Dearest Rachel – So another thing that went on yesterday that I just didn’t have time to cover (because other things came up – I’m sure you can understand). Regardless of the fact that I’m not ‘meeting’ anyone at the convention this year (not that this is really any different than last year, to beContinue reading “Asking the Artist”
Author Archives: randy@letters-to-rachel.memorial
A Lot (Or Not) to Unpack
Dearest Rachel – You’ve heard me mention several times already how this is my first road trip in a year. In that time, I’ve taken two overseas trips, which tend to be for longer periods, and require me (and Daniel) to use a large suitcase, and pack a lot more (although, since he will sometimesContinue reading “A Lot (Or Not) to Unpack”
Once, Twice, Three Times a Philosopher
Dearest Rachel – There is a story about Voltaire that tells of him being invited to a party by some of his more… libertine… friends. For all intents and purposes, this was basically an orgy. The story doesn’t relate as to whether he actually participated in the events of the night, but one is leftContinue reading “Once, Twice, Three Times a Philosopher”
Home(wood) Away from Home
Dearest Rachel – I think that, at one point, we may have considered booking a room at the Homewood Suites a short walk away from the convention center, but balked at the price; at the time, we weren’t in the financial position we – well, I guess, I – are (am?) now. Besides, given thatContinue reading “Home(wood) Away from Home”
Like Virgil in the Forest
Dearest Rachel – I wouldn’t go so far as to suggest I owe you an apology for going back on my word – had life continued as we expected, with you still here, there would have been absolutely no question about whether or not we would continue to go to Anime Iowa, no reason forContinue reading “Like Virgil in the Forest”
Speaking Love in the Wrong Language
Dearest Rachel – I really shouldn’t be grocery shopping when I’m planning to go out of town. Sure, a few snacks for the road – or even the hotel room; we always used to bring a supply from the local Japanese market when we would go to an anime convention, but that was often inContinue reading “Speaking Love in the Wrong Language”
To Answer the Call of the Road
Dearest Rachel – I hadn’t meant for this to happen, but I suppose it shouldn’t have come as any surprise; this morning saw me up by five. I had fallen asleep in bed watching YouTube before ten while the boys were doing likewise in the family room as per usual – in part, I wouldContinue reading “To Answer the Call of the Road”
Comfortable With the Spectrum
Dearest Rachel – There’s a fine line between insight and common sense. Frankly, I think the main difference between the two is that you haven’t heard the insight often enough before to know that, whatever it is you think you’ve just come up with, it really isn’t a new observation. So it was for meContinue reading “Comfortable With the Spectrum”
To Frame the Events of the Day
Dearest Rachel – You might think that, after a day as unusual as yesterday (even for a Sunday), I would have so much to tell you about. And yet, I was dismayed to wake up this morning without a thought in my mind as to what to say to you – or really, to sayContinue reading “To Frame the Events of the Day”
Introduction to the Family
Dearest Rachel – I will give Grace credit; while I would no more be willing to leave my church family than my actual family (in fairness, the former includes most of my actual family, particularly the immediate part of it) for the sake of a woman, she was willing to visit mine to see whatContinue reading “Introduction to the Family”
from Rachel: The Obstacle of Prayerlessness
Begin with the following words, and… complete the two verses accordingly. “Do not be calm about anything, but in everything… “…feel stress and anxiety, with fear, and hold it all inside yourself. And the nauseous, nervous feeling in the pit of your stomach will continue and grow until you feel like you might throw up.”Continue reading “from Rachel: The Obstacle of Prayerlessness”
If I Can’t Get You to Stay…
Dearest Rachel – Last night felt like an experiment in lucid dreaming, if it wasn’t for the fact that none of it was deliberate. But still, I seemed to be able to have you join me in a series of dreams, almost at will. The only problem was, I couldn’t convince you to stay –Continue reading “If I Can’t Get You to Stay…”
Trudging the Trudge
Dearest Rachel – Last night I went to bed early; before ten, so I could wake up a little after five and get to the gym more or less when it opened. I didn’t bother to shower yesterday, so I figured I’d get my second workout of the week in before taking one this morning.Continue reading “Trudging the Trudge”
I Can Only Be ‘Good’ for So Long
Dearest Rachel – Since I can’t quite tell you a success story about my drawn-out battle with weight loss – at least, not until I can prove to myself that I’ve attained a measure of lasting success – allow me to regale you with… well, would it count as a failure story? It’s not allContinue reading “I Can Only Be ‘Good’ for So Long”
What Was I Thinking?
