I watched the elderly couple walk Into the restaurant. The husband had trouble keeping His balance. I noticed his cap. It resembled one that Jack used to Wear: World War II Vet. When Jack wore his hat people often Came up to him, shook his hand and Thanked him. When my meal was finished I Walked over to the table and did the Same to the old soldier. "Thank you for your service," I told him. He was pleased. The gentleman was 94, and he and his wife were Proud of the fact that they have been Married for 70 years. I congratulated the beaming pair. Like Jack, the vet had been able to go on the Honor Flight to Washington to see their Monument. These selfless men and women deserve every Honor we can give them. And every chance I get, I do just that. I extend my hand in gratitude and as a Tribute to my dear Jack. |
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My plan was to take a 15 minute walk on the
Path across the street. However, when I bumped into the young Man on my way back home I turned around and Joined him. The fellow is 16, my grandson's age, with the Beginnings of a moustache and a wisp of A beard. He's an only child and has been in our country For just two years, but he is articulate. Although his parents practice an Eastern Religion, he chooses to be an atheist. Physics had convinced him that there is No need for God. Science explains everything. (Except as we later agreed, it can't explain How the world began.) I was ecstatic. "You're an answer to prayer," I told him. "I've been wanting to meet an atheist, and You're only the second one I've met." For the next hour and 15 minutes we traversed the Paved path over and over picking each Other's brains. I marveled at the friendly fellow's intelligence. I couldn't answer many of his questions, and he Couldn't answer mine. But we both agreed on a number of issues. Our conversation was cordial and absolutely Stimulating. He pulled up my blog on his device, and as we Walked I began reading my poems to him. I assured him that I would post one about him. Before we said good-by I gave him a gospel Bracelet and carefully explained the message which was New to him. He repeated the spelling of his name so I Could write it in my notebook. My leg bothered me during the night, the Result of our extended walk. I took two ibuprofen and fell back to sleep praying That the seeds planted in the young man's heart Would take root. And if I meet up with him again I will suggest that Instead of walking we sit on the bench. Another phone call.
Another friend telling me that her Husband is with Jesus now. With all the home goings recently it Should be easy to know how to Respond. But it's not. Nothing is trite about death. And practice doesn't help. I fumble for words. I agonize over what I should do. The new widow is mired down with Funeral arrangements and planning for Her far flung family to come home. I don't want to interfere. I opt to bake chocolate chip cookies for An excuse to drive the distance to my Friend's house, just to give her a Quick hug, or two or three or Four. Later in her grief journey I can do more. (For those of you who remember Beth Zehnder from preschool, her husband Chuck died of a stroke.) |
Dorothy Kalb Hsu Seitzinger
Writing poetry has helped me process and express my sorrows and joys, my concerns and blessings. "Life is hard, but God is good!" Archives
December 2020
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