Dearest Rachel – I suppose you can tell from my last letter that I’m taking most of the advice from the stepsisters from Into The Woods: When going to hide… know how to get there… and how to get back… and eat first. Now, I may not be all that concerned about eating first –Continue reading “Preparing To Be Overwhelmed”
Tag Archives: plans
Lines of Attack
Dearest Rachel – You might remember this from the very first days of our marriage; on our honeymoon I had brought along a guide of things to do and see while at Walt Disney World. Back in those days, if you wanted to do certain things there, you needed to make reservations ahead of time,Continue reading “Lines of Attack”
Kagoshima
Dearest Rachel – A couple months ago, I told you about a manga I’d discovered (to be sure, it’s been out for years already, so it’s only really new to me) called Oyasumi Punpun (“Goodnight, Punpun”). Among the many aspects of its overall plotline was a thread in which the title character and his loveContinue reading “Kagoshima”
Nagasaki
Dearest Rachel – I find myself hoping that I’m feeling well enough to go ashore here; of all the destinations to have to miss out on, Japan would be the worst, in my mind. However, I’m pretty sure I was battling a slight fever overnight; if they do a temperature check, I don’t know howContinue reading “Nagasaki”
Jeju City (Or Is It the Island?)
Dearest Rachel – After pranking myself with Okinawa, it would have to be that we get another destination where the question becomes “is it the city or the island?” This time around, I at least have a hint in the form of my excursion ticket, titled ‘Jeju City Highlights.’ So, I suppose, the city itContinue reading “Jeju City (Or Is It the Island?)”
But Why Repeat Myself?
Dearest Rachel – Ordinarily, on a day when we’re about to land in another port, I should be putting together an essay about culture and history, sights to see and things to experience… particularly with regard to local cuisine. But I have to admit that my heart’s not in it today. Some of that isContinue reading “But Why Repeat Myself?”
Okinawa
Dearest Rachel – Well, finally, here’s a place we’ve heard about back in the day, even if it’s only through various manga and anime. This is the place where it seems every class field trip winds up going to during their third year; the land of shiisa and sata andagi. You would likely giggle everContinue reading “Okinawa”
Subic Bay
Dearest Rachel – The way this itinerary works, one might think that, for each country we visit, we’re required to stop in at least two locations, which have to be as close together as possible. It doesn’t seem to be absolutely necessary that it be so; we can cover a reasonable distance (I was goingContinue reading “Subic Bay”
Manila
Dearest Rachel – I don’t know what it is, but no matter how many sea days I’m given, I can’t seem to do anything but wait for the last minute to put these things together. Ironically, while you wouldn’t necessarily be proud of me for that, you might well be pleased that I’m starting toContinue reading “Manila”
Bali
Dearest Rachel – As mentioned yesterday, our next stop will take us a short hop over from Lombok to Bali. Unlike today, which didn’t actually even start until early afternoon (the gangway wasn’t lowered until after 2pm), we’ll be arriving at Bali by seven in the morning. My excursion, however, being a literal day atContinue reading “Bali”
Whitsunday
Dearest Rachel – You’re probably confused by this title; if you’re expecting a report on our next port of call, you’re expecting me to be discussing the town of Airlie Beach. Besides, you might even remember to point out, Whitsunday isn’t for over two months yet, as it’s the liturgical name for what we mightContinue reading “Whitsunday”
Brisbane
Dearest Rachel – Once again, I’m waiting until virtually the last minute in order to put this report together, because so much else is going on for me to both write about and video. Something’s got to give, and these reports sort of wind up being that something. At least Brisbane has a bit ofContinue reading “Brisbane”
Newcastle
Dearest Rachel – If Australia as a whole could be considered an afterthought in terms of my own opinions of this entire itinerary, then Newcastle would be the afterthought OF the afterthought. At least I’m familiar with Sydney and Brisbane, if only vaguely. Newcastle? Not so much. I suppose it’s excusable; if Greater Sydney makesContinue reading “Newcastle”
Am I Missing Anything?
Dearest Rachel – I wonder if this trip would have driven you crazy; the answer to the above question is, of course I am. I’ve limited myself to a single suitcase (which itself is limited to fifty pounds) as well as my electronic items in my carry-on backpack (while the suitcase Kerry and the travel agencyContinue reading “Am I Missing Anything?”
