Saturday, August 31, 2013

Fate

As I walked home one freezing day, I stumbled on a wallet someone had lost in the street. I picked it up and looked inside to find some identification so I could call the owner. But the wallet contained only three dollars and a crumpled letter that looked as if it had been in there for years.

The envelope was worn and the only thing that was legible on it was the return address. I started to open... the letter, hoping to find some clue. Then I saw the dateline–1924. The letter had been written almost 60 years ago.

It was written in a beautiful feminine handwriting on powder blue stationery with a little flower in the left-hand corner. It was a “Dear John” letter that told the recipient, whose name appeared to be Michael, that the writer could not see him anymore because her mother forbade it. Even so, she wrote that she would always love him.

It was signed, Hannah.

It was a beautiful letter, but there was no way except for the name Michael, that the owner could be identified. Maybe if I called information, the operator could find a phone listing for the address on the envelope.

“Operator,” I began, “this is an unusual request. I’m trying to find the owner of a wallet that I found. Is there anyway you can tell me if there is a phone number for an address that was on an envelope in the wallet?”

She suggested I speak with her supervisor, who hesitated for a moment then said, “Well, there is a phone listing at that address, but I can’t give you the number.” She said, as a courtesy, she would call that number, explain my story and would ask them if they wanted her to connect me.

I waited a few minutes and then she was back on the line. “I have a party who will speak with you.”

I asked the woman on the other end of the line if she knew anyone by the name of Hannah. She gasped, “Oh! We bought this house from a family who had a daughter named Hannah. But that was 30 years ago!”

“Would you know where that family could be located now?” I asked.

“I remember that Hannah had to place her mother in a nursing home some years ago,” the woman said. “Maybe if you got in touch with them they might be able to track down the daughter.”

She gave me the name of the nursing home and I called the number. They told me the old lady had passed away some years ago but they did have a phone number for where they thought the daughter might be living.

I thanked them and phoned. The woman who answered explained that Hannah herself was now living in a nursing home.

This whole thing was stupid, I thought to myself. Why was I making such a big deal over finding the owner of a wallet that had only three dollars and a letter that was almost 60 years old?

Nevertheless, I called the nursing home in which Hannah was supposed to be living and the man who answered the phone told me, “Yes, Hannah is staying with us.”

Even though it was already 10 p.m., I asked if I could come by to see her. “Well,” he said hesitatingly, “if you want to take a chance, she might be in the day room watching television.”

I thanked him and drove over to the nursing home. The night nurse and a guard greeted me at the door. We went up to the third floor of the large building. In the day room, the nurse introduced me to Hannah.

She was a sweet, silver-haired oldtimer with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye. I told her about finding the wallet and showed her the letter. The second she saw the powder blue envelope with that little flower on the left, she took a deep breath and said, “Young man, this letter was the last contact I ever had with Michael.”

She looked away for a moment deep in thought and then said softly, “I loved him very much. But I was only 16 at the time and my mother felt I was too young. Oh, he was so handsome. He looked like Sean Connery, the actor.”

“Yes,” she continued. “Michael Goldstein was a wonderful person. If you should find him, tell him I think of him often. And,” she hesitated for a moment, almost biting her lip, “tell him I still love him. You know,” she said smiling as tears began to well up in her eyes, “I never did marry. I guess no one ever matched up to Michael…”

I thanked Hannah and said goodbye. I took the elevator to the first floor and as I stood by the door, the guard there asked, “Was the old lady able to help you?”

I told him she had given me a lead. “At least I have a last name. But I think I’ll let it go for a while. I spent almost the whole day trying to find the owner of this wallet.”

I had taken out the wallet, which was a simple brown leather case with red lacing on the side. When the guard saw it, he said, “Hey, wait a minute! That’s Mr. Goldstein’s wallet. I’d know it anywhere with that bright red lacing. He’s always losing that wallet. I must have found it in the halls at least three times.”

“Who’s Mr. Goldstein?” I asked as my hand began to shake.

“He’s one of the oldtimers on the 8th floor. That’s Mike Goldstein’s wallet for sure. He must have lost it on one of his walks.” I thanked the guard and quickly ran back to the nurse’s office. I told her what the guard had said. We went back to the elevator and got on. I prayed that Mr. Goldstein would be up.

On the eighth floor, the floor nurse said, “I think he’s still in the day room. He likes to read at night. He’s a darling old man.”

We went to the only room that had any lights on and there was a man reading a book. The nurse went over to him and asked if he had lost his wallet. Mr. Goldstein looked up with surprise, put his hand in his back pocket and said, “Oh, it is missing!”

“This kind gentleman found a wallet and we wondered if it could be yours?”

I handed Mr. Goldstein the wallet and the second he saw it, he smiled with relief and said, “Yes, that’s it! It must have dropped out of my pocket this afternoon. I want to give you a reward.”

