Dearest Rachel – Well, I promised to tell you about last evening, and as to whether it was a full night or a disappointment. And I have to tell you, it may have been a little bit of both. Let’s start with the disappointment, because that’s how it actually went. Ellen offered to bring aContinue reading “We Should Do This More Often”
Tag Archives: life
from Rachel: Without Hindrance
If at all possible from memory, please list the three sources of negative hindrances we discussed in our previous lesson. 1. “other people” 2. “Satan” 3. “our own selves” Read the kind of things Paul had endured in the segment and record the ones you’re pretty sure could qualify as Goliath-level hindrances. “imprisoned, flogged, exposedContinue reading “from Rachel: Without Hindrance”
Nascent Weekend
Dearest Rachel – You can probably tell that I started writing this to you last night, even if I use descriptors like “last night” when it’s still fairly early in the evening – too early to go to bed, more to the point, even if the sky has been dark for hours. There’s this feelingContinue reading “Nascent Weekend”
Tight Schedules, Tight Places
Dearest Rachel – It’s not perfect by any stretch, but to a certain extent, I’ve managed to solve some of my scheduling issues that I’ve had from time to time, due to having to manage my own schedule with you gone. It’s not exactly what I meant to have happen by having AI take overContinue reading “Tight Schedules, Tight Places”
Drink Before the War
Dearest Rachel – I think you knew this without my having to tell you; on my family’s side (and setting my uncle and his family aside, since he and they were either in Austin or Buffalo throughout his career as an academician, and therefor having no influence on me), I was the one member ofContinue reading “Drink Before the War”
A Strangely Productive Morning
Dearest Rachel – Yesterday saw me awake long before five, and desirous to return to slumber. But, of course, my mind was too busy writing to you by then to let me go back to sleep. Of course, everything that was bugging me at the time has now come and gone – that’s how currentContinue reading “A Strangely Productive Morning”
I Just Want This Over With
Dearest Rachel – Today is Tuesday morning; and more to the point, it’s also Election Day. Or rather, the end of election season, I hope. What used to take place over a single day when we were a young couple has been drawn out into what feels like a months-long affair, and I can’t waitContinue reading “I Just Want This Over With”
But We Were There
Dearest Rachel – It amazes me to think that once upon a time, our family thought nothing of showing up at church both in the morning and the evening. I don’t know if my folks ever suffered from the “Sunday Scaries,” as I hear tale of nowadays – and can totally relate to, even thoughContinue reading “But We Were There”
Not Expecting Visitors
Dearest Rachel – For all that I wonder how exactly time works where you are, you probably don’t keep track of days any more than you do of lesser units, such as hours and minutes. It may well be that your only indication of the passage of each day – if you even pay attentionContinue reading “Not Expecting Visitors”
“Where Do You See Yourself…?”
Dearest Rachel – It’s one of the most stock answers in a job interview – or on a date, for that matter – and to be honest, the longer I contemplate it, the more I think it’s one of the stupidest things to ask someone: “Where do you see yourself in five years?” In certainContinue reading ““Where Do You See Yourself…?””