Not So Easily Said
Dearest Rachel – As much as I’m not particularly fond of their attitudes, I have to give the TikTokers their due. Being able to talk straight through everything, without hesitation, without self-consciousness – I’d say it was easier said than done, but the whole point is that it’s not so easily said at all. For me toContinue reading “Not So Easily Said”
Snippets for the Future, Nothing for the Now
Dearest Rachel – One of the problems with spending so much of one’s waking thoughts on a big event in the future is that there’s not much thought being put into what’s going on around one in the present. To be sure, it may well be that most people aren’t trying to document their lives likeContinue reading “Snippets for the Future, Nothing for the Now”
The Last Thing That I Need
Dearest Rachel – I suppose it could be worse; at least this way, I’ve got just enough time to let it run its course before I head out. This morning saw me waking up at about three-thirty to a very unpleasant sensation; not so much for the sensation itself, as what it represented. Lying there, tryingContinue reading “The Last Thing That I Need”
The Odd Preparations
Dearest Rachel – I don’t think I’ve completely shaken off Basel Syndrome (which, upon re-reading that letter to you, I was surprised to discover that I’d defined it as more of an irrational preference for staying in my hotel room/cabin rather than going outside of it; whereas now, I think of it as a fearContinue reading “The Odd Preparations”
Proof of Concept
Dearest Rachel – I’ve concluded that there’s no way that I’m going to be able to tell you everything about my upcoming trip in so many words; pictures are going to be necessary, and perhaps moving pictures even more so. So between one thing and another, I’ve decided to put together short video letters to tellContinue reading “Proof of Concept”
Getting Things in Order
Dearest Rachel – It’s incredible to realize that only a month ago, we were all gathered at dad‘s bedside while he went over with us where he kept instructions pertaining to his funeral. We really thought – as did he – that he would hang on just long enough to see his way through ChristmasContinue reading “Getting Things in Order”
The Sign of Jonah
·Evil and sinful people [L An evil/wicked and adulterous generation] ·ask for [seek; demand] a miracle as a sign, but they will not be given any sign, except the sign of Jonah [see 12:40; Jon. 1:17].” Then Jesus left them and went away. Matthew 16:4, Expanded Bible Dearest Rachel – To be sure, when Jesus invoked the name of Jonah, as aContinue reading “The Sign of Jonah”
On the Same Frostbitten Wavelength
Dearest Rachel – It would seem that, intentionally or not, the gang has (mostly at my insistence) developed something of a habit of getting together at a splashy restaurant on or about the first of the year since you’ve been gone. It hasn’t been the same one each time – indeed, it’s been somewhere different everyContinue reading “On the Same Frostbitten Wavelength”
In Limitations, There Are Strengths
Dearest Rachel – To be honest, honey, this letter is probably more geared for Dad than it is for you. When I left his room yesterday afternoon – because I had to collect Daniel and grab an early dinner before the evening’s Awana club – he insisted that I present him with a full reportContinue reading “In Limitations, There Are Strengths”
Of Salt Cellars and Selfie Sticks
Dearest Rachel – I realize I’m not the easiest person to shop for, in terms of Christmas presents. It’s even worse when I come up with ideas that are either too late or too esoteric (or both) to hunt down in time. But sometimes, that’s what happens; I come up with an idea long after I should,Continue reading “Of Salt Cellars and Selfie Sticks”
When a Holiday Isn’t
Dearest Rachel – Every so often, I’m struck by the surprising fact that most of our holidays actually still track with the origin of the word – “holy day.” Sure, almost all of them have been secularized and commercialized within an inch of their lives, but many of them still can trace their roots to aContinue reading “When a Holiday Isn’t”
Don’t Make Him Tap the Sign
Dearest Rachel – It’s said that there are no such things as coincidences; only moments in which God decides, for whatever reason, not to sign His name to events. We’ve had a few of them in our time, such as that one major windfall shortly after catching up on our pledges to a certain missionaryContinue reading “Don’t Make Him Tap the Sign”
God’s Veto Power
Dearest Rachel – You would have never countenanced it: “Son, when you leave, can you take that out of here? It’s been in the corner for too long already, and I don’t feel like looking at it anymore.” “Okay, sure, Dad; I’ll bring it back to the house.” “No, don’t bring it back to my house.”Continue reading “God’s Veto Power”
