We Know Not When

The phone rang again. Earlier I was called that my uncle had taken out his pic line which was not needed any longer since he was free of urinary tract infection at the time. In fact, he seemed in quite good health at this stage in his life. So, the pic line he removed was no longer needed.

This time when the phone rang the nurse started out with the fact that she had bad news — that Uncle Bill had passed. Oh, my, he had passed! I had been there through the day when he was asleep in his wheelchair. I had put my hand on his shoulder and saw that he was in a restful sleep, so I did not disturb him.

I grabbed my iPhone and started across the street to our county’s medical center where the long-term care is also located. On my way over I called my sister to tell her so that she could inform others in the family. She had called our aunt on the other side of the family who came over right away and prayed with me over him.

I planned his military funeral with all my best efforts. My sister came with my brother and wife, and friends from his high school graduating class of 1942 were present. It was amazing to have some of his classmates there. Troops from Junction City, Kansas, were there for the gun salute. Pastor Keith read a statement from Senator Pat Roberts regarding Uncle Bill’s outstanding military service. Pastor also used a Scripture and hymns I chose for emphasis on that service to our country. Then we gathered at the Deli where I had photos displayed, and a simple brunch was served. I remember my sister sitting by my friend. We all left for our homes. We all used to gather at the house for a family picture, but my brother is not friendly to me.

Two weeks later when my sister had an emergency back surgery for the largest bulged disc Wichita had ever seen, I was in Colorado and returned to Kansas so I could go to be with her. However, the wife of Erroll told me she was staying with her until Shirley returned to Hays. Early the next morning after surgery, Shirley did not respond. The nurses were going to take her to  ICU, but then they realized she could not be helped. Hearing that she was gone, I had trouble breathing and walked across the street to the closest hospital door and sat on the step to get help to get inside. I was given meds and was there for a couple of days.

The staff felt a blood clot caused her death per my sister-in-law. I  could not get the health records because my brother and his wife would not allow it. I regretted that I was not there to be with my sister.

It is so important to show love to our loved ones consistently. Now is the time to love and appreciate them. I am glad I was close to my uncle and also to my sister. We know not when we will lose someone. I always try not to have anything between others and me.

Matthew 24:36 King James Version (KJV)

36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

———————————————————————–Additional facts:

My sisters-in-law organized the funeral and went through all of Shirley’s things in her apartment, not asking if I would like to. Several things I owned with Shirley were sold.

My sister-in-law brought a lot of her family, none of whom said a word to me. They came to the meal that I had, but still none of them said a thing.

 

Blessings Wherever I Am

Although I live in the center of the United States, for a few months I am renting a small, new handicap apartment in Greenville, SC. There is where years before my daughters used to come to the Fine Arts Festival at Bob Jones University. This fall I was actually there where they had come and where there children had come to participate and now their students came to compete. What a pleasure to be there although I was not on campus much.

When the Fine Arts Festival had ended, I was able, in an opening of the schedule, go to campus and see three of my four grandsons and two great-granddaughters from the Lane family. To see my great-granddaughters, as their father removed their coats, run towards me in the Dining Commons, thrilled me. Seeing the rest of the family present there intermingling in conversation as they sat on the large stones on the lawn was so deeply satisfying. Because I rarely had the privilege of having family in my home or even near my home, because of our living far apart, this event really created a special memory.

A couple of months later, when the week of meetings had ended on campus for the organization of owners of the schools which my daughter and son-in-law have, my oldest grandson and his wife from Atlanta, being a part of that, came to my small apartment, along with my daughter and son-in-law, and we were all in my “home away from home” for a while, having a wonderful visit. That was so exciting to me.

