Gone Are The Days

The rains kept me inside for two days. I thought I would begin the monumental task of cleaning my office. When a job is not fun to do, break it down to small bits and complete one tiny portion at a time. I began by sorting through a stack of papers on a file cabinet and managed to discard most but kept the old letters and cards. One made me cry...

A small purple card hid amongst invoices, contracts, faxes, etc. mostly from my husband's sold business. Thinking the card was from my dear aunt who lives in Vermont, I opened it to see what she had written. Instead, it was from a wonderful man who fell ill with old age. He owned a very popular restaurant in town, started it by himself and after several decades it still thrives today with his daughter's talented work. Jim and his wife Sally were such dynamic people, the kind of humans that everyone loves and wants to be in their presence. Jim personally greeted each customer at the door with a smile and a handshake for the men or a gentle hug for the women. He was always dressed in a perfectly starched shirt adorned with tasteful cuff links and a classic silk tie. His eyes were filled with love and respect for all of us and he genuinely loved people. Both he and Sally dedicated themselves to the community through volunteering and financially supporting wonderful causes, especially the symphony.

Jim also loved horses. No, he didn't ride nor did he ever own one, but he always admired them from a far. A while back our town had a mounted police program which was self sufficient from private funds raised through individuals who resided on the board. I was secretary of the board and then for a short time, vice president before the newly elected mayor refused to lend the trained officers to ride the horses. Jim would bring out a carrot if he saw the police horse walking down the sidewalk. It never failed. He would stroke the horses neck while the horse gratefully chomped down on his treat.

I guess the card got me thinking of my past life and all the people that I love who have left our beautiful earth. I get too attached and really miss those who are gone. The process of aging not only affects our outward appearance but how we think and view our lives. As I get older I try to live each day fully conscious and grateful for our rich blessings and my blogging has become one of the tools to do just that. My photos, simple stories, and dedication to reiterate the highlights of life's special moments helps me keep a hold of the days gone by. Thank you Jim for being a wonderful friend. I miss you so much!