Week 26: Part 1--Uncle Dan

This time I open with blooms from Maine, not Tennessee. That is where I spent the weekend. No one guessed the airport hints from last post.

Anyway, my brother Alan and I flew from Indianapolis to Portland, Maine, rented a car and drove to Waterville to visit our one remaining uncle--Daniel Hirschy (Mother's brother) who still lives at home at age 103. His two youngest daughters live with him. Kathy grows lovely flowers, too many to photograph all of them. I chose this honeysuckle bush because the start came from Grandma Hirschy and also it reminds me of the kind we enjoyed in Argentina.

On the 21st of June, he commented that he is already two months into his 104th. He does not complain, says he's nearing heaven (but does not act like it!). Several times he spoke of longing to see the 14 martyred pastors he trained. In 1973 Dan and Eleanor Hirschy went back to Chad for their seventh term. It only lasted 4 months before they were detained and evicted for "subversive" teaching that kept the people from performing the required idolatrous initiation rites. Fourteen church leaders were arrested, shot and buried in a mass grave.

He regaled us with stories of their many years in Africa: hunting elephants (back when it was allowed and the natives made good use of every part), antelope, hippos; building their house (ant hills, best soil for making bricks) and furniture; toils and travels. 

Their home in Africa

He loves poetry, always has. I recorded several, and hope I can upload at least one. His favorite one by Robert Burns, oft quoted to his wife--A Red, Red Rose. 

He enjoyed telling us stories about his treasured things. The little swing he made for a couple's Valentine get together where each wife had to guess which one was made for her. Eleanor recognized her husband's handiwork immediately and the reference to their favorite spot.

The girls play a word game with him almost daily. I played one with him Sunday afternoon. Despite his very poor eye sight, he taught me anagrams.

Photo credit, Alan Hoyt

The girls take such good care of their father. I say that's the secret of his long life!

Sunday dinner; Linda by the sign she painted; Kathy and Pumpkin the cat.

Linda has artistic talent like her father before her, and my mother (he has several of her paintings in his room)! I learned that our grandfather Hirschy also painted some, but didn't have time with his full life as a pastor and family of six.

Painting by Uncle Dan in his youth

Both sisters have worked at the same hospital for more than 35 years. Kathy is the one who drives and helps Uncle Dan in and out of the car. He still loves to go to church. Even though he cannot hear hardly, he thrives on the fellowship.

Getting in and out of the car; Alan helping him up the ramp and into the church

You gathered, I'm sure, that it was a full and blessed weekend. The flights were smooth as well, although we were delayed five hours on our return due to weather. We were grateful it was not cancelled. 

Meanwhile back in Indiana, Michael spent most of Monday involved in the memorial service for a faithful mentor who worked with the robotics team many years.

And he continued painting the house during every spare moment.

Look for Part 2 mañana o pasado (tomorrow or the next day).