Dearest Rachel – There are mornings when I wake up, and I just have to wonder about the mental images my mind has just conjured up for me to observe throughout the previous night. It becomes a literal case of “what was I thinking?” Which is weird in and of itself, as it basically involvesContinue reading “What Was I Thinking?”
Overclocking the Mind
Dearest Rachel – I probably did myself no favors by stepping on the scale last night. Ever since pulling that calf muscle on Friday, I’ve been relatively indolent, at least on a physical level. In a way, that’s to be expected; I don’t make a habit of working out over the weekends as a generalContinue reading “Overclocking the Mind”
Three-Legged Race
Dearest Rachel – Since my dad served on the board of directors there (and our family, while decidedly middle class, wasn’t exactly rolling in cash for big-ticket vacations on the regular), I spent a lot of my summers as a kid camping in northern Wisconsin, at Fort Wilderness. I won’t say it was my favoriteContinue reading “Three-Legged Race”
Dating as a Non-Contact Sport
Dearest Rachel – Dinner and a movie. It’s been a long time since we engaged in that traditional dating pastime – and, by extension, it’s been a long time since I’ve done so, myself (although, one doesn’t do that ‘by oneself,’ almost by definition). It brings back memories from the days before we were togetherContinue reading “Dating as a Non-Contact Sport”
from Rachel: The Obstacle of Idolatry
List everything Isaiah 55:1-9 teaches us about God. – “God satisfies spiritual hunger and thirst. – “God gives generously and freely. – “He makes everlasting covenants. – “He puts leaders in power. – “He ordains futures. – “He endows with splendor. – “He is available and eager to hear from us. – “He calls theContinue reading “from Rachel: The Obstacle of Idolatry”
Hamstrung
Dearest Rachel – I’m hoping it hasn’t come to this; since I’ve never really experienced an injury like this before, I don’t know what it feels like. I don’t want to claim I’m suffering something that’s so much worse in reality than what I’m dealing with. For all I know, this could be nothing moreContinue reading “Hamstrung”
Little Things in the Morning
Dearest Rachel – You’ve heard tell from me on one day or another about how I have so little to write to you, and that’s still quite true; in the nine hundred days since your departure, some of them have simply run together, and offered nothing in particular to set them apart in terms ofContinue reading “Little Things in the Morning”
Two Pieces of Mail
Dearest Rachel – It’s true that we get way more than two pieces of mail in any given day; the recycling bin can well attest to that. And, considering how early in the morning I’m writing you about this, I’m sure you can already figure out that these weren’t received today, in any event. ButContinue reading “Two Pieces of Mail”
Ignoring the Thunder
Dearest Rachel – King Solomon wrote about how there would be days like this as he grew older; how he would “rise at the sound of a bird,” even as he could barely hear “the daughters of song.” This morning started with what sounded to me like the noise of movers on the roof, rollingContinue reading “Ignoring the Thunder”
Changes of Plan
Dearest Rachel – The thing about yesterday’s synchronicity of inconveniences is that life rarely works out so well (even in the midst of not working out so well); that’s really why I wrote to you about it, because it was so unusual. Not only were each of the main issues out of the ordinary, butContinue reading “Changes of Plan”
Convenient Inconveniences
Dearest Rachel – I don’t know where I heard it originally, but it’s been said that there are no such thing as coincidences; it’s just that God doesn’t always want to sign His name to everything that happens. Considering that some of what happens isn’t exactly what we would call ‘good’ (although, given our collectiveContinue reading “Convenient Inconveniences”
from Rachel: The Obstacle of Pride
In Isaiah 26:8, what do the people desire or value? “God’s name and renown” Place an X on the scale to indicate how you would estimate the visibility of God in your life. “(about 8 out of 10 on a scale from practically invisible to conspicuous)” How does Isaiah 4:8 say God responds to thisContinue reading “from Rachel: The Obstacle of Pride”
It’s Only Carbon…