Why had I moved away from this place I love so much? Well, I love every place I have lived for its own unique beauty. Leaving here was to watch over my mother in her later years and her sister and her Army career brother, whom we brought back from Austria (because he had no loved ones left there) all whom I loved very much. What a blessing to see my older loved ones be together, in their good times and to comfort them in their needs. My twenty years here and my remarkable time working for Michelin in a position that allowed me to use everything I had studied for — French, Spanish, writing, office work, as well as the provision for preparing for retirement indeed were a blessing.

The Lord had showered me with blessings in that I could be a help to my loved ones there in their later years, be around my loved ones here in Greenville since Lori and John are here for this year for their school, and Jared is a sophomore in Bob Jones University, Lori is working on her master’s, they still have their home in the mountains in Colorado, and I stepped up to the need of the older family members so that my brother, who could not be away from his job, could continue working. I translated as contractors were in scraping off plaster, laying floor coverings and other tasks to repair a house that had been flooded from broken pipes in the winter.

He has blessed me with in so many ways. Psalm 128:2 You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Birthdays

I have thoroughly enjoyed celebrating birthdays of loved ones.  There are verses in God’s Word appropriate for people on their birthday. At this time I remember that God is the giver of life and has a plan for every baby that is born. He loves each one. He loves you!

Sunday, April 15 is the birthday of my oldest daughter, and all my thoughts above apply to her. There are promises for the person. There have been three birthdays in these last three months while I have been here with John, Lori, and Jared in the south.

Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 20:4 May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.

Psalm 91:16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.

Psalm 91:11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 27:4-7 One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. 5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. 6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. 7 Hear my voice when I call, LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.

On this birthday, I look at verses to share with you and then a prayer. Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to a really beautiful-in-every-way daughter!

There are many more. Here is another: Psalm 139

 

Weep With Those That Weep

Every time I have had loved ones pass away, there have been dear Christians who have mourned or wept with me. Yet, I have had one time after I had the loss of Mother and her sister two weeks apart. Then later their brother, my uncle. People remembered me, and I was indeed comforted that they cared for it was a deep loss. Then two weeks after my uncle, my sister, younger than I am, passed because of a blood clot.

At the time she entered the hospital, my sister-in-law took over because I was not feeling well and was out of state to help one of my daughters move. When I learned early that morning that my sister had passed, I had trouble breathing and went across the street to the hospital and was hospitalized. The sister-in-law took over completely and said I could choose the last song and to let her or my other sister-in-law know. I did, but the other one did not tell the one in control. Consequently, the song that my sister had told me she wanted used was not used. My sister had wanted me to write a poem about her life about six months before, and she like it a lot. Those for whom I have written poems have always had them used at their funerals. Both sisters-in-law chose a small leaflet and never had the poem used which would have needed the regular-sized leaflet.

When I arrived at the viewing, only my brother stood there receiving those coming. He had never been with Shirley, my sister, the entire time in the hospital or talked with her on the phone. I had talked with her and learned about some of her thoughts before surgery.

Then my brother’s in-laws came, and not one spoke to me or offered any condolence. I was hurting so much but felt I was in the midst of enemies. They came to the graveside service. My sister handed me the “Sister” from the bouquet. Then we went to the church where she had instructed me to make the arrangements for the luncheon, and I did and paid for it. All her relatives who were there, even stood by me at the luncheon, one on one even at the table, and not one said a word.

It has been about five years ago now, and I feel so bad because they are in the same small town where I moved back to watch after my loved ones and, yet, never express anything to me.

I know a classmate of mine who has the church the wife and children are in. The husband remains in another church. I finally, after leaving town for eight months to be with my family while they are in S.C., decided to write him to ask him if there is some reason they would be that way. He quoted the following verse and other related verses:

Romans 12:15 (KJV) Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.  

Although they dress in plain clothes with bonnets, that does not signify their inner being — their heart. Give them a tender heart for those who hurt and the willingness to feel their pain.

(Tribute to Our Sister, Daughter of Vera and Delmar Roberts)

           Shirley, Our Bright, Cheery Meadow

 (Refreshing, as a bright, cheery meadow)

She was the baby sister for Richard and Joyce

A delight to her family  — no better choice.

