My sister's love story

Today August 13  is my sister Karen and her husband Bruce's 54th wedding anniversary. I remember the day of their wedding so clearly. They were married in the Oakland California Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints after a very short engagement. They were so very much in love. My parents and I flew out to Oakland from Illinois for the festivities. We waited outside as that is the custom; only members of the LDS Church can enter the temple. I was sixteen at the time and thought all of this was wildly romantic and loved my sister as I supported her wholeheartedly in anything that she did. Bruce was a kind gentle man and the perfect companion for my dear sister. As an aside,  I was married in the LDS temple myself after joining the church when I was 24. 

Bruce and Karen went on with their love story and raised a wonderful family of ten children: 2 girls and 8 boys. Most of their married life was spent in Utah and California but in the last couple of years they went off on an adventure and lived in  Guatemala and Mexico. In 2017 they decided to return to Utah where unfortunately a few months later in April of 2018 Bruce went into the hospital with a damaged aorta and left this world and the embrace of his faithful wife of many years in August. She of course was devastated but with the faith and knowledge of being together for eternity, she was comforted with knowing she would see him again. But still, of course, she wept and missed him terribly. She decided to move to Mexico where they had been so happy and lived there for over 4 years, visiting family back in the States occasionally and many of them visited her. This was a time of healing and grief and joy for her as she learned to create a life of her own without Bruce, the love of her life. She shared with me a story that Bruce had wanted to write her a love poem but never got around to it. So, I decided to write a poem myself and give it to her. She and Bruce were infatuated with each other from the moment they met until he closed his eyes and left to return to the God who made Him. Happy Anniversary Bruce and Karen! Your love and your life have always been an inspiration to me! I love you both!! 

                                                Karen and Bruce Forever (a poem)

He wanted to write a poem of love for her but couldn’t quite get the words to rhyme,

So he penned a letter expressing his feelings - one that would last for all of time.

Little did he knew as he wrote her those words embedded so deeply within his heart

She would find it four years later tucked in a drawer after they had been torn apart. 

It was for her birthday in June two years before he died he wrote to his beloved wife,

Stating his desires to protect her, care for and love her for she was the joy of his life.

In Mexico they traveled together, exploring and living life happily following their dream

Away from the cares of the world, work and problems, just two now on their team.

Ten children they had lovingly raised, working hard and moving from place to place.

But now they had the freedom to choose where they lived and retired from that race.

Hand in hand they walked to each exotic place enjoying the sights and the sounds.

The pace of this land so different from home where chaos and stress did abound.

He ended the letter with his words of love that would indeed last forever,

Signing his name she has held in her heart for the 46 years they were together.

My sister sighs as she takes this “gem” from its place in her dresser drawer

Cherishing his love, and feeling his presence as she has so many times before. 

His last words to Karen his wife and their children as they watched his life subside

Were “You must create a life you can enjoy for it has been a beautiful ride.” 

So She has done just that and returned to where they were happy those last two years.

And as she sits and remembers and cries Bruce speaks:” I’m waiting for you, dry your tears.” 

Together again is truly in her future, standing next to her valiant, loved one so true

Separated now only by time and space with heaven hiding him from her view.

But within her heart, where many  memories reside of the two of them together

She knows indeed as Bruce so lovingly penned,  “We are on our way to forever.” 

(There’s your poem Bruce…love, Jeri)  

                           

                               Dancing at their son's wedding many years later..still as much in love as ever!

 Dan is a friend of our family in Bend and is now our friend. This was written for his birthday while we were out there visiting in June 2024 for our grandaughter Zoe's high school graduation.

Dan the Man 

(June 8 2024 for Dan’s birthday in Bend OR)

Gentz wearily rolled into Bend in a Penske truck pulling a car,

Tired of driving and unsure of the next step on this journey from afar. 

But help was around the corner for waiting for him was Dan 

Who gave him what was needed, and took over with helpers all strong to a man.

Dan won his heart that day three years ago in June 

And ever since there has been a bond that won’t be broken soon. 

So Happy Birthday dear Dan as this year you turn 45. 

We are glad that with all your adventures you’ve made it this far alive! 

