Prayers are answered

Yes, even though we wake to pouring rain and fog, our prayers are answered because the temperatures are back to what we consider 'normal'. Right this minute, it is about 60 above zero and it has been a long time since that happened at this time of the day. I am supposed to be going to Linda O's condo today and am vacillating about going to St. Augustine in the rain. While I would most assuredly enjoy my time there with friends, playing games, driving in the rain and feeling the effects of a head cold.....I just don't know what to do!?!

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Some other prayers have been answered but perhaps not the answer being looked for. My friends at Hang Ups have been asking for prayer for their cousin/nephew who was reported missing in OH. He is in his young twenties, in the National Guard, and had not been heard from for several days. The police were searching for him and yesterday, it came to light that the young man had purchased a bus ticket and took a bus out of their jurisdiction. No longer considered a missing person, because of buying the ticket and boarding the bus, the prayers are now to have this young man contact his family and let them know what is going on with him. A sigh of relief that he is apparently 'alright' but still great concern for him.

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Such a terrible situation in Haiti, the horror of it all is more than I can fathom. Help from my area of the world is being sent via the Navy bases including medical supplies, helicopters, and ships to transport sick and injured. The Art Guild is helping by collecting supplies at the area farmer markets but it is my understanding that the relief organizations would prefer money instead of the supplies so they can buy and supply exactly what is needed. On F&F this a.m. they reported that $8 million has been basically pledged via the cell phone fund raisers but the money won't be released until the cell phone bills are paid in a month or two. So it is earned but not yet paid to the Red Cross or what have you. More direct methods of submitting would have immediate results, while the money from the cell phone companies will come later as this is no quick fix situation.

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This morning I will be heading to church to prepare for the Lord's Supper for Sunday. While there I must also pick up a sheet of poster board from the fellowship hall to use for tracking fund raising efforts for our new lawn mower. The yard sale last fall netted about the half the money needed for the mower so we need the balance donated. Our new maintenance guy has gotten a great price for a machine which will fit through the gate to the playground and have a zero turn radius (??). None of our mowers are operational right now so those who have been cutting, during the growing season, bring their own on trailers or in the back of the car. My creativity hat is crushed and wrinkled these days but I will come up with something to put on the poster!

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The news is sort of done, so I changed over to watch "The Soloist" on HBO. Joanne and I saw this the first time in the theater not that long ago so I was surprised to see it was on TV already. The story, a true one, is how a newspaper reporter discovers a schizophrenic man who has an incredible talent for music. The reporter, played by Robert Downey, Jr., writes about this street musician, played by Jamie Foxx, and mentors him without putting constraints on him. He prefers to live in the street but Lopez gets him a cheap apartment, under the guise of it being his rehearsal hall. There is a cot where Nathaniel can take a nap if he gets tired rehearsing....Gotta love these true stories. Later in the movie, Lopez gets him a private 'audience' to see/hear an orchestra rehearse, where Nathaniel listens with his eyes closed. Because of his mental illness, the "music" is shown on the inside of his lids in psychedelic colors. Lopez sort of whispers, "I wish I could see the music you hear...". I love that line, see the music you hear. They cannot force this man into taking medication for his illness, even though he had been a student at Julliard at one time. It is a sad, exposing view of what a psychotic life is like, but it is also joyful because of the music allows the sick man some solace, as well as solace for those who hear him play.

*

Last night Twila, Elaine, and I had dinner together at my house where I served brats, sauerkraut, and baked beans. Both Elaine and Twila enjoyed two brats, which is good since they were Elaine's first brats! We played two games of Scrabble after dinner and they were nice enough to let me win. Twila had said Elaine would mop the floor with me, and she let me off with a warning! Whew! Twila had made a spice cake with a burnt sugar frosting, really quite sweet, even for me. We picked the icing off, for the most part, and enjoyed the cake portion.