One Dish Too Many
Dearest Rachel – I hate to have to admit that I had to claw my way back down to the two-forty mark in time to meet Lars for our weekly walk yesterday. And while I don’t wish to throw Daniel under the bus for the situation – after all, I made the offer to getContinue reading “One Dish Too Many”
Dealing With Calls and Callers
Dearest Rachel – Ordinarily, Mom doesn’t answer the phone when she doesn’t recognize the number on her Caller ID – frankly, we’ve all been trained by hard experience not to do that these days, which would upset Dad no end (but that’s how he was trained as a salesman; not only could every call beContinue reading “Dealing With Calls and Callers”
I Should Really Keep My Mouth Shut
Dearest Rachel – It was one of those dreams that are too coherent not to mean something, not unlike Paul’s vision of the Macedonian man asking for help. At the same time, it’s also a need I feel woefully inadequate to fill – and let’s face it, there are other things I’d rather be doingContinue reading “I Should Really Keep My Mouth Shut”
Playing Hard to Get
Dearest Rachel – This particular topic was going to be focused on the fact that I think nothing of dropping a considerable sum here or there, but when it comes to subscribing to something on an ongoing basis, even small sums give me pause, no matter whether or not I might get my money’s worthContinue reading “Playing Hard to Get”
from Rachel: Torn Away
Has anything like this happened to you? Please tell me about it. “Not exactly, I’ve stalled with Suzy lots of times; our engine went phooey when we tried to visit Al and Andi, but we went a couple of months later; we stood Kristi and Ken up for dinner and didn’t have cell phones yetContinue reading “from Rachel: Torn Away”
No Rest for the Reluctant
Dearest Rachel – You’ll forgive the title, honey; while I’d like to think of myself as something other than ‘wicked’ (although let’s face it, scripture says otherwise), I certainly know better than to try to apply itself to its polar opposite, ‘virtuous.’ If someone else wants to slap me with that label, I would beContinue reading “No Rest for the Reluctant”
Meteors, Comets and Moons
Dearest Rachel – It was dark last night when we arrived at church, and nearly impossible to find a parking spot anywhere near the place. The entire block around it had cars on the curb – apart from where prevented by driveways and fireplugs, of course – and even the school a block over thatContinue reading “Meteors, Comets and Moons”
Not As Tidy As I’d Like
Dearest Rachel – I complained from time to time – even during this past week – that there isn’t that much going on around me to tell you about. But after a day like yesterday, which felt like a day of nothing going on (for the most part), maybe I’m just missing the truly unusualContinue reading “Not As Tidy As I’d Like”
I Can Barely Follow My Own Advice
Dearest Rachel – Ever since I started writing you like this, I’ve come to realize how necessary it is to keep a record of things as they happen – and expressed regret for not having done so in the past when we were still together. I’ve told newlyweds, both in dream and reality, of theContinue reading “I Can Barely Follow My Own Advice”
Beep Beep
Dearest Rachel – So, yesterday, Daniel and I sort of went slumming for Sunday dinner; let’s face it, fast food isn’t exactly what you think of going to after a church service. Just like how one thinks one is supposed to dress up to go to church (not that this happens at our church allContinue reading “Beep Beep”
Broken Hearts Atop the World
Dearest Rachel – Since I can’t seem to bring myself to do so at any other time of the weeks, the weekends are my opportunity to try to fast. Purely from a weight-loss perspective, as I have difficulty focusing on spiritual things when I’m hungry (or any other time, for that matter). I need toContinue reading “Broken Hearts Atop the World”
Not Ready For The Cold
Dearest Rachel – Last week, the sun was out, and the days were in the eighties. I could work up a sweat walking through the forest with Lars (and probably needed to). Last night, I was wearing three layers to go to bed comfortably, even with the one space heater on. Such is weather inContinue reading “Not Ready For The Cold”
Plans to be Made
Dearest Rachel – Ask, the saying goes, and you shall receive. No sooner do I put pixels onscreen fretting over the fact that my days lack anything unique worth telling you about, and suddenly I’m flooded with news about one thing or another; most requiring action on my part, and soon. Granted, most of thisContinue reading “Plans to be Made”
