Keith and I want to thank everyone who came to his retirement party. The room was filled with about 150 well wishers. It was hard to keep emotions in check, when such nice things were said. Especially touching were the words from his students. I don't know that I would have been able to go at that age and speak words publicly about one of my teachers. But they did and it was moving.
We look forward to this week anticipating visits from several church members who talked to me today. Now that there's no snow (hopefully), we're going to hold you to it. The coffee is waiting. =)
Take care and have a great week. Later I will tell you about the letter we received from our friend's father detailing his son"s path to death filled with both love and sorrow. Difficult to read, but again, grateful that they consider us as friends.
All for now.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
A Wonderful Place to Live
Granite Falls, WA, what a great city to live in. There are not many towns where you could drive down the street and see a sign inviting everyone to your husband's retirement party. And on both sides of the reader board yet! The party is Tues. 3:30 - 6:30. Stop by if you can.
Seriously, last week was a distracted week because I knew of our friends upcoming death, but at the same time Keith and I had been so blessed. His mom is here for a visit. I wish we could have her longer. She is what you call," a low maintenance guest." She never complains. She holds the baby and gets her to burp =). She puts the dog in and out. She takes walks with us. She took us out to eat. She plays games with the whole family. She's also willing to play the game farkel with Keith over and over. It gives me a break. Can we keep her?
By the way, I challenge anyone to come and play Backgammon with Keith. He beats me almost every time!
Several of you have asked what you can do to help and we so appreciate that. Sharing a cup of coffee with him is short as not to overtire him and he enjoys it. Ernie, Tony, Andy, Zac, Sandy and Stoney, Damian, Kim, Jessica, Anna and Vanessa,Patti and Dave, and Richard are some of those who have come over. I know I've missed others. Oh yeah, Jim Romack has tea when he comes over because he doesn't drink coffee. Can we really trust a pastor from the Northwest who doesn't drink coffee? Or come and watch sports with Keith for about an hour. You don't have to do anything but be there. It is so good for him to shout at the TV, Yes, Keith can get pretty excited watching some games. Right Tony?
I want to thank Kim and Frank for putting in a beautiful bamboo floor for us in our office. Everyday I see it, I'm reminded of the love of all of you.
Well I just wanted to let all of you know that we are doing great, just wishing we could keep great-grandma here for longer. We are looking forward to Keith's retirement party. He thought he could sort of fade out of the picture when he retired. Guess not, Keith. You have too many people who love you, especially, me, =)
Seriously, last week was a distracted week because I knew of our friends upcoming death, but at the same time Keith and I had been so blessed. His mom is here for a visit. I wish we could have her longer. She is what you call," a low maintenance guest." She never complains. She holds the baby and gets her to burp =). She puts the dog in and out. She takes walks with us. She took us out to eat. She plays games with the whole family. She's also willing to play the game farkel with Keith over and over. It gives me a break. Can we keep her?
By the way, I challenge anyone to come and play Backgammon with Keith. He beats me almost every time!
Several of you have asked what you can do to help and we so appreciate that. Sharing a cup of coffee with him is short as not to overtire him and he enjoys it. Ernie, Tony, Andy, Zac, Sandy and Stoney, Damian, Kim, Jessica, Anna and Vanessa,Patti and Dave, and Richard are some of those who have come over. I know I've missed others. Oh yeah, Jim Romack has tea when he comes over because he doesn't drink coffee. Can we really trust a pastor from the Northwest who doesn't drink coffee? Or come and watch sports with Keith for about an hour. You don't have to do anything but be there. It is so good for him to shout at the TV, Yes, Keith can get pretty excited watching some games. Right Tony?
I want to thank Kim and Frank for putting in a beautiful bamboo floor for us in our office. Everyday I see it, I'm reminded of the love of all of you.
Well I just wanted to let all of you know that we are doing great, just wishing we could keep great-grandma here for longer. We are looking forward to Keith's retirement party. He thought he could sort of fade out of the picture when he retired. Guess not, Keith. You have too many people who love you, especially, me, =)
Friday, February 18, 2011
Gone
Our friend has died. I hate it, just hate it. And I couldn't do anything to stop it, nor did they want me to stop it. This amazing teacher, father and husband will be missed by so many. Facebook messages confirming how much he is missed are being added continually.
