sets of twins (of which he was one-half). In all their years of marriage, a cross word had never been exchanged.
When you went to Angie’s and she offered you a cup of tea, she never heard you say “No. Thank you.” And with that refreshment came a slice of something she had baked. When you were asked to join them for leftovers, you could expect a meal suited for royalty. Her kitchen was so tiny, I cannot even picture where she rolled out her pie dough. Visiting was always what you were there for; sharing God’s richest blessings.
One more story ...
Our David was playing in the local orchestra, and there was a conflict with getting him into town in time for the performance. So I called Angie and asked if he could stay with them for the hours between school and the evening performance. I told her (knowing full-well that she would not hear me) that he could run down to the local Scarf and Barf for his dinner. Of course, she said they would be delighted. At the end of the evening, the report was not on the concert; David was still starry eyed from the hamburger and milk shake she had “thrown together” for him.
Geoffrey sent us a copy of the text of a sermon he gave last Sunday; Juneau Church of Christ is between preachers right now. His subject matter was "Hospitality." If Webster had lived in Juneau when he wrote the dictionary, seekers would find this definition for "hospitable" -- Angie and Maurice Long.
Friday, August 1, 2008
BACKING UP
When we moved to this area of the country, it was necessary to acquire a new driver’s license. In order to obtain one, I was required by the State to take both a written and a “behind the wheel” test. Upon arriving home, my son asked me if I had passed the tests.
“Yes, and with only one restriction. I am not allowed to back up.”
Of course, he believed me. And even now (21 years later) he checks with me to see if I still have that prohibition on my driver’s license.
Now, the Good Lord knew my incapabilities in every imaginable area of life, and He selected for me a life’s partner (husband) to fill in where I am lacking.
When we take a journey in his van, pulling our camper, John can back into any parking spot with ease. He proved that recently by squeezing into a reserved campsite intended for a camper half our size. Immediately following that miracle, he talked our neighbor through the same process. Granted, it took this gentleman quite a bit longer and meant the removal of one sizable post to accomplish what John had done with such ease. The grateful family became our instant 3-day friends.
I once was appointed to take home our boat trailer after dropping John and our open-air boat where there was no parking. He set me up, pointing me in the right direction. All I had to do was drive straight home (less than 10 miles). The trick was that, when I arrived home, I was to back the trailer into the yard. Did you know that when you back up pushing a trailer, you do not steer the vehicle in a normal manner? To this day, I still do not understand the logistics of such a feat. Well…long story, short…(I know, I know. I’m too late.) I eventually got out of the car, unhooked the trailer, and pushed it by hand into its proper place. You can’t do that with a camper.
Now, you may be wondering what other areas of life John is more able to tackle than I am. The answer is simply “pretty much everything.” I don’t resent it at all; I just sit back and enjoy the ride…especially backing up.
“Yes, and with only one restriction. I am not allowed to back up.”
Of course, he believed me. And even now (21 years later) he checks with me to see if I still have that prohibition on my driver’s license.
Now, the Good Lord knew my incapabilities in every imaginable area of life, and He selected for me a life’s partner (husband) to fill in where I am lacking.
When we take a journey in his van, pulling our camper, John can back into any parking spot with ease. He proved that recently by squeezing into a reserved campsite intended for a camper half our size. Immediately following that miracle, he talked our neighbor through the same process. Granted, it took this gentleman quite a bit longer and meant the removal of one sizable post to accomplish what John had done with such ease. The grateful family became our instant 3-day friends.
I once was appointed to take home our boat trailer after dropping John and our open-air boat where there was no parking. He set me up, pointing me in the right direction. All I had to do was drive straight home (less than 10 miles). The trick was that, when I arrived home, I was to back the trailer into the yard. Did you know that when you back up pushing a trailer, you do not steer the vehicle in a normal manner? To this day, I still do not understand the logistics of such a feat. Well…long story, short…(I know, I know. I’m too late.) I eventually got out of the car, unhooked the trailer, and pushed it by hand into its proper place. You can’t do that with a camper.
Now, you may be wondering what other areas of life John is more able to tackle than I am. The answer is simply “pretty much everything.” I don’t resent it at all; I just sit back and enjoy the ride…especially backing up.
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