“No, thank you,” I said. “But I have to tell you something. I read the letter in the hope of finding out who owned the wallet.”

The smile on his face suddenly disappeared. “You read that letter?”

“Not only did I read it, I think I know where Hannah is.”

He suddenly grew pale. “Hannah? You know where she is? How is she? Is she still as pretty as she was? Please, please tell me,” he begged.

“She’s fine…just as pretty as when you knew her.” I said softly.

The old man smiled with anticipation and asked, “Could you tell me where she is? I want to call her tomorrow.” He grabbed my hand and said, “You know something, Mister? I was so in love with that girl that when that letter came, my life literally ended. I never married. I guess I’ve always loved her.”

“Mr. Goldstein,” I said, “Come with me.”

We took the elevator down to the third floor. The hallways were darkened and only one or two little night-lights lit our way to the day room where Hannah was sitting alone watching the television. The nurse walked over to her.

“Hannah,” she said softly, pointing to Michael, who was waiting with me in the doorway. “Do you know this man?”

She adjusted her glasses, looked for a moment, but didn’t say a word. Michael said softly, almost in a whisper, “Hannah, it’s Michael. Do you remember me?”

She gasped, “Michael! I don’t believe it! Michael! It’s you! My Michael!” He walked slowly towards her and they embraced. The nurse and I left with tears streaming down our faces.

“See,” I said. “See how the Good Lord works! If it’s meant to be, it will be.”

About three weeks later I got a call at my office from the nursing home. “Can you break away on Sunday to attend a wedding? Michael and Hannah are going to tie the knot!”

It was a beautiful wedding with all the people at the nursing home dressed up to join in the celebration. Hannah wore a light beige dress and looked beautiful. Michael wore a dark blue suit and stood tall. They made me their best man.

The hospital gave them their own room and if you ever wanted to see a 76-year-old bride and a 79-year-old groom acting like two teenagers, you had to see this couple.

Friday, August 30, 2013

Wednesday Cruise






What a nice place.  We crusied to Pike's Hole Wednesday evening.  It was a beautiful night.  No jackets necessary when we were  "in the wind."  The place was packed and hopping.  As I looked around they were all my age or older.  Wednesday was taco night so that is what I had.  Didn't eat the soft shell.  Delicious.  We crusied out the Power Dam road.  Nice to see that they are done with the tarring.  Then went back around  lake Bemidji.  Since one of the other couples Bud and Carol are from Wilton we just headed home together.  What a nice time.  I noticed that two of the cam am were new bikes.  I asked the guys about it and one was bought Monday and the other on Saturday.  They teased me that I was the one that started it as I had a new bike, so they just had to get new bikes too.  Couldn't let a women have the newest bike. 

Thursday, August 29, 2013

trip to "Jamon's"town

Last weekend I went to Jamestown.  The heat and the traffic was oppressive.  But the reward of travel was wonderful.  Jax was so fun to be with.  Nat had asked me to bring my rug scrubber as Jax had gone through a period of up chucking his bottle.  So after he went to bed we scrubbed the rug and it was dry in the morning.  That little stinker noticed it.  He would sit and rub his hand through the nap of the rug.  Of course it smelled much better too.   Nat and I went rummage saling Saturday morning.  That is the first time I saw how GPS could be used to make finding the sales easier.  I found a fewer things that I just could not live without.  Jamon had taken Jax to the football scrimmage of Mayville against Jamestown High School.  The AD and the coach are two of Jamon's best friends.  We met for lunch and then holed up in the air conditioning as it was very hot.  Then after church we went to Fargo for lunch and shopping.  I ran into an old friend from Beach and found out that he had moved to Fergus Falls.  Small world.  Great weekend.  I drove through a rain storm which eventually made its way to Bemidji. 

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Jax update







Jax is verbal.  He can say 5 words plainly and uses them at the appropriate times.  He says up, bye, hi, daddy, and whoa.  It is so funny when he sneezes and coughs hard he says whoa.  I had him in a store this weekend and a lady sneezed really loudly by him and he said whoa.  He always said it when he sneezed.     When I left I told him Gramma is going bye-bye.  I said bye Jax and he said bye.  Then I said I need a kiss.  I kissed him on the cheek and he kissed me back.  Grand kids are so much fun.   

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

A wonderful story of Love

A nurse took the tired, anxious serviceman to the bedside. “Your son is here,” she said to the old man. She had to repeat the words several times before the pat...ient’s eyes opened.

Heavily sedated because of the pain of his heart attack, he... dimly saw the young uniformed Marine standing outside the oxygen tent. He reached out his hand. The Marine wrapped his toughened fingers around the old man’s limp ones, squeezing a message of love and encouragement.

