My family of eight lived with Grandma Kalb in her big farmhouse. The "front rooms" were closed off by Heavy sliding "pocket doors" that were Only opened for special occasions. The tidy space was off limits to our rowdy Bunch, as was the pump organ that Sat in the corner. I spotted the familiar instrument as soon As I walked into the 1890's house at the Ohio Village. The relic occupied a prominent spot in The living room decorated for the period. I couldn't resist. I sat down on the fringed stool, pumped My feet up and down and managed to Play a tune. The gals with me recognized the song and Sang along. "Jesus loves me, this I know; for the Bible tells me so." As a group of students filed by, they Smiled, perhaps imagining that we Senior ladies were as old fashioned as The organ. (In many ways, I am.) I know why fitness centers weren't Necessary in my grandparent's day. It winded me just trying to get the Organ to gasp out a melody. And lifting heavy iron pots, carrying Buckets of water, and a thousand Other strenuous tasks built muscle into Our forefathers' bodies. (But wore them out as well.) I'm nostalgic. I don't really want to go back. Yet, I wish I could go back. And for a moment I indulged my Fantasy as I pumped an ancient Organ and remembered life as it Once was at Grandma's house. |
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When my friend used the word during
Our conversation, it was new to me. It sounded strange, almost comical. "What does it mean?" I asked her. When she explained the definition I Realized I was familiar with its Meaning. I remembered the time I was Shopping at Walmart when I spotted a Bald, bearded chubby man driving a Scooter like Jack used to do when he Was looking for bargains at the store. I paused and fixed my eyes on the Fellow. It was a heart tugging moment. I stopped the man and told him, "I've been staring at you because you Look just like my husband," and I Described their similarities. He seemed pleased at the Comparison. Now, thanks to Martha, I'm prepared. If I run into another one of Jack's Twins, I will know what to call him, a "Doppelganger." In their school year days it was
Difficult to wake up my girls. I often sang "Reveille" to them, Loudly. "You've got to get up. You've got to get up. You've got to get up this morning." They detested the song. I believe they got out of bed just to Stop my singing. My daughter still likes a quiet start to Her day. I discovered that when I spend the Night at her house, my morning Cheerfulness annoys her. And now she has a verse to back her up, One I had overlooked. My friend, Jenny, shared it on Facebook this Morning: "He who blesses his friend (daughter) with a Loud voice early in the morning, It will be Reckoned a curse to him." * Oops! My girls and I memorized lots of Bible Verses while they were growing up. Missy probably wishes I hadn't Skipped this one. *Proverbs 27:14 When Min died God sent Alice and Bill into
Our lives, to take my girls and me under their Wings. Just a month after his funeral, they Celebrated Rachel's sixth birthday at Their house. Alice knew how hard that day would be. The Stolls welcomed us to their home so Often, we became part of their family. Alice and I were walking buddies for Years, up at dawn walking a 4 mile Route in our neighborhood before I Left for preschool. We survived a lightning storm in The park. We laughed at our antics and Shared lots and lots and lots of Tears. We weathered together. Eventually, we both moved, but Just in miles. Our hearts are forever intertwined. Alice began to use a walker, and as her Health declined her beloved Bill became her Caregiver. Just days ago he died. "I don't want to live without him," she Told me. "I know. I know. I know." "We were married 65 years." "I know." Despite our closeness, I never wanted to Share widowhood with her. While we were on the phone I asked Alexa to Play "Through It All," and we listened to Guy Penrod sing the old song of hope. I choked up as I tried to sing along. It's too soon to load Alice down with Verses or words of wisdom, so I try to Mostly listen. It's a time to simply be a friend to Alice, The kind of friend that she's been to me.
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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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