The Car and the Pole

I think the reason I didn't explain about the car before is because I wasn't sure how it happened myself. 😧

We have our main lot, then two overflow lots. This happened in one of the overflow lots.

About three hours after church ended one of the custodians went over to lock the gates. They have 'arms' or poles, that swing and lock into position. He locked the gates and went back across the street to the church. That's when he heard someone calling him.

There had been a couple of cars parked behind some landscaping and the custodian hadn't seen them when he locked the gates. So he went back over. You remove the lock, pull out the large pin and push one arm over to one side, and the other arm to the other side.

The poles are extremely heavy and to secure them you have to lift them up slightly so they fit between the brace/bracket thing, then keep adjusting until the large pin fits inside.

In the first picture, you can see the upright posts behind the gate. That's where you secure the gates when they're open.

The custodian thought the people would quickly pull out so he pushed the arm all the way over, but didn't secure it.

As they were pulling out, the man stopped to chat. The custodian was on the driver's side, standing in front of that gate arm and couldn't see the other arm very slowly swinging back toward the center. The man's car was back far enough that the arm swung just in front of it as he began to move forward again. Both he and the custodian heard a 'pop' and that's when the arm went through the windshield. 

The two officers held the arm still while the driver s-l-o-w-l-y backed up. The pole came out clean and there was no more damage to the windshield. He was able to drive it home. I'm so thankful it wasn't more serious.

Thanksgiving and CT Scan

Our thanksgiving outreach was wonderful and even made our local news. You can see it here: Thanksgiving Dinner

We served more than 1200 guests and 500 volunteers. This was our 30th year and some of us were talking about how much it's changed over the years. When we started it we got a lot of first responders, and even doctors who work at our local hospital would come by on their lunch break. A lot of people who had to work and couldn't go home would come by to eat. Now, it's mainly immigrants, people who are new to the area or even to the country. Many don't speak English. We also had a lot from the deaf community. We have a small deaf ministry and they invited a lot of their friends. It was a blessing to serve so many.

All ready for the guests to arrive

Beth had her CT scan on Wednesday. We watched a few videos on what to expect and I wasn't sure who was more nervous, me or her! It's hard to describe the feeling you get when you're nervous for something that's happening to your child. I actually felt the knot in my stomach - and I wasn't even having the procedure! They got her on the table and I was able to hold her hand while they got her situated in the machine. Then the doctor and I left the room while they did the scans.

When they put the dye contrast in her arm she had to keep it raised while they did the next set of scans. The entire procedure took about 25 minutes.

After we helped her sit back up she took a deep breath and just sat there for a minute. Then she said she was ready to go, she stood up and we left. That was it. She did really good, she always does.

How was your Thanksgiving? (We're having our family Thanksgiving on Sunday.) 

Do you get nervous when someone you love is having a procedure?

Grief

 A dear friend passed away the middle of April. I just hadn't been able to write about it.

 

I met Vera back in the 1990's when we did ministry together at church.

L-R: me, Vera, Diane, Lillian, Barbara

 

L-R: Diane, Lillian, me, Vera

She met Vern when he started attending the church and they ended up getting married. They were both in their late 60's I think. I got to know Vern when he started working in the maintenance department at our church, and I was the Facilities Admin. 

 

 

 Now around this time our van had been stolen so Chuck was taking my car to work while I walked. (He worked 20 minutes away, my job was 5 minutes away.) So Vern asked me if I wanted to buy Vera's van since she could no longer drive. It wasn't pretty, but that van was such a blessing! In more ways than one. 

 

 

 As time went on Vera began to forget things and was at a place where she couldn't be left alone anymore. So Vern quit his job and they moved to assisted living. While they were in the front office saying good-bye to all of us I sensed he was giving up a lot for her, because she was the one who needed assisted living, he didn't.

 

He was an incredible bowler, and could have gone pro if he wanted to, he had so many trophies and awards it was crazy.

 

So that day in the front office - I think it was 2015 or 16 I told him that if he still wanted to go bowling I could come hang out with Vera. About three weeks later, he called me.

