A day of news

This morning was Bible study at Victory, our first class after being recessed for two weeks. Boy, I missed it, too! Oddly enough, I had to hurry last night to do my homework for today's class as it seems two weeks was not sufficient time to get it done. Just like a kid...

It almost didn't matter, however, if I had my sheet filled out or not because Pastor had other stuff for us to talk about. He has a Call to a high school in SD as Development Counselor, in addition to the one to Victory. Pastor encouraged our questions and opinions regarding this new Call, as well as discussing the present one to serve the flock at Victory. 

I sent Justin a text message with that info and he wrote back that Pastor H. has to stay since he's the elder pastor for the area. Well, almost, anyway. The retirement pastor serving in Keystone is older but Pastor H. is the Circuit Pastor, and has been here 16 years now. Of course, I'd like him to stay where he is. I told him once more how Justin has said if he could attend this Thursday Bible study every day, we would. When he was in college, he'd try to schedule his classes so he could have Thursday mornings off. That says a lot for a kid that age!

From Bible study I headed back to OP in order to meet Brenda for lunch at Steak 'n Shake. It was good to spend time with her, though we only get our visits in hour-long increments. Today was hers to treat to a milk shake which we take with us at the end of the meal. It was great to hear how her granddaughters, who are staying with her, are enjoying their summer. One recently spent time at a church camp and absolutely loved it. This was made possible by a scholarship from Brenda's church. Very nice for Olivia and a great way to spend a week of her summer.

As we ate our lunch, I got a text message from my brother-in-law in WI reporting his father-in-law had passed away that morning. Oh my! I had visited this couple when I was in Manty this winter. Harvey was in the better health, being able to stay in assisted living which was adjacent to the nursing home Clara lived in, my former place of employment. My bro-in-law, also named Harvey, told me I could call but when I did they were at the funeral home so I had to call back later to talk with them.

Apparently Harvey's fall, broken hip, and surgery were just too much for his failing heart and he passed away after the surgery. At least they got Clara to the hospital in time to hold his hand as he passed away. His family was also with him except for the grandchildren, two of whom live in Washington state and will have to travel for the funeral. 

Justin and I with Harvey and Clara at their apartment

I've know this family since the early 1970's and have spent some very good times with them in their 'younger' years. I feel badly for Clara who will miss her husband and companion of so many years. They are both right around my mom's age which is late 80's. When I talked to Barb, whose dad it is that died, she said she feared Clara would not last long now that her dad was gone. I will have to make sure to get over to Shady Lane to see her when I am 'home' in July. 

His service is on Monday, which is a conflict for my mom and sister as they already have one service to attend that day, at First German. Mom said they will get to the visitation at least to extend their sympathies to Barb and her family on this loss. I am thankful for that since I cannot be there. ...sigh....