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My inclination is to lie in bed most of the day and watch TV but the better thing would be to get up and dressed. Go do my prep for Holy Communion and grab the poster board to exercise my efforts at making this 'encouragement' to donate! I was thinking maybe a party store would have something to incorporate onto the 'blank canvas'.....HELP!!!! Here go the blankets and the feet hit the floor, running......

The tinkle down theory

What am I doing up so early? It was before six a.m. when I found myself awake and taking a walk to the bathroom. That water drinking is taking its toll on me! I had to laugh, though, discovering something I refer to as 'the tinkle-down theory". Even though our units are fairly isolated and insulated, there is little, almost no sound barrier between our bathrooms. Having had my bath remodeled not too long ago, I know this to be true. Well, if someone flushes their potty on the 5th floor, I can hear it in my bathroom; and then someone goes in the 4th floor bathroom, and then it's my turn, and on down to the next floor. It stops there because Gus is out of town right now! It's like a signal to us all to get up and go potty! It is not obvious in the daytime hours, but during the night, it seems to work fairly well.

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I guess the good news about the mess in Haiti is that most of the businesses and such were not busy when the earthquake hit. At least that is what I heard one man in Haiti report although some reports have schools being in session, etc. The government offices were not open for business, I guess, which is why the leaders escaped the collapse of their buildings. My sister knows a missionary who is missing at present in the capital city and they are awaiting news of his situation. The young man is in his last year of seminary and was presently training Haitians to be Bible teachers, doing the Lord's work. I hope when word comes, it is good news, that he is safe and well.

*

Yesterday went well for me emotionally as it was spent with church family and Justin at Victory for Bible study. Some of the ladies asked us to join them for lunch but I declined, so Justin and I could be by ourselves. We originally were heading for Mimi's Cafe for some meatloaf but their parking lot was so full, we decided to go to Wasabi for Japanese instead. We had a good visit, no crying, just being together was a good thing. He pumped gas for me, the good boy that he is, and then I had to take him back to church to get his car so he could go to school.

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In the car on the way back to church, he told me, hesitantly, about a class he is taking, "Apocalyptic Art". It sounds fine to me but he was concerned I would be upset about them sort of dissing or discounting the validity of the Bible's account of the Apocalypse. I encouraged him to defend the Bible the best he can, but mostly he has to just pass the class. You cannot argue properly if it is not apples and apples, if the prof is not a believer, denies the inspired Word of God, it would be useless to argue. Justin knows the truth, and knows he needs the credit. I offered my photos taken at Patmos where it is thought John wrote the book of Revelation but he did not accept them. Too bad that Justin cannot attend the Bible studies going on at Victory covering Revelation but they take place on nights he has class. Oh well.....The Bible is not the sole book used for the class, and he loves the art, obviously, so just pass the class without compromising his faith. (A man on TV just described the mess in Haiti as being apocalyptic...), not art at all.

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The river is covered in haze this a.m. with pink ruffled clouds above it. From my bed I can see my poinsettia and mini-CHRISTmas tree which I collected from the cemetery, where they sit on my table in the river room. Neither look like they are near death at all so I hope they stick around a long time for me. As I told Jen R. on my Facebook page yesterday, I still have the plant Rick and she gave us the day after Timmy died, in the same container, after all these years. The plant is not what I would describe as flourishing, as it is likely root bound and such, but it still lives! I cannot say the same for Timmy's lemon tree which succumbed to some insects a year or so ago. Cindy S. tried to save the tree after it was cut back but it was too far gone. Fausto, a master gardener from church, also tried to battle the "little bastards" which infested the tree but sadly, it was just too late. All those years it was outdoors and nothing happened to it, but since I moved here to the river, not so much. Timmy's father has a seedling from a seed of this tree and I trust it is still alive. I will have to ask Justin if he has seen it and how it is doing. I have two lemons from the tree in my freezer and sometimes wonder if I should cut one open to salvage the seeds, to see if they would grow after being frozen.....I will ask Fausto if he is up to the challenge.

