And today at my kitchen table...a little something different...one of my good friends, Denise, was graduating from Regis University and I was planning to go. Instead I decided to stay home with my sore throat and headache and think of her. So when I received a text that told me I could watch the graduation...yes I could be there right from my kitchen table...in my flannel pants and all! I got the link for the live feed and then a pic of the hat to look for. A hat specially designed by her daughter Jenn. I loved the hat!
While I was waiting our friend Debbie had texted me and so I tell her she could watch too...so yes Denise...the honky tonk angels were cheering you on. Wish we could have been there live! But we did get to watch you walk the stage and receive your diploma. Even getting a little longer stage time!
So I asked for some pics...some just to enjoy part of it and some to add in here and so Jenn humored me and sent me some of my friend with the awesome smile...
I think of what an awesome woman she is and how proud I am of her...I remember the first time I noticed Denise...she walking down Main Street in Ordway on the way to the post office with such joy...then we ended up working next door...as our kids grew...so did our friendship...remembering Jennifer would come over to my office...sitting under my desk visiting with me of so many things...of Steve not very old dancing on the car...of getting a slide...of Mr. Earl...of Friday night dinners...her political career as mayor..of being there for the other when losing those special to us...sharing her awesome voice...and even though not living as close...still such an awesome friend. Today I am thinking of here another accomplishment graduating Summa Cum Laude.
I think of not too long ago...Denise taking on another job within her job and I was called as a reference. They asked her faults...I said well not sure if it is a fault...though she does take on a lot...but you know she seems to get it all done adding her MORE to it all (still blame it on the Dr. Pepper). I think of all the time and energy she put into this and a check off of something she has wanted to do for a while...she inspires me and I am thankful to call her friend.
So I hope to get together and celebrate...had thought of doing a Barry song...but you know...but with that thought in mind...LOOKS LIKE YOU MADE IT!!!
Tonight at my kitchen table I caught sight of the moon...I believe they are saying super moon...whichever the case...an amazing moon...I look it up and read at this link... Supermoon story
"Supermoon” is a non-technical term for a moon that turns full at the same time it hits perigee — the point on its orbit when it is closest to Earth. The moon’s path around our planet is shaped more like an oval than a circle, so there are times when it is closer to us (perigee) and times when it is farther away."
So I caught some pics of it...one I included a poem that seemed to come as I watched...that old moon trying to hide from me...and the words to the poem below come to me and I think of my moon verse...If you seek Me...you will find Me when you search with all of your heart..." Jeremiah 29:13
I upon spotting the moon decided to go capture...often I struggle in catching shots of the moon...but it just amazing and as I returned to my kitchen table...my Bible opened to Luke 11...which I had written there..."Hide it under a bushel NO I'm gonna let it shine." I go to see if I can find this song...and I come across this one and it just makes me smile...
The verses in Luke reads...
The Lamp of the Body
33 “No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light.34 The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore, when your eye is good, your whole body also is full of light. But when your eye is bad, your body also is full of darkness.35 Therefore take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness.36 If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, the whole body will be full of light, as when the bright shining of a lamp gives you light.” Luke 11:33-36 NKJV
And I go from there to seeing a prayer where Franklin Graham includes Matthew 5:13-16
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
The prayer talks of being salt and light in our schools, communities, businesses, and even our government...
I think of things going around us...and pray that Light would overcome darkness...Love overcome hate...Hope overcome despair...
So I throw in a few of my pics from the moon...and they say it is supposed to be best viewed at 6:52 a.m. in the morning I believe...but I throw in a couple more shots and say sweet dreams...may your light shine...
And some days you just get special hugs...I call them hugs from heaven. I had such a day the other day when in the mail I received a package...covered with the words fragile and a return label with a red, white, and blue bow from Mary Lou Holman...Aunt Mary Lou...and so today...Aunt Mary Lou at my kitchen table...
