Bev's Blog

In all the beautiful cards our family has received, this one really brought tears to my eyes. I think the words are us, you and I, it's where we are in our lives right this minute. I know after reading it, you'll agree.

And then it's winter - - -

You know. . . time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years. It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. And yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went.
I know that I lived them all...

I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams. But, here it is, the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise. How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my youth go?

I remember well seeing older people through the years. Thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like. But, here it is...

My friends are retired and getting gray, they move slower and I see an older person now. Some are in better shape and some worse off than me, but I see the great change. Not like the ones that I remember, those who were young and vibrant, but, like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd be.

Each day now and then, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore, it's mandatory! Cause if I don't take a nap on my own free will, I just fall asleep where I sit!

And so now as I enter into this new season of my life, unprepared for all the aches and pains. The loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did!! But, at least I know, that though the winter has come and I'm not sure how long it will last, this I know, that when it's over, and its over.

Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done, things I should have done, but indeed, there are many things I'm happy to have done. It's all in a lifetime. So, if you're not in your winter yet, let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly!

Don't put things off too long! Life goes by quickly. So, do what you can today as you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not! You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life... so, live for today and say all the things that you want to your loved ones to remember and hope that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past!!

"Life is a gift to you."

The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after. Make it a fantastic one." LIVE IT WELL!

ENJOY TODAY! DO SOMETHING FUN! BE HAPPY!
BE THANKFUL AND HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Remember "It is health that is real wealth - not pieces of gold or silver."
Always try to Live your life to the fullest.

Check out this cute little guy playing with his dog. Is there anything cuter than a child and his pet? Last months little girl was Julie Crane Fischer. If you haven't submitted yours, please do so. I've had fun doing this and I hope you'll share yours with me. Send to Bev MacLeod at MacLeod Insurance Agency 324 Washington Suite 101, Grand Haven, MI. 49417. And to those of you who have let me borrow yours, thanks.

I heard from many of you pertaining to the death of our classmate Ruth Kinkema Brown who died on Tuesday, Nov. 22nd. Apparently she died from a congestive heart problem recently diagnosed. Her obituary told what a civic minded gal she was and she had her fingers in numerous organizations. She will be missed by her family as well as her classmates.

While creating wives, God promised men that good and obedient wives would be found in all corners of the world. And then God made the earth round.

Our local area has some beautiful older homes that are so manicured and in such great shape. The owners take pride in the history of their residence. This is just one of the many historic home in the Tri-Cities. You probably walked passed this home when coming or going from High School.

My thanks to Paul Kosch for bringing me this poem. He thought I could share it with our classmates and he's right, it's beautiful, I think you'll agree. He told me the comfort it gave him when his mom passed.

The hardest thing to learn in life is which bridge to cross and which
-- to burn.

These wonderful old winter photos were lent to me by Julie Fischer. In looking at them, can you imagine the winter everyone went through in the year of 1936. In backing out of the driveway on Sheldon, you'd certainly would want a person in the road to give you the high sign when to hit the gas. How would you like to shovel this?☺Probably wasn't the availability of private snowplow trucks.
Thanks for sharing Julie

As I sit here in the office getting things together to insert in the December newsletter, noting today's date Nov. 28, 2011, it's been five weeks since Ken's death. As I find things or think of 'stuff' to write, I continually insert them into an unfinished newsletter. Please note: I do NOT put this together in a day or week, it's an ongoing project until it's ready to send.

I devote a small space on a page to "REMEMBERING FRIENDS' and I list them. I can't help but compare my loss with some of them, whose inability to care for themselves has become difficult. Ken felt the same way as he was slowly being robbed of things he loved to do like working out in the garage, raking leaves or cutting the grass. There hasn't been a day I go home that I don't find cards in my mailbox. Please believe me, as a card sender myself, it's such a welcome gesture and a reminder of those who took the time to find a card, write it and then send it.

I can only imagine it's the same type of warmth the shut-ins feel when someone remembers them. As I place their names on the page, I don't type them out for no reason, I'm asking you to please let them know, today was their lucky day, you remembered them with a card. ♥

OK OK, I'll get down off my grandstand now and let you continue reading. But keep in mind, if you were in their shoes wouldn't you like to be remembered? Don't let them be alone in their journey through their illness, let them know you are walking with them. Especially now at Christmas. ♥
Thanks and keep them in your prayers too. ☺

12 - 02 Mary VanHorssen McKinley
12 - 05 Barb Kent VanSchelven
12 - 11 Robert VerDuin
12 - 12 Thom Knoll
12 - 20 Janet Brunner Walsh
12 - 22 Bev Oslund MacLeod
12 - 25 Roger Smant
12 - 27 Judy VerDuin Bole
12 - 29 Corat Moran
12 - 29 Phillip Scheltema

Diane Gignac / 15235 Millhouse Ct. / Grand Haven, MI. 49417
Gord Knoll / Seville / 16331 Robbins Rd. / Grand Haven, MI. 49417
Bev Crandle / 3446 St. Paul Blvd. / Rochester, NY. 14617
Barb Wolf / 755 E.16th St. / Waverly Meadows #218 / Holland, MI. 49423
Ron Young / 12300 Johnson St. / Grand Haven, MI. 49417

FYI: Toni Palkowski writes that she had a few classmates contact her and she really appreciated hearing from you. She recently wrote and we're planning to have a lunch date when we meet in February in Sarasota. She is a very talented gal who writes a great newsy letter about 'Stix the cat.'

From Bob Swier: Johnnie and I were in San Antonio Texas for a conference this past week when I picked up the 10/18/11 copy of USA Today. In the Money section was an article about the new CEO @ Wendy's restaurants Emil Brolick. Being in the food service industry for so long it got my interest. Reading thru the article a Bio of the 63 year olds rise to the new position of the 3rd largest burger chain was in a separate box. WOW. GREW UP IN GRAND HAVEN, MICHIGAN population 12,000 etc. etc. etc. Knocked me over. I did not know this family but congrats to all mentors in G.H. who formed the basis for his rise to this position. Just thought you should know.

Remember your continual prayers for the service men and women who protect us and provides us our freedom. Lest we ever forget and take it for granted!

December 2011