Instagramming Myself
Dearest Rachel – I woke up this morning from what felt like a dreamless sleep – by which I mean that I can’t remember a single thing that I saw last night, even though I’m pretty sure there was something of a phantasmagoria that I wandered through – and wondering what exactly I could tellContinue reading “Instagramming Myself”
The Notice That One Needs
Dearest Rachel – So I mentioned yesterday that I would let you know about how our errands that afternoon would go if I thought they were interesting enough to relate. And they held up part of that bargain, I suppose – although it may be more a case of them being the most interesting thingContinue reading “The Notice That One Needs”
Sleeping Up A Sweat
Dearest Rachel – I won’t go so far as to say that you would be proud of the two of us – if nothing else, I can’t verify that I was conscious the entire time – but I did manage to stay up with Daniel until well past eleven last night. This, after a mildlyContinue reading “Sleeping Up A Sweat”
Holiday Monday
Dearest Rachel – I wish I could tell you more about last night‘s dream; it felt like I was scrambling to purchase a few more souvenirs before I had to leave town. It kind of resembled the day that Daniel and I were on our way out from Otaru earlier this year, but somewhat moreContinue reading “Holiday Monday”
The Return of the Non-Native
Dearest Rachel – It should hardly come as a surprise to you that, even after all this time, I really don’t like going to the gym. It’s an obligation at the best of times, in order to stay in shape; more often than not, it feels like a punishment – or at least, penance –Continue reading “The Return of the Non-Native”
What He Wanted
Dearest Rachel – If it hadn’t been for the fact that it was so undiplomatic, I would’ve been pleased that Daniel actually knew what it was he wanted, and said so. He’s usually so indifferent to options offered to him, that this is actually worth telling you about. And in the end, it wound upContinue reading “What He Wanted”
Putting It Right? Yeah, Right…
Dearest Rachel – There are days when I’m driving around, and a song from our day comes back to me on my feed that I just have to talk about; this is one of those days. I hope you don’t mind, but it’s not as if every day has something happening to me personally (orContinue reading “Putting It Right? Yeah, Right…”
In Due Time
Hey there, Pop – I know, I know; normally I would be writing Rachel about the goings-on around here. But it’s been a while since I’ve been able to talk to you now, and since this would be going to approximately the same address (although what do I know? Heaven is undoubtedly larger than theContinue reading “In Due Time”
Something He Can Call His Own
Dearest Rachel – Well, I promised I would tell you about it, and here we are; after over five years of driving your car around, Daniel finally has a car he can call his own. It has everything he wanted in a car (which, admittedly, wasn’t much to begin with, but thus far, he hasn’tContinue reading “Something He Can Call His Own”
Pawpaw Party
Dearest Rachel – So, while I had prepared for nothing much to happen last night – and as a consequent sidelight, begun a couple of letters to you as contingency plans – that is precisely what turned out to not happen. As a result, I have plenty to tell you about, even if much ofContinue reading “Pawpaw Party”
Small Stuff in the Meantime
Dearest Rachel – There’s a pair of rules for life that go like such: 1.) Don’t sweat the small stuff, and 2.) it’s all small stuff. And from your vantage point, that’s truer than any living human can grasp. Literally anything I tell you about is ‘small stuff,’ in the grand scheme of things, noContinue reading “Small Stuff in the Meantime”
Going On Younger
Dearest Rachel – Yesterday, I mentioned something rather in passing about how I see those who are my peers – people my age – to somehow be older than myself. As I was writing that parenthetical comment, I realized that it could stand to be expanded upon, but if I were to do that rightContinue reading “Going On Younger”
I Could Use a New Drug
Dearest Rachel – I’m not gonna go so far as to say that I need a new drug (and in event, apparently Huey Lewis didn’t go that far either – he actually said “want,” much to my surprise – not that he was talking about drugs in the first place, but rather about love andContinue reading “I Could Use a New Drug”
from Rachel: Hear It
