My friend Thad, from Hope Lodge, died this past Tuesday.
Thad and his wife, Martha, were the first people I met when I went down to NYC this winter. They were friendly and encouraging. They had been there for quite a while. They were a wealth of information to each of us new comers on the ninth floor. We learned about where the Fresh Market was and the best way to get there, the bus route and the best subway route to Memorial, different local sights that were free and the good restaurants around the area. And they were always at the social gatherings that Hope Lodge organized every week. If it was nice weather we would sometimes meet on 67th street as we walked back and forth from the subway to the hospital.
They had a wonderful faith and optomistic trust in their Lord and Savior, Jesus. The last time I saw him, he was in the hospital himself, struggling with an opportunistic infection, but his concern was for his roommate who was in his twenty's and gravely ill. The last thing we did together was pray with each other.
He had a cancer that only young men in their twentys get. He was in his sixties. They were puzzled, they had not seen this type of cancer in men his age. The same protocol, which is very successful in young men, was prescribed, and it seemed to be working. They had to send him home after six months though when his tumors started to reappear.
A. B. Simpson said that, "the greatest need of our souls and bodies is to know Jesus personally, to touch Him constantly, to abide in Him continually." Thad continues on that journey he had started and I know someday I will see you again, my friend. The hope of the resurection, it is precious to us. But it is still sad to be without him for family and friends. And I pray now that Martha would feel His presence and continue to grow in His love and mercy.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
HELP! I'M STUCK.........
What a day!
It started with a very violent affair.
I thought it would be easy. They said it would be, but the reality was something quite different.
They showed up with chain saws and bobcats and chains. And the things I thought could be saved were quickly buried deep under mounds of dirt and debris.
The operation? The removal of the 20 year old lilacs around the previous old deck and the current kitchen garden. The hope of more sun on my garden was the reason for the removal of the beloved lilacs.
After two hours of noise, and pulling, stacking, shaking,and total destruction of the 7 large lilacs, and tire tracks across the side yard, the space was devoid of the old friends. Sad. But I'm moving on to some subsistence gardening. (Now all I need is my little chicken coop!)
The next step was to take the truck to the manure pile across from the local horse stable.
I knew exactly where I wanted the truck to be. Right next to the huge pile so I could stand on top of the pile and just shovel it into the bed of the truck. I've done this many times before and it's hard work but more convenient then loading up a wheelbarrow and push it up a wooden ramp to the truck bed.
I eyed the squishy approach to the pile. It has rained almost continuously here for the last week or so. Could I make it in and out? I have a 2 wheel drive truck now instead of my standard 4 wheel drive.
I tried. I failed. And I was stuck! Down deep to the axles. Oh, no! No manure and I'm stuck too.
A quick call to resident neice. "Help, I'm stuck in the manure pile!". "What, where are you?" she replied. Directions and then a little loading of a bit of manure and then I was rescued.
And later, resident Dad and son took the trusty Suburban and rescued the grey Dodge.
And I'm off the the manure pile again today. I'm sure there will be a better approach to the prize!
It started with a very violent affair.
I thought it would be easy. They said it would be, but the reality was something quite different.
They showed up with chain saws and bobcats and chains. And the things I thought could be saved were quickly buried deep under mounds of dirt and debris.
The operation? The removal of the 20 year old lilacs around the previous old deck and the current kitchen garden. The hope of more sun on my garden was the reason for the removal of the beloved lilacs.
After two hours of noise, and pulling, stacking, shaking,and total destruction of the 7 large lilacs, and tire tracks across the side yard, the space was devoid of the old friends. Sad. But I'm moving on to some subsistence gardening. (Now all I need is my little chicken coop!)
The next step was to take the truck to the manure pile across from the local horse stable.
I knew exactly where I wanted the truck to be. Right next to the huge pile so I could stand on top of the pile and just shovel it into the bed of the truck. I've done this many times before and it's hard work but more convenient then loading up a wheelbarrow and push it up a wooden ramp to the truck bed.