She was a gift to her mother and dad, too.

She was a joy to all, all her life through.

Within a short time came along came another

It was Erroll, her remarkable little brother,

To whom she could be the big sister

And to this day he was a help, even older.

She, like a meadow, resplendent and bright,

With pretty flowers, grass for hay, and light,

She supplied beauty and sustenance for all

And gave repose for those with a long haul.

Shirley remembered birthdays and special dates

And cooked delicious food to fill our plates.

She liked to plan family trips to Winter Park.

We’d all meet at the cabin before dark.

She played volleyball at Fort Hays State

And played games that were always great.

She served the Lord in Campus Crusade

And loved Christ and to Him always prayed.

She made friends easily and always had a smile.

People would greet her with hugs all the while.

Shirley worked at K. U. in the department of math

And later at Ft. Hays on the same career path.

A special love of hers was for her kittens —

“Pepsi Snoball,” Squirt, Abby, Molly Marie and Mittens.

She passed all her insurance exams exceedingly well

And could have had special positions others tell.

Disability because of a variety of health conditions

Along came, with recommendations of her physicians.

Eventually, using a wheelchair due to “zero balance”

Was necessary, but did not change her countenance.

The same smile and persistence radiated with no derail.

When someone suggested that she pay bills by mail,

She said she had to keep moving to be strong,

So went to each place and proceeded along,

Hanging onto the car, rolling in and back out,

Only to do it again and again as she went about.

What determination to keep on, to keep fit!

She had perseverance and would not quit,

And never gave up through illnesses and surgeries, …

Of cancer, disabilities and troubles with her knees.

Just as her mother, she had dark hair and eyes of brown.

Now she is with her precious Lord, receiving her crown.

  Joyce Roberts Lott

  July 14, 2011

(from blog of   2017)

The doctor admitted me as a cardiac patient. My blood pressure was 209. I was in the hospital two days. I thought of my sister often.

I had many visitors, some flowers and cards. Some visitors later told me when they came that I was asleep and that they left then. I am thankful for the prayers and the other remembrances. They were comforting to me.

I shared the joys I had from last talking with my sister. She had said she felt positive about the test and possible surgery. That indicated that she had peace. Then she wanted to tell me about a helicopter vs. a plane ride. She said it was so different to be in a helicopter. She said she was on her back and seemed alone among the clouds. I said that sounds like “going up”! She agreed.

That conversation with her when the flowers I ordered arrived in her room comforts me now, and I marvel at how quickly Wesley Medical delivered the flowers.

The others in the room later told me of the red, pink and yellow roses, that she focused on the pink one and made over it. From that, planning for her funeral led to choice of pink flowers. The flowers at the funeral were beautiful.

I know she has “gone up! I miss her. We had plans to do various short trips and maybe even a longer one to the mountains, which she dearly wanted one more time.

On her 59th birthday, I took her to have pictures taken of her. I had thought about doing it on the 60th, but then I thought “Why wait?”. The picture posted is from her 59th birthday. We had a great time in that session. Her surgery was on her 60th birthday.

“Why wait” … on the things we are prompted to do.” Will there be another time available? Too briefly one’s time here on earth can end, and the person is called to “go up”!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Part I Liked Best

When my older daughter, son-in-law, and youngest grandson and I went to Hilton Head for Thanksgiving, someone later asked me which part was my favorite. First, I thought of my running slowly (had walking therapy lately), then riding a tricycle with John in front and Lori behind me to monitor me, then I thought of sitting restfully in the lawn chair on the beach and seeing the many shades of blue of the sky and water, playing Scrabble, and the many other items.

I had the desire for a long time to run. With soft sand and bare feet, I thought I would give it a try. To my surprise I really could do it. Yes, slowly, but excitedly.  Lori even took a movie of me on my phone for my keepsake.