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Our foliage around the church which was not cold-weather hardy is all brown/black and wretched looking, begging to be cut down. Oh, how I wish it had been removed before the funeral service Tuesday but, oh well....It looks so dumpy around our property but now that we have a new maintenance guy on board who loves projects, plans are being made to refresh our appearance. The past few years the focus was primarily to finish our classroom building and now that is completed, we can move on to other needy projects. At the funeral home visitation Monday night, one of the ladies drew me into their group and asked, "Kim, do you like to pressure wash?", knowing that I do. Enthusiastically I replied that I do like to pressure wash but don't have my machine any longer. It seems a group was being assembled to do the washing at church and I said to count me in but NOT when it was cold out! All agreed it needed to be much warmer before that project was tackled!

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Last night Brenda N. and I had a nice dinner together at Chili's where we accidentally discovered it was Happy Hour. Oh my goodness! If I had known that, I would have ordered differently but oh, well, bottoms up! Since we enjoyed each other's company for over three hours, we did just fine. I had a delicious pulled pork sandwich which I actually pulled off the bun to eat and some fries, while she had quesadillas. She had called me a couple times yesterday, finally getting me as I dropped Justin off at church, as she was thinking of us on the anniversary. It is not easy to pin her down so I was glad she was able to go out. She thanked me for introducing her to the library as a source for free movies which Cary and she have been enjoying, especially since she was laid low with a sinus infection over the holidays. They watched "The Winds of War" over New Year's weekend and were blown away. She does not have cable TV and can pick up only a couple stations on my "old" TV, but they do have a VHS and DVD player to enjoy the free movies from the library. She even gets the oldies like "African Queen" and a few others I did not recognize. Her era and her great fun! Thanks, Judy R., for making me get a library card!

A repeat of January 14, 2008

I guess I must point out that this is a re-run or repeat, as the title says, of the posting from 2008. Sorry for any confusion this caused.....

Well, the big day is here---Timmy's anniversary. I've received several cards, e-cards, phone calls plus personal greetings so far today and enjoyed a lovely lunch with the Monday Bible study group. In the arms of my church family, a great place to be today and always!

Had a nice, long chat with Linda last night which was good for my soul, she is so good for my soul and my heart! We can laugh about the dumbest things. She has plans to go on a cruise in late March but that won't work with my trip to MN at the begining of April. Everything has to happen at once sometimes. I'll try to get some time later in the month to do some scrapbooking with her when I'm in Manty.

When I stopped by the cemetery today after lunch, I saw the guys closing up a grave over in the "babyland" section, which always saddens me, but moreso today. Someone else is going to feel sorrow like mine for the rest of their lives, but the good news is that the sorrow softens a bit as time goes on. We got told that often early on when Timmy died and I personally have found that to be true. What is also true is that memories fade a bit, something which no one could have ever convinced me would happen. What a learning and growing experience this has all been, going to the School of Hard Knocks, sort of. Okay, then, does that mean I've graduated or is there more "homework" required before I can be considered "honed by the fire"? Wait, wait, wait, don't answer that! I learned a valuable lesson from 2000 to 2003---don't ask questions you don't want the answer to!!!! So, no one needs to feel they should answer that question, okay?

I am also getting quite excited about the pending visit from the Prange family, coming into town next week. As Timmy would say, "I so 'cited!" Their schedule is already packed but they've invited me to share in much of it with them. Maybe I can work ahead on the newsletter and such but can't do much about the meetings and other committments that happen in the evenings. It will be cool to see what a little man Lucas has become and meet Grace for the first time. Last year she was still in utero for Brent's wedding and we didn't go up north for CHRISTmas this year, so missed meeting Baby Grace in person. I have a new nephew born last fall that I haven't met in person yet, either. I'd better get on the ball!

