Nostalgic Noel

Not yet quite motivated to deck our halls,
Hubby dear, determined to inspire,
Bearing boxes and bags from their basement bunks
Eagerly anticipating my enthusiasm to acquire.

Outdoor garland and glimmer begged bedecking
When Indian summer came mid-November.
Gratefully foregoing frozen fingers and toes,
A random rarity…one we’ll remember.

Sentimentally sorting through seasonal stuff,
Ill-prepared for this sudden eruption,
Unpacking the reindeer Daddy made long ago,
Found me flooded with tearful emotion.

Twice taken from those who loved him so dearly,
Alzheimer’s ~ a tragic thief ~
September 15th heaven heralded him home
Deep sadness blending bittersweet relief.

Albeit morose, life is meant to be lived,
Though death changes you…one cannot deny,
We go back to work, birthdays, weddings, and such
Regular routine ~ refreshment on which to rely.

Leaving logic in limbo, lucidity lost,
Accompanying Wait, white-water rafting we went
With a group from our church down the lovely New River
“Class 5 rapids” ~ I had no clue what that meant.

Grasping the ropes instead of rowing as directed,
For me, Class 5 meant “Hold on for dear life!”
Poor Waitman, functioning in major “protective mode”,
Broke a rib trying to shield his scared wife.

Intending to inspire (and with remarkable success)
A challenge to our VBS kids Wait gave
Fifteen-hundred dollars given from Monday to Friday,
And his head he’d permit them to shave!

Congregating in Orlando, General Assembly in June,
The Nazarene Family’s quadrennial convention.
Good workshops and services…enjoyed seeing old friends,
But the heat and humidity, a most distressing dimension.


November now waning, Thanksgiving past
December’s “fa-la-la” now set in motion.
Parties and plans, family, fellowship and fun
Perfect pleasure, this Christmas commotion!

Overwhelmingly blessed…our 3 kids and 5 “grands”
Steph & Ashton, Sam, Jaimee and Addy...
Our Texas Five (anticipating a trip there in January)…
Holly, Justin, Zach, Alex, and Maddie.

Enjoying the home our church has provided
In the place where we’ve served for three years
Faithfully following, preaching and teaching ~
Two Buckeyes amidst Mountaineers!

Lingering a little longer in the meaningful memories
Fondly reminiscing till we meet again
Saying farewell to the days of auld lang syne,
Wishing you God’s blessing in 2010.