I eyed the squishy approach to the pile. It has rained almost continuously here for the last week or so. Could I make it in and out? I have a 2 wheel drive truck now instead of my standard 4 wheel drive.
I tried. I failed. And I was stuck! Down deep to the axles. Oh, no! No manure and I'm stuck too.
A quick call to resident neice. "Help, I'm stuck in the manure pile!". "What, where are you?" she replied. Directions and then a little loading of a bit of manure and then I was rescued.
And later, resident Dad and son took the trusty Suburban and rescued the grey Dodge.
And I'm off the the manure pile again today. I'm sure there will be a better approach to the prize!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Always
"Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres..."
I love that translation of I Corinthians 13. But always is a concrete, positive, never failing, impossible, intimidating word. Always is unyielding.
Yet....
"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus"
I love that translation of I Corinthians 13. But always is a concrete, positive, never failing, impossible, intimidating word. Always is unyielding.
Yet....
"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus"
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
The Black Cashmere Sweater Vacation
I had a black chasmere sweater vacation. On Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
We do this get away yearly. The "girls" in my family get away for a weekend or a week to be with each other, catch up on things, reminisce, and just do girl things together.
This year we, everyone- all eight of us, plus two resident aunts- were going to spend a whole week on Hilton Head Island just basking in the sun after a long, cold winter. (I was not actually going to bask, since I've had all the radiating rays that I can have for a lifetime but seeing the sun sounded good to me)
We left earlier than anticipated from the north country, hence I still had my black cashmere sweater on that I had worn to the freezing cold and rainy graduation of my neice from nursing school. Thank goodness! I had been packed for weeks, my suitcase FULL of shorts, bathing suits and cover ups and sandals. No warm clothes.
I wore my black cashmere sweater everyday.
I was freezing and needed warm clothes, not the sleeveless shirts that I had hoped to wear. It rained and was cold everyday. Even the locals seemed to be getting depressed. And for all the years that I have been going to Hilton Head, I have never seen it rain more than one day, then the beautiful sun would break through in all its glory.
But this was what we got and we had fun anyway. Some had pedicures done, we went to the movies, we played games; speed scrabble, canasta and uker, we went to the outlets and TJ Maxx, we put on swim suits and swam in the indoor pool and relaxed in the hot tub, we fixed food, we bowled, (no one reached even close to 100), we went out to eat at a great sea food restaurant, visited with local aunts and friends, and best of all we were introduced to the newest member of our "girls club", Adeyln, my neice's new daughter.
We had devotions with each other in the morning and shared concerns and issues and prayed with and for each other. And at the end of our time together we all said it was a great time, we enjoyed just being together and my neice commented that it was one of the best family vacations.
We had fun, we smiled, we laughed, and we have survived our many wounds.
How could that be? How could that be that we can still gather, and laugh and sing and have fun?
The secret to survival, I believe, is in the roots.
We have roots and they have gone deep. Down, always reaching down, like that tree that is planted by the rivers of water. We've lost mother, sister, aunt, husband, son and brother recently, not to mention the moving on of our older parents.
Our spirits and souls grow deep in God. Our strength, our healing, our health, our very survival, not to mention whether some in our group are aging successfully, is dependent on the depth and nourishment of our souls in God's soil. If we have roots deep in God then circumstances, loses, disappointments, trials and sicknesses may try to break us off, they may be able to maim and wound us temorarily, but they will not be able to destroy us.
And I see at the very place that we have been broken off and left to die a sprout is growing and we grow tall and strong again. Together.
We do this get away yearly. The "girls" in my family get away for a weekend or a week to be with each other, catch up on things, reminisce, and just do girl things together.
This year we, everyone- all eight of us, plus two resident aunts- were going to spend a whole week on Hilton Head Island just basking in the sun after a long, cold winter. (I was not actually going to bask, since I've had all the radiating rays that I can have for a lifetime but seeing the sun sounded good to me)
We left earlier than anticipated from the north country, hence I still had my black cashmere sweater on that I had worn to the freezing cold and rainy graduation of my neice from nursing school. Thank goodness! I had been packed for weeks, my suitcase FULL of shorts, bathing suits and cover ups and sandals. No warm clothes.
