December 31, 2018, Prescott-
Many are itching to put this year to bed. We even had a fireworks display in the downtown area, at 9 p.m., three hours ahead of schedule. Me? I am tying up loose ends, with regard to the year being shown the door. Earlier this evening, I went down to the Salvation Army dining room and helped serve dinner. 17 hardy souls are taking shelter there tonight and gratefully took a meal of hot chicken noodle soup, Subway sandwich, Asian salad, chips, carbonated fruit water and chocolate cake. My job was to dish out the cake, and I managed a slice for each shelteree who wanted one-not easy, with salivating staff members wanting a slice, as well. There was plenty for all, though.
The year brought several people into my life. Some, like my daughter-in-law and infant grand-niece, will be here forever. Others, like a good friend in Missouri and several people I met this summer, whilst crossing the continent, will be around for a good long time. Another came into my life, found it not to their liking, and left swiftly.
I said farewell to several- a childhood neighbour, Ed Wolfe; boyhood friends, Stan Norkum and Alan Belyea; the sister of a friend, Claire Lindquist; Penny’s cousin, Jean Haithcock; her maternal aunt, Averala Boyd and, closest of all, her mother and my mother-in-law, Ruth Fellman.
Now, 2019 is little more than an hour away from our part of the continent. I know the souls who have departed are looking out for those they love. I feel my share of that love and it has helped refine my character, still further.
I look forward to ongoing friendships, some of which were clarified, refined and strengthened this year. I look forward to those new friendships that are sure to come in the year ahead, as well. I know I will have to say goodbye to some souls in 2019; that’s the way of it. They will be there, in the In-Gathering, when my own time comes.
Happy 2019, everyone!