Lori and John rode their bikes in the mornings. Jared had what was similar to a skateboard. We rented a tricycle for me to ride. Being monitored by one in front and another behind me was a good idea. That ride, per John, was 1.3 miles. Then he put two rocking chairs side by side for Lori and me and took a really good photo of us before he went to get us some ice cream. The scoops of it were large and delicious. The photo he took of us was exceptionally good.

We all enjoyed our time of sitting on the beach. It was calming with the “just-right” temperature. Only one day did it rain. That was the day of Lori’s favorite thing to do with the preparation — all by herself. It was a delicious meal, and we have a photo of us before we started to eat. The meal was absolutely delicious with a lot of variety.

In the evening we played Scrabble. We had such fun as we debated if a certain group of letters really made up a word and then settled it by the Oxford Dictionary on John’s iPhone. We played three evenings with John’s being the winner each time.

We did eat two meals out, applying some coupons. Those were “all-right” meals, but we enjoyed the Thanksgiving one above all.

I rode there with Jared, and then Lori and I went back together while John and Jared did. We started early to avoid some of the traffic. What a wonderful privilege to have gone on that trip. What part did I like best — being with my loved ones and doing all that we did!

Psalm 19: 1 (KJV) (To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.) The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. (Firmament means expansion like an arch.)

 

 

The Clock on the Mantle

Michelin Tire Corporation hired me when I was fifty-five years old. I am delighted for that and for those who were helpful in that process. My position was the Administrative Assistant to the Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales. I met many people from around the world who had contact with Mr. Hannezo. Some were from Mexico, Canada, Taiwan, …. His schedule was ever-changing, and I kept track of all the details and changes.

At the point of two years, a friend of mine who was at MARC (Research Center) needed to transfer to headquarters. The financial department where she would be was across the openness of the glass building where I was located in the administrative section. She and I remained friends in Alliance  Française and in Michelin until her passing after I retired.

My training included the traveling to all the areas of Michelin that was in Mr. Hannezo’s charge like Truck Tires, Passenger Tires, Warehouses, Two-Wheel, Maps and Guides, Customer Service, and many others. On one trip I even stayed at the Quaker Square Inn in Akron, OH, with rounded rooms. The trips even took me to Nova Scotia where I traveled to Fairfax and then drove a rental car on to two other places where there are Michelin plants. In each place I had time to see the sights.

Every five years we could choose a service award. My first was a glass vase with the Michelin Man etched on it. One was an ordinary alarm clock with a golden plate to show my name and commemoration. As my last gift from Michelin Tire for my fifteen years there, I chose the clock that rang out each hour. I remembered how Grandpa and Grandma Roberts’ clock sounded the same musical piece as this one and how I had precious memories of theirs. Thus, in the absence of departmental meetings and the translating documents, I will now hear the chimes of the clock and be reminded of the people and translations that I used to do. At the same time, I will learn that every hour of my life needs to have some meaning such as my writing and my making memories with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren — with the glory of the Lord in mind. In a sense, my life will be counted away by the hours the clock ticks away in my life in retirement.

The verses that come to mind at this time are those that remind me that I have little time left. I do want them to count for you, Lord. I want to have wisdom from you to guide me.

James 4:14 KJV – Whereas ye know not what [shall be] on the morrow. For what [is] your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

Psalms 90:12 KJV – So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

 

 

Bringing Me Joy

The Thanksgiving-Christmas season of 2016 has been truly a joyous time for me as I count my blessings. Family, friends, and food were integral parts of times in Greenville, SC,  Atlanta, GA, and back again in Quinter, KS.

I was able to be with two of my grandsons, John Michael and Jared and the family of the older one, (wife Windy) — the oldest of all five grandsons — his family including his wife, two of my five great-granddaughters,  my daughter, Lori, and her husband, and the Lane great-grandparents from Maine.