 

When I would get to their place, she would want to follow them downstairs so she could actually watch them leave. It was really sweet, she loved him so much!

 

 

Then while we would stay and eat lunch she would constantly ask where he was and when was he coming home. She began to get agitated while he was gone so we decided that sometimes after lunch, I would bring her to the bowling alley. 

 

We would get into the van and she would say, "I used to have a van exactly like this!" And I would tell her, "Well Vera, this IS your van." She would look at me with wide eyes and say, "Really?!?" The next time we'd get in the van, she'd say, "This looks a lot like my old van." "Well Vera..." and she'd be so surprised.

 

We'd get to the bowling alley - everybody knew her and would holler, "Hi Vera!" as we walked by. We'd sit at the long counter behind the lanes and Vern would come give her a hug. I'd order some hot tea for both of us and we'd watch Vern bowl. Whenever he got a strike - which was often - he'd come give her a kiss and tell her she was his good luck charm. 

Sometimes Vera and I would hang out at their place. Over time she was okay with Vern leaving and I would find things to keep her busy.

She would always recognize me, but couldn't remember exactly who I was.

 

 I would occasionally take them to get their hair cut -

 

 One time Vera broke her leg. The medical team called 911 and she was taken to the hospital, but her daughter couldn't get over to bring her home. So her daughter called me. I filled out the paperwork, assured L that her mom was going to be okay, and sent her a picture.

 

Vera died in 2018, but I continued to visit Vern. Every few weeks I'd bring him chocolate, or homemade cookies. He'd ask about things at work, and tell me about his life. 

About a year after Vera died I bought him a pillow with her picture on it. He kept it in a chair across from his recliner, and told me he would talk to her like she was still there. 

Vern got to the point where he could no longer bowl, but his best friend and bowling partner David would still take him out to lunch, and stop in to say Hi. One day we happened to be there together and I took the opportunity to get a photo - 

 

 

In 2022 Vern invited us all to have Thanksgiving - and then Christmas dinner - with him. It was a good time with good friends. 

Me and Chuck on the left, Vern in the center, and David and Katie on the right

 

About a year ago David learned he had cancer, and died a month later. Vern was devastated. Chuck and I picked him up and took him to the memorial. Vern was never the same after that. He missed Vera, and he missed David.

 

The beginning of April Vern got sick and ended up in the hospital. I visited him a couple of times, he kept telling me he wanted to die at home. Thankfully he got his wish. 

I stopped by to see him on April 15th. There were a lot of people around his bed attending to him. He kept telling them to leave him alone because he was ready to die. One nurse was changing a bandage on his arm and Vern was annoyed, "What are you doing? This doesn't matter! I am dying! Leave me alone. I'm ready to die."

Suddenly he raised his right arm and began saying the Lord's prayer. Said the whole thing. I began to cry. After everyone left I went to his side and he said, "It's good to see you." I told him I loved him.

I left at 3:30. He died at 5:00. 

He knew. He was anxious to see his Savior. And Vera. And David. I imagine it was an indescribable reunion!

I think about him most when I'm getting ready for work in the morning. I wonder 'would this Friday would be a good day to visit him?' and then I remember. Chuck and I had been out running errands the other day and drove by his street. It just welled up inside and I started crying. 

 

This grief has been different. I wasn't related to Vern. It's not like when my dad or my sister died. But it hurts. It hurts more than I thought it would.

This and That

 Hi everyone - 

 

We've been keeping busy around here but thankfully there's been nothing too overwhelming.

 

Beth and I made cookies. Chocolate chip cookies! I usually keep them in a cookie jar and they become hard so I add a piece of bread to soften them up. This time I was too lazy to get the jar from the back of the cabinet so I grabbed a rubbermaid container, snapped the lid on... and those cookies have stayed so soft! Just how we like them! I guess the cookie jars just don't have a very good seal. Now I know!

