A memory to hold

 

While I keep his name a secret, he will always be remembered in my heart.

prelude: For many years while our children were growing up, we had other children come to our home before and sometimes after school.  It was easy to add one more around the breakfast table and  our family enjoyed it       ( I think )  One of these days I will try to make a list of everyone who helped with this tradition. 

FF:  Last week, a man carrying a little one in his" front pack"  came to the door.  I did not recognize him, and he smiled and told me his name.

I called out his name and threw my arms around him.  He kept smiling.   He came inside and we had a great conversation, catching up, and memories

comments;
He recognized my voice
This was the only "religious" house he knew 
"You know when there is love in the house"
He especially remembered our son, about 7 years younger, and he said he had always wanted a younger brother  
He also remembered being in a math class with our daughter, Mimi, and that she was very kind.

His little man was a bit restless, he kissed his head and got up and walked around the living room while we chatted.   He also has a little girl, and he and his wife live in Oregon.  They came up here to help get his Mother's house ready to sell, and move her down to live with them.  So, he was out walking in the neighborhood and couldn't resist coming to our door.

conversation:
Sharing about the hard, very hard life he had...with a father who was very "difficult".  He was actually from the line of a Mafia family.   While the 3 brothers were in grade school,  dad moved out.  At one point he had a girlfriend, and set her house on fire.  He ended up in jail. Not sure of all those details, but he died over 20 years ago.    
The  damage this brought to the family was huge.   One of his brothers committed suicide.  The other has never been able to work or live a normal life.

This man, such a sweet man, spent many years abroad.  He studied many languages and religions.
  I let him talk, I was so surprised and had been out of touch for probably 35 years.   
While I was aware of his father's life ( much was in the paper )  I am not sure about the timing.  He made the comment that the neighbors must have known, but no one ever talked about it.

The following morning I felt a "nudge" to make some coffee cake for them and maybe see the rest of his family.
His wife answered the door
I identified myself.  She smiled and said her husband had told her about the visit, with tears, and how he appreciated it.
Soon our sweet friend was on the porch.  Their little girl was sick, so I did not get to meet her.
A few more details..
then his Mother came out
We had known each other ( sometimes coffee at Starbucks, sometimes Bartell's)
She gave me a big hug and smiles and thanked me for taking care of her boy.

Our whole family was touched by his story...especially Mimi.  She remembered him as a friend, being in a class together.  
It is hard to shake ( for lack of a better word ) 
Hard not to wonder if I could have said something to allow him to speak about his feelings.

As I continue to reflect on this very unexpected and wonderful time, I will just come back and add to my story if I can

But, if you feel the urge to pray, that would be very nice.
     The Lord knows his other name, we can call him "Sweet man"
I hoped he would drop by again before leaving town, I have a children's Bible and a gospel of John waiting for him.   
But, it is never to late to use USPS.

I live an exciting life

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