I wore my black cashmere sweater everyday.
I was freezing and needed warm clothes, not the sleeveless shirts that I had hoped to wear. It rained and was cold everyday. Even the locals seemed to be getting depressed. And for all the years that I have been going to Hilton Head, I have never seen it rain more than one day, then the beautiful sun would break through in all its glory.
But this was what we got and we had fun anyway. Some had pedicures done, we went to the movies, we played games; speed scrabble, canasta and uker, we went to the outlets and TJ Maxx, we put on swim suits and swam in the indoor pool and relaxed in the hot tub, we fixed food, we bowled, (no one reached even close to 100), we went out to eat at a great sea food restaurant, visited with local aunts and friends, and best of all we were introduced to the newest member of our "girls club", Adeyln, my neice's new daughter.
We had devotions with each other in the morning and shared concerns and issues and prayed with and for each other. And at the end of our time together we all said it was a great time, we enjoyed just being together and my neice commented that it was one of the best family vacations.
We had fun, we smiled, we laughed, and we have survived our many wounds.
How could that be? How could that be that we can still gather, and laugh and sing and have fun?
The secret to survival, I believe, is in the roots.
We have roots and they have gone deep. Down, always reaching down, like that tree that is planted by the rivers of water. We've lost mother, sister, aunt, husband, son and brother recently, not to mention the moving on of our older parents.
Our spirits and souls grow deep in God. Our strength, our healing, our health, our very survival, not to mention whether some in our group are aging successfully, is dependent on the depth and nourishment of our souls in God's soil. If we have roots deep in God then circumstances, loses, disappointments, trials and sicknesses may try to break us off, they may be able to maim and wound us temorarily, but they will not be able to destroy us.
And I see at the very place that we have been broken off and left to die a sprout is growing and we grow tall and strong again. Together.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Chartreuse
I love this time of year here in the north country.
It is so full of energy and potential.
On the drive to camp yesterday the skies were filled with chartreuse. New budding growth on the trees. Almost leaves, but not quite. A blanket of brilliant yellow green spanning upward to the skies, providing a lattice through which to view the clear blue sky.
The water on the lake was calm. No boats, only a pair of mallard duck quietly paddling near the cove. The canadian geese are back, but in hiding, warming their future offspring. Soon there will be lines of families silently traversing the lake.
And at home, while washing the dinner dishes, I see a tiny baby bunny outside my kitchen window. He looks so vulnerable. All alone in my side yard eating the dandelions without a care. Doesn't he know that two big dogs live inside and neighborhood cats roam freely? I don't think he is fast enough yet to escape these predators. My cardinals are back and come for their dinner everyday at 5:00pm and the goldfinches swarm the backyard feeder.
The hostas, strong and constantly expanding, have made a full recovery after the harsh winter. And the peonies and liliacs are budded and ready to intoxicate us with their heady blooms. Pink and white crabapples and apple trees are also waiting their turn. The bowing foliage and blossoms of the bleeding hearts are swaying gracefully in the breezes and the salwart little muscari are still standing tall after emerging first from the frosty ground.
We've waited a long time up here in our northern most region. And we are being regally rewarded.
It is so full of energy and potential.
On the drive to camp yesterday the skies were filled with chartreuse. New budding growth on the trees. Almost leaves, but not quite. A blanket of brilliant yellow green spanning upward to the skies, providing a lattice through which to view the clear blue sky.
The water on the lake was calm. No boats, only a pair of mallard duck quietly paddling near the cove. The canadian geese are back, but in hiding, warming their future offspring. Soon there will be lines of families silently traversing the lake.
And at home, while washing the dinner dishes, I see a tiny baby bunny outside my kitchen window. He looks so vulnerable. All alone in my side yard eating the dandelions without a care. Doesn't he know that two big dogs live inside and neighborhood cats roam freely? I don't think he is fast enough yet to escape these predators. My cardinals are back and come for their dinner everyday at 5:00pm and the goldfinches swarm the backyard feeder.