That Joanne! She is tooo much! She just called me from Jax Beach to tell me about this fantastic store that screamed "Kim Lahaie Day!!!" when she walked into it. She saw the most lovely dishware, some which looked like the Amalfi Coast or Greek Islands that would be perfect for me. Oh, she was so excited about her find! Jo picked up a stack of brochures to bring back for me but I'll have to wait to get them, as she's heading to Orlando for a Buffini meeting for a couple days...nuts! Nothing to stop me from taking a ride to Jax Beach myself for a first-hand look, right? Don't answer that, and besides, I am off of dish restriction for two years already. Maybe Justin would like to go with me, or would he get me into even more trouble??!!??

The sky is a lovely blue today, not so overcast as it was yesterday. We got buckets of rain during Bible study but it had cleared up by the time church got out. My car needed a washing anyway! Owen has offered to wash my car and put a nice finish coat on it for me. What a sweetheart he is.....and I knew that before he offered to wash my car! Olivia drives my big red car now and I love being able to get a ride in it every so often. Anyway, there is a white bird bobbing about on the river, certainly Joanne knows its name but I just recognize it as a white floating bird. I wonder if water fowl ever get sea sickness.........

Later today I might be going to the movies to see The Bucket List with some church ladies and perhaps my heart, Martie. We have to see how she feels after her art class gets out. On Wednesday, the 30th, I am going to the opera, Tosca, but no one else from church wants to go. I've approached Christine to see if she'd like to go, I don't spend nearly enough time with her, since she works not far from her home, not venturing into Jacksonville as much as she used to. She really needs to get out more!!!!!

This Thursday I am having lunch with Janet and her MI friend, Karen, at The Club and then coming over here to enjoy the view and spend some time together. They are going to help keep me busy so that I don't "dwell" too much, and there is no one like Janet who can keep me busy! She is a such a joy, a treasure in my life!

You have all probably gotten the e-mail thingy that circulates every so often about how people come into our lives for a Reason, A Season, or A Lifetime. I never want to let go of people, which sometimes adds to my heartache because I CAN'T or WON'T let go, but simply have to believe that people come into my life, personally, at exactly the right time, either for me, or for them! I love the power of the Lord, His mighty, guiding hands!

Speaking of hands, mine are getting cold, so will close this chapter for now. I don't know what to tell you about the "comments" problem, not sure just what has to be done to leave a comment. Linda's came through just fine last night. I'll have to ask her to walk me through it so those of you who have tried can give it a shot. Thanks for trying, though!

...serve the Lord with gladness!

From Timmy's Auntie Kerry on his anniversary

Do You Remember Me?

I can't believe after all this time, I can't get over you,
I guess a love like ours is one of a kind, a love that is true.
It's been nine years since you left me to go to God & heaven's immensity,

Do you still remember me?

It's like a bad dream that plays over and over in my head,
Of things I wish I'd done or words I would have said.
There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of you,
Even after all this time, what am I going to do?

Maybe this is the way mommies are supposed to feel,
Perhaps our wounds are never intended to heal.
If I could ask but one question why,
How is it God could need you more than I?

Auf Wiedersehen, Gordy

A few years ago we had three funeral services in what seemed like rapid succession for older members. I remember making the comment that we were getting just too good at making the sandwiches and preparations for funerals. This was going to have to stop! We did go a long time without having to say "good-bye" to one of our members and for that we can say, "Thank you, Lord!" 

On the one hand, we are a selfish lot---we want to keep our loved ones with us, we do not want to have to mourn for them. That is one reason why we ask our family members to hang on, fight harder, take every treatment, battle to the very end against their illness, if illness is what takes them home. On the other hand, we encourage each other to remain steadfast in the faith, so we can all be together in heaven, our home. Sometimes 'going home' is sudden, as in Gloria's case, or a long difficult struggle, like Gordy's fight. Gordy gave it everything he had and then said, "Enough!" A sad choice but really the only one for him. 

On the way to the church I stopped at Publix to get my assorted cheesecake dessert for the luncheon and decided to pick up some tissues in case no one else had. Good thing I did! I put the boxes in handy places for the mourners and a box in back for the rest of us. First, though, I went into the fellowship hall to leave my dessert and had a quick chat with Ethel. She said that Gordy used to ask her what she was bringing for fellowship or would find out which treat was hers, saying she would miss that about him. We all have such fond memories of Gordy.