Please look up the precise wording of verse 8 in either the NASB, KJV, or the ESV. According to one of these three versions, exactly what sounded out or sounded forth from them?“the word of the Lord” The following verses offer a broad-spectrum view of the power of the phrase. What does each say aboutContinue reading “from Rachel: Hear It”
We Need A Third, At Least
Dearest Rachel – This weekend is particularly quiet for Daniel and myself, honey. Logan is out of the house for the weekend; I forget if it’s a sibling or a cousin of his, but one or the other is getting married this weekend up in Michigan. It strikes me as a little odd for aContinue reading “We Need A Third, At Least”
Not For Me, But Still…
Dearest Rachel – So last night had me in class again at church. It doesn’t require the same sort of schedule juggling as Grief Share did five years ago (when it was running concurrently against Awana clubs and my responsibilities there), but given that it’s on a Thursday, it does sort of interfere with ourContinue reading “Not For Me, But Still…”
A Mad, Pointless Dash
Dearest Rachel – So yesterday saw me sitting at home yet again; for all Mom’s mock-concern about losing track of the days with ‘two Saturdays’ at the end of the week, I can’t seem to avoid the situation. This time around, it was a continuation of an issue we had mostly dealt with of aContinue reading “A Mad, Pointless Dash”
Vaguely Familiar Ground
Dearest Rachel – So, yesterday saw me driving Mom to her investment advisors’ to deposit a refund check from Dad’s health insurance, as well as determine what to do with the life insurance payout she had already received. While I would point out that she could certainly have driven herself – she does so whenContinue reading “Vaguely Familiar Ground”
Meanwhile, at Home…
Dearest Rachel – There are some stories that are not really mine to tell, as I don’t enter into them until the second or third act at best, but since Daniel’s not likely to tell it (for various reasons, including that he’s not a writer, as such, and it’s debatable as to how well theContinue reading “Meanwhile, at Home…”
‘Working’ on Labor Day
Dearest Rachel – It may seem a little inappropriate for me to be reporting in to the ‘office’ today – although it’s been pointed out since the holiday was created how odd it is to celebrate ‘labor’ by not laboring – but that’s the beauty of being retired and being able to set one’s ownContinue reading “‘Working’ on Labor Day”
Making Preparations
Dearest Rachel – Since I really want to get this out before I have to leave the house in the morning, this letter is mostly being written ahead of time. Oh, I expect to have a fair amount to tell you about regarding today’s activities, but that won’t be until I get home, and byContinue reading “Making Preparations”
Costco Run
Dearest Rachel – Good news this morning (or, more accurately, from Tuesday afternoon); Daniel called in to the county as instructed on his summons, and it turns out that his services were not required after all, which was a relief. I was fully prepared to escort him down there (despite never having been called toContinue reading “Costco Run”
Can Ghosts Take Care of You?
Dearest Rachel – Given a fairly calm and otherwise uneventful week – it’s too hot and muggy to go walking (and in any event, Lars is being visited by some old friends from Europe, although he’s invited me to join them on Friday when they hit the city in earnest; we’ll see how that goes),Continue reading “Can Ghosts Take Care of You?”
Retirement Home
Dearest Rachel – It’s been one of those days where nothing interesting is happening, at least not personally, which is okay; life doesn’t always have to have something monumental going on in it every day. In fact, if it did, it would get to the point where a boring day would be the most unusualContinue reading “Retirement Home”
Friends First
Dearest Rachel – It’s actually kind of funny; as summer comes to a close, the social calendar ramps up with a quickness. Which is sort of ironic, because everything’s pretty slow during the summer – now that we all get back to our commitments, we’re being called to this or that event on top ofContinue reading “Friends First”
Pretend Everything’s Normal
Dearest Rachel – I feel like I should apologize for yesterday; normally, I can get a letter out to you before noon without fail – and most of it was put together both early and quickly – but the story couldn’t be resolved until the work was done by the repair team when they cameContinue reading “Pretend Everything’s Normal”
A Plumbing Fix
