My husband enjoys sardines. He eats the oily morsels in salads, With vegetables, with whatever is Handy. But mostly he eats the tiny Filets just plain plain. (I'm afraid to even try one.) At the store, as I was helping Danny select his favorite, the Mustard flavored variety, a Lady next to us asked for advice. "What kind should I buy?" Danny explained the types, the sizes, The tastes of the nutritious heart Healthy little fish. The woman listened carefully. She followed his advice, picked Out a tin of sardines and said, "But you won't know whether I like Them or not since I won't see You again." The three of us laughed. But my ears perked up. "I know how we can keep in Touch," I told the lady, and I gave Her one of my tracts with my Blog address on the back. Will she respond? I don't know. But perhaps Elizabeth will Develop a taste for mustard Flavored sardines. Perhaps she just might decide to "Taste and see that the Lord is Good." Psalm 34:8 |
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Our visit to Danny's Michigan family was
Idyllic, until it wasn't. Three of Carla's swift chickens flew the Coop, and in chasing them, I Fell to the pavement. The result? Urgent care. An ambulance ride to the hospital. (For Danny, too, since his blood Pressure skyrocketed.) He on the cardiac floor. I on the ortho. A fractured femur repaired. All our plans upended. But the old adage applied. "There are no interruptions, only Opportunities." Opportunities to share with the Ambulance attendant, the fellow who Pushed me to the OR, the sweet Nurse who shared her heart. Everyone had a story. I listened. And they listened to mine. News of us spread. "You're the lady who chased the Chickens. And your husband's here Too. And you're newlyweds." All true. But we're back home now and on The mend. And frankly, I hope my life gets Back to boring.
(For those who are seeing their child off to college. I wrote it when my first grandchild left home.)
I spent the day with my grandson, Imparting my wisdom, Boosting his psyche as he heads Off to college. He's departing the flock, Flying the coop, Testing his wings, All those fowl expressions that Mean just one thing. He's leaving home. And when he comes back it will Never be quite the same again. Protect him under your feathers, Father. Teach him to fly. And gently embrace his mom and Dad whose nest will seem Strangely, Hauntingly empty. Columbus, Kentucky, is a tiny
Burg and quite remote. Cell phone service is Sketchy, and the one Restaurant closes at 2:00 P.M. But the town is spectacularly Situated along the Mississippi. From our room in a lovely Restored lodge we can see the Mighty river. It's a perfect spot for our belated Honeymoon. This morning a thunderstorm woke us, Knocking out the electricity. But who minds when you are cozy in Bed? (Thankfully, power was restored in Time for breakfast.) We've met unique characters on Our trip, each with a fascinating Story. We've shared Jesus with Gretchen, Lisa, Tony and more. We've connected with believers as Well, including Danny's cousins, the Main reason we traveled so far. They are distant cousins who no Longer seem distant. Yesterday was beautiful, a day to go Sightseeing while today is stormy, Just like life. We never know what to expect. But the inclement weather hasn't Dampened our spirits. On a honeymoon it's just as sweet to Spend a rainy day indoors.
Marriage complicates life.
Instead of just myself to Worry about, I'm now concerned About Danny's well being, with What pleases him, and what Doesn't. His blood pressure and other Health issues now plague me As well. His families' problems become Mine. And it works both ways. Danny bears my struggles along With his own. It's true that marriage is a treasure. It more than doubles my pleasure. Who can even calculate the joy? But wedded bliss also entails Wedded stress. Anguish is the cost of love, and Yet, it's a price I am willing to pay.
When have I had one?
I can't remember. But how would I choose to Spend a laid back Day? I'd take Danny to the Book Loft in German Village. He's never been there. And we'd sip a cup of Coffee in one of the quaint Shops in the village. Or perhaps we'd take a walk in One of our lovely parks. We're both forest addicts. And I'd also like to settle in my Recliner and savor a book. It's been weeks since I've had the Time. But, honestly, lazy days stress me Out. I'm distracted by all the tasks that Remain undone at home. I'm nagged by the calls I Should make and the Bible study I Should be working on. I must learn to set duty aside and Enjoy a lazy day. It seems strange that I must work at Resting. But I'll do it. I'll plan a trip to the Book Loft tomorrow. I emptied my condo of my clothes and
Transported them to my new home. Only a suit and a dress still hung in The corner of one closet, the Apparel Jack and I wore at our Wedding in Missy's living room 22 Years ago. I searched the pockets of the suit, Finding an old tissue and then Gently placed the clothing in a Black garbage bag for Good Will. It was an emotional moment for me. I remembered the joy of our Wedding day. I remembered how Jack had surprised Me by wearing the suit on our 13th Wedding anniversary, our last. But at the same time I was keenly Aware that the chapter of my life With Jack had closed. I had no regrets, only gratitude. I knew it was the proper time to Dispose of my past wedding garb. It was a new beginning for Danny and Me, a beautiful and blessed one. It was time to move on, to make New memories on our street so Aptly named, Memories Lane. |
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
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