Last-Minute Preparations
Dearest Rachel – As embarrassed as I may be to relate this to you, at least I can take comfort in the fact that you wouldn’t be giving me grief about it, as you were every bit as prone to procrastination (on a regular basis, I might add) as I have been this Christmas season.Continue reading “Last-Minute Preparations”
A Full Dance Card
Dearest Rachel – I was never the type who would have felt comfortable at a cotillion. Not only was dancing long disapproved of by my extended (and church) family – “a vertical expression of a horizontal desire,” it was described as, and given how I’ve often pointed out how my name is frighteningly apt, I wouldn’tContinue reading “A Full Dance Card”
Hope Spot
Dearest Rachel – It’s happening again, honey. He’s gone through a low ebb where it basically looks like only a matter of time. And yes, I realize it’s only “a matter of time” for all of us before we join you and everybody else in the hereafter. You know what I mean – at a certain point, there’sContinue reading “Hope Spot”
Work Stories Lost: The Dying Industry
Dearest Rachel – I promised myself, at the beginning of the year, that when Daniel and I would go over to the folks’ for dinner, I would make an effort to record the conversations we would have when we gathered in the family room after the meal. The point of this was not so muchContinue reading “Work Stories Lost: The Dying Industry”
Strangely Familiar, and Yet…
Dearest Rachel – Well, honey… here we go again. I can see his skin stretched across his collarbone and rib cage as he lies in his hospital bed. He’s down to skin and bones, but at least his salt and sugar levels are down to normal – or at least considerably more normal than theyContinue reading “Strangely Familiar, and Yet…”
from Rachel: God’s Rule is Right
What are our options [regarding mastering our own lives/destinies] according to Romans 6:16? “being slaves to sin or slaves to obedience and righteousness.” The One who has a right to rule is also the One whose rule is right Do you have authority problems? “No” How about God’s authority? How convinced are you that youContinue reading “from Rachel: God’s Rule is Right”
Conspiracy Meeting
Dearest Rachel – Since my body and mind disagree – sometimes vehemently – on how to handle things, I wasn’t invited to last night’s discussion, preoccupied as I was with a handful of more or less forgettable dreams. But I’m assuming there must’ve been some coordination going on, so I’m gonna take my best guessContinue reading “Conspiracy Meeting”
Dealing With the Division
Dearest Rachel – As much as there were mixed emotions involved with our church’s expansion to multiple locations, it didn’t faze us as much as it could have. Sure, we wouldn’t see certain people at the original location on the same weekly basis as we used to, since we were moving over to attend theContinue reading “Dealing With the Division”
In Awe of Scheherazade
Dearest Rachel – The framing device behind the Middle Eastern folk compendium One Thousand and One Nights is the story of the sultan Shahryar who, upon discovering he was being cuckolded by his consort (which he only found out because of his brother being similarly betrayed by his wife, leading Shahryar to investigate whether suchContinue reading “In Awe of Scheherazade”
The Course of a Thousand Days
Dearest Rachel – It’s not as obvious as looking on the calendar and seeing a “23” on it, as happens every month. It probably would have even passed my notice if it weren’t for the fact that I’ve been sending “a line a day when you’re far away,” and the site keeps tabs of howContinue reading “The Course of a Thousand Days”
Catching Up With the Crowd
Dearest Rachel – Twenty-two miles in, and I haven’t seen hide nor hair of Erin – which, if she’s wearing that bright orange kerchief she’d been sporting at church last night as part of her running ensemble (an eminently suitable choice, being both brightly colored and a unique combination), she really ought to be easyContinue reading “Catching Up With the Crowd”
As Long as I’m Up
Dearest Rachel – To be fair, I hadn’t planned for things to happen like this (gosh, that’s become a familiar refrain in my life, now, hasn’t it?). After all, I’d been up until what constituted a late hour for me – eleven o’clock, yes, now stop laughing – working on a new build that mayContinue reading “As Long as I’m Up”
If This Be Treason…
Dearest Rachel – When you come down to it, this is probably one of those stories that I don’t really have the right to tell, since it’s not exactly mine. I may participate in it, to be sure, but my perspective on the event is merely from the periphery. At the same time, it’s notContinue reading “If This Be Treason…”
Fitful
