Celebrations

I'm writing this from my daughter's hospital room, which explains why this post is late. But that story belongs in the next blog post. Suffice it to say, she should be discharged soon.

About the week being chronicled here. . . one of the surprise lilies closed up, another beauty opened.
One of my eyes was increasingly irritated, nearly closed, and caused me some distress. I realized how grateful I am for the blessing of eyesight.

Memory Monday:
My alma mater has been posting historic photos all week.

Were you there on that snowy day in 1969 when the entire student body formed a long line from the old library in McClain to Morgan Library, passing boxes of books along until everything was moved? 

Yes, I was, though I may not recognize myself in the lineup!

I've been reading my mother's diary account of their last visit to Argentina, one month mid December - mid January, 1996-1997. This was especially interesting to me for two reasons: at the time they were the age I am now, and I was with them on that trip! So, I went looking for my photo album of that memorable month. Here is a favorite photo--my parents standing in front of their first home in La Carlota, the one I am currently writing about in my memoir.

Here is Mother at age 98 on my visit Tuesday. The many YouTube versions of an old hymn became our dinner music--Day by Day, with such an appropriate message for us all.

Michael found time to hang a couple of gifts this week. An impressive framed relief print depicting St. Francis, who is known for his strong bond with the animals, hangs in our entryway now.

And, the commissioned portrait of us,  given to us for our 50th anniversary, completes the arrangement above the dining room window.

This year my desire is to celebrate each family member's birthday with a together experience. Wednesday I took Elijah out for a shopping trip. We both look forward to that time each year. He is 15 now. I don't know how much longer he will enjoy this kind of birthday celebration. 

Friday, Kayla and I went to Emmens at Ball State University for the Shanghai Ballet performance of

"The Butterfly Lovers." Her birthday was actually back in October, but this is what she had requested.

Can you believe it, both times I forgot to take a picture? I'll blame it on my increasing eye discomfort.

Saturday, then, for lack of photos, I got one of my lonely evening meal. Michael's Saturdays at robotics are twelve hour days. I would've gone to Elijah's birthday "brinner" (breakfast for dinner) but I didn't feel up to it. Mostly I wanted you to see the bees wax candle that kept me company, Matt's creation!

When Michael is at the shop, I can watch the activity in the mechanics end of the shop live streamed via YouTube. Can you find him?

Sunday morning I enjoyed the worship service from home thanks to Livestream, again because of what was going on with my left eye.

Later, however, we did go out on a special date to Fort Wayne--an early dinner at Texas Roadhouse,

and a very special show at the Embassy Theatre.

Have you ever seen this very talented young lady?

It feels like we've been celebrating our anniversary all month long, and the day is not even here yet. Cards and gifts trickle in almost daily. Most of all we marvel at God's gift of love for one another.

Fourth Week

Slow healing continues--gradually less pain and increased mobility--and ever learning more coping tricks. Meanwhile more long walks, a few special events, and one big goal to focus on--clean up Dropbox of excessive files.

The first event to look forward to was the alumni evening at my alma mater, Grace College and Seminary, which included dinner, a lovely boat ride on the lake, and a tour of the newly opened Dr. Dane Miller Science Complex where we learned of the Lilly Center Studies that conducts testing and research of lakes and streams and classroom education in area schools. More than 50 aquariums are housed there ready to go out this fall.

Another institution we love is our neighbor--Taylor University. In my walks I continue to explore and learn new details: a plaque to remember a dormitory that is no longer; a campus clock, gift of the class of 1967; and the KSAC, short for Kesler Student Activities Center.

The next event I looked forward to was the Basque meal prepared by the three students who visited our area this summer. We had not met them yet so it was a very enjoyable evening getting acquainted and sharing the lovely food they prepared for us.

I also look forward to the Let's Make Art Paint Along of the week, though I was not as happy with my end result. However, the first pledge at the beginning of the show is, "I promise to be kind to myself." So here it is.

Hollyhocks

 Everyday this week I searched the Miracle Camp photos for glimpses of grandson Elijah. For days there was no sight of him. I began to wonder whether he had run away, ha! Then finally I caught these. Can't wait to hear his report of camp week.

Moriah (our resident student, away for the summer) sent a photo of the four Phyxtgears Dannar summer interns atop the huge mobile power station they've been working on. In less then four weeks they will be back in school.

Michael, besides helping me, has enjoyed some very long bike rides nearly every other day. Saturday evening, after a very long day riding with friends from what used to be the Delaware Cycling Club,  we had a delightful evening at an outdoor performance of Shakespeare's As You Like It by the Hoosier Shakes.

Other fun moments were encounters with friends--at a cafe, on a long walk, at the Farmer's Market, at a bridal shower.
And the finale was Sunday celebrating Skye's 22nd birthday with family at Matt and Kayla's. They are wonderful and generous hosts.

My gift to him was his early-life story, an assortment of photos-good memories to prepare him for what lies ahead as becomes a father. Here are just a few of my favorites: the new bicycle mom assembled; on our deck; his favorite pose; off to work with grandma's briefcase and wearing her shoes!

 There were a few cat lovers present at the event: Rebecca with Buddy Oz and Delilah, Leah's indoor cats; Kayla and Karen with Oreo and Twinkie, the Kern family cats.

For most of this year it has taken me longer to process each week's memories and memorable moments. If you are a regular reader, you have surely noticed and grown accustomed to looking for a post on Tuesdays. I am grateful to be able to continue these reflections on life as it happens.

Do you keep a record of the daily gifts life brings?

A Grand Old Man

That is how Jay Kesler, our recently-retired pastor, referred to my Uncle Herman.

Jay came by our pottery exhibit at the festival and commented on Mike's new hobby. I made mention of his own fine carpentry work. Jay laughed it off as "making sawdust." Then I told him I was reminded of my uncle, also a college president who always had carpentry or building projects going on the side.

The name of Dr. Herman Hoyt, reminded him of a treasured incident. I was eager to hear it, and now to pass it on.

When Jay was president of Youth For Christ, for many years they held their annual conventions in Winona Lake, at one time the largest Bible Conference Center. When Grace College and Seminary took over the conference grounds, they had a greater say in what speakers and groups were allowed. A couple of the participants, musicians or preachers, featured at Youth For Christ gatherings were of a Pentecostal or charismatic persuasion not aligned with Grace Brethren denominational beliefs.

Uncle Herman called Jay and asked to meet with him in Winona Lake. Their conversation was very cordial but Dr. Hoyt kindly asked Youth For Christ to find another conference location.

Many years later, after Jay had become president of Taylor University in 1985, and Uncle Herman had long since retired, once again Dr. Hoyt surprised Jay. He phoned to say there was something he needed to clear up before meeting his Maker. He referred back to that meeting in Winona Lake and his decision regarding Youth For Christ, and said, "It was wrong, I gave in to pressure, that is not integrity. Will you forgive me?"

Dr. Kesler was deeply grateful for that admission, not because it had been a sore point with him or Youth For Christ, ever. And, as college administrator, he could very well understand outside pressure. No, it was the example of this "grand old man" that he will never forget, a great lesson in keeping close accounts.

Herman Arthur Hoyt passed away at age ninety one, August 29, 2000.

Great niece, Tina Hoyt, stands next to an etching in Grace's Hall of Fame