The hostas, strong and constantly expanding, have made a full recovery after the harsh winter. And the peonies and liliacs are budded and ready to intoxicate us with their heady blooms. Pink and white crabapples and apple trees are also waiting their turn. The bowing foliage and blossoms of the bleeding hearts are swaying gracefully in the breezes and the salwart little muscari are still standing tall after emerging first from the frosty ground.
We've waited a long time up here in our northern most region. And we are being regally rewarded.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
A Tea Party
I went to a tea party today but not the kind where flowers, cakes and china cups are the main bill of fare.
This was a tea party in our own small little village of three thousand people protesting, mainly, the intervention of big government into every little aspect of our lives. We don't like the huge tax bill that we will be saddled with either.
Yes, in this very liberal little village there were a hundred or more of us who said, "no more of this" and we used our right as US citizens to protest. Liz, and Grady and I walked down to the village green to support our local protesters. We shared signs and signed petitions and generally had a good time with fellow peaceful protesters. But the big surprise was that many, many cars and trucks blew their horns in our support. It was mid day and there was a lot of traffic.
I think there may be more of us then they think!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Goodbyes
I said my goodbyes today.
At the hospital and at the lodge.
It was bittersweet. I have met so many incredible people, Gerard and Joanie, who have ministered to me each day with encouragement, smiles, while strapping me down and operating that great machine. According to them I did fabulous every time. (And I was on time which they also loved.) And some friends that I have spent time with while we were waiting for our treatments, Margot, 35 years old mother of three who is the cutest bald headed person I've ever seen, Bob, retired, Bay Ridge resident, and Ashley, 17 years old whose birthday is tomorrow and has the grace, charm and courage of a woman many years older. Our Russian friend left last week and our doctor friend finished last Tuesday.
My Lodge family is hard to leave. Isn't that strange? When we first came no one knew who was the guest and who was the caregiver. It's very obvious now. We visit Thad in the hospital, after my treatment, say goodbye and pray for him. He's cheerful but had a very hard time since his stem cell harvesting. Frank and Elise are heading back to North Carolina with their two sons at the wheel and Al and Paula are home now too. Jeff, from Glens Falls will remain until the middle of May. We promise to keep in touch through email. And we plan a reunion for sometime next year in North Carolina.
It's been a journey, that's for sure. I'm coming home with some battle scars that will slowly heal and be a distant memory. But I'm taking with me a continued assurance of God's love and his goodness, his never ending commitment to the good in my life, and a new set of friends that will be in my prayers and intercession as I resume my daily mornings with my Father.
At the hospital and at the lodge.
It was bittersweet. I have met so many incredible people, Gerard and Joanie, who have ministered to me each day with encouragement, smiles, while strapping me down and operating that great machine. According to them I did fabulous every time. (And I was on time which they also loved.) And some friends that I have spent time with while we were waiting for our treatments, Margot, 35 years old mother of three who is the cutest bald headed person I've ever seen, Bob, retired, Bay Ridge resident, and Ashley, 17 years old whose birthday is tomorrow and has the grace, charm and courage of a woman many years older. Our Russian friend left last week and our doctor friend finished last Tuesday.
My Lodge family is hard to leave. Isn't that strange? When we first came no one knew who was the guest and who was the caregiver. It's very obvious now. We visit Thad in the hospital, after my treatment, say goodbye and pray for him. He's cheerful but had a very hard time since his stem cell harvesting. Frank and Elise are heading back to North Carolina with their two sons at the wheel and Al and Paula are home now too. Jeff, from Glens Falls will remain until the middle of May. We promise to keep in touch through email. And we plan a reunion for sometime next year in North Carolina.
It's been a journey, that's for sure. I'm coming home with some battle scars that will slowly heal and be a distant memory. But I'm taking with me a continued assurance of God's love and his goodness, his never ending commitment to the good in my life, and a new set of friends that will be in my prayers and intercession as I resume my daily mornings with my Father.
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