A woman who I suppose some might argue was not my aunt...though try and say it to my face...this woman as dear a sister to my mom...a sister to me. An amazing woman...an amazing friend...a person who I have admired my whole life and is one of the women I would choose to pattern after...
So I get back to my gift...a heart...how appropriate...this woman who was given to us many extra years because of a heart...a gift my mom had given her and she giving it to me...so I snap a picture of it in a chair by the window by my kitchen table...a gift of great thought from the letter...to the box with the year she born...to of course the heart...and the love of this gift...
And when I read it...tears streamed as I knew the love my mom and Aunt Mary Lou shared...the friendship...memories of fun...tears...family...and the words talk of Friendship is God's most perfect gift...
The Miracle of Friendship
There's a Miracle of Friendship that dwells within the heart,
And you don't know how it happens or where it gets its start...
But the happiness it brings you always gives a special lift,
And you realize that Friendship
is God's most perfect gift.
I decide to look for a picture of this special lady...and know I have some somewhere...but for now I take one off of facebook...one of the places I have got to stay in touch with this special friend! So thank you Jennifer Walsh Porter for sharing...I love this pic...but cropped it up a bit...
So just wanted to say thank you Aunt Mary Lou for always sharing your heart to so many of us...you giving me a special connection to my mom...for being such a role model to me...You are in my thoughts and prayers always!
I search for songs on friends and one comes up that I know you will enjoy...of the most perfect Friendship...
And then this other comes up filled with hearts...and I think of you and mom...how even after she gone...a connection...a friendship...and no matter the distance between us...friends are friends forever...thank you for being one of those friends!! Love you lots my friend!!!
And there above John 15:13.. (a Veterans Day verse perhaps)...I read these words...fitting for the day...
"This is My Commandment, that you love one another
I interrupt this blog with an apology for taking so long...But surely you are still honeymooning!!! (the honeymoon lasts a good year right!!!) So with that said...I begin where I left off
Storyteller...that seems to be something that has been a theme perhaps for me as of late...I love stories...listening to...telling them...and when I take pictures they sometimes a story in themselves without saying a word. So when I was asked to take photos for a special person in my life...Michelle Petrie...I was honored to share in her story...this new chapter of her life...I think one of her joy chapters and definitely a LOVE chapter...
Michelle...the daughter of my cousin Vonnie...Vonnie the one instrumental in setting me up with my husband...Michelle the granddaughter of my mom's sister Betty...Yes we are family by blood...but I have been blessed to connect with Michelle on a complete different level...through music...through faith...our connection "underground" but connected all the same. I have had the privilege of getting to listen to some of her songs in progress...she taking some of my words and putting music and voice to them...music a part of her story...
She an amazing talent who has experienced some things in her life...moments that sometimes break one...but moments she captured through writing and singing of...storytelling...I feel God has been with her through this journey and though we connected initially through perhaps some sad chapters in our life...in time spent recently...it was as though the girl could not stop smiling. What was this difference? God brought a man called Jake into Michelle's life...and so on February 20, 2016, I was given the honor of capturing moments of real love and real life in the marriage of Michelle Petrie to Jake Seaton...and so at the Tapestry House in LaPorte, Colorado...I got to share in this real life...real love story...and a brick left behind as a memory of this day...
Michelle and Jake set up by special friends...husband and wife themselves...one performing the ceremony...and the other Maid of Honor...I loved of her talking of praying for Michelle...of in her prayers..."consider Jacob Seaton"...and of Jake's story of talking of their first meeting...and so I share one of the components of any wedding story...the kiss...but I love how these friends just seemed to reflect the joy that this couple seems to ooze...
Michelle asking if I would take pictures for her wedding...though honored...I do not think of myself a professional photographer...when asked by the coordinator if I was the photographer and I paused and thought well I guess I am (though I am thankful for the help of two amazing photographers Tonya and Jeff Rylant who helped me tell this story...sharing their gifts) but I see myself as one who loves just capturing moments of life...and due to equipment malfunction...not sure that the correct word as my camera fell off the bed...NO I did not knock it off purposely...but a whole other story in the fact that I was blessed in getting a new lens that made this experience even more fun...so I share a few of those moments...that grabbed my heart...a part of the story of Jake and Michelle...
