Human ephemera

     Away from SpringDay for only a short time, December 12th 2013 through Jan11th 2014 and yet, it is mind boggling to think how so much life can expand and recoil in my own small ménagerie of friends and family.  When we left Puerto Vallarta, an “adopted” granddaughter home from college was waiting anxiously our arrival for some much needed attention. A Down Syndrome little brother excited to arrive in the land of the Seahawks to meet sister and brother-in-love as he calls him. Skipper’s mom flies in to meet visiting great-grand twins for the first time. A visit to my doctor exposes an ovary gone haywire.  At home my cat now prefers the house sitter over me. A happy last minute Christmas Eve dinner is prepared. A phone call… on Christmas day:

"Jerry died at 4 pm today” the voice said.

Rest in God's love

Meet Jerry Haak. Skipper’s best friend and business partner, he was 51 yrs old. Cutting edge orchardist, always willing to share his knowledge. A brilliant mind, a community builder, a first class family man, a generous heart filled with love for Christ. Jerry’s lot, a severe form of arthritis diagnosed when he was 19 never stopped him from living for others; until a revolting fungus entered his lungs just weeks before Christmas, with the unique purpose of taking his life.
An extraordinary life story of fate, courage, destiny, faith, prophesy and legacy. Inspired by a book two years ago, Jerry set out to write a letter to each of his children and one to his wife.  He finished the last letter just a week or so before even knowing that his last breath was near.

Farmer Don misses the conversations with Jerry, a big void fills the air when 949-0604 no longer rings. We miss you Jerry.

The world turns. A new life sprouts in the middle of humanity, a new creation begins to breath and the cycle continues.  Welcome to this world Etienne, may you be guided and protected by your Creator throughout your life.

my great-nephew is born

Ah my friend Mark, how sweet it was to spend time with you during SpringDay Break.  I often think about you and admire you. You are a pillar of strength. A dark illness but a bright hope and a steady faith. ALS has nothing on your heart my friend, you are my hero. When I write, you are always on my mind, I know your daily routine and how you embrace your days one by one with love, faith and resolve; you motivate me. A bientôt!

brother and granddaughter/true friends

Three hours on the road and we reunite with children and more grandchildren for another Christmas, and I realize one more time, and every time I am in the presence of mortals, how daily lives meet with hurdles and hiccups but in the end Love is what sustains us all. 

Surgery, recovery and Goodbyes occupy the rest of the SpringDay break.

Goodbye Vallarta! 4:30 am departure….south bound.

Thinking of you!