writing when inspired about the often overlooked
Early October, 2005, we drive down US1 with dear friends, stopping along the way as we observe the stunning beauty of the northern California coast. This trip provides me with a gift I would need soon. With signs promising an ocean view, we walk through the pedestrian walkway under US 1 along the coast, just…
(Carol and Gordon, April 5, 2005) On this, the 10th anniversary of her husband’s death, my sister-in-law, Carol, has agreed to share an excerpt here from her recently written series of reflections on the first year of being a widow. Yeah, it gets confusing, both of us being Carol and all. Her excellent booklet, “Checking…
(Start HERE for full “Before and After” series) My REFUGE: My cousin Janet sends me an email on either Wednesday or Thursday of that week. I can still remember sitting at Carol’s computer reading her email to me. It was a short email . . . simply sharing verse that helped her when her dad died. …
(Start HERE for full “Before and After” series) It’s Monday Morning and Mom and Dad and I are flying home. Galen stays behind to help Carol with business matters. A week ago they were searching for him. Now we are headed home after the Memorial Service. As I sit there I notice . . . The…
(Start HERE for full “Before and After” series) Carol’s (Gordon’s wife) thoughts on the Memorial Service November 12, 2005: God gave me the music one special song at a time. * Right after the phone call on my way home from Missoula, I heard “I Can Only Imagine” and knew the situation was bad and I…
(Start HERE for full “Before and After” series) click HERE for Before and After Day 6 Part 1 In Between Death & Life – a blog written by my son Todd on November 11, 2005. It’s not supposed to be this way. You are not supposed to watch your grandparents stand over the coffin of…
(Start HERE for full “Before and After” series) This evening we will be at the funeral home greeting friends and family. People and flowers and food flowed into the house. This white flower was one of the first and the most striking in appearance and fragrance. Notice the new Testament and Psalms. Carol and I “lived”…
(Start “Before and After” series here) “The most wasted of days is the one without Laughter!” E.E. Cummings To prepare for the Memorial Service tomorrow, Galen gathers us together in the living room and asks us to think of the words that come to mind as we think about Gordon. There is lots of laughter…
(StartHERE for full “Before and After” series) see HERE “for Day 5 part 1 Today has been difficult. I cry what seems to be buckets of tears. And then Galen reminds me that while this is a pit, it is not a bottomless pit because of Jesus. This comforts me and gives me hope. It is surreal…
(Start HERE for full “Before and After” series) I go with Carol to pick up his “things.” Four days later and they’re still soaking wet. (Yes, those are his shoes.) Soaked – everything, even his wallet. Carol looks through everything, her hands shaking. “He didn’t even eat his Skittles.” There are wet matches, his wallet, and…