Dearest Rachel – Given that our house is older than even your parents’ place (it was, after all, on the outer perimeter of the subdivision, and therefore built first as part of a row of demonstration models), it was to be expected that we would need to fix up and upgrade the place over time.Continue reading “A Plumbing Fix”
The Process of Discovery
Dearest Rachel – For all that I will tell you about the characteristics that Daniel shares with you, this time it may be something that he shares with me that makes the story. He may be generally inert on his own, but once nudged to do something, he can pursue the matter without further influence.Continue reading “The Process of Discovery”
Entropy
Dearest Rachel – I tend to think of this word as being synonymous with chaos or disorder; slightly more scientific than either of the other words, with a literally universal meaning to it, insofar as the cosmos tends toward it all the more over time (although, on such a scale, one could expect the processContinue reading “Entropy”
To Wander Off
Dearest Rachel – I realize that it’s an everyday occurrence for some people – it’s how they get to their offices, after all, and all the tedium associated with that – but when I walk across town to get to my ‘office,’ I pass by the train station in the middle of town, and I’mContinue reading “To Wander Off”
from Rachel: Children of the Day
Note how Jesus referred to this continuum in John 17:20: I pray not only for these, but also “for those who will believe in me through their message.” To what location did Paul and Silas first go in Thessalonica? “the synagogue” How many Sabbaths did they serve in Thessalonica? “3” Carefully read Acts 17:2-3. WhatContinue reading “from Rachel: Children of the Day”
Caught Cheating
Dearest Rachel – For all that Lars is a doctor, as well as a friend I walk with on a regular basis (although not as regular of late, since this past week held various scheduling conflicts between the two of us, and the week before saw me in Honduras, where I had… other issues withContinue reading “Caught Cheating”
Indulgent Parenting
Dearest Rachel – So yesterday was a short one at the ‘office’; normally, I’d be there from at least ten until three, but I had my semi-annual dental appointment (yes, I’m far more faithful with that than my physical check-up. In fact, I’m not even sure how that works, now that Daniel and I haveContinue reading “Indulgent Parenting”
Chocolate and Soap
Dearest Rachel – This is the sort of thing you and I would share of an idle morning, or maybe talk about while we were walking Chompers around the block or two that he needed to do all the business he had to deal with. Meaningless, nonsense stuff; the sort of thing that was goodContinue reading “Chocolate and Soap”
Free to Walk Around
Dearest Rachel – Yesterday morning, after enduring two gullywashers in quick succession on Sunday (one of which knocked out the power in the house for about an hour or so), the temperature here (to say nothing of the threat of rain, although there was a high dome of clouds covering the sky that lasted throughoutContinue reading “Free to Walk Around”
The Long Trip Back
Dearest Rachel – It seems odd to focus on the flights to and from any given destination when I write to you about traveling; really, it’s the least interesting part of the whole trip. Then again, the process takes the better part of a day either way – be it the trip to and fromContinue reading “The Long Trip Back”
from Rachel: Being a Ministry-Minded Overseer (part four)
In the blanks below write the two most significant statements in today’s reading assignment. Be prepared to discuss why the statements you chose were significant to you.“Tragically, the child training responsibility is approached with the same mentality as is the pile of dirty dishes on the kitchen counter. Instead of attending to them on aContinue reading “from Rachel: Being a Ministry-Minded Overseer (part four)”
Soft Americans
Dearest Rachel – This has been quite the week, honey. Given the hardscrabble life that is common among Hondurans, it’s understandable that they would consider us Americans ‘soft’ in comparison, even if they would never say so to our faces save perhaps in jest, like guys do among themselves. On the subject of guys, I’mContinue reading “Soft Americans”
I Hate Such Dreams
Dearest Rachel – I hate dreams like the one last night, full of love and affection and false hope. I suppose I should be grateful for the fact that at this point, they don’t come around very much, but when they do, they hit hard, especially when I become aware of what’s going on, andContinue reading “I Hate Such Dreams”