A favorite song and a beautiful wedding song...Bless the Lord Oh my soul...oh my soul...
One that I loved and I seemed to keep playing with it until finally I ended up with this one...but also kept many different versions of this...Michelle saying she actually has a picture of her smelling the flowers as a little girl...and I pray that you always take that time to stop and smell the flowers...she just seemed to glow...
Michelle getting ready and a kiss on the cheek from two of her women in her life...her mom and her mom's mom...G-Betty...
Then I hope you don't mind me showing your tears Michelle...but a touching part that many did not get to experience...Michelle surrounded by many of the women in her life praying for her...and then her G-Betty prayed over her...and just an amazing touching moment...I think the room did not have any without a tear...Michelle and Jake many prayers over you...God is with you...This picture part of your story...of the real life...of the real love of those who love you and support you...
These moments...yes that is where a beauty deeper than the eye can see...the beauty of love...passed down through generations...and I think of beauty and just Michelle and I in the room when her dad walked in...he looked at her with such love and with a crack in his voice said, "you're beautiful"...and yes Randy she did glow...
And then a kiss on the forehead...a hard job for a dad to do...give his little girl away...
Moments...and before the wedding these two pull up with the flowers...Michelle's sister-in-law Kallie...chauffeuring one of my favorite peeps...my Aunt Betty...but lovingly called "G-Betty" by her grands...
And amongst the flowers delivered was Kelly's flowers...Kelly receiving his own place at the ceremony. Kelly, my cousin, Michelle's uncle in which is part of her story...one of her songs...one who we lost too soon but his love could be felt there...as we know he would have been there with that cool smile of his...
'
In equal opportunity in sharing Michelle's tears...I add one that Tonya captured of the groom...some of my favorite moments are watching the look on the face of the groom as the woman he loves walks down the aisle...this one still brings a tear to my eye...The love shown here is one that penetrates the soul...a moment to hold in your heart forever Michelle...
Probably one that just made me laugh...and the bride and groom as well...the grandmother's...when excused from their photo responsibilities proceed to walk off...right in front of the bride and groom...one of my favorite pics and one that is held extra special as Jake and his family have since had to say goodbye to such a special woman in their life...my Aunt Betty to such a special friend...But how can you not feel the joy...the love...the story it tells...
And so through some technical difficulties and procrastination on my part...I have some additional pics that just seem to be my faves...I know I have several to pick through...but I add a few of them...and for the sake of finishing this blog...I do not add so many other stories of this day but for now...
Following the wedding...everyone gathered together and while Jeff and Tonya took the view from above...I had the lower view...in it I caught Michelle's parents looking up...another favorite for some reason...It really doesn't seem that long ago...that I was standing beside Vonnie on her wedding day and Tim standing beside Randy...and you wonder where the time goes...
Which brings me back to the bride and groom and my favorite pic...one so intimate as I stood in the background during the communion portion of their vows...and the love and intensity of this moment took my breath away...not sure I captured it completely but this view...the picture of a thousand words...the look in Michelle's eyes and Jake solid beside her...An amazing love...with Faith as their Foundation...
Another look in black and white...
And so here is to you Jake and Michelle...I can't wait for more chapters of your story...but thank you for allowing me to be a part of this chapter...
I wonder what songs will come in the future...I caught Michelle singing this song off of my phone...an original written by Michelle and accompanied here by Tabitha Joy Campbell...Michelle's song Real Love is Real Life...a song honoring her grandparents who were not able to make it...but also a song Jake wanted her to sing and the words of this song have always captured me...and I think the thing in this video is if you watch Jake...he does not take his eyes off of Michelle...I think of how Jake has shared his smile and Michelle has shared her song...may you continue smiling and singing through the stories that await you.. I am excited to hear the songs that will come (I think Michelle will be singing soon in LaPorte...and I believe is continuing to work on her recordings). But for now...listen to this one...