I went into the church from the breezeway door and was quite taken aback to see the coffin in front of the church, covered with the funeral pall. The first time being used! It hit me like a ton of bricks because it was purchased with money from a memorial of another dear member and had yet to be pressed into service. How perfect that it was being used for Gordy's service. It was purchased after Timmy's funeral and would have been too large for his small coffin. 

Carol met me in the back of the church and said it was the surprise of it that got me. She told me she was doing her very best to keep her tears inside but knows I would not. Carol did mention how, on the way over that morning, she was thinking about what advice to give Terri. She decided to tell her to listen for my voice, and focus on it. That is what Carol did for her mom's funeral and I still have the lovely note she wrote me, telling me how much that helped. After Carol told me this, I had to 'brace myself like a man', as God told Job, and sing bravely those perfect hymns.

I had help with that, too. As I sat a row behind where the mourners would be seated, tears were dripping down my cheeks as I listened to the pre-service hymns being played. All of a sudden, a dear hand rested on my arm---Jennifer and her pastor/husband from Merritt Island!!!! Thank you, Lord, for sending reinforcements! 

Jennifer told me they had been to visit Gordy at the end of December after CHRISTmas but did not have time for other stops. I understand, of course, and besides, I had company already! She also reminded me that Gordy had walked her down the aisle when she married David, a wedding I had attended in Orlando. Justin had gotten a cut on his arm at the hotel just prior to the wedding, for which we had to buy bandages---that's my primary remembrance of their wedding! That, and Joan Wright being her matron of honor. Jennifer and I used to sing soprano together in our church choir so I knew we'd be okay. We helped each other sing---I sang when she could not. She sang "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" when I could not, and sang together, "In Christ Alone".

One of Gordy's daughters told me yesterday, "I'm an ugly crier!" She told me this afterward, during the luncheon, when she said she had to listen as the congregation sang "On Eagles Wings". It reminded her of her mom who had preceded Gordy in death, and how Gloria sang that hymn around the house all the time. If Gayle let herself go, she was nearly sobbing and choking, she said. "I'm an ugly crier!" Both her parents used a couple hymns in common for their services and as far as the kids go, this will be the reminder of their parents! Believe me, I get that! As I told Jennifer's hubby yesterday, when he asked about Timmy's anniversary, that is the reason we choose the hymns we do---to share the message of the hope we have, the wonderful story in the stanzas, the joy expressed for reaching the heavenly home....but we still miss our loved ones gone ahead.

The music before and during was nicely done, featuring three different pianists: Kurt, a long time friend of Gordy's who plays piano by ear; Kathy B.; and Robbie, The Maestro, who accompanied the grandsons who played clarinet and sax on one hymn. Suzanne played nearly every hymn, even accompanied Kurt who used no music--a real challenge. But she did wonderfully, and told me afterward, as did Kurt, that they discovered they can play and cry at the same time. I have trouble singing and crying at the same, but not singing nicely while crying!

The sermon reading was from Romans and whether selected by Gordy or not, I do not know, but Pastor was able to interweave things about Gordy with these passages. Mike C. did a reading from Psalm 61, this reading being significent since he had spent so much time with Gordy these past few months, in particular the day he died. Mike, who knew Gordy since childhood, also served as acolyte for the service, another special honor. 

We also read from John 11, the story of Lazarus which was also used as Timmy's funeral sermon. Twila's sister was with her at the funeral yesterday and she asked if Nick's funeral had been held at this church. Twila said it was, and I told Elaine how lovely that service was, since Twila was a bit choked up at the moment. 'The Jailer at Philippi' was Nick's sermon theme, I remember it well.