Refusing the Call to Adventure
Dearest Rachel – Friday in Honduras is what’s referred to as “adventure day” by the folks at Just One for the members of the visiting “vision teams.” It’s meant to be a day of fun, a respite from and, to some extent, a reward (yes, there’s that term again) for the work put into theContinue reading “Refusing the Call to Adventure”
A Burden Lifted, A Blessing Granted
Dearest Rachel – A kilo of corn meal, a kilo of sugar, a kilo of milk powder, a kilo of salt. A bag of beans and bouillon cubes. Two bags (as opposed to boxes like we have at home) of spaghetti, and a box of cornflakes. Candles and ketchup, toothpaste and soap. You pack allContinue reading “A Burden Lifted, A Blessing Granted”
No Longer Dry
Dearest Rachel – Well, the rains finally came; and when they did, they came pouring down. It would be just when I get through telling you about how they skipped past us, making a liar out of me. I can’t say that I’m looking forward to the No Hungry Home walk in this slop tomorrow;Continue reading “No Longer Dry”
The Dry Season
Dearest Rachel – Last summer, when I was in Honduras for the first time, it seemed like every night found us dealing with a rainstorm. For the most part, it didn’t interfere with our work during the day (unless you count our interactions with the students on the soccer pitch to be part of ourContinue reading “The Dry Season”
From A Quarter to One
Dearest Rachel – I’ve been told about numerous misadventures that various groups have had en route to and from Honduras – lost luggage, missed connections, and the like – but I’ve never experienced any of them myself thus far. Well, there’s a first time for everything, I suppose. Not that this was much of aContinue reading “From A Quarter to One”
Full of Food and Doubt
Dearest Rachel – I don’t remember which one it was, but I think it was at one of the many Anime Central conventions we attended together. The dealers’ hall would always have a number of vendors selling T-shirts with funny images and sayings on them (a number of which ended up in one or anotherContinue reading “Full of Food and Doubt”
Indulge Within Reason
Dearest Rachel – While out and about with Mom (getting papers signed, as I told you about yesterday), we passed by an old barbershop in the strip mall where her brokers have set up shop. Which struck the two of us as odd, since the name belonged to a shop that was a little closerContinue reading “Indulge Within Reason”
Papers In Order
Dearest Rachel – For all that much of life is conducted online these days (and to think, we were part of the vanguard; remember when we used to send out family Christmas letters, and thought it worthy of comment that most of our purchases were made that year on Amazon? Good times), some things needContinue reading “Papers In Order”
Not Really Trying
Dearest Rachel – You’ve already heard me complain (if that’s the right word for it; it seems a little harsh) that since I’ve come home from this last trip, I’ve had difficulty in getting back to what I refer to as my license weight. I honestly don’t know when it dates from, as I’ve essentiallyContinue reading “Not Really Trying”
Proctoring
Dearest Rachel – So, last night I was imagining that I was proctoring an exam; presumably for the kids down in Honduras (where I will be next week), but at the same time, it was a test I had been hoping to take, like with the CPA exam. At some point while I was doingContinue reading “Proctoring”
Artificial Affirmation
Dearest Rachel – It all started with the idea of giving Copilot enough information on me to craft recommendations based on my preferences. I ask it for advice while I’m traveling, and while it’s pretty good with recommendations (albeit absolute rubbish in terms of giving physical directions; thank heaven there are map applications I canContinue reading “Artificial Affirmation”
from Rachel: Being a Ministry-Minded Overseer (part two)
In the blanks below write the two most significant statements in today’s reading assignment. Be prepared to discuss why the statements you chose were significant to you.“We must then become skillful at dying – to self. That daily dying must be done in the right way, and for the right reasons, however, if it isContinue reading “from Rachel: Being a Ministry-Minded Overseer (part two)”
And I Missed It
Dearest Rachel – I’ve started a few more drafts since the last time I mentioned having a few I could work with, but by and large, they aren’t the sort of topics that are particularly time-sensitive. I could easily modify “yesterday” to “the other day” and no one would be the wiser if I didn’tContinue reading “And I Missed It”