I found a little carving that I gave the couple...Love......when each thinks they are the lucky one....and I really feel that each of these two think they are the lucky one...May God continue to bless this union to such an awesome couple!
And just like that...in the blink of an eye...summer has came and gone. As the shepherd and I walked to pick up a school girl the other day...Oppy says...Summer is over...and just like that our life much like the seasons we begin another...change...ready or not...it comes...
Today I got an amazing call. You know one of those calls that you know that the Good LORD directed just for you. One in which I took it standing out in the beautiful sunlight of an amazing fall day...A call that though part of it was hard...someone you love calls to let you know that they are beginning Hospice...but it was a call I will cherish forever. We talked of the little things really being the big blessings...of family bonds...of what an awesome God we love...of writing our stories...of old souls...of purpose...mine...hers...of love...of life and death...how one when told they have something such as cancer...lives with the thought we don't have much longer...when really none of us really know...and as we spoke I watched a dragonfly dance...and it was a reminder to hold on to times as these...to listen...
Yesterday I had the song People get ready there's a train a coming...and I come across this song...and it makes me think more of our conversation today...of one who is ready to go...but perhaps it not her time just yet...I always wonder...what is it that is unfinished...PURPOSE comes to mind again. I think of losing some of my people...Dad and Grandma...slowly with time for conversations...Mom and Jay without much notice...The thing of life is...we don't know when our season will end and winter will come...but it comes...
I had found this verse while going to search for this song...
"But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33
And as I wrote this I was given thoughts...perhaps words out loud Katie...but thoughts all the same...
Seek...Oh little child...why do you make it so difficult? Why must you go kicking and screaming instead of with skipping and awaited anticipation knowing the best is yet to come...the Best ultimately being our heavenly Home. This Jesus of Nazareth--He came for me...for me and sinners just like me...He abounding in Grace--filling me with a Love beyond compare.
Our conversation had went of those that we have loved and lost...of those we love that are near and dear to us...of generations before and generations after...and I come across a picture from a recent time at the ranch...a reminder of all of the seasons all in one...the color of fall...the green of life of spring and summer...and then those trees that have died...all aware that winter is coming. I think of how sometimes though we have not left this earth...we can live as though not living...and I think let me be color and light even while dying...let me choose life while I live...
When writing the other day...as sometimes happens I get a collection of words...some words I never use...
Solace companionships filters and relays a Light that permeates my very existence deep within the soul that can't always be seen from the exterior but it is there all the same. Unpronounced as if a small flicker of an ember awaiting to catch a fire that the glow will ultimately give Light to another...but for now it simmers...
And the word here...Solace...where did that come from but when I look it up it says "comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness"...and I think how it fit today...a prayer for not only this woman I love who seems to have a Peace (the Philippians 4:7 kind of peace...the kind that passeth all understanding...the kind that keeps our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus kind of peace)...for others who seek comfort and consolation...for others whose paths I crossed today hoping to give a little light to them as they gave to me...
So in thinking of summer being over...I know there is much I could talk of...but today I give thanks for this life...for those in my life that I am so blessed to have there...Thanks...and thank you Aunt Vi...you have and continue to touch my heart and soul...
And this morning at my kitchen table...awakened by thunder...and I am taken back to July of 1989 of hearing a loud crash of thunder and lightning filling the sky and the phone call from my brother...my dad was gone...though I already knew. I look at the word gone...and think of the wording...I hear some refer as passed...and I ponder...but he was gone from the pain and suffering that held him down.
Now here it is July 2016 and I get a text from my BFSB...that would be Sheryl Chisman Saine...telling me..."Hi HP! I just wanted to let you know that my dad passed away this morning. We were planning on bringing him home today but God took him home!."
