Friday, June 5, 2009

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!

13 comments:

Erica said...

That was very sweet and well written. :) Happy VGNO

Elizabeth D. said...

Aww, what a sweet story. Jim sounds like he was a very special man. Happy VGNO!

Missy said...

Hey there, stopping by from Ann's. Happy VGNO. Love all your critters.

Country Mouse, City Mouse said...

What a lovely tribute!

Have a great weekend:)

Leslie said...

Ohhhh, you caught me off-guard... I didn't expect to get all teary eyed. Very sweet post.

Unknown said...

Lovely post!! Thanks for stopping by and Happy VGNO!!

Susan Cook said...

He sounds like a wonderful man. It's hard to lose people we love. Thanks for sharing.

Happy VGNO!

Paint Girl said...

Very sweet! Sounds like Jim was an amazing man! That is very sweet, that he would give the horses carrots!

Anonymous said...

Aw. :(

Anonymous said...

Stopping by for a Saturday morning VGNO..what a tocuhing story...

The Pink Geranium or Jan's Place said...

what a nice surprise to find that card..I too find it hard to loose those we love, I have two family members who have limited time on this earth at this time.. both wonderful full of life people.

I agree with you completely, the older I get, the more I value each day.

Happy late VGNO..I was not close to computer in the evening, to go visiting last night!

Leslie said...

The sweet thank you card he wrote to you speaks volumes of the man. That is an act of kindness in itself that has been lost by many. Such a nice post.

Janet, said...

What a nice tribute to a man who sounds like he was truly a wonderful person.