The text read "you haven't blogged in a while". Thoughtfully I looked at the message. Knowing the insight. The journey has been long. Not always pretty. Knowing, so well.
The morning after, she was there. Throughout the week. There. She made sure the baton was passed before going home to get her family. The pain she felt was unmeasurable. The strength she drew from could only have been from our Maker. Our God. Our one true God.
I would go into the kitchen, where she held her post, and fuss about. Saying there was too much food and I would wonder who I could give it to. We can't possibly eat this much food, I'd say. So gracious. She just let me fuss. Then she'd feed the multitudes. The people who needed us. Who needed the warmth and strength from this house, from the only one who could give it. God was found during this week long process. He was present.
Her second text said "you process so much when you blog". The quiet. The unsaid much more alarming than many words. I shook my head, just like there was someone in the room, listening. Just like a knowing was present. I know. I actually thought "I know". With chin to my chest I said a prayer that was understood by the only one who matters. The healing that comes from writing and expressing must be done continuously. Must continue.
The last month has been busy. Filled with many new memories. Many events that now make up the past. They are as follows:
Easter vacation. It was always a fun vacation. There were always a variety of plans. Every year seemed a little different but there were always commonalities. Trips to the coast were frequent. Yard work came around every so often. Baseball dominated a time or two. We even got stuck in Hawaii once. No matter the year or the event during this break from school and work, we were most always together. The memories will always be cherished and never forgotten.
This week my "fine figure of a man" and I loaded up and headed for Bend, Oregon. Our trip, two fold. One we get to stay and spend time with our oldest and his terrific wife. We can't forget to mention Reuger, the little pooch who gets so excited to see "Grandma and Grandpa". So off we ventured to spend a few days within the snow capped Cascade Mountain range. The views from this destination spot are pretty much unsurpassed by none.
There was a feeling of purpose. Of having a purpose this year. So we made plans to bless with working hands and feet. The recipient...Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch. This place, built upon a cinder pit, holds special meaning. Within those reasons and probably the most powerful. God has blessed us with friendships from mere ashes. Ashes that will some day be a rose garden of long stemmed yellow goodness. Ashes that will some day make sense. That will some day make us leap for joy and once again validate that hope is in the Beholder.
Today as we did volunteer work at the Ranch, the wind blew. A day of volunteering is a satisfying feeling and makes me think when my boy spent two weeks volunteering, helping others. The camp, paid for through his own labor, was what he wanted to do that summer. Returning home with a renewed sense of love for Jesus Christ and a zest for the future there was clarity.
Working hands, humble heart. God loves them all!
The idea. Born from the need to smell the high mountain air, to get a much needed stretch of the legs and enjoy friends on a Saturday evening. They had a busy Saturday with life celebrations in two different ways. One a memorial service and one a 70th wedding anniversary party. Both lives, equally acknowledged. Both families blessed.
Bill and Suzie showed up about 5 pm. My "fine figure of a man" and I, groggy from our naps but eager for an adventure. We left our cottage behind as we took Quartz Valley Road to Scott River Road to a favorite spot. The truck was equipped with dinner and dogs. A fine combination.
As we neared our destination, it was evident that snow was in the air. The chilly temperature and white flakes mocked our Aprilness. It felt more like a January day for sure. Undeterred, we took out on the BCT with Suzie in the lead. She was ready for a good look of mountain views and rugged terrain. We went as far as the visible trail could take us. The mountainside did not disappoint these eager trail walkers. The deepness of the colors, accented with the whispiness of the recently fallen snow was a treat for all.
Back at the pickup we headed off the hill with supper intentions. BBQ'd chicken and potato salad. The first picnic of the season. The fire we gathered for was warm as we huddled and ate.
Yep
ReplyDelete