This is all that's left today

We're already starting to decorate for Harvest Party on Tuesday. The last few years we've done a Trunk or Treat but this year we're back inside. When I first heard that, I was a little nervous thinking of all those people - the set ups, the mess - but custodians are able to come in on their day off so I've scheduled one custodian per floor to keep the trash cans empty and check on the bathrooms... and now I'm excited about it! Our theme is The Farm - can you tell? :)

 

I lowered our flags at work in honor of those killed in Maine earlier this week. It's so heartbreaking - another senseless shooting. My heart and prayers go out to all those affected by this.

 

Earlier this spring we started to hear pastors and speakers all over the country talk about a 'shaking.' Tim Sheets got a word from the Lord about 'shaking starting in 3 months.' That put it right around the end of September. One of our pastors got a word that said, "The time for preparation is over. The shaking as begun." Gina Gholston, Larry Sparks... so many talking about "It's time!" "The shaking has begun!" And across the nation and the globe:

 

San Diego had a hurricane

Eastern WA had devastating fires

Flooding in New York

Category 5 hurricane in Acapulco

Earthquake in Afghanistan

The war in Israel...

There was also this word: "The physical attacks happening to Israel will begin to happen spiritually to the churches." It seems the shaking really has begun. 

 

We had a Sacred Assembly this last Sunday, taken from Joel 2 when Israel was under attack and it's enemy seemed too great to overcome - "Even now," declares the Lord, "return to Me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning." "Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly. Gather the people, consecrate the assembly." And that's exactly what we did.

 

 

We combined both services into one, set up chairs in the foyer, in classrooms, the Commons, and got every person into the building for one service. We had a time of worship, of prayer, repentance, communion, anointing. There had to have been more than 2000 people there and every single person was anointed. It was such a holy time, repenting and calling on God. I truly believe He is in control and we don't need to be afraid. Just trust Him. He knows what He is doing.

 

Doing devotions in preparation for the Sacred Assembly

 

 I saw this on IG the other day -

 

 

I think about you often and hope you're doing well during this season. May you find the Lord's favor and may His goodness go with you each and every day.
 

Help, Heart, Heat

 Hi! It seems like I've been away from this computer for a long time. Things are busy and by the end of the day, I'm just too tired to write. But today is my day off - with no appointments or deadlines - so I'm taking time to post. It feels good to be 'talking' with all of you again.

 

A little over a month ago I met with our Executive team at work and told them I needed to step back from the Custodial Manager position. This position was added to my Admin duties (I accepted it) and I've been trying to do both for more than four years. Now that I understand the scope of the job I'm realizing it's not a good fit for me. I've never managed or supervised adults before and now I know I'm not really cut out for it. It has been the hardest thing I've ever done. 

 

The Executive team said yes to me remaining as Facilities Admin (been doing that position more than 10 years - on staff more than 20) so I'll keep working there. (I'm relieved! I had to prepare myself for the possibility of them going in a different direction. It was highly unlikely but still.) 

 

Yesterday I learned they hired a pastor to oversee the facility/custodians and he now needs to be ratified by the Board and approved by the Pastoral Staff. The job is his but this has to be done according to our bylaws. So, I'm hoping in the next month or two I will have more time at home, more time to take walks, read, make cards... I can literally feel the stress beginning to float away as the day gets closer!

 

 

While at work a few weeks ago I got a sharp pain in my chest, like someone was poking me with a sharp knife. My left arm was sore and I felt light headed. A couple of co-workers prayed for me and I began to feel better. (I love working in a church! 💖) 

 

The doctor did an EKG and found I have Right Bundle Branch Block. That's a blockage in the electrical current in my heart. I didn't know the heart had electrical currents! I don't think I've ever had an EKG before so they don't know how long it's been there. Possible causes are previous heart attack, heart disease... and since I have family history of heart disease, I go in next week for a full echocardiogram. 

 

I think I told you our furnace went out back in December. Our gas fireplace has been a God-send! We've gotten bids from three companies and finally today we decided on which one to use. There's a lot that goes into it, a lot more than I expected. But we'll sign the papers when Chuck gets home tonight (on-line of course) and hopefully soon we'll have a new furnace!