Dearest Rachel – There’s really no other way to characterize last night’s attempt at a decent night’s sleep. From about three-thirty onwards, there barely seemed to be a moment when I wasn’t aware (I hesitate to say ‘conscious,’ as that’s a little too on the nose) of lying in bed, hoping for sleep to comeContinue reading “Fitful”
Sudden Deadlines
Dearest Rachel – Obviously, this title is a misnomer; there’s rarely such a thing as an unexpected deadline. It’s just that we go so long ignoring them, that once they finally loom in the near distance, we find ourselves agog, wondering “Wait… where did that come from?” I know you understand where I’m coming from;Continue reading “Sudden Deadlines”
Uncle Mamo
Dearest Rachel – I was planning to make this an epilogue to an earlier letter to you, but that one started to get out of hand, so I decided to create this as a separate one instead. Who knows? Maybe I lost the original thread when I walked away from it for a few hours.Continue reading “Uncle Mamo”
A Man With a Plan
Dearest Rachel – In his (posthumous) Oscar-winning turn as the Joker in The Dark Knight, Heath Ledger utters the line to Aaron Eckhart’s Harvey Dent, “Do I really look like a guy with a plan?” The implication behind the question is that Dent is supposed to conclude that of course not; the Joker is tooContinue reading “A Man With a Plan”
from Rachel: Hearts Mended by Truth
Children are… “the apple of Christ’s eye” Children are uniquely… “accompanied by Christ” Abuses to children may as well have been… “personally applied to Christ” Christ is never… “the author of abuse” Paraphrase Lamentations 3:58-59 in your own words. “Oh, Lord, you are my Counselor and my Savior. You are also a witness to theContinue reading “from Rachel: Hearts Mended by Truth”
So Out of Character For You
Dearest Rachel – I was going to start this letter off by talking about how, thirty-one years ago today, we were preparing to pack up and head back from our honeymoon. The folks from the diamond-making place referred to this trip as your ‘homecoming,’ you see, and it seemed appropriate to juxtapose today with anContinue reading “So Out of Character For You”
from Rachel: Straight to the Heart
What was your first real heartbreak in life? “The only one I can recall was being rejected by all five sorority houses.” In the following passages, record the circumstances involved, and how God bound up the brokenhearted. Reference: Genesis 16:1-13Circumstances: “Hagar, a maidservant (slave?), was forced to carry the baby of her mistress’ husband. UnderContinue reading “from Rachel: Straight to the Heart”
More Time At the Office
No one on his deathbed ever said, ‘I wish I had spent more time at the office.’ Arnold M. Zack, labor and management arbitrator Dearest Rachel – Well, this is certainly one quote that I never needed to learn through experience. Even going back before turning into the worker drone that society expected me toContinue reading “More Time At the Office”
Caught Unprepared
Dearest Rachel – So last night was the annual meeting of the volunteer leaders in preparation for this year’s Awana Sparks club. Lots of heartening news; including the fact that we have enough volunteers for each team to have four or five leaders, while at the same time, we have enough kids already registered suchContinue reading “Caught Unprepared”
Old – And Gone – Before Our Time
Dearest Rachel – Last night, I found myself dreaming about how I needed to make preparations for Kevin to come up here to the Chicago suburbs to see us, as he usually does. It is about that time of year, after all – Labor Day is just a little more than a week away. IContinue reading “Old – And Gone – Before Our Time”
A Reach Beyond My Grasp
Dearest Rachel – Were it not for the fact that I assume that the afterlife you’re experiencing is pleasant beyond expression or comprehension, I could easily imagine a rueful chuckle escaping from your lips every time I write to you about my plans for the future. There’s nothing like having an eternal perspective like yoursContinue reading “A Reach Beyond My Grasp”
Using the Memento
Dearest Rachel – This letter is going to be a little more difficult to write than most, particularly because it’s about a touchy subject – and, since you know me, I have to make it clear that I don’t mean that literally – and I thus, don’t want to name names. But I suspect that,Continue reading “Using the Memento”
DIY Zombie Karaoke
Dearest Rachel – Since I’m meeting with Lars today, and I just got confirmation that everything is a ‘go’ as far as the church books are concerned (which is to say, everything from last month has finally been entered, and I can run the numbers and assemble the reports for the board members), I haveContinue reading “DIY Zombie Karaoke”
Asking the Artist
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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?”