Keith and I are invited to his celebration of life, Tues, but I think it would be too difficult, not only for us but for his family and friends. Perhaps because seeing another man the same age with MSA that day would be a sad reminder. Yet we would love to support the family. We have, however, been spared from making a decision one way or another as we found out that Keith's school is giving him a retirement party on that day. It will be surreal. While one family celebrates and honors a wonderful man whose life has passed, ours, celebrates another wonderful man with a tribute to a life that has and continues to touch so many in a positive way. I for one, want Keith around for a long time. I have not finished learning from him.
Keith and I are invited to his celebration of life, Tues, but I think it would be too difficult, not only for us but for his family and friends. Perhaps because seeing another man the same age with MSA that day would be a sad reminder. Yet we would love to support the family. We have, however, been spared from making a decision one way or another as we found out that Keith's school is giving him a retirement party on that day. It will be surreal. While one family celebrates and honors a wonderful man whose life has passed, ours, celebrates another wonderful man with a tribute to a life that has and continues to touch so many in a positive way. I for one, want Keith around for a long time. I have not finished learning from him.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Tough Decisions
I know our decisions are not so tough compared to my friend and his wife. We are praying for them daily.
Like I said, this unexpected retirement has left us asking strange questions of ourselves. It seems smart to sell this house and move to one smaller but right now if Keith has less than 5 years or even 10, I want to be together in this home where so much of our memories are. Yes, this house could be a lot to handle and I will address that at some time. So many of you have said you would help that it has given me hope in keeping it for now. Keith wants the best for me, so I will entertain the idea of downsizing because he is the one who had the idea and wants to at least have it as an option.
On a happier note, Tony and Matt came over and put up a TV in the exercise room. It is coming together quite nicely. We are calling it the "Tiger Den" I have put up pictures of his teams and others he cares about. Thanks guys. Keith's mom just touched down at SeaTac and we will get to see her tomorrow. We can't wait, especially for her to see how the great-grandkids have grown. Also to introduce her to the youngest, Kayleigh =)
My heart is heavy at times, but I have a wonderful husband, family and friends and I take great peace in this fact. Most important, however, is we have a heavenly father who loves Keith and knows all our needs!
Off to the library. Any good book suggestions?
Like I said, this unexpected retirement has left us asking strange questions of ourselves. It seems smart to sell this house and move to one smaller but right now if Keith has less than 5 years or even 10, I want to be together in this home where so much of our memories are. Yes, this house could be a lot to handle and I will address that at some time. So many of you have said you would help that it has given me hope in keeping it for now. Keith wants the best for me, so I will entertain the idea of downsizing because he is the one who had the idea and wants to at least have it as an option.
On a happier note, Tony and Matt came over and put up a TV in the exercise room. It is coming together quite nicely. We are calling it the "Tiger Den" I have put up pictures of his teams and others he cares about. Thanks guys. Keith's mom just touched down at SeaTac and we will get to see her tomorrow. We can't wait, especially for her to see how the great-grandkids have grown. Also to introduce her to the youngest, Kayleigh =)
My heart is heavy at times, but I have a wonderful husband, family and friends and I take great peace in this fact. Most important, however, is we have a heavenly father who loves Keith and knows all our needs!
Off to the library. Any good book suggestions?
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Just want to say
We are having a very good time lately. We even made it to the basketball game and were greeted warmly by so many friends. Everyone who sees Keith, says he looks good and we are so thankful for your thoughts and prayers. We have been enjoying our time together; now finding ourselves in a healthy routine.
Many friends have stopped by and that is good for Keith. I want to thank Tony for helping us with our exercise room and for volunteering to help us anytime even to the point of asking us to have a list for him. Ernie came by and it's always good for Keith to "talk shop" with him. Linda stopped by with some yummy goodies.
All in all, a very nice weekend. Some serious stuff begins this week. I'll let you know how things go later. But for now, we are happy and are looking forward to Keith's mom's visit this Sunday. =)
Many friends have stopped by and that is good for Keith. I want to thank Tony for helping us with our exercise room and for volunteering to help us anytime even to the point of asking us to have a list for him. Ernie came by and it's always good for Keith to "talk shop" with him. Linda stopped by with some yummy goodies.
All in all, a very nice weekend. Some serious stuff begins this week. I'll let you know how things go later. But for now, we are happy and are looking forward to Keith's mom's visit this Sunday. =)
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