I knowing that I could not call at that time and be of any support and so there a verse...
"Therefore you may now have sorrow, but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice...and your joy no one will take away from you. John 16:22
And we talk of our parents rejoicing together...and I think of Paul...
There are those that are a part of your life and then there are those who impact your life and you are forever changed just because you knew them. Paul was one of those people to me. I had shared that once in Sunday School...Paul said you may be the only Bible some people ever read...he talked of how at work....he a cement truck driver...that some would give him a hard time of his faith...though he really not one to preach...you knew that he believed in Jesus. But he talked of how some of those same ones when faced with hard times...would want to know about his Jesus...I steal a picture of Emily's...Shane and I talking of this being one of my memories of Paul...
Paul was laughter and fun...I remember stock car races...one of our favorite memories...he and Fred Hardman racing the Chevy against the Ford on the 4th of July...and it was mentioned at his memorial...but I had thought I wonder if cars in Heaven...cause I bet Paul is ripping it up...
On my way to the memorial...going to what used to be home...Hanover...where I grew up...but on the way I get behind a cement truck and have to follow it...I smile thinking of it being a concrete truck as I on my way to join others who are celebrating the life of one truck driver....when I get up to pass it...yes Transit Mix and thinking I will take donuts as my desert...because one couldn't think of Dunkin Donuts and Paul not come to mind (and when I get to the service...a table loaded with Dunkin Donuts)...and there waiting on the light...another Transit Mix truck and so me running late (yes Randy I did listen closely about the whole margin thing...one to pray on). But as I headed out Hanover road...I taken back and can remember my mom saying well you probably won't drive slow so drive careful. Sometimes going faster than one should...but I wondered how many times Paul opened up on that old road...
And I get there with a few minutes to spare...hugs to some and then there is Carol. A second mom to me...she our cook at school...and I will never forget the hug and how she held on so tightly to me as I to her and I could feel her heart...her loss...her love. This woman who has lost an amazing part of her life tells me Paul loved you. As I think of this I think...yes I knew that. There are some in your life...you really never knew...but yes I knew Paul loved me and I loved him.
I find my Sheryl and am thankful that we had talked over the phone and shared some tears there...me thinking I need to be comforting them and yet my tears flowed as well...and sometimes maybe it is just letting others know that you feel their loss...you really feel it!!!
And I am told your brother is here. I knew they had discussed coming...and with Shane and Jo...you never know what they might do. They left a little after 4 a.m. to come. Traveling over the mountain...Shane with a bundle of his own Paul memories and stories. Of Dad and Paul pouring concrete when Paul would get some "free". Paul just one of the "good ole boys" meant with pure respect...and I think of another verse I had received some time back of Paul...but came across it again...and find a pic of it I had sent to Sheryl...
I see it is written and Paul suffered...and I believe much like my dad...he suffered until he thought his family was in a place...and that we could let go because we didn't want to see them in the pain they endured...and I think of these two men who are a part of who I am...
During the memorial first Sheryl's family spoke...Kendra holding a sweet little one who brought joy to his great grandpa and I think of Kendra probably being near that age she with her parents came to visit my dad in the hospital and Kendra hopping on the elevator...by herself...scaring us all...she not one worry and I see the woman she has become...a wife and mother and still seems pretty fearless as she took care of things helping out...of Kelsey giving her thank you. I heard stories of the special bond she and Paul shared with their cars...she just has that gentleness...I think of her mom...Randy speaking and playing piano...a man that Sheryl talked of reminding her of her dad...us laughing of how I had told her she needed someone to loosen her up for fun...and yes Randy you did.
Then Sheryl got up to speak and we had already shared this conversation but Paul had suffered for a while. He kept getting chances to "go home" but then would not be able to. The family had helped move Paul and Carol not too long ago from their Hanover home on Chisman Lane not far from where he grew up...a place where I had spent many a fun times...a place always welcome...I know a hard move for them to make. But then Sheryl said on Tuesday...they were told Paul is doing better he will get to go home on Friday. Carol told Paul the news that he would go home on Friday...and they said he lifted his arm and said Hallelujah...