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”
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”
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)”
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”
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”
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””
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”
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”
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”
The Song That Fits
Dearest Rachel – So last night, Kerstin came over. It was all we could do; getting all the girls together just wasn’t in the cards. It’s part of why it’s taken so long to arrange your final send-off – Erin needs her schedule together for the following year by the previous November, while Aaron (theContinue reading “The Song That Fits”
Dreams of Netless Flight
Dearest Rachel – Well, we made it home. In fact, we landed at O’Hare only about an hour after we took off from Narita – all that time change, stuff you know. That, in fact, was one of the reasons why I’d decided to stay home today from the ‘office’: it was basically assumed byContinue reading “Dreams of Netless Flight”
Shimizu – 清水
Dearest Rachel – Our trip is just about to wind down, and we’re down to our last stop before returning to Tokyo, and from there to Narita and home via Denver (which no, I am not going to bother writing about. I’ve already told you plenty about having been there). I’m not sure how muchContinue reading “Shimizu – 清水”
Hiroshima – 広島
Dearest Rachel – For all that Hiroshima has a certain singular claim to fame (if nothing else, it is the yardstick by which all nuclear devices are measured against, usually in terms of dwarfing it), there is so much more to this city than that one terrible moment. Indeed, the fact that it still standsContinue reading “Hiroshima – 広島”
Kitakyushu – 北九州
Dearest Rachel – So, after that brief sojourn on the tip of the Asian continent proper, we return to the islands of Japan. And I use the plural deliberately, since this is our first visit to a city on an island other than the main one of Honshu. Kitakyushu is a city located in theContinue reading “Kitakyushu – 北九州”
Enforced Rest
Dearest Rachel – We had planned on taking a shore excursion today in Busan – a Korean cooking class, believe it or not – but when we got aboard the ship, there was already a card on what would up being my bed, informing us that regrettably, it had been cancelled due to the lackContinue reading “Enforced Rest”
On Both Sides of the Border
Dearest Rachel – With every stop we make along the ancient shipping route around the perimeter of Honshu, we get the same announcement from the government of Japan: we’re not allowed to bring meat products ashore, lest we run the risk of bringing potentially infectious items into the country. Setting aside the question of whereContinue reading “On Both Sides of the Border”
Bittersweet Uncertainty
Dearest Rachel – As recently as a couple of days ago, I pretty much had an outline for the letter I was going to write you this morning. Most of it, you might imagine, would have to do with the fact that this was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime – multiple lifetimes,Continue reading “Bittersweet Uncertainty”
Just… Disappointed
Dearest Rachel – I don’t know if I ever used the stock phrase uttered by television and movie dads throughout history: “I’m not mad, I’m just disappointed.” I know one of the stories you told of your dad at his funeral went along those lines when he overheard you curse for the one and onlyContinue reading “Just… Disappointed”
Anticipation and Preparation
Dearest Rachel – So. The time is pretty much upon us now. After a week of Daniel and I warning various people about our upcoming absences, we have to actually start making preparations to fly out Thursday evening to meet our ship that will take us around Japan. This is not going to be aContinue reading “Anticipation and Preparation”
Silent at the Gates
Dearest Rachel – I’m grateful for the fact that I didn’t wait until you left to compare you to the literally proverbial ‘good wife’ of chapter 31. You knew how highly I thought of you; you didn’t have to wait until you were gone for me to say nice things about you. It’s one ofContinue reading “Silent at the Gates”
Not What I Intended
Dearest Rachel – You just never know the sort of things that will stick with you; the smallest throwaway line heard in childhood may nestle in the back of your mind and serve as a guide from time to time whether you want it to or not. I don’t know how your parents kept youContinue reading “Not What I Intended”
The Wolves are Never at the Door
Dearest Rachel – For the last couple of days, the folks have been watching the news and listening to the weather report. Actually, that’s not quite accurate, as they’ve been doing this fairly consistently all my life. Indeed, one of the last things I would do with them every night when I was a kidContinue reading “The Wolves are Never at the Door”
Out Of Nowhere
Dearest Rachel – The thing about writing to you as opposed to a face-to-face conversation is that – apart from the unfortunate fact that I’m the only one doing the ‘talking’ here, of course – is that there’s a sort of unspoken requirement for everything to mesh into a coherent whole. An actual conversation canContinue reading “Out Of Nowhere”
Lost in Transit
Dearest Rachel – Since I’m well aware that I’m both quite impatient and forgetful, I try to use those flaws of mine in tandem to offset each other. For any long-term plan or project – especially one with a set date (like travel plans) or requiring others’ contributions – I do my part, set theContinue reading “Lost in Transit”
Scraping By Without Patience
Dearest Rachel – Life is something of a whipsaw between having seemingly all the time in the world and suddenly running out, and having to transition from dawdling to running full pelt in the blink of an eye. What happened to you was an extreme example, of course, but it’s a situation we all dealContinue reading “Scraping By Without Patience”
Wants vs Needs
Dearest Rachel – This morning found me awake before five, for reasons unknown. While I could stand to shed a layer of bedding, and perhaps use the facilities, nothing seemed so urgent as to demand my consciousness at such a ridiculous hour. Still, once awake (however reluctantly), I felt that I needed to take careContinue reading “Wants vs Needs”
Where Did I Expect to Be?