With a Headful of Mush
Dearest Rachel – There’s an interesting effect in my trying to write you first thing in the morning, starting with the first hour or two after rolling out of bed. Some mornings, of course, I’m literally waking up with something to tell you about, even if it’s weird or surreal – because you used toContinue reading “With a Headful of Mush”
Blank T-Shirt
Dearest Rachel – So I’m standing in front of my closet this morning, trying to decide what to wear. You know the drill; I’ve made four separate quilts out of your T-shirts alone, and we had piles in the sunroom for your fancier dresses. Having choices wasn’t so much of a problem with us; itContinue reading “Blank T-Shirt”
A Walk Be(for)e Breakfast
Dearest Rachel – One of the reasons that I go into such great detail with you about some of my workouts is the fact that I never used to do this when you were alive. I don’t think it ever crossed either of our minds back in the day. There was a point in timeContinue reading “A Walk Be(for)e Breakfast”
The Haze
Dearest Rachel – I stepped outside yesterday morning to something that looked like fog, for all intents and purposes. Given how many hot, dry days we’d been dealing with this week, it wouldn’t be all that surprising that, as it was cooler yesterday than it had been up until then; cooler air crashing into hotContinue reading “The Haze”
I’m the One Dreaming
Dearest Rachel – Sometimes, it’s weird having to come up with titles for these letters. I mean, I guess I could have just gone with using dates when I first started doing this, but that would give you no indication of what to expect, and that doesn’t seem fair to you or anyone reading overContinue reading “I’m the One Dreaming”
Sizzle and Crash
Dearest Rachel – Well, that came out of absolutely nowhere. At about half-past midnight, there was this slight sizzling sound, followed by a thunderous cracking noise and a bright flash of light in our backyard. I don’t know whether we got hit by a singular bolt of lightning (out of a sky with no rain)Continue reading “Sizzle and Crash”
The Legal Niceties
Dearest Rachel – I fell asleep early last night; it wasn’t even dark yet, so I had to put on my eye mask to do so, but everything I’d intended to do for the day was done. Besides, I’d need to get up early in the morning if I was going to hit the gymContinue reading “The Legal Niceties”
We Can’t Even Celebrate This
Dearest Rachel – I’m starting this letter a couple of days early, on the heels of having told you that the letters I’ve been sending you lately lack the edge of those early days (not that I’d necessarily want to go back to dealing with the level of pain I was undergoing at the time).Continue reading “We Can’t Even Celebrate This”
To Do You Justice
Dearest Rachel – Over the last few weeks, I’ve been going over the letters from the early days of this site (and while I’d started this letter with an explanation of how I’m doing that, that might actually merit a separate letter for another time, so I’m going to set that on the back burnerContinue reading “To Do You Justice”
Dropping My Guts
Dearest Rachel – You might look at that title with some measure of puzzlement; “Don’t you mean ‘spilling your guts, honey?” And to be fair, that’s a much more common expression in the English language vernacular, so I can see why you might think of it first. But here’s the deal, honey; after over fiveContinue reading “Dropping My Guts”
The Other Side of the Scale
Dearest Rachel – Monday morning, which is bad enough even without a job to go to, and I totter over to the bathroom; more specifically, the bathroom scale. Ever since Daniel and I got home from this last cruise, I’ve backslid to the point where I’m nearly pushing two-forty again. Granted, since getting home, I’veContinue reading “The Other Side of the Scale”
I Don’t Have to Get Up
Dearest Rachel – Light seeps into the bedroom; cool, grey and cloudy, but light nonetheless. I can hear the chirp of various birds from the backyard, even as the occasional motorcar roars by outside in front of the house. It’s been an exhausting couple of days, but it seems as if we’re needing to getContinue reading “I Don’t Have to Get Up”
What I Intended To Say
Dearest Rachel – Well, we got through the funeral and the graveside service with as much composure as could be expected – although I didn’t hold it together as well as I thought I might once I got to the podium. Daniel had to come up and stand by my side when I asked permissionContinue reading “What I Intended To Say”