Dearest Rachel – The day before your memorial service, Jenn and Lars drove me up to the Milwaukee funeral home where your body had been transported after I had authorized the plug to be pulled on you, and you were declared dead. They were the nearest place that did cremations, and it would be cheaper,Continue reading “It’s Only Carbon…”
Not There Yet
Dearest Rachel – I keep hearing from people that one of these days, working out will be second nature to me. There will come a point in time, or so I’m told, in which I can’t go a day or two without exercising like I do at the gym. Not so much out of guiltContinue reading “Not There Yet”
Commitment Kept
Dearest Rachel – This is something I hardly need to tell you, as you always meant what you said when you said it, but… one must never make an offer to someone that one isn’t prepared to back up. Now, this isn’t to mean that I have just done this; when I got the textContinue reading “Commitment Kept”
How to Start the Morning
Dearest Rachel – I wonder if you’d be amused by the fact that I’m getting this much milage out of the effects of a holiday intractably stuck in the middle of the work week like this. You’d probably point out that it doesn’t affect me as much as most people, now that I’m able toContinue reading “How to Start the Morning”
Limits to Freedom
Dearest Rachel – Back in the day, you remember that I used to read articles from my newsfeed out loud to you, partly in order to practice reading scripts for the day when I brought my channel online, and partly because I simply agreed with (or at least was amused by) the writer’s perspective, andContinue reading “Limits to Freedom”
The Space Between the Spaces
Dearest Rachel – It’s been barely four years, and already I’ve forgotten how to deal with days like this – or how others deal with days like this. Of course, since you never had a nine-to-five weekday workday job yourself, you wouldn’t exactly be the person to ask about this issue. Not that it reallyContinue reading “The Space Between the Spaces”
Heart in My Throat
Dearest Rachel – It’s a well-known trope, experienced by parents from generations past; that of staying up, waiting for their children to come home, worrying about what may have happened to them while they were out. It’s not one that you and I experienced very often, as Daniel was – and still is – ordersContinue reading “Heart in My Throat”
Nothing Much?
Dearest Rachel – There’s a story that’s made the rounds online that, back before the turn of the century, when automobiles were little more than a rare and expensive novelty, there was a state in which the only two automobiles within it collided. I want to say this happened in Ohio, which, considering its sizeContinue reading “Nothing Much?”
from Rachel: The Obstacle of Unbelief
According to Isaiah 57:14, what must be removed? “the obstacles” If the king found the path unprepared, he’d bypass the village and withhold his blessing. What are some obstacles you’ve battled in previous efforts to live the liberated, abundant life in Christ? – “Procrastination – “slothfulness – “love of TV – “love of computer gamesContinue reading “from Rachel: The Obstacle of Unbelief”
The Lost Wedding
Dearest Rachel – The trouble with summer is that, once the sun is up, and its light floods the bedroom, it’s all but impossible to stay asleep, no matter how hard I try (or how late I was up). I don’t honestly know how you managed to sleep so long in the morning, surrounded byContinue reading “The Lost Wedding”
My Timeline and Its Alternatives
Dearest Rachel – It probably doesn’t come as any surprise to you, but I often find myself wondering how different things would be if you were still here. Not just the big, obvious things; even the incremental pieces of a single day’s timeline might be altered in ways I can barely imagine. Still, I’m aboutContinue reading “My Timeline and Its Alternatives”
Yes, I Have To Do It Now
Dearest Rachel – Shortly after your accident, Pastor Scott reached out to me, and offered to meet me on a regular basis, to keep in touch and “make sure I didn’t do anything rash.” It was a very informal approach to grief counseling, even before I enrolled in the support group (in fact, he evenContinue reading “Yes, I Have To Do It Now”
All Happening at Once