Dearest Rachel – I don’t have to keep track of the days; I just keep writing to you, and the computer does it for me. Just a few days ago, it sent me a notification, congratulating me on another anniversary on this site. Given what spurred me to start this, I’m not sure that IContinue reading “Where Did I Expect to Be?”
I Still Need to Get Out More
Dearest Rachel – I hear the occasional comment about how unusual our weather is this winter, but I can’t say that I’ve seen any real evidence of it. For instance, I’ve heard that last month has the least amount of sunlight for January since we’ve been keeping track of that; I have no idea howContinue reading “I Still Need to Get Out More”
Preparations, Questions and Imaginations
Dearest Rachel – There’s something strange about driving back from a workout, and needing to stop and prepare for the next one before going home. It’s not unlike finishing up lunch, complementing the chef, and wondering immediately thereafter where and what one would be having for supper that night – a scenario that I’m muchContinue reading “Preparations, Questions and Imaginations”
The Gym Can Wait (But Not for Long)
Dearest Rachel – January is the month for resolutions, and as everybody know, although in all honesty, we were never much for them ourselves. Not because we thought we had everything together – far from it – but that we were realistic enough to know that we’d end up breaking them in the same monthContinue reading “The Gym Can Wait (But Not for Long)”
The Illusion of Choice
Dearest Rachel – I’m not entirely sure how it is that my mind found itself pondering this concept throughout the course of the last night. Quite possibly, it was due to the video I saw that was reviewing Kurt Vonnegut’s book Slaughterhouse Five. I had read the book (and watched the film, for that matter)Continue reading “The Illusion of Choice”
Seventeen and Other Tunes
Dearest Rachel – I have to confess, I’m trying to find a style of music that I can listen to without being reminded of the many mix tape memories that we shared throughout our college and courtship days. Even stuff that grew on us by way of anime music videos can take a psychic tollContinue reading “Seventeen and Other Tunes”
Preoccupied With the Same Old Things
Dearest Rachel – I already wrote nearly a thousand words to you this morning, only to be forced to accept the fact that I could never post it as it was. It was the sort of dream that might be taken as a good omen had it been on New Year’s Day (although it containedContinue reading “Preoccupied With the Same Old Things”
from Rachel: Steps to Take as You March On
Read Exodus 14:16,21-22. What happened before the Red Sea parted? “Moses raised his staff and stretched out his hand.” Read Joshua 3:8,14-17. What happened just before the water parted? If you were one of those priests, how do you think you would have felt about stepping into the rushing water? “nervous, uncertain” When you areContinue reading “from Rachel: Steps to Take as You March On”
When Nothing’s Happened Yet
Dearest Rachel – I have to assume that the concept of time is meaningless to you at this point. There is no night, as I understand it, since God Himself is everywhere, and lights up heaven wherever He is, so there is no differentiating between days, or even from any one point of time toContinue reading “When Nothing’s Happened Yet”
Not All Together
Dearest Rachel – I know that I used to rely on you a great deal back in the day to keep our calendar organized. You knew what we were doing on this day or that, and we rarely had to worry about double-booking ourselves thanks to you (of course, our relatively limited friend circle, andContinue reading “Not All Together”
Who Knows You
Dearest Rachel – There’s a cynical saying that’s gone around for generations that “it’s not what you know, but who you know.” Essentially, all the education in the world won’t necessarily get you as far as having certain contacts. And, depending on the field you’re trying to break into (and your definition of success) thatContinue reading “Who Knows You”
Letters to Rachel 