Let’s Get This Party Over With
It is better to go to a ·funeral [L house of mourning] than to a ·party [L drinking house].·We all must die [L It is everyone’s end], and everyone living should ·think about this [L take it to heart]. Ecclesiastes 7:2, Expanded Bible Dearest Rachel – Since I identify with the older version of Solomon – the writer of Ecclesiastes – than the younger oneContinue reading “Let’s Get This Party Over With”
Worse Than Being On Hold
Dearest Rachel – So, in an effort to keep you up-to-date with thing happening in my life, no matter how mundane (especially since the stuff that isn’t mundane is rather depressing at the moment. Like funereal depressing, literally), I have to let you know that there are in fact ordinary things in life worse thanContinue reading “Worse Than Being On Hold”
Stones, Spaces and Circumstances
Dearest Rachel – I’m looking forward to a relatively slow day today, honey. Granted, the boys are going to the movies tonight, and have invited me along because I expressed interest in the film when it came out – maybe my concerns about making stuff ‘uncool’ for them by expressing interest in them are unfoundedContinue reading “Stones, Spaces and Circumstances”
More Normal than I’ve a Right To…
Dearest Rachel – So, the last couple of days, have been… well, I wouldn’t say a flurry of activity, necessarily, but busy enough that I haven’t had the chance to determine what, if anything, is really different about life before and after Daniel and I left. Oh, there are the obvious things, of course; whenContinue reading “More Normal than I’ve a Right To…”
Back to ‘Work’
Dearest Rachel – I hope it didn’t sound like I was teasing my sister when I referred to the fact that she was taking care of all the administrative work behind dad‘s funeral arrangements as her means of coping with his passing. To be sure, teasing is one of the main duties of being aContinue reading “Back to ‘Work’”
It All Seems So Small Now
Dearest Rachel – I tell you, honey, we leave for a few weeks, and when we come back, everything is turned completely upside down. Or is that too callous a perspective? To be fair, it was Dad himself who made the rueful joke about not being able to pick us up at the airportContinue reading “It All Seems So Small Now”
Travel Prayers
Dearest Rachel – I don’t know what it is about travel; maybe it’s the upset involving time zones and having to get used to them, or perhaps it’s the fact that I’m sharing a room with Daniel, whose sleep cycle is that much more out of sync with my own than even yours, especially onContinue reading “Travel Prayers”
Not Where They Live
Dearest Rachel – Our last port of call before making our way to Vancouver and home, and the clouds are once again out and about, as per the more customary Alaskan weather. Likewise, Daniel’s mood seemed that much more… I wouldn’t say sullen, but he was understandably down. But who wouldn’t be, upon getting theContinue reading “Not Where They Live”
Heavenly Sunlight
Dearest Rachel – Sometimes, the fact that I record these things off the cuff in real time makes it hard to say anything particularly important or appropriately meaningful. I have some idea of what to say, but it never feels like enough; especially given the current situation. But under the circumstances, I’m operating under theContinue reading “Heavenly Sunlight”
Seven Years in the Making
I wasn’t there that morning when my father passed away. I didn’t get to tell him all the things I had to say. Mike and the Mechanics, “The Living Years” (1988) Dearest Rachel – I think Daniel was asleep, but not for long thereafter. My phone vibrated at about five-thirty this morning. It was Jenn,Continue reading “Seven Years in the Making”
Distracted in Valdez
Dearest Rachel – The last couple of days have been a little bit difficult. Daniel and I have been trying to keep in touch with the folks, calling them every day before we head out. Dad may have granted us his blessing to go traveling while he is in hospice, but that doesn’t absolve meContinue reading “Distracted in Valdez”
Last Full Day at Sea
Dearest Rachel – Technically, yesterday wasn’t really all that; I believe that it’s still going to take an entire day to get down from Alaska to Vancouver, after all. But for all intents and purposes, this is pretty much it for the languid, lazy days at sea. Heck, this final day already saw me runningContinue reading “Last Full Day at Sea”
