Uncategorized

One year ago, at about this time of he morning, I was on the road.  With my wife, Jill.  Off to a doctor suggested stress test.  Jill’s heart was broken from birth and had recently deteriorated (as we soon realized only too well).  We were checking to see how broken and what could be done.

The day was to be a quick in and out to the hospital.  The result was cardiac arrest and the following day Jill’s body remained in the Cardiac Care Unit while her soul now rested with Jesus.

These are not easy things to speak of.  But they are reminiscent of a very loving and worthwhile relationship.  I would not trade those 35 years of marriage – period!!  We endured differences and enjoyed likes.  We mentored others and learned our own self disciplines.

In a summary of our lives, on her last day we looked at each other and asked if there was anything we needed to say to each other.  There was no underlying tension or unresolved issues.  We sat and held hands and said we loved each other.

“Until death do us part.” 

Sweet love is not to be easily dismissed, and this year has seen many of what I call “weepy days”.  Tomorrow I have set aside time to just “be” in memory of Jill.  Part of the day will include time with others – but there will also be time alone.

In my heart I treasure Jill.  I’m not sure much else needs be said.

The race was on! 

My brother and his son were both neck and neck in the race to receive their doctorates. 

Murray (the brother) had worked for 12 years to complete at doctor in theology degree.  David (his son) had been working for 8 years to complete a doctor in veterinary medicine.

Only one would have “official” recognition first.  Convocation dates were important.

Yesterday my brother won the race!  He graduated at a ceremony held in convocation hall on the University of Toronto.  His son will convocate on June 12th. 

Of course, the achievement and work that goes into this type of academic achievement cannot be overlooked.  Both have gone far beyond most of us.  And both carry their studies lightly.

They laugh at each other, they enjoy other people’s company, they are “normal” people.

Congratulations to two very unusual men who both love God, love others and somehow in between have found special places of service to both God and those who surround them day by day!

I can’t believe that time flies. 

First off, that is a metaphor – the wings of time and even the picture of Father Time as an actual person is improbable (OK, impossible!).  Secondly, what does that mean – time flies?  Is this a thought about speed?  Or the ability to become less than earthbound (for us humans who love our freedom!)?  Thirdly – OK, you get the idea . . .

With that out of my system (which system, you ask?), only two months remain.  On July 13th I will be getting remarried. 

Since we became engaged in January, we’ve tried to add up the days  we have seen each (literally – being able to look in each other’s eyes!).  We think we have too many fingers.  If you caught that convoluted way of adding up how few days we have seen each other, I would love to have you as my accountant!

On Friday, Cynthia and I ventured to Ontario to be at my brother’s graduation (with a Doctorate in Theology).  This is now the longest stretch of consecutive days we have seen each other.   

The opportunity to be together is heightened by the realization that my brother is also officiating our wedding.  So we have been talking ceremony, and graduating to a new era in our lives, amongst many other related topics.

Which brings me to time flying, two months and graduating. 

Did you just see yesterday passing by and tomorrow approaching at the speed of light?  When I awoke this morning, that’s exactly what I saw!!  And I’m not so sure that was a metaphor that whizzed past my shoulder.

Yesterday I received an encouraging email.

A few months ago I had asked for permission to place a memorial to my wife who passed away a year ago (May 17, 2012) on her father/mother’s gravestone.  The official name is a plinth.

The inscription was in memory of Jill, their daughter.  The gravestone is in the Deseronto cemetery in Ontario.

The monument company was willing to prepare the plinth along with it’s inscription.  But they had not been sure when this could be done. 

I am currently in Ontario for my brother’s graduation with his doctorate (a promise made some 10 years ago). 

Combine all of these thoughts and the email arrived.  The plinth was now in place!  So today, although not originally in the plans, a quick trip was made out to Deseronto.  And the plinth was viewed.  A great memorial!!