The nurse brought a chair so that the Marine could sit beside the bed. All through the night the young Marine sat there in the poorly lighted ward, holding the old man’s hand and offering him words of love and strength. Occasionally, the nurse suggested that the Marine move away and rest awhile. He refused.

Whenever the nurse came into the ward, the Marine was oblivious of her and of the night noises of the hospital - the clanking of the oxygen tank, the laughter of the night staff members exchanging greetings, the cries and moans of the other patients. Now and then she heard him say a few gentle words. The dying man said nothing, only held tightly to his son all through the night.

Along towards dawn, the old man died. The Marine released the now lifeless hand he had been holding and went to tell the nurse. While she did what she had to do, he waited.

Finally, she returned. She started to offer words of sympathy, but the Marine interrupted her, “Who was that man?” he asked.

The nurse was startled, “He was your father,” she answered.

“No, he wasn’t,” the Marine replied. “I never saw him before in my life.”

“Then why didn’t you say something when I took you to him?”

“I knew right away there had been a mistake, but I also knew he needed his son, and his son just wasn’t here. When I realized that he was too sick to tell whether or not I was his son, knowing how much he needed me, I stayed. I came here tonight to find a Mr. William Grey. His Son was killed in Iraq today, and I was sent to inform him. What was this Gentleman’s Name? “

The nurse with tears in her eyes answered, “Mr. William Grey………”

The next time someone needs you … just be there

Monday, August 26, 2013

Emergency numbers

When in sorrow                                                           call John 14

When you have sinned                                                call Psalm  51

When you worry                                                          call Matthew 6: 19-34

When in danger                                                            call Psalm 91

When faith needs stirring                                             call Hebrews 11

When you feel down and out                                        call Roman 8: 31

When you want peace and rest                                      call Matthew 11: 25-30

When the world seems bigger then God                       call Psalm 90

If your pocket book is empty                                        call Psalm 37

When you are lonely and fearful                                   call Psalm 23

For how to get along with fellow men                          call Romans 12

When you grow bitter and critical                                call I Corinthians 13

If you are depressed                                                     call Psalm 27

If people seem unkind                                                 call John 15

Sunday, August 25, 2013

pictures


Our church is updating our directory.  They have scheduled picture times for members to have their pictures taken.  I worked one of the shifts and then the next day had my picture taken.  I had no reason to buy any pictures.  So I got the  basic package one 8 by 10 and a copy of the directory.  I call it my obit picture.  I am looking forward to a new directory as they are very helpful for any church business. 

Saturday, August 24, 2013

homemaker friend





My homemakers club served the lunch at Fern Hall after the funeral for one of long standing member, Frances Malterud.  She passed on August 16th just before her 95th birthday.  She was an avid quilter and a wonderful person.  She came over to my home to see my quilting machine.  She seemed very impressed.  She had hand quilted and tied most of her quilts.  Her son asked me at the funeral if I would finish her last quilt that she made.  I told him that it would be an honor to finish it.  He is bringing it over on Monday.  I am very excited to see it.    

Friday, August 23, 2013

circle




Our circles met together for the last time this summer.  Now they will be in the circle members homes.  Our pastor led our bible study.  The theme was that we can go outside of our comfort zone and do things that we normally would say no to.   All things are possible through Christ.  We had numerous choices of coffee cake and loads of coffee.  I had to hurry away as I needed to get to Fern Hall to help serve the funeral lunch for one of our long time homemaker's members, Frances Malterud. 

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Sunflower

My sunflower is 115" tall.  It is huge. That is nearly 10 feet tall.  It is headed out, but I haven't seen the flower.  I'll have to get a ladder to see it.  I don't think they were special seeds that would  grow tall sunflowers.     Maybe the soil had more then its share of fertilizer.  There is still a lot of growing season left.  I am anxious for next year to plant more sunflowers. 

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

racing



My high school class meets every Thursday at Luekens North.  We have set a time that if there is any others from out of town in Bemidji they can always find someone to reminisce with. I happened to drive my spider to lunch.  and one of my classmates drove his scooter.  We were joking that we should race.  It is a fun group and I enjoying going down memory lane with them.  Out 50th class reunion is next year.  The dates are Friday and Saturday, August 22nd and 23rd.  Friday night we will meet at a classmates home and Saturday we will meet at Ruttgers.  The class of 64ever.
 

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

DVD Monday

tv on a stand so we could work on it

DVD died.  Tal and I had two goals today.  First get the DVD player replaced  and wired into my TV Stereo system.  Secondly to get him ready for football practice that starts at 4:30 Monday.  Rik gave us $100  to buy cleats and then get him ready with the unmentionables that cannot be discussed here.    After numerous texts to my football playing son  he told me that he could not help us any more that we needed to go to the local sports store and get expert help from someone that knows the Bemidji School requirements for the sport Tal was entering.  We finally ended up at Kecks.  After that it was a piece of cake.  Then on to the DVD.  The DVD does everything including hooking up to your wireless network so that Net Flex, Hulu Plus and U tube can be played.   Well, Tal and I spent the afternoon getting it hooked up to my stereo and television.  Then we got hooked on watching Wild Hogs.  It seems that every summer we watch that  flick.  We laughed and laughed. 

