Troutbirder II

Troutbirder II
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Sunday, December 22, 2019

Christmas now and then

 

They say the first major holiday without your spouse is the most difficult. I wanted to be ready. Yesterday the last Saturday before this Christmas I drove down to small town Cherry Grove for a 7 o’clock church service at the Methodist Church. The service had a title it was called blue Christmas. This was for anyone who felt sad  during the season of joy to the world. The ministerial couple from


Faith Methodist in Spring Valley conducted the service. The two serve several outlying churches in their parish. The service was intended for anyone suffered a loss be it a job a job, their health, their faith and so on, but it was evident that most of the people there grieving the loss of a family member. That was me also. The church wasn’t packed perhaps about 30 people  of whom I initially recognized only two. Two….  The Bible readings and poems were all appropriate to the theme of the service. But for me as, you might expect it, was the music which touched my heart and brought tears. A young woman played an instrument which I had never seen before. It sounded like a guitar but it was plastic, large and she he held it in her lap and tucked under her chin while she sang the voice of an angel. And then there was the pianist who played both the organ and an old clunky looking piano which was perfectly tuned to a deep throbbing sound. She played wonderfully and though she was on the opposite side of the church eyes were drawn to to her as she played. Again she wasn’t at all familiar. As the service came to its conclusion there was an invitation for all to join together to socialize with coffee and treats as Methodists are wont to do. The pianist kept on playing and I decided to approach her and thank her for the beautiful Christmas music. As I approached her she gave me a quick glance and a smile inviting me to sit down next to her on the adjacent chair. Shortly thereafter as she concluded there was a winsome smile and she said “thanks for coming Ray” and  finally waking up and looking more closely I was able to reply”and thank you for playing so beautifully Luanne” a former student of mine who had graduated in 1974. After a few hugs we adjourned to socialize and catch up on decades of times past. It was a good start for the holidays.

Still this year for the first time in many years I will be spending much of the holiday season alone at home in Minnesota. It is a time of many wonderful family memories, particularly of our two sons Ted and Tony growing up.

 It is also fraught with sadness as well, for during this special time of the year,  our eldest son Ted departed this earth from the pernicious effects of bi-polar disease. This fall,  as many of you know my dear wife Barb ended her ten year long struggle against  dementia.  


Our widowed daughter in law Deanne was a steadfast pillar of love and support in our son Teds life.  And now  as well.  Standing with grace and courage in spite of the travails life has cast upon her, she brings hope and joy to all                                                                                                                                                                                And so to all our friends out there in blog land:  I wish you  the joys of the season to each and every one.  May there be peace on earth and goodwill to all mankind.....

 

                         

 
 
 

18 comments:

  1. My heart goes out to you and yours during this time, TB. I know how it will still always remind you of the tragedy, but it's also good to share with others. Thank you for sharing with me. Sending you blessings and wishing you peace.

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  2. I know from experience how the laughter and joys of Christmas can be mixed with sadness and tears. I hope you and your family have a very blessed and Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

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  3. I popped in to say hello and to thank you for visiting my blog. Christmas can be an emotional time but more so when someone dear is lost. My stepson suffers with something similar to your son although not properly diagnosed. I am only now beginning to understand it.

    Wishing you a peaceful Christmas.

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  4. Merry Christmas, TB. I'll raise a silent toast to you and yours Christmas eve. To those here and not here; you're all within me.

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  5. Hello. Thought of you on Sat when we drove along the Mississippi, crossed to Wis at Wabasha, and saw eagles along the river. Someday I hope to get to the eagle place that I've seen in your blog. My daughter, unfortunately, has the same illness as your son did. These conditions are heart breaking, even treated, and expensive. :(
    You inspired me to simplify my blogs and user names. You may have known me as PS anAfterthought.

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  6. Sorry I'm a little late with Christmas wishes. This is one of those holidays meant for family togetherness and memories of loved ones. Many blessings to you and your family.

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  7. You have a strong presence around you. Merry Christmas.

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  8. For many Christmas is a very tough part of the year. Many churches have a blue Christmas service. Many people report support from this service. You did the right thing to attend.

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  9. Ray
    I understand, friend. Take comfort where you can, wish I could have you for a few days in Butte, but, oddly, there is no snow....first Christmas I've seen without at least a foot or so, and temps have been in the 40's. Happy holidays, much as we can, my friend.

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  10. I think Blue Christmas is a wonderful idea. I'm glad you found a former student.

    Years ago I lost a sister who had a schizophrenic condition and I still feel depressed around the anniversary of her death in November and it lasts until Christmas. For a long time I did not make the connection, but the heart remembers even when the mind has put something away.

    I hope you find solace in the season, whatever it takes. Peace.

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  11. I know it must be doubly hard this year, sending good thoughts your way. That Blue Christmas Service sounds lovely...I am glad you went....and to know the pianist how nice is that!

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  12. I just hope more areas have Blue Christmas services. A wonderful idea for those in need during the holidays when dealing with a loss. What a nice surprise that the lady you complimented was a former student. Nice catch remembering her name. Lean on those who offer Ray. It will help you both.

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  13. I admire your accepting the invitation to the Blue Christmas service. And reaching out to acknowledge the lovely music enriched both your former student and you. I appreciate your posting about your losses and firsts. I still miss my parents at Christmas but now more with nostalgia and thankfulness for their love and their joy during the Christmas season. There is no comparison with the loss of a dear spouse, though. May the days ahead be filled with comfort and peace.

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  15. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. Merry Christmas, Ray.

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  16. What a beautiful service and how wonderful that you got to see (and hear!) a former student. I hope you had some happy moments today, along with beautiful memories of your dear wife and son. It is a hard time of year to be alone but as you see here in the comments, you have many friends thinking of you. Peace.

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  17. Troutbirder, I so appreciate your post. And I was terribly saddened to hear of your wife's death. I admit to being much absent from blogging for quite awhile (though I miss it a lot!). You have been one of my favorite bloggers and you and Mrs. T featured in a lot of my favorite posts and adventures. Please accept my sincere sympathy. May you feel God's presence very near as you begin 2020. And may you continue blogging. I will return! SG

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  18. May I also offer my sympathy in the death of your son.

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