 

At the end of May 2024, on our way out to Utah/Oregon, we stopped in Rocksprings, Wyoming to visit our friend Geri who used to live in our area. She and her husband Eddie moved to Texas over ten years ago. They had a lovely time there but he died suddenly and she and her daughters and grandchildren were heartbroken. Two years later she moved to Wyoming to live near her three daughters. This was our first visit to her new place. 

Geri .. a poem of love 

There she stands welcoming all in through a  sweet yellow door

To enjoy this perfect cottage given to her by the Lord.

The spirit fills her home with love and pictures on the walls

Of the Savior and her family to whom

She has pledged her all. 

Her beloved husband is with her in every corner that you see 

Standing right beside her with love and pride in his family. 

He sends his blessings, love, and guidance and pennies from above 

And each one is received with gratitude for this gift of eternal love.

Darling daughters surround their mother with children and much laughter

Their adoration is apparent and will be with her ever after.

Thank you, Father, Mother, and those angels watching nearby

For caring for our faithful friend Geri who never questions why.

Instead, she continually  turns to thee with a pure and willing heart

With prayers filled with holiness as she covenants to do her given part.

As we held hands today and prayed before we parted ways

I felt the Holy Spirit and Eddie with us just out of our gaze. 

For the spirit felt here is celestial among these forever friends

Who know that on this gospel path, our love will never end. 

 Camping Poem

We pulled into Montauk State Park and were met by barking dogs. 😳

My heart sank as I saw how close we were to our neighbors like Lincoln logs! 

Overshadowed by RVs there were people sitting and talking all around.

I wondered how will I have any quiet and where are the bathrooms to be found? 

We got set up and found our way feeling like new kids on the block. 

The bathrooms were found, we took a walk, and I kept looking at the clock. 🫣

Our three-night stay turned into two and after the downpour last night 

With mud everywhere and wet blankets, I think leaving today sounds right. 

So let’s hook up Poirot and drive away to somewhere people can’t be found. 

There are too many fishermen here telling stories and dogs barking all around. 

But we’ll leave pretty soon and go canoeing if the river isn’t too fast. 😬

We’ll do some sightseeing, eat dinner in town and then the day will have passed. 

Tomorrow we’ll leave, and bid farewell to this park and all the RVs and dogs. 

Let’s find another place to spend the night and make a campfire with wet logs!

We do have fun, no matter what happens with crowds and bad, rainy weather.

For we are cozy and happy inside our trailer and we love spending time together. ❤️😉

 Sunday revelation

“You’re all different” my Father gently whispered to me. 

“Some are energetic with many places to go, but you are not a type three.

I need my children to serve one another and yes, that often means moving 

But service is equally needed at home and among those who need Loving. 

So cherish the gifts I have given you, my daughter, whom I trust. 

Don’t feel that when I was giving out loaves, you got only the crust. 

For without your sensitive, loving words to those in emotional need 

They may get lost among the crowd and to my church give no heed.

When others get involved and you feel guilty like you won’t ever measure up. 

Remember, who you are and that I love you and maybe you just need a nap! 

Rest and relaxation are important as you traverse this complicated life. 

Peace is what I want you to have and comparison only results in strife. 

I sent those to you who no one else can reach in quite the same way. 

Bring me into those conversations and I will be with you throughout your day.”

Thank you, dear Lord, for these truths that spoke directly to my soul.

All that thou art and asks of me, I know will make me whole. 

As I take thy name upon me and try to always remember thee

I pray to be directed to those who from their pain need to be free. 

 Second great grandmother

Her slip is tucked away in 

My temple bag. 

Auguste Abramowska. 

I say her big name. 

Aloud.

No one on earth has spoken her name 

In years. 

She is not forgotten 

Nor are her six babies 

Who never made it to adulthood. 

All waiting. 

She is eagerly waiting. 

Today in Nauvoo, 

The holy house of the Lord 

It begins. 

I walk through 

Those doors 

With her. 

We will go down into 

The healing waters 

Of baptism. 

Two Mothers. 

Separated by years 

But linked by love 

And tears 

And longing for our children 

To be ours

Forever. 

That forever begins 

Today. 

