Still Life: A Note from Jan. Jud's CaringBridge Journal Entry Number Eight.
STILL LIFE.
The pristine house that welcomed Jud home has taken on the patina of life. Slower paced, but life. Still life.
Bill and Lillian came by with fresh from the oven scone for Jud on Saturday. All I did was brew a pot of tea. Life savored in sips and nibbles.
Luke and Lily flew in from California on Wednesday night to spend time with their Popo (Jud). Luke’s the one who weeks ago announced to all within earshot, “I choose HOPE.” He brought a chest full.
We had Norwegian pancakes Thursday morning. Felt normal to hear myself yell from my post at the stove,“Who wants another one?” Felt even better to hear Jud say three times, “I’m ready!”
Last night we celebrated Poco’s (Kate’s) 4th birthday early. She wanted her cousins at her party, so we sat out on the deck where germs could be aired and celebrated the life of our youngest granddaughter.
Felt good to sit still and enjoy life’s sweet moments. Poco loves to go fishing with her daddy and Popo. The non-keepers she kisses and names before they’re set free to swim another day. It’s true. She smooches each fish!
Her daddy Chad drew the cake design which MarketBasket reproduced: a mermaid body with the face of Poco and lettering along the side saying,“I love to kiss fish.”
The other day, Jud, Chad and Luke took the boat out for a quiet ride on the Annisquam River. They were heading out in the boat again today. A taste of normal in a sea of unusual.
I got a haircut; normal. Jud noticed; not normal. I needed that smile.
Lily and I took off to buy a new umbrella for the deck. We chose blue, our favorite color, and set it up in time to rescue Stan and Jud from overheating. Good to see two old friends outside talking and laughing still.
We take the GRANDS to the airport in the early morning. We are grateful for them and for their hopes and dreams and prayers.
And yours. We have a big decision to make this Tuesday regarding the options for further treatment. We need wisdom.
More, when we know more. Until then, may you enjoy a still moment or two of this precious stuff called life. Jan and Jud
26 Comments
Just back from a 90th birthday party in the Holy City (just West of Chicago.) Sounds like you had a great day of celebration. As Tiny Tim would say, "God bless y'all every one."
We are glad to read the optimistic, happy news. We wonder what décisions were made yesterday. We continue to keep you in our prayers. And I did remember that today is your birthday. Somehow it has stuck in my mind all these (68?) years!
Much love from us both.
So happy that you've had a taste of normal amidst all the chaos of cancer. You haven't lost your touch of describing life, Jan....love it. Our prayers are with you for God's wisdom for the next steps. We're choosing hope too and pray that God grants our desires for you. We miss you both and so wish we were there to be part of your support team....we are from afar. We love you both dearly.
As always, Jan, you tell as story that makes us feel like we were right there with you. Know that are hearts really ARE with you both and your entire family. This thing called LIFE is really wonderful, and such a blessing to savor each moment. Especially fish kissing.
Arms around you, and prayers surround you,
Thank you, Jud and Jan, for letting others like us hear from you through CaringBridge. This last "visit" was heart-warming and a reminder to us all, for sure, to thank God for all the beautiful moments he brings. You continue to bless others by your loving witness.
With love and appreciation, Bonny and Caleb
You express "this precious stuff called life" so beautifully Jan. Thank you for sharing this wonderful gift! Still praying for you all every day. May God's blessing be hughly present in your lives.
Beckie & David
Loved your accounts of life with the little people, old friends, family...outing on the Annisquam...life and love so well described. Did my heart good! Tuesday prayers and every day, love, k
Still praying and loving the life I have shared with you both. Gaynelle
Like your Norwegian pancakes, this story makes me want to yell: "Want another one!"
Your update made me smile--so nice to think of Jud out on the boat and you both surrounded by family and friends. I'm praying for you both--for your upcoming decisions and the Peace of Christ to accompany your decisions and your days ahead. Much love to you both!
Rejoicing in your time with family and praying for wisdom in decisions facing you.
Jay and Barb
Praying for wisdom that God will bring!!! JOY in this journey...so thankful for the still Life
My son-in-law Edward Camp is a dedicated fisherman as well as a PhD fish scientist. For their "save the date" wedding announcement, our creative art-therapist daughter Genevieve created a frame-by-frame photo montage (following the Frog Prince fairytale) of her kissing a big fish on the mouth -- whose head gradually transformed into Ed's face. If I could find an extra copy, I should send it to Poco so that she can realize what might happen someday if she keeps kissing fish. Today I'm thinking of Jud as one of those fishermen disciples called by Jesus -- whose skill in fishing was transformed into the greater gift of being fishers of men. Love from Susie and me.
To two beautiful people. We so admire your courage and closeness to each other. Together, with our Lord you will overcome. We'll pray for clarity in deciding the perfect next step while you enjoy these wonderful days on your deck. Love, Bob and Betty
What a special time... especially some more "normals". We will be praying especially for wisdom and peace on Tuesday. Much love from Westerlo...and sending 2 giant hugs for two favorite people.
You are in our hearts and prayers as you take these next steps of Hope. Dave and Nancy
Thank you for your heartwarming whimsical news.
Jan, your skill at writing is uplighting. We think of you every day. Happy birthday to Jud. May you feel the Lord's clear answer to all the prayers for Tuesday.
Rejoicing in your time with family and praying for wisdom in decisions facing you.
Jay and Barb
Praying for wisdom that God will bring!!! JOY in this journey...so thankful for the still Life
My son-in-law Edward Camp is a dedicated fisherman as well as a PhD fish scientist. For their "save the date" wedding announcement, our creative art-therapist daughter Genevieve created a frame-by-frame photo montage (following the Frog Prince fairytale) of her kissing a big fish on the mouth -- whose head gradually transformed into Ed's face. If I could find an extra copy, I should send it to Poco so that she can realize what might happen someday if she keeps kissing fish. Today I'm thinking of Jud as one of those fishermen disciples called by Jesus -- whose skill in fishing was transformed into the greater gift of being fishers of men. Love from Susie and me.
To two beautiful people. We so admire your courage and closeness to each other. Together, with our Lord you will overcome. We'll pray for clarity in deciding the perfect next step while you enjoy these wonderful days on your deck. Love, Bob and Betty
What a special time... especially some more "normals". We will be praying especially for wisdom and peace on Tuesday. Much love from Westerlo...and sending 2 giant hugs for two favorite people.
You are in our hearts and prayers as you take these next steps of Hope. Dave and Nancy
Thank you for your heartwarming whimsical news.
Jan, your skill at writing is uplighting. We think of you every day. Happy birthday to Jud. May you feel the Lord's clear answer to all the prayers for Tuesday.