Dearest Rachel – For all that I paean my semi-retired state as being one where I’m completely free to do anything I want to at any time, that’s never really been entirely true. There are always constraints to one’s supposed freedom, be they physical, moral, logistical, financial or otherwise self-imposed. It might be taking thingsContinue reading “All Happening at Once”
Other People’s Accidents
Dearest Rachel – I woke up with a slight headache this morning, and I regret to inform you that it’s only increased in strength over time. Some of it may have to do with the fact that I can’t remember much of last night’s dreams, apart from a.) it (or was it they?) was (were?)Continue reading “Other People’s Accidents”
Setting My Rules Aside
Dearest Rachel – I promised myself I would wait for the girls, but there’s only so much I can do about self-imposed restrictions when I want to break them. I’d apologize, but to whom? I’d gotten my hands on that anime series I’ve mentioned a few times since Anime Central; A Place Further than theContinue reading “Setting My Rules Aside”
from Rachel: To Enjoy God’s Presence
After reading Isaiah 43:1-7, please complete the following: “When I read verse 1, I feel…” “Special (precious to God)” What reason exists for not giving way to fear? “God is with us.” Fill in the following blanks with the promises God made based on the following conditions. When you pass through the waters, “I willContinue reading “from Rachel: To Enjoy God’s Presence”
The Treasure of Your Words
Dearest Rachel – So… later this afternoon, I head over to Jenn’s place and hop a ride with her and Bill to tonight’s wedding. I still have yet to try on a jacket, tie on a tie, and write a check to the happy couple as a gift (I’m not one for shopping, after all,Continue reading “The Treasure of Your Words”
Electric Summer
Dearest Rachel – Yesterday morning, I was carrying my cereal bowl into the dining/family room to eat breakfast – I’ve never really managed to find a good, comfortable place to set myself down in the kitchen on one of those bar stool chairs I’d gotten shortly after the remodeling was completed, and the fact thatContinue reading “Electric Summer”
Shouldn’t It Be The Weekend By Now?
Dearest Rachel – You know, apart from putting sufficient time in at the ‘office’ (and it’s not as if I haven’t done any ‘work’ there these last few days), it rather feels like it’s been a suitably full and eventful week already. I’ve gotten in all the exercise I ever do these days in theContinue reading “Shouldn’t It Be The Weekend By Now?”
from Rachel: Baby’s First Year Calendar
Dearest Rachel – Thirty years ago this evening, I came home to find you standing in the tub, mildly perplexed, with water running down your leg. Unlike your mom, you hadn’t had some sort of catastrophic breaking of your water; indeed, it was so minimal that you assumed it was no more than a prematureContinue reading “from Rachel: Baby’s First Year Calendar”
A Question You’d Never Ask Me
“So… how was your date?” Dearest Rachel – I’m pretty sure you actually did ask that very question once or twice, but it was directed at Daniel rather than myself, obviously. He’s had a couple of girlfriends (and friends who were girls; there’s a difference, as you know), and been on a few dates withContinue reading “A Question You’d Never Ask Me”
Too Distracted to Care
Dearest Rachel – I couldn’t speak for you, but it’s customary for a guy preparing to go on a date to get a slight case of the jitters beforehand. Maybe it’s out of concern for the plans he’s made; he’s hoping they don’t fall through somehow. That certainly seems reasonable, but I think it goesContinue reading “Too Distracted to Care”
Recognizing the Real Thing
Dearest Rachel – So yesterday being Father’s Day, there’s a bit of a tradition at church to give out little presents to the honorees. With the moms last month, it was these little bundt cakes; for us dads, there were ice cold bottles of Mexican Coca-Cola. Personally, I thought it was more appropriate when theyContinue reading “Recognizing the Real Thing”
from Rachel: To Experience God’s Peace
According to 2 Thessalonians 3:16, how often and in how many areas of life does God desire to give you peace? “at all times, and in every way” Identify what each of the following passages teaches you about peace; watch for hints of a common denominator between many of them. Isaiah 9:6,7 “Jesus is theContinue reading “from Rachel: To Experience God’s Peace”
Who Bothers to Read Minds?