Monday, August 19, 2013

gas


I got a notice in the mail that my gas appliances had not bee checked for ten years and it was time.  So I made an appointment for this process.  Unfortunately it was not a pleasant experience.  The two men that were sent out did not have good people skills.  I literally could not wait until they were done and out of my home.   That isn't always the case.  Other inspections went well.  I was able to ask questions so that I could learn about the systems in my home.  But hopefully I well have a safer home as they found nothing wrong with any of my propane equipment. 

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Boomers and beyond


I attended the Boomers and Beyond Expo on Wednesday.  They surely were targeting the geriatric group.  There were campers, cars, medical booths, insurance booths, casino booths and many, many more.  I really enjoyed the expo.  I saw a lot of people that I knew.  Even a classmate that I had not seen for a long time.  My nephew's girlfriend was running a booth.   All in all it was worth the price of admission -- FREE.

Saturday, August 17, 2013

knitters socialize again




First Lutheran knitters meet in Casslake at Stoney Point Resort.    One of our members has a trailer at the permanent camp spots.  It is a beautifully decorated lake cabin.  As per usual our conversation was lively and very positive.  We really enjoy our outings.  We have one more before we go back to meeting weekly and knitting various items for world relief. right now I am focusing on finishing the afghan in brown and tan. The knitters are starting back September 19th.  I just finished a sweater and must do a matching cap.   

Friday, August 16, 2013

Spider Wednesday

I finally got a free Wednesday and was able to go with the group of cyclists from Bemidji that cruise and eat.  They pick a different restaurant each week and then drive there.  This past Wednesday it was the Brauhaus outside of  Akeley.  Akeley is 37 miles from Bemidji.  We went the back way Through Nary on the way down, but came up 64 and 71 on the way back.  We left at 4:00 and I was home by 8:00.   There were three Can Am's and one off brand I think its called a Harley.  We really had a great time.  One of the couples live not to far from me in Wilton.  They have great food at the Brauhaus.  The servers wear authentic clothing.  The menu has a variety of selections.  The servers take time to let us know what everything is. 







lederhausen


Thursday, August 15, 2013

Monday




Tal and I had two jobs.  The first one was to get all the weeds pulled from my dirt pile and then make it into a beautiful garden.  So we got all the pre work done and then had to figure out the circumference of the circle.  I taught Tal how to figure it.  First we measured the diameter and the multiplied it by pi (3.14).  With that information we headed into home Depot and bought landscaping bricks.  We got 50.  Then home again to put our plan into action.  When we were finished be ate lunch and got ready for our second job.  That was a ride on the spider.  We went to Solway and then to Grant Lake.  At Grant Lake we found men busy putting up play ground equipment.  We plan to check on the progress next week.   Then on to Bemidji for a meeting that I had.  All in all we had a great day.  Getting close for Tal to go back to school.  I will miss him this winter.  What a great kid.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

big plant needs water

 
 


 
Rabbit  eats my biggest pumpkin
 
 
This is just an update on my cucumber ladder and my big max pumpkins.  That pumpkin plant is  so big that I have to water it twice a day. The pumpkins are setting on and the boys are excited to pick their pumpkin.  I was told yesterday that you can carve your name in the pumpkin and as it grows it will keep the signature.  I think that we will try that.   I have had loads cucumbers from the ladder.  Last year I had my first cucumber on July 2nd.  This year it was July 11th.  What a difference a year makes.   But gardening is fun.  

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Turtle


On my way home Sunday I saw this giant snapping turtle crossing the road.  My mouth started watering as I remembered all the good meals we had from turtles that my Dad brought home.  He carried a wash tub and a huge stone just for bringing home the turtles.  Butchering a turtle is an interesting process.  First the channel lock that are longer than 18 inches.   You have to get a hold of the turtles jaw and pull out his neck so that my Dad could behead him.  It was my brothers and my job to bury the head away from the yard.  Whereas the turtle waste parts made good chicken food, the head could not be used that way.  With its reflexes it could kill a chicken whom innocently touched  it for the next two days.   The only meat on a turtle is the four legs, its tail and it neck.  You really could not tell it was not chicken except that the bone structure was different, very different.  Fried, baked, sauteed, or made into soup it is delicious. 

Monday, August 12, 2013

Bed

 
 
I just replaced one of my full sized beds for a queen.  I have a friend that is remodeling a house to fit his extended family.  Some of the rooms are very small and a full sized bed is just the ticket.  I gave the full to him. I needed a queen for company to sleep on.  Anyway it was delivered on Friday just in time for weekend guests.