Memories

 

When you have known and loved someone for over 65 years, you have lots of memories

So much of my life has connections with Judy and her family.

When Judy arrived in Seattle, I was in high school.  She was enough older than me that I looked up to her and valued her knowledge of life

We spent a lot of time together, even before I had my license, she would come and take me on adventures and even a road trip

She helped me to get that driver's license and I am pretty sure it was with her lavender Malibu.

When Al came into the picture, it was an exciting time for both of us.  I was delighted to stand up with her as a bride's maid.

Darrell and I tied the knot in 1971 and Al and Judy both stood up with us

Our families spent many hours together.  The Cantrell home was close to the meeting room and close to our house.  And the door was always open

I cannot count the times we dropped by after gospel meeting and had treats and played a game or two.

A few "camping trips I would like to forget... just saying the Cantrell's know now to camp, they taught the ropes to our kids

I could trust her with my good times and hard ones.  And she knew her sharing was safe with me.  I appreciated her by my side at gatherings, and she would often tell me, " don't let me say the wrong thing"  Judy never said anything, ever, to hurt me. 
Our friendship was rare and secure.

I could drop by without notice and always greeted with a smile and coffee...usually more, like a piece of her delicious pie.
I would often come by on my way to or from Bartell's.  One time they had dinner guests around the table, and she just added another chair for me. 
 

She had gifts beyond the kitchen.   Many pieces of furniture have been recovered and revived by Judy and Al.   We also have scripture on our walls that she designed with her lovely calligraphy style.
 Her handwriting was beautiful.

We had a few garage sales together...always involving a trip to the Dairy Queen for reinforcements

Our families grew up together and are still friends

Many birthdays were spent together.  Maybe two years ago, Eleanor brought Judy over to celebrate.  She was not feeling strong enough to get out of the car.   We brought out some T V trays, made soup, and had a very memorable party in the driveway.

 

Many more memories could be shared,  but enough to say
I have been blessed by a real and special friendship... no secret... I have received condolences from friends who knew how much Judy meant to me. 

My last visit was just before she was "lifted up to Jesus"... She was at the Valley Hospital.. I had brought her my cherry cake.  She said, 

" Al loves this, but I am going to fight him for it". 
We laughed.     The room was busy as I did not stay long... I kissed her forehead and said
"I'll see you in my dreams"   I was not ready to say good bye...

And I am saying now.... there is going to be a meeting,  a meeting in the air... and we shall never have to say goodbye, ever. 

I live an exciting life

.

a brief encounter

 very brief

Parking at Whole Foods and stepping out of the car, the couple next to us were just leaving. 

 The gentleman, not a young but handsome man, was holding the door open to help his lady enter

"Wow", I said," he is opening the door"...

He smiled and then..... walking around to the front of the car he said

  " I'm from Texas "

I live an exciting life  

A hard week...

 Saying goodbye ...

   

My life long friend 
Now lifted up to her forever home with Jesus 

A wedding day memory... we were friends before our own weddings... so many memories

More than neighbors
Now is a new chapter of aging, declining   

Another wedding memory...friends long before this wedding...
          

My little princess right next door 
Moving to a new neighborhood  

Another celebration .... and now, ... not ready to say goodbye 

Remember to spend quality time with those who mean so much to you

        We only have today.

I live an exciting life 

Easter Sunday

 

The morning started early with 8:30  time of Worship and remembrance

Soon after, a beautiful and delicious breakfast was served

Around 11:00 the Cantata 

"A cantata is a vocal composition with an instrumental accompaniment, typically in several movements, often involving a choir. Soloquartet and strings."

It was an arrangement of a short narrative, 

a beautiful chorus, another narrative....

6 in all.... First was " Peter"  and "Mary" and 

another " Mary"  giving their story and 

connection with Jesus  

Very   well done.

Homeward bound.....

Grammpy had hidden 36 eggs outside
  and 48 inside 

Easter page two

 

continued...

Three eggs are still missing from the yard and another three from inside.

It happens every year.  They usually show up in the summer

My job starts early in the week with decorations, table setting and party favors...and carrot cake 

Family and friend ( Patrick ) gathered around our table 

Then comes the Resurrection eggs...

Dessert is always carrot cake...and Mimi makes one for her family in Minnesota

We always compare, so to speak... 

This is Mimi's
No picture of mine, but not this pretty 
and mine was a Bundt, the easy way  out

And Claire is in their  kitchen making jello for their little guests

Sharing fun memories.... 

Pretty soon the company has gathered their left overs, treats, and such... good byes...and then finishing up with the  kitchen clean up. 

Sitting down to reflect on the day...

  Someone was enjoying the view with a little cider

Not the best view, but spring has come to Bellevue.

 I live an exciting life

.

A brief encounter

 

 

Waiting for our family to arrive for lunch at a favorite spot, the couple beside us engaged in conversation.

That comes easy for my hubby

Well, it came easy for Beth, too.   They come there almost every Sunday after church.  
That opened up a very interesting visit.

Hubby and John,  Me and Beth

Here is what impressed me:
She listened.  Yes, she knew about our "faith" and the differences that are connected.
And the new chapter in life that Covid created 
 But, she did not interrupt. 
 When hubby interjected a little nugget of his life, the conversation halted.

But, once it was just the two of us, she said, "keep going, I am very interested "
So I did. 

Who does that?   Who is willing to just listen, and not give advice or correction.  

While we head to a different address on Sundays, we love the same Jesus. 
We hold the same truths from
the true Word of God. 

We are going to spend eternity together
But while we wait
 I hope we meet at lunch on Sunday again 

And I would like to be a better listener 

I live an exciting life

thinking

 

when you hear something that is very shocking and something that is not right and you can't do anything about it

write about it

Share it
 

 My friend was celebrating her grandson's 14th birthday. I had not met him before, and was impressed with his polite behavior.  He is tall, nice looking, does well in school, and plays great football, 
 but next year he will change to public school.

He has been attending a Christian school and has been bullied.  Called names.  

He is black.   The only black student.

This should not happen in any school
This should not ever happen in a Christian school

This is not right. 
This is very disturbing
This hurts

The best I can do is pray
For this young man, especially
But for all of us to do what is right 

I live an exciting life