Dearest Rachel – Well, it seems that, in the words of the late Charles Schulz (is he up there, by the way? Have you seen him? I’m thinking he might be hanging out with his childhood beagle friend), I’d wasted a good worry. Pastor Scott hadn’t really been concerned with whatever heavy questions I mightContinue reading “Who Bothers to Read Minds?”
A Question of Motive
Dearest Rachel – The funny thing is, I don’t really think I have that much to say to him; at least, no more than at any other time since we last got together for lunch like this. I feel like I have to come up with something, because I don’t see him believing that, especiallyContinue reading “A Question of Motive”
Restating the Past
Dearest Rachel – I’d thank you and Kevin for the visit, but as it wasn’t even long enough for me to react to your presence, I don’t know how worthwhile it was for the two of you to bother making a cameo appearance in my dreams last night. I think we were wandering the corridorsContinue reading “Restating the Past”
Incomplete Advice
Dearest Rachel – Well, it’s been a while since I had a dream worth telling you about, so I suppose one was bound to come along sooner or later. I only wish that one, I had the time and foresight to respond in a thoughtful manner, and two, that I was able to finish withoutContinue reading “Incomplete Advice”
One List for Another
Dearest Rachel – I didn’t expect to be writing you again so soon, to be honest, honey – it’s just a day of errands, when all is said and done, after all – but considering that my earlier letter pretty much ended with far too many words already and me still only making plans toContinue reading “One List for Another”
Moving Toward São Paulo
Dearest Rachel – I’m going to start with a few apologies with this letter, honey. First of all, this one is going to be a little rambly, compared to most of the things I write to you. I know I try to keep a consistent theme with each of these letters, but it’s not goingContinue reading “Moving Toward São Paulo”
Finding the Rot
Dearest Rachel – Kris has been working here for nearly an hour and a half, and has yet to make it out of the kitchen. However, it looks like she’s about to wrap things up, and begin on the (relatively) lighter work of cleaning up the rest of the house, now that she’s finally discoveredContinue reading “Finding the Rot”
from Rachel: To Find Satisfaction in God
According to John 8:32, what will Christ continually use as the means to our destination? “the truth” What do you think being satisfied with something means? “I think it means feeling that it, in itself, is enough. As opposed to, in the middle of one activity, thinking about another you’d rather be experiencing.” What doesContinue reading “from Rachel: To Find Satisfaction in God”
One Final Trip (part 2)
Dearest Rachel – So, it’s finally settled between the girls and me. You’ll be laid to rest, as per your wishes, on your 55th birthday. After all the wrangling about scheduling and the like, we’ve come to an approximate date far enough in the future for all of us to keep those schedules of oursContinue reading “One Final Trip (part 2)”
Essay Test
Dearest Rachel – It’s something of an axiom these days to compare dating with a job interview, especially given the line of questioning one winds up dealing with under the guise of small talk. At least one comedian I know of has suggested that the only difference is that you’re much less likely to windContinue reading “Essay Test”
Pressure Release
Dearest Rachel – I honestly thought that Lars would be more pleased when I told him. Oh, he was pleased enough to hear that I’d finally managed to drop below 250 and stay there for more than a twenty-four hour period (although I warned him that I’d probably bob up above it again the nextContinue reading “Pressure Release”
Thirty Years of Weaning
Dearest Rachel – So today, I’m dropping Daniel’s second tax installment payment in the mail, after having coached him yet again through the process of writing the check to the Department of Revenue. This evening, I’ll be walking him through setting up his first recurring tithe (well, not a ‘tithe’ per se, as it’s hardContinue reading “Thirty Years of Weaning”
Seven Minutes
Dearest Rachel – If you choose your activity carefully, and put your mind to it, you can accomplish a lot in seven minutes. I can get my point across in that amount of time, for instance. Oh, I don’t mean that I can write these letters anywhere near that quickly; I consider myself fortunate ifContinue reading “Seven Minutes”
