Oasis on Our
Journey
Last year at
this time we had barely pitched our tent in Milwaukee as we got organized in
our duplex. Now, having gone through a full year’s cycle, we are feeling at
home with the rhythm of our journey.
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| Together on a chilly Thanksgiving morning Leanne, Isaac, Hannah, Jon, Erik, David, Elizabeth, Sam, Rachel |
Early on,
maybe even in 1969 but certainly by 1970, we recognized that the image of
living in tents from Hebrews 11:9-10 would become a guiding metaphor for our
life. At that time we had no idea that we would be pitching our tent in so many
varied places, be accompanied by so many wonderful companions, or have such
amazing adventures. Though we know God will continue to surprise us on this
journey, we recognize we may now be at our last encampment before reaching the
city with foundations whose builder and architect is God.
We are very
thankful that so far Candy’s Alzheimer’s is progressing slowly. That is the
word that’s used, even though regressing seems to be a more appropriate word. She
has discontinued computer use, so no longer responds to email or is on
Facebook, but she does enjoy phone calls and USPS mail. She enjoys the brain
stimulation of Mind Effects from 10 am to 2 pm every Thursday at the Lutheran
Home. She loves the crafts and socialization of the monthly Memory Café with a
small group of others with memory loss and their caregivers. I benefit from the
Alzheimer’s Association monthly caregiver support group. We typically play
Scrabble 4-6 evenings a week, and I am doing well if I win more than once.
Just a month
after Christmas we will celebrate (though we haven’t figured out how yet) a
great milestone on our journey. Our 50th Wedding Anniversary will be
January 25. Since we were all together for Thanksgiving again this year, we
don’t anticipate a family reunion next month. Still and all, we anticipate it
with joy and gratitude. Often people congratulate us on this as though it is an
accomplishment. We rather regard it as having been the greatest, most
satisfying adventure of our lives. Yes, Candy’s Alzheimer’s has been an
unanticipated turn in the path, but as Candy often says, “Every day we cry a
little, and we laugh a little.” We are
learning to live in the moment, finding that God meets us there with great joy.
Candy’s Dad
continues to live in his own home in Minnesota with his caregiver, Sue, to
check in every day and care for daily needs. We appreciate that she keeps us
informed. We have made a few visits. Helping with practical matters also helps
keep the relationship strong. This is much easier from Milwaukee than Dallas.
We can make it to him in as little as 6 hours if need be.
In June we
flew to Pennsylvania to celebrate Isaac’s high school graduation. This fall we
made a trip to Dallas for the launching of my book Ripples. You can watch those interviews at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi99QDUyofJs12eyrlCjGvw?guided_help_flow=3
and learn about the book at www.ripplesthroughlives.com.
That was the occasion for the trip, but the great benefit was to spend some
quality time with Erik and see some of our friends from my days as pastor of
Central Christian Church.
The approach
of Christmas with its message of joy prompts us to keep our focus on Jesus in
each day’s moments of joy.
May you
receive great joy this Christmas!
Norm for
Candy too
Erik in Texas
Erik is
finding deep satisfaction in the impact and interaction he has with students of
all ages and the teachers at the Dallas School of Rock, where he is the Music
Director. Though not gigging the way he used to, he does get to perform with
his student groups.
His role in
the music ministry of Central Christian Church continues and deepens. David
Aston, the Music Director and Organist, secured a violin for Erik. Erik had
played violin in middle school and as a high school freshman. He is thrilled
with this opportunity to get back to it. He is preparing something for
Christmas for the church. Thanks to Elizabeth letting him use her violin, Erik
amazed us with it at Thanksgiving.
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| anticipating our 50th wedding anniversary January 25 |
Upstairs
Stolpes
Elizabeth is
in 6th grade at Longfellow Middle School, continuing with violin and
flute music and swimming. One of our great joys is witnessing her blossom into
a delightful young woman.
Sam is a
junior at Wauwatosa East High School, playing cello in the orchestra and
mandolin for the fiddle club. His preliminary college hunt has begun, looking
for someplace for musical engineering and a swim program.
Rachel is
transitioning from being an overnight nanny to a substitute teachers aid for
students with special needs. This allows her to work when Elizabeth and Sam are
in school and sleep at home every night.
In his second
year as the impact teacher for Lane Intermediate School in West Allis, with the
adjustments made since last year, David is receiving both satisfaction and
affirmation. His after school “garage band” club continues to bear fruit in
transforming students.
Empty Nest
Stolpes
Yes, Jon and
Leanne have entered the empty nest stage of life. Isaac is now a freshman at
Grove City College, where Leanne and Jon met. He is a music education major:
piano, trumpet, and vocal. He performs with several groups besides his classes.
Hannah is a
junior at Messiah College with a double major in Spanish and French Education.
She was in Chile this year for Spanish proficiency. She will be heading to
Strasbourg, France this next semester to work on her French.
This year Leanne and Jon facilitated a “Dynamic Marriage”
group and celebrated their own 22nd anniversary at Cape May, New
Jersey. Not only is Leanne teaching kindergarten, she is working on her own
graduate degree and taking piano lessons.
Some Additional Photos from Thanksgiving Morning
Thanks to Rebecca Keiser for the Pictures
www.becominggoldphotography.com