 Guilt poem

Guilt for sin only my husband will say.

I laugh and reply you don’t understand my way!

I feel guilt when I leave grandkids or a place too soon

And guilt when I take too long looking at the moon!

I feel guilty for spending too much time at one child’s place

Thinking well I should be with that one like it’s some kind of race.

And to take a day and do just what I would like to do?

With no kind of chatter or shoulds blocking my happy view?

Oh my, I can’t imagine but I think that sounds divine!

So one day a week I’ll accept no guilt and I'll feel just fine! 

When I’m shopping at Goodwill or wandering in a store

Instead of chiding myself I will smile and look a little more.

If I take too long reading or stay a while more on the couch

I’ll smile and accept myself for I am happy instead of a grouch! 

For in this world, the days we are here seem to quickly flee

And I don’t want to waste any more days pitching guilt at me!! 

So at least one day a week and who knows maybe more??

I’ll enjoy each place my feet are, for feeling guilt is such a chore!! 

 Ode to a car

Gentzy bought that cute Toyota Corolla back in 2001. 

20 years later Gentz pulled it behind a truck when they moved to Oregon. 

Brennan has driven it across the country many times and back.

It’s provided transportation and fun and no energy does it lack. 

Now  Ava who turned fifteen has got her driver's permit

And guess what she’ll be driving? That Corolla just won’t quit!

 Siloam springs 

Camping at Siloam Springs brings us so much peace. 

We leave all distractions behind and enjoy the silent breeze. 

The trees are majestic, and the wind gently rustles the pines. 

No one is around so we are all alone, which is fine.

Gentz builds a campfire of his favorite red elm so good. 

And goes foraging for more on our walks with so much wood. 

Our camper is cozy, waiting with its welcoming open arms. 

We embrace this place of quiet with all of nature’s charms. 

Selling the Camper

 This isn’t a poem but a few weeks ago we had decided to sell our little T@b camper. We just didn’t get out enough in it we reasoned even though we enjoy it immensely when we do! We called it our “rolling cabin in the woods” since we loved taking it to out-of-the-way places of peace and quiet surrounded by trees. 

So we decided to take it out one last time to Siloam Springs State Park our favorite spot and about 45 minutes from our home. The minute we pulled into the camping area with its tall majestic pines my heart was just full of we have to keep this!! We settled down into the area for the next 27 hours which was all we could do since we needed to return to responsibilities as usual.

We rode our e-bikes. We walked the wooded trails. We watched for the eclipse.  We listened to the sounds of the birds. We listened to the quiet. We made a roaring fire and cooked a lovely tin foil dinner over it. We sat. We talked. We smelled the pines. Then we snuggled into our cozy camper for the night and woke up to towering pines and more quiet.

All plans to sell the camper vaporized into the beautiful sky above. We came home refreshed and more in love than ever. So we only had 27 hours! We had 27 hours of bliss and peace and quiet and each other! I’d say that’s pretty great! When we informed our kids of our decision to keep the camper out darling daughter-in-law Erin texted this to me. Erin was going to take photos of the inside of the camper a couple of days later to get ready to sell

I texted and told her I was canceling it.

Here’s her adorable hilarious beautifully worded reply:

“Cancel the shoot. Keep the camper. It’s only money. And that’s 2-3 weeks of pure bliss and memories. That’s a lot!

It also represents possibility. So you don’t even know the plans you’re missing and canceling in getting rid of it.

You guys are available to a lot of people, that’s the life you’ve created and it’s so beautiful. But I love that you have this camper, that’s perfectly sized for the two of you. It’s this little nugget you can pack up, drive into the middle of the woods, and be together in.

I LOVE THE CAMPER.

You have to keep the camper because I want to do this one day with John when we are older (to have a camper to run away and adventure in) so you and Gentz are what is called a “log” in manifestation where, if you can’t get the thing you’re manifesting yet- you look for someone who has it and jump on their “log” going upstream to your camper.”

I love that all of our kids wanted us to keep it. They joyed in the fact that we got out into the woods and away from everything and maybe like Erin they knew someday they would have that kind of freedom to get away without any worries for 27 hours or so every once in a while!