Dull Docket
Dearest Rachel – This letter may be shorter than most of the ones I’ve written to you lately (although you never know; I might be able to stretch it out into a thousand words all the same). I hope that’s okay with you. The thing is, there’s not much to tell you about today thatContinue reading “Dull Docket”
When He Gives A Sign…
Dearest Rachel – There’s something mildly ironic about the fact that I just put out a study that you did (like I do most Sundays), and in my comments about it, questioned how we can know whether our choices glorify God. Most of the time, it’s because the decisions we face appear, even to ourselves,Continue reading “When He Gives A Sign…”
from Rachel: To Glorify God
Based on your recollection of day 1, check the five primary benefits we are free to enjoy as children of God. Review for any you missed.– “experience God’s peace– “enjoy God’s presence– “know God and believe Him– “find satisfaction in God– “glorify God” Drawing from your memory as much as possible, what is our definitionContinue reading “from Rachel: To Glorify God”
And Then It Hit Me
Dearest Rachel – This morning really didn’t start off that much differently from any other Saturday morning (at least, any Saturday since your departure). This may be convention weekend for the boys, but they still sleep at the house – and why not, since the event is barely five miles from the house? So IContinue reading “And Then It Hit Me”
Off My Meds
Dearest Rachel – I don’t remember exactly how long ago it was; I’m think it’s been seven years since Mohinder browbeat me into going for an annual physical. I rarely saw the value in them, as I basically knew what I would hear from my doctor, and I felt I either didn’t need (because IContinue reading “Off My Meds”
On My Own To Decide
Dearest Rachel – I’ve mentioned to you before the ambivalence I have toward the fact that I (theoretically) can decide for myself what to do at any given time. There is something nice about being able to go out on a whim, like I did this morning, and grab breakfast without worrying about needing toContinue reading “On My Own To Decide”
Garbage Elves
Dearest Rachel – One of the more mundane challenges of dealing with life without you is that of being the one responsible for keeping the house clean. I can’t leave plates by the sink after a meal – at least, not for very long – lest the sauce and crumbs stick to the plate. IContinue reading “Garbage Elves”
Bet Against the Idiots
Dearest Rachel – Of all the topics I could discuss with you that you have left behind and find meaningless from where you are, there’s nothing that has less impact upon you as the subject of money and investments. I always find myself thinking of your perspective as that of Saint Peter in some oldContinue reading “Bet Against the Idiots”
A Shrill, Sharp Voice
Dearest Rachel – I woke up this morning at three, and I hardly need to tell you it was done unwillingly. Every so often, my body slides down that wedge pillow I use to keep my upper body propped up so that I’m sleeping flat on my back, which may be comfortable at first, butContinue reading “A Shrill, Sharp Voice”
from Rachel: To Know God and Believe Him
֍A Christian is held captive anything that hinders the abundant and effective Spirit-filled life God planned for her֎ Circle what Paul added in 1 Corinthians 2:9 to Isaiah’s description“no mind has conceived.” Why have we been “chosen” (Isaiah 43:10)?– ”so we may know God– ”so we may believe God– ”so we may understand He isContinue reading “from Rachel: To Know God and Believe Him”
Too Many Moments, Too Many Left
Dearest Rachel – On the way to the restaurant this morning, where the men’s group was meeting – honestly, you’d think as many would show up for food as study, but we rarely even manage half the crowd of a normal Saturday morning – I was listening to John Ondrasik’s “100 Years” in my car.Continue reading “Too Many Moments, Too Many Left”
Just My “Luck”
Dearest Rachel – I’m not entirely sure what prompted it; I think it was some comment on the possibility of an impulse trip this autumn (despite already having lined up this immensely long cruise next spring). I’d probably gotten the idea in my head after inviting the girls over to, among other things, share inContinue reading “Just My “Luck””
Which Kaiju?