 

 

Beth and I spent a day shopping last week so I'll write about that next time. I hope you're all doing well. Sorry I haven't been writing or reading. I hope to get back to it soon! And now I'll leave you with a picture of Adelaide, a little over 6 weeks old ~

 

Where Was I?

Look at me sitting at my computer writing to all of you! It's a Christmas miracle! Things haven't slowed down one bit since I last wrote, but I can definitely see the light at the end of the tunnel.

 

So, where was I? Oh yeah, "Then the snow hit."

 

I know weather is relative. A day of rain is a deluge to some and barely noticeable to others. Two inches of snow is armageddon to some and t-shirt weather to others. On Tuesday the 28th we got the first snowfall of the season and church was canceled, city busses were put on snow routes and schools shut down.

 

 

 I know some of you are trying not to laugh. And I appreciate it. Tuesday night our power went out and was out for almost 24 hours. I was so grateful for my tea kettle! Peter bought it for me for Christmas last year because our power had gone out earlier and I couldn't use my electric kettle. Hot tea is good any time of year but it's crucial during a power outage! Diana invited us over to her house on Wednesday so we hung out there for a while. It was warm and toasty!

 

 

Diana and Peter's dog Poppy

 

Eventually the temps rose above freezing, the snow melted and we were all back at work by Thursday. Decorating day for us. The entire staff spends the morning decorating the church, it's fun. Then we all eat pizza and head back to our desks.

 

 Plus I've had a doctor's appointment, a dentist appointment - all routine stuff. I've got my Christmas cards almost done; I'm getting some gifts ready for the custodians, havng Christmas dinner this week with a friend in assisted living... but all-in-all I think things are beginning to slow down. 

 

Peter's family is coming out here for Christmas this year so the gift-giving is a little different. We've actually decided to only buy gifts for the kids. No adult exchange this year, which I'm okay with. Takes the pressure off. Chuck, Beth and I will exchange gifts Christmas morning, then we're all going over to D&P's for dinner and games. We haven't seen his family since the wedding a year ago September so I'm really looking forward to that.

 

Dinner is about ready so I'll close this. I miss you all! I haven't been reading - or writing - it seems for a couple weeks. I'm taking a week off over Christmas so I hope to do a little more blogging during that time. I hope you're all doing well! God bless!

The Busiest Week of the Year Turned Into a Little More

We've been doing these Thanksgiving Outreaches for more than 25 years and every year is different. Pastor R's wife J, who organizes and plans everything was sick this year and for the very first time wasn't there Thanksgiving Day! She's in her 70's and is just pushing herself too hard. (That's what Pastor R told me.) I believe him.

 

But everything went well. There were so many extra people that came to eat we had to set up 9 additional tables! Everyone eats, we clear and reset the tables, then the next group - or seating -  comes in. We have three seatings every year. We were completely exhausted by the end of the week / day, but it was so good to serve the community. We have a reception area for families to have snacks and play games while they wait to go into the dining room; there is a place to have photos taken; we have translators, prayer counselors, a clothing bank... and everything is free.

 

I spent Friday watching the parade and just recuperating. Then Saturday morning Beth and I headed back to church to clean up and reset everything for Sunday morning. I brought donuts, granola bars, bananas, McDonalds egg McMuffins, orange juice - anything the custodians might need to keep them going all day! We worked for a few hours, then headed home for our family Thanksgiving while the custodians finished up at church.

 

 

Our dinner was delicious and afterward we took a walk, then played cards. Poppy rested on the couch and watched us play.

At 5:15 Sunday morning I got a text from the custodian saying he was sick and couldn't work. I started getting ready just in case and at 6:00am began texting other custodians to see if they could work but it was a holiday weekend and no one was available. So I worked an 8 hour shift as a custodian, lifting huge cambros filled with coffee, moving tables,

needless to say I was wiped out by the end of the weekend. Thankfully we had Monday off so I rested that day too.

 

 

Tuesday I was back at work and that evening, the snow hit. More on that later!