And yes Paul did go "Home" on Friday...and one ponders...did he know the home they were meaning or did he know the Home he was thinking. Knowing Paul and his faith...that he knew Jesus was waiting for him...because he believed Jesus paid the price for him to live forever...I choose to believe Paul knew which Home...he had fought the good fight...
The gymnasium filled with friends from past...from present...family...as I walked in a woman helped me carry in my stuff...and she a friend of Yvonne's...I remember her last name...Yoder so I look and I see Cynthia Yoder...and she says she knew of me from facebook...hmmmm...glad she still spoke to me!
One of the deep breath moments was when the fire department gave honor to this honorary firemen...and with quite ceremony two firefighters carried the axes and then the flag and the presentation of the flag so honoring...the ringing of the bell...and then the hard one...the last call...and perhaps it is not only the loss of one but it triggers memories of others we have lost...but I was told that we remember them with the love...not the dark and the loss. And so I think on that...
As I am writing...Third Day sings Nothing Compares to the Greatness of knowing You Lord...and a dove flashes by my window...and a peace fills my soul!
I think back of the memorial...listening to Brenda's words read by Tony...Tony sharing his own words...Tony...And when I see him to give a hug...I call him Burt and he calls me Doris...and more memories come...and then Emily...I have got to know her as a grown woman via the social media...and love her...have loved watching her children grow...and some of her stories...I feel I have lived them somewhat...her Gunner makes me think of my Lance and speaking of there was one pic that I love of the guy...well he happens to be one of those that my camera wants to follow...but he riding down the hall the John Deere that his mom had received from Grandpa Paul and Grandma Carol...and I think of Emily sharing:
"Trying to explain death to small children is difficult. After telling Tressie and Gunner that Great Grandpa had gone to Heaven, three-year-old Gunner became inquisitive. I explained to him that if he loves Jesus and has Jesus in his heart, one day he'll get to to Heaven and see Great Papa again. "Well I love Jesus and I want Jesus in my heart" was his response. If you want to see Grandpa again someday, that would be the greatest gift to him, if you'd love Jesus and have Jesus in your heart."
And though I have so many stories I just add a few pictures of the day...and remember a man who touched my life my heart and I am happy he is Home and we will see you again...my love and prayers to these special women...
I think of Paul the Grandpa...I am sure one he loved as much as husband and dad...
And I wonder how I missed Emily and Tony and Randy...a little off of my game ;) but I loved getting to see my favorite brother and his bride...they no matter how long I see them...fill my heart with love...
And another long time friend...Mary Spencer...another part of my story...her daughter Nancy and Sheryl share the same birthday...making them much older than I! :)
As I walk through the halls of a school that seems familiar but far from the little school house I attended many years ago...there is a sign that seems very fitting of Paul Chisman...
I always like to look at what things are put together to represent a life...some beautiful momentums...the one probably catching me most the worn Holy Bible's...and love notes to Carol...and Carol and those who love...may you continue to get those love notes...when you see a sunrise...a butterfly...a sunset...or just a cool breeze gently kissing you on the cheek...know that Paul is HOME...I think of the song that played at the end...click here... Far Side Banks of Jordan
And before I left Hanover...I journeyed down the road to see my uncle...who had been there but I hadn't got to talk to...and we talked of Paul...of other things...he and his dog...I know missing a friend...
Each of us grieving and giving respect to a special man each in our own way...seeing many faces from long ago...and I say see you later my friend...see you later!
And so you suppose there is a Chisman Lane in Heaven...Paul meeting up with those who have gone Home before him...and we will see you on the other side!
I include the rest of Emily's pics of the handout for Paul...very beautiful...and I add another song from the day...