The family stood outside to greet people for some time after the service so I decided to go inside and get something to eat. As I came through the line, not being the first one, I took a brat bun on my plate, only to be informed that the brats were gone! Rats! Instead, then, I took one of the three ham sandwiches on the tray as Ethel came by. She said, as I dressed my sandwich, that we were out of meat! Yikes! Most of the immediate family was yet outside, so it seems someone was doing a chicken run and came back with some bucketsful to add to the bounty on the tables. Of course, there were at least 20 casseroles or other dishes to choose from so it was not truly a crisis situation but still......Mike C. had made the brats in memory of Gordy as this was his favorite, and it seems, every one's favorite!

After the luncheon, we loaded into cars and headed to the National Cemetery near the airport for the military rites and committal service. It was a long ride but a good chance to sit and rest in my heated seats. On the way, though, I decided that when I got home again in the afternoon, I was definitely going to lie down and take a nap! My eyes were like pokers from all the tears, and I felt a wreck. I am ugly crier, too, it seems!

Not quite ready to get up yet

Although I have been awake for just shy of an hour, I cannot convince myself to get ready for the day just yet. According the radio website, it is only 25 above zero outside and beyond my bedroom door I am sure it is about 68 since I do not hear the heat running. I do step lively when my bare feet hit the ceramic tile floor in the hall, which some would think is not really that cold. But it is! All relative....Judy R. wrote yesterday that they were having a January thaw but not according to the weather map. It shows a high temp of 28 for the Twin Cities and she is somewhat south of that. This Saturday I am invited to Linda O.'s condo for a gathering and bonfire so I do hope the temps do warm to the 60s as predicted.

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Today is Gordy's funeral service at 10:00 so I must get myself going around here soon. A stop at Publix is needed as I agreed to bring a dessert of some sort for the luncheon. My thought is to get a variety tray of cheesecake, always a popular treat, especially for Joe Z., who loves cheesecake! Last night I promised the girls that I would sing out for the funeral service so will plan to do just that, except for, likely, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives". I get a break on this hymn. Kathy B. is taking off from work to play the piano, sharing those duties with Kurt who plays by ear. I think Suzanne is playing her viola, too, which means she will have to take off from work as well (I just thought of that). I heard we are having brats today, made by Mike C. as this was Gordy's favorite. Mike S. was at the funeral home last night, he is our member-chef who loved working with Gordy on the Fellowship Committee, firing up his smoker grille to make Boston butts and other creations under the direction of Gordy. I have a cool picture somewhere in my computer of Gordy and Mike S. and Mike C. at the grille for the church picnic---must look for that at some point.

*

On the way home last night, I heard a news brief reporting that Miep Gies had died at the age of 100. This was the woman who sheltered the family of Anne Frank during WWII, made famous through "The Diary of Anne Frank". Immediately I called Linda J. to tell her, as she just got the movie, "Freedom Writers" for CHRISTmas, a movie which uses Anne's diary to get the students to write. In this true story, the students go from street thugs to somewhat decent citizens. The kids read the diary, write in their journals, visited a holocaust museum, and realized that they are not the only ones with a rough row to hoe. The students go from lives of crime and fighting to bake sales and fund raising to get enough to fly Miep Gies to come speak at their school. Sadly, now she has died but I hope her story does not.

*

Once home, I stopped at the mailbox to see what it offered, and found a lovely card from Lynn. It offered support and comfort, letting me know she was thinking about me this time of year as they time grows closer. It came at just the right time, too, since I am feeling bad about Gordy. Nope, let me rephrase that----I rejoice for Gordy, feel bad for me, for those of us left here on earth. Kerry wrote a lovely poem which arrived via e-mail today and she gave me permission to use it on Thursday in my posting. This might get worn hearing, but when folks ask me how long it has been since Timmy died, I say the number of years, and then add, "Or it was yesterday.....". It is absolutely true. Yesterday was the anniversary of my abdominal surgery, a date I remember because I had my driver's license renewed the day before. Lynn had to wait in the car with the two boys while I went through the process of getting my license renewed----ugh! They were likely gouging each others eyes out while poor Lynn got rocked and rolled in the car! I always had a rule----if you pull someone's eyes or hair out, you had to put it back!

