A Hole in Our Hearts

There's a hole in our hearts with the passing of our dear friend and neighbor, Fletcher Patterson.  He died on Saturday morning, August 15.  His sons said that there was a beautiful reflection of the sun coming up from the lake lighting up his face.  They called us immediately and we went down to be with them.

Bubba had the opportunity to tell him that he was the best friend he had ever had and that he loved him.  I think he will always be glad he was able to tell him that.  I brought bites of food that I thought he might eat and fed it to him. He always told me he loved me when I left.  He had such a peace and I will never forget that.  Thankfully, he never required a lot of pain medication.

His grandson told of him repeating over and over, "O grave where is thy victory?"

He had a beautiful service. He would be/is pleased.  He planned it.  It was perfect.  

No Sting, No Victory

This week can go on record as one of the hardest in my life.  Our dearest friend, Fletcher, who I wrote about in my blog in February is lying in a hospital bed, in the den of his home looking out across the lake.  He is dying.  His body has become emaciated like those who were released from concentration camps after the war.  His skin is yellow and his hands are cold.  Disease is ravaging his body, but his beautiful, brilliant mind is still there healthy and whole.  He can quote scripture, poetry, and lines from his favorite hymns.  What a blessing it is to sit in his presence!  What a beautiful testimony he is to the love of God!

The older son, Pat, has cared for his dad daily for weeks now.  The younger son, Mike, relieved him on the weekends.  Now Pat has gone to be with his daughter for the birth of her second child.  Mike comes in at night and then goes to the hospital every day to be with his mom.  Bubba and I try to fill in the gaps so that they will both have someone they know with them.

Fletcher's wife, Jo, had a stroke Friday and has been in the hospital ever since.  She was left unable to verbally communicate, but she has improved almost daily.  She is scheduled to go to rehab, but they are going to allow her to come home for a visit with Fletcher.

The hospice nurse and I were talking last night.  He was telling me how different things are when it is a non-Christian facing death.  He said, "This man is ready.  He is not afraid."

"O death where is thy sting?  O grave where is thy victory?"

   1 Corinthians 15:15

49 Years and Counting.....

A lot was different in 1966.  Gas was 32 cents per gallon.  A new house could be bought for $14,200. (But who had that kind of money?)  First class stamps sold for 5 cents.  Lyndon Johnson was president and Ronald Reagan was elected governor in California.  Cigarettes were determined to be hazardous to your health.  The first Star Trek aired on television.  Pampers began marketing the first disposable diaper.  Troop strength in Viet Nam was increased to 389,000.  Mini skirts were in style for the first time.  Walt Disney died.   “These Boots Were Made for Walking”, “Wild Thing”, “You Can’t Hurry Love” and “The Sound of Silence” were all number one on the charts. 

Something else happened on August 4, 1966.  A 17 year old girl fresh out of high school married a very handsome young man who wore blue mohair sweaters, smelled really good, and treated her like a princess.  He had a good job and drove a 1965 Blue Corvette Sting Ray Convertible which didn’t hurt. (We soon found out we couldn’t afford the $95.00 per month payment.) 

Weddings were different back then.  There was a wedding cake, punch, nuts and mints.  That was it, at least around this area.  My dress was made by an oriental lady at the bridal shop from a picture I saw in a magazine.  It cost $100.  That was a lot of money back then.

We bought a small, two bedroom block house that cost us $45 per month.  Every year we paid the interest in a lump sum and it would be $300 - $400.  We had to really save to get that much money together.  One time we bought a small gas heater that cost $12 and paid on it weekly because we didn't have $12 to spare.  The house had no air conditioning.  We used a box fan that we moved from room to room with us.  The kitchen was so tiny.  I told Bubba one time that if I could just get a small metal cabinet for it that I would never ask for anything again.  I can't tell you how many times I've been reminded of that statement.

We were very happy even though we didn't have much materially.  We enjoyed fishing, riding around, visiting with family and friends....... I was a housewife which is what I always wanted to be.  

I know that I didn’t seek God’s guidance in a husband, but He was looking out for me anyway.  I thank Him every day for my wonderful husband and for the time we’ve had together.  Happy Anniversary, Bubba!  We’re at 49 years and counting……