PEACE AND JOY TO YOU
This greeting is dedicated to Sandra’s mother,
Carolyn Gray, who went to Heaven September
10. We share with you our joy to have been
near her on our sojourn in Mississippi.
From Sandra—This has been a special year of transition. Trips were limited to time
we could be away from Mom. We went to Tucson with dear friends Nancy and Ross.
At the same time we visited cousins Susan Bourne and Cyndi DeVille. About mid
year I realized Mom’s time was short and her needs intensified. She was loving and
grateful all the time. She felt her life was celebrated with visits with Ariana’s family
and Dylan’s family. She laughed heartily at the children’s antics. She enjoyed seeing
her daughter-in-law Georgia and her family as well as friends and relatives she had not
seen in a while. She felt comfortable. Her pastor and church members were in close
contact. Her caregivers were loving and trustworthy. One night she left. I was with
her to say goodbye.
Grief has been a learning experience for which I was unprepared. The most important
lesson is about the spiritual world within and around us. Other people have assumed
greater meaning. Nate and I are growing closer due to the uninterrupted time. I have
time for church activities and friends. We recognize how much our children and
grandchildren value our presence in their lives and that is a blessing beyond measure.
So here we stand, barefoot in the face of the future.
From Nate – 2010 has been a momentous year for us, with the passing of Sandra’s
mother holding a dominant place. For the 1st time in our 6+ years into retirement, it
feels like WE have priority billing! New windows of opportunity are emerging, not
the least of which are enhanced freedom to travel to the far-reaching locales of family
and friends. Hey, I even added cheese-making to my activity list!
Unexpectedly, turning 67 in July surfaced as a significant event, worthy of celebration
and deep reflections on a sobering reality...I’m getting old(er)! Coupled with my
declining auditory function and an annoying bout with prostatitis, resulting in surgery,
it feels like my body is changing along with my spirit! And, I’ve finally declared MS
to be my home!
Solo trips to Seattle (son Jon & wife Emily & grandson August) and VA (Rabindranath
clan, amid ‘the blizzard’ & cousin Larry’s clan), as well as to brother James’
memorial service in MN, all offering reconnections to more family, including 2nd
cousin Ralph Pullmann and buddy, Jerry. My stable of kindred spirits is growing!
As for 2011, I want to (1.) complete my memoirs, and (2.) journey to Germany and
trace the Bender beginnings. These, along with visits to family in Florida, VA, and
Berkeley, all holding needs to be infused with our TLC and such!
With love and gratitude for your presence in our lives,
Nate and Sandra
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