In Strides

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“We had the strength to raise them, we will have the strength to let them go …”    

– The Waltons

A friend sent me that quote a few days ago. Soo, true.

I’m sat here, finally, after a busy day. I just read great news from both kids (6 hours after the fact), if I could pat myself on the back I probably would, but I know single moms rarely accomplish big things without help from many.  Life is a crazy ride, and I’m so grateful for it. I’ve settled in to empty nesting finally, yet I wish I was with both of them celebrating their accomplishments.

Anyway, just one more quick story from today. Been a heck of a day. ♡

Love you, Aud.

I helped care for a man today who had recently gone to heaven. It was my privilege to do so, even if some would say it’s just my job.

He was the epitome of a real Nebraskan. A Nebraska Gentleman, he served his country, he raised his family, his wife had been cherished, he cared for his farm and community, all the while serving his church.

He taught grown men how to farm in the 1950s, after Korea, and did very well farming his own land. When many folks were selling in the 1980s, he was just hitting his stride. He had a helluva stride, too. I looked forward to seeing his face on Sunday mornings. He would’ve been just my type. Well dressed, and smelled good too, even at over 90, you could see him driving his vehicle to play cards with the boys, or walking to church on a beautiful Spring morning. He was humble, soft spoken, yet incredibly certain, he paid attention to detail and always asked about my children. The true enjoyment on his face over their accomplishments created the best feeling inside of me. He truly cared. I’ll miss him. His presence brought normalcy to my week. I live with regret. I didn’t tell him how impressed I was by his just being HIM.

It was an honor to serve his family today. 95 years – well done, good and faithful servant.

Be well, friends. ♡

28 thoughts on “In Strides”

  1. It is something special, when someone you’ve raised and guided in life shine the way your children have ~ and this beautiful story is an example of your good grace, and, of course, the grace you’ve passed onto your children. I’d say congratulations, but this word doesn’t do justice to what you have accomplished. I have a feeling of pride reading this, and you as a parent preparing the new generation now taking charge of what we have left them (chaos) is what makes me so optimistic in the future of this country. Thank you for sharing this with us all, and you definitely should pat yourself on the back 😊🌷

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    • Mr. Collis, you are too kind. Thankfully I’ve had loads of help from those I admire. I am always willing to listen to rational thinking. Our world is chaotic but I believe in people. We’ll be okay. I’d have been a momma to hundreds. Giggle.

      You be safe out there. Keeping you and your beautiful soul in my prayers, Dalo. You’re one of my favs. ♡

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  3. You know, Poetess, I’m betting that older gentleman knew exactly how you felt about him — and if he didn’t on earth, he likely does in his afterlife! Kudos on the kiddos — an empty nest isn’t the worst thing in the world. Pat yourself on the back and keep ’em close in prayer!

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  4. I am willing to bet he knew exactly how you felt toward him, Audrey and that he might have been uncomfortable if you had made a big deal of it. The way you cared about him, probably told him everything he needed to know about how much you appreciated him. This was very nice to read.

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  6. awe, that Nebraska Gentleman sounds like a wonderful person.
    And I liked that quote…. and glad you are finding some settling in with empty nesting. I think I will always have a slight displacement as an empty nester, yet I fully accept the stage as a healthy and natural part of the cycles and stages of life.

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