Dearest Rachel – As the only child of an only child, without brother or sister, and only relatively distant cousins in your life, I tend to fancy whatever attention you have directed toward this tiny crumb of dirt floating like a mote of dust in the vast emptiness of space is focused on myself, Daniel,Continue reading “Which Kaiju?”
Only Myself to Blame
Dearest Rachel – Last night, just as I was about to go to bed, I realized that I had forgotten to do something. I’d meant to make a run to the supermarket yesterday, after working out, showering and hanging out with Daniel for a bit. But after doing all that (and Logan got home particularlyContinue reading “Only Myself to Blame”
Passing Thoughts
Dearest Rachel – After writing you yesterday’s letter, I was surprised (although perhaps I shouldn’t have been, given how my mind works sometimes) to find myself coming up with possible scenes that could go into a story about the two of us as well as my attempts to cope with being on my own –Continue reading “Passing Thoughts”
A Manga for This?
Dearest Rachel – Some days, when I’m recording what’s happening to me, in order to assemble it into a letter to send to you, I find myself distracted (if that’s the right word) by the events surrounding me. Granted, these are the very events that I’m trying to take in so as to tell youContinue reading “A Manga for This?”
Elevators Down
Dearest Rachel – I really could’ve sworn that I would have needed to set the alarm last night. Granted, I don’t have a panel to attend at nine in the morning (although there is one on the schedule that looks like it might be interesting), but I do prefer to grab breakfast before things getContinue reading “Elevators Down”
from Rachel: The Reign of Christ
Although we need to be saved from eternal separation from God only once, Christ continues His saving work in us for the rest of our lives. “(Sanctification)” Can you think of a few potential disasters from which Christ saved you since your initial experience of salvation? “Maybe He protected me from greater harm during myContinue reading “from Rachel: The Reign of Christ”
A Brighter Day
Dearest Rachel – Outdoors, it’s a big change from yesterday. The sun is shining brightly; in fact, it’s beating down pretty fiercely, even as it approaches five in the afternoon – and just think, it hasn’t been too many months since it was ‘in the evening,’ or even ‘at night.’ And while I won’t sayContinue reading “A Brighter Day”
Fahn-cy!
Dearest Rachel – On my first trip back to the hotel, after the opening ceremonies, and in order to check in, I passed by a number of cosplayers in the corridors, as to be expected of an anime convention. Most of them were either of the “ho-hum, I’ve seen them before an infinite number ofContinue reading “Fahn-cy!”
Rough Start
Dearest Rachel – These conventions don’t always start out grey and rainy, but it’s certainly a risk we run during the spring. When I started to fill the car, it was just sprinkling (which was more than nuisance enough), but by the time the boys were awake, it was pretty much pouring down rain. It’sContinue reading “Rough Start”
Force of Habit, I Suppose…
Dearest Rachel – A couple of weeks ago, shortly after returning from Japan (from which I had unsuccessfully tried to get a room in the hotel that the convention was being held in; when you’re fourteen hours out of sync with the world you’re trying to deal with, that adds a level of difficulty toContinue reading “Force of Habit, I Suppose…”
The Things I Could Say…
Dearest Rachel – I started this morning with a flurry of activity, at least as far as filling you in on the events of yesterday (or more accurately, one event in particular that was more out of the ordinary than most). After filling the page with over a thousand words of detail and opinion, IContinue reading “The Things I Could Say…”
Essay on Eight
Dearest Rachel – It’s been a very long time since I’ve had a dream about being unprepared for school; in fact, I can’t remember the last time that’s happened. Of course, that may just be due to the fact that I rarely ever felt that I was during my educational career. Which rather begs theContinue reading “Essay on Eight”
All That Matters
Dearest Rachel – One of the peculiar effects (I’m not sure if they should be considered advantages or drawbacks; I’m sure it could go either way, depending on one’s perspective) of my making a point of writing you as soon as I can on any given morning – so as to “get it out ofContinue reading “All That Matters”
