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Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Slice of Life Always With Me



       I'm slicing with the Two Writing Teachers community today. It's always a pleasure to read what everyone writes about their lives.

Happy Election Day!

         Yes, I'm happy. It's been a long and rocky road to this day, and I will be celebrating when it's over. I want to move on to help our country do better!


        

          First, best wishes to Betsy Hubbard and her family for every part of your recovery from the fire to go smoothly with the best possible outcome. 

         This is a little bit of a sad post, too, because often for reasons small and big, I miss my husband, Arvie. And much of what I miss is sharing words. The fall that he passed, three years ago this past September, I wrote a poem that expresses these thoughts. You can read it here, and I imagine some of you remember it. It begins "And I would show you. . ."

        Lately, there is much I want to share, like about my visit to see Nathan, Barb and Carter, and how proud he would be to see the wonderful young man Carter has become.  And I know that he would love spending time with Sarah and Dave and seeing these growing up little girls that are the sweetest granddaughters. 


        However, most recently, I miss talking with him about this election and wonder what he would be saying tonight. I know that we would have already voted, and already done what we could to support our candidate. But I also know he would be embarrassed and sad about the words said during the campaign. I miss our conversations that I'm sure a lot of times would be me storming around saying things like "How could this be!" or "This has to change!" A lot of emotional outbursts really, but Arvie listened, and then he would say: "It'll all work out." or "We'll be fine. Good people are out there, and around us. Don't worry!" 
        When the Democratic Convention was held here in 2008, we were both so excited that President Barack Obama  was nominated. History was made right here in our city. There were many booths and political people handing out buttons, protesting, talking about "their" candidate. Arvie went downtown with me and my class so we could participate in this festive time. My students talked with those who shared opposing viewpoints. They loved it! And it was calm and exciting all at the same time. It is a good memory. Despite the fact that I miss him and miss talking about so many things, I have become okay with it, and talk to Arvie in my thoughts. I'm thankful that we were married so many years that I can imagine his words, and that helps a lot. I miss him, and will have lots to say too on Wednesday!

         When that earlier convention was here there was a mock-up of Air Force One and you could have your picture taken there. Here's our pic!

21 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm at a loss for this election and wonder many times how in the world we got to this point. Yet here we are. And your hubby's right, it will all work out, there are good people out there. I need to recite those things to myself as I go vote today.

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    1. I am hopeful, too, Linsey, that it will ALL work out! Thank you.

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  2. Thinking of you today - those memories are sweet and yet hard at the same time. I still have conversations in my head with my Mother who has been gone about 3 years as well. Nice to remember a loved one so well you can play our your conversations.
    As to the election - yes I am glad it will be over today. It has been so unsettling for so many. I am hoping we can find grace and better manners once this is over. Take Care of yourself today!

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    1. I miss talking with my mother, too, Joanne. We had wonderful conversations together, and now my daughter and I do! It has been chaotic lately and I'm hopeful that all of us can work together to make things good for all! Thanks!

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  3. Linda, thinking of you. I can imagine that on a day like today your husband is exactly the person you would want to talk with about all of this. I am glad you can still hear his words. Feeling hopeful that things in the U.S. work out.

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  4. I'm so glad that you can still hear Arvie's words in your mind. I chuckled as you mentioned that you might be storming around (emotional outbursts!) and Arvie would be saying, " It'll all work out...Don't worry." I'm hanging onto his optimism today.

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    1. I still do storm around, mostly ending up going outside to sweep or rake leaves lately! But I'm really glad to be going back to watching a few favorite tv shows instead of news, and reading without distractions! Thanks, Ramona!

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  5. Yes, I imagine that those conversations between you and Arvie give you much comfort. Loving someone for so long and sharing a rich and rewarding life together brings that kind of comfort - they are always with you. I voted with my daughter today - her first time to vote. It was so special!

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    1. Thanks, Tara. I saw the picture on FB, a wonderful memory of you both voting! Exciting times!

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  6. I hate that you are without Arv! We think of him every day, too. He was such a positive influence in my life, as you are! Love this post.

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    1. Thanks, Jim. I don't like it either! But still am glad we had many years together!

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  7. Yes, Linda, this election has led to many conversations. I am thankful that I have Kathy to discuss things with. At times it was hard digging through all of the mud to find the issues. I am so happy that this election is just about over and can only hope that whoever wins will always put the well being of our country first.

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  8. I'm so sorry that you don't have your husband to share words with anymore, but I'm very glad that you share them here. This is a lovely piece in so many ways.

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  9. I understand how you feel. Around here, my husband is about the only person I can talk to. (I live in a blood red state.) He says things like Arvie, "It'll be OK." I'm so sorry you are feeling alone, but I'm glad you trust us enough to talk about it. Blessings to you!

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  10. I'm sorry you are feeling alone, Linda. I know Arvie lives on -- and talks -- in your heart and mind.

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  11. This helps me imagine how special Arvie really was! It sounds like he was quite the encourager! :-) It's neat that you can imagine what he would say, although I understand how much you must miss him all the time!

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  12. What great memories! My husband and I don't always see eye to eye, but this year we're in agreement. Even so, we don't talk about it too much because it gets my blood pressure going. Hugs to you, Linda.

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  13. Thanks everyone, I've been with Imogene since middle afternoon at our science museum again and into the evening. And obviously now I'm "storming around", worrying over the election which is changing very much more than predicted. Still hoping it will all be okay!

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  14. Linda, I find peace in your words, "I have become okay with it, and talk to Arvie in my thoughts." Within our memories, lives a warmth that allows us to face life each day. Peace to you, my friend. Thank you for sharing your deepest thoughts in prose and poetry.

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    1. Thanks Carol. I woke early this am despite going to bed late. No more storming! It's time to do something positive for our country.

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