*

Last night on Leno, I just had to laugh----every now and again, starting with Kevin, the band leader, a cell phone would go off during the monologue. Jay would act all annoyed that they would answer the phone during the show, but it was part of the bit. All the men whose phones went off were black men, supposedly getting apologies from Harry Reid for his insensitive remarks. It was so funny, as the guys would say, "No, man, no, we're good, we're good..." and then announce the call was from Reid. Brought the house down! Bill Cosby was the guest star last night and he is as funny as ever. He was promoting a CD made with some rappers about young black folks taking the better road than continuing the generational pattern of living in the projects, never making anything of themselves, turning to crime. One of the lines of the "song" they did was something like, "choosing a criminal career instead of career as a lawyer". In other words, he is encouraging young blacks to get over it, get out, and make something of themselves, not to keep have babies they cannot afford to feed, etc. I wish he were younger and could be around longer to be a roll model for young people. Cosby is a great advocate for young black people making something of themselves instead of wearing their gang colors and turned around hats, but he does it in a humorous 'fashion'. His face is so animated, he does not even need to speak!

*

There is going to be a shake-up in the comedy shows on NBC which I will watch occasionally. Leno is being moved back to after the news at 11:30 pm, but, what will happen with Conan?? His show is in question, if he wants to move back to the after midnight time or move to another network. I guess his ratings were equal with Letterman's which was not what NBC was looking for. On Leno's show, he kept the feature of "Headlines" from his late night show, and is always good for a chuckle. Last night there was one from Oconto Falls but I cannot remember what it was about. And the stupid criminals he always finds, who use their own deposit tickets to write bank robbery notes on! Funny!

*

My pastor's wife had more surgery performed yesterday and by some reports, was doing fine as of last evening. Her parents flew back in after having just returned to WI after CHRISTmas, to help with the kids while Lynn is in the hospital and through her recovery. Prayers for her are appreciated as are prayers for the surgery my friend, Jami, is having today in Amarillo. Sadly, her hubby had to come here to Florida for a business trip that he could not get out of but her parents and sister will be with Jami through her procedure. I hope all have good news from their surgeries, that's enough for this week already!

The bed feels so good right about now

Oh, what an evening it was! I just got back from the funeral home visitation for Gordy. Our church family was well represented, offering hugs and support for the girls mourning their daddy. And their brother, although he got more handshakes and back slaps, at least from us. Gordy was a guy who loved to have a good time, was a party waiting to happen, yet was devout in his Christian faith. No one there would ever question or wonder if he was a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, they all knew because Gordy shared this with others.

*

When I arrived at the funeral home, I pulled into the space behind an SUV with the back flipped open. There was a cooler on the bumper, as it were, and men standing around with plastic cups. Beer! What is this---Wisconsin??? As I got out and walked toward the guys, I said, "That had better be Miller Genuine Draft!" The one man laughed and said, "Oh, you knew my dad!" I said I did and greeted Gary and the other fellas taking a break, having a toast to Gordy.

*

It was good to see so many people, some of which I knew through Terri, and many of Gordy's grandkids and in-laws. Around the coffin were picture boards, four of them, photos of Gordy as an infant up to Thanksgiving Day where he posed with the family from his wheelchair, holding a beer. The ones which had both Gloria and he in them were the ones that hit me, and Kathy B. insisted I not look at her so she would not cry too! I just loved this couple and am going to miss Gordy deeply, but am glad his suffering is over. I am so glad, too, that I got to plant a kiss on his head Christmas Eve when he got to church one last time. Tomorrow his grandsons will be playing their instruments, his instruments, playing his compositions of familiar hymns, in glory to God and in recognition of their grandpa. I promised Terri and Kim that I will sing out tomorrow at the service to help lead the singing and pray I can keep my promise!