They Never Learn… But Then, Neither Do I
Dearest Rachel – I’m not always sure whether my jaded approach to online conversations (I hesitate to call it ‘dating’ anymore, since it never gets anywhere close to that) is excessively cynical, but the alleged women I find myself chatting with always manage to live down to my expectations of them, so perhaps it’s perfectlyContinue reading “They Never Learn… But Then, Neither Do I”
Overlooked Birthday
Dearest Rachel – Happy birthday, honey. I hope you didn’t think I’d forget about you today. I know that you never really liked it when your birthday fell on a Sunday, because it got subsumed into the more general celebrations of Mothers’ Day. And while you didn’t begrudge your mother (or mine, in the yearsContinue reading “Overlooked Birthday”
from Rachel: The Reign of Hezekiah
Why do you think Hezekiah turned out so differently from his father? “Maybe he recognized how wrong and wicked his father had been and wanted to be the exact opposite. Maybe Isaiah had the opportunity to influence him in his formative years. Or, perhaps his mother, Abijah, did; (her father was Zechariah – perhaps theContinue reading “from Rachel: The Reign of Hezekiah”
A Star Is Dying
Dearest Rachel – Yesterday, I wrote to you about places that we used to frequent that have since been shuttered for whatever reason; we will never be able to go to this or that place again. No longer will being there remind me of the times we spent there, because ‘being there’ is no longerContinue reading “A Star Is Dying”
There Are Places I Remember…
Dearest Rachel – On my way home from walking with Lars the other day, I stopped at a bagel shop to pick up a dozen for Daniel and myself. Since I’d just eaten, it was clearly an act of nostalgia rather than actual hunger, because it was an outlet of a chain of such storesContinue reading “There Are Places I Remember…”
Backrub Boy
Dearest Rachel – I suppose it shouldn’t come as an great surprise to find out that I still have dreams about my old job from time to time. I’ve never bothered to actually try to calculate it, but I wonder if I didn’t spend more of my waking hours there, dealing with Mohinder, than IContinue reading “Backrub Boy”
The Order of the Day is Silence
Dearest Rachel – Although compared to you, almost anyone could be considered a morning person (especially if one has a nine-to-five – or rather, a seven-thirty-to-five-thirty – job to go to), I never tended to think of myself as such. I mean, it’s not as if I wanted to get up at five in theContinue reading “The Order of the Day is Silence”
Irreplaceable
Dearest Rachel – On the drive to and from camp yesterday, Brian and I (and occasionally Scott, but he’s quieter and more reserved – plus, he was sitting in the rear seat of the truck) did a lot of talking together. Some of the conversation was about the business at hand – the camp andContinue reading “Irreplaceable”
Thanks For Your Help
Dearest Rachel – It’s so weird to think that, only a few years ago, I was regularly waking up at five or so in the morning in order to shower, shave, get myself something for breakfast and get a little reading in before heading off to an actual job at an actual office. You’d thinkContinue reading “Thanks For Your Help”
from Rachel: The Reign of Ahaz
Based on verses 1-4, identify Ahaz’s evil practices. Check all that apply.“– He made cast idols for worshiping the Baals.“– He burned his sons in the fire as sacrifices.“– He offered sacrifices and burned incense at the high places.“– He walked in the ways of the kings of Israel.” How did God show His disfavorContinue reading “from Rachel: The Reign of Ahaz”
Magic Powers
Dearest Rachel – So, last night, Daniel and I attended the annual celebration at church to honor its volunteers. Actually, it was the second of two such nights, as they couldn’t have fit all of us into even the flagship campus on any given single night these days. This proved to be a plot point,Continue reading “Magic Powers”
Fine With the Evil Choice
Dearest Rachel – I realize that the ‘you’ I saw in last night’s dream was wildly out of character, but I’ve come to accept that this is how dreams operate. Considering that there was a whole other level of distance from reality involved, it shouldn’t have been that much of a surprise. In the dreamContinue reading “Fine With the Evil Choice”
Letters to Rachel 