Lori and John and I attended the performance of the musical Little Women in which Jared had a part. We enjoyed that at Bob Jones University where he is a student.

On Sunday, I took Jared out to eat at Applebee’s. We enjoyed a visit and the game on the table.

Lori and John took care of Riley and Raegan while their parents were at school teaching at their location of Artios Academies at Sugar Hill. Later we toured the new property the Lord provided by allowing a special arrangement. It is so beautiful.

Riley became very ill and had to be in the hospital with a very serious virus from which meningitis comes. She was dismissed the day before Thanksgiving, for which we very thankful.

Lori, John, and I took Raegan out to eat at Mimi’s, a French restaurant. She was a really well-behaved little girl. We all enjoyed the meal.

I stayed in a hotel each evening. Jared called me and asked me to go to lunch at La Madelaine’s, a French restaurant, the day before Thanksgiving. We had an enjoyable time. I shared how the Lord had given me the job at Michelin.

After a very beautiful and delicious Thanksgiving meal prepared by Lori and John and the gravy by Nana who also brought pies, cake, cookies, and candy — all homemade, we took photos, including generation photos, outside on the deck .

I made it a goal to see Joyce Allen and Richard Juchum, meeting again at Zaxby’s. We had an enjoyable visit. There were other friends I wanted to contact, but our schedule was rather uncertain. Marilyn Newman was busy in the sale of their house and preparing for a move to Kansas. We will get together in Kansas.

Lori and I met in Commerce for lunch at Cracker Barrel and then did limited looking in a couple of stores in the mall of outlets. We had never done that in all the time we both lived in the South. Then we joined the rest of the family group in Atlanta.

Friends and family — and food! All special elements of a great vacation in the South where I spent twenty years. Give thanks in

I Thessalonians 5:18 KJV – In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I Could Not Enter

LOCKED OUT

Rev. 3:7-8                                  
7  “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:  These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.  8  I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” 

I have occasionally been locked out of my house or car.  What experiences they have been! On one occasion, I knew where the key was, but I did not have it in my grasp. Just knowing where it was did not help me.

Spiritually, that is also true. Just knowing how to have eternal life does not give it to us. Before it is too late, we must ask the Lord to forgive our sins and to accept Him as Savior. For any locked door, having the key makes the difference. In the spiritual realm, the key is to ask the Lord for forgiveness and salvation  and believing in Him — Acts 16:31 “They replied, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”

Locked out of my house, I went to each door and found each one locked. My garage door opener was inside my car inside the garage. When a neighbor, who kept the extra key for my house, walked me home and put the key in my hand, and I turned the key, I felt a glorious sense of relief. The key made the difference. The “key to the whole problem” is the key — house key.

It is clear that it is very important to know that the Bible says that Jesus says only He is the way, the truth, and the life and that no one comes to the Father except by Him (Jesus) John 14:6. Thus, there is only one way to obtain eternal life, just as only one particular key will open the door of my house.

Joyce Roberts Lott

 

 

 

Reflection of a Tower

Dear Lord, (a prayer written years ago as follows)

Here I am where I have come over the years, bringing young John and Jeremy here and then Jordan and then Jordan and Jared. A couple of times Chris and I came out here, too. However, I never was able to bring Zoe.

I brought Alberta Eaton, Susan Kiser, Mother, Karen Alexander…here. Here I spent time with Ted and some with Wayne when we took photos.

I said I would never move away from this view, but here I am wrestling with a contract for the home place away from here.

This time is marked by emotion. Jill has left Greenville and Michelin and broken her relationship with me.

People say my family is “taking me to the cleaners” (brother – removed large wall-size shelf unit, once in the store, then in the garage) over the house. I could not sleep last night, so I went to work at 1:45 and worked until 5:30 or so. Then I needed a time with You.

Lord, you know all of these things! You want to draw me back closer to You. I would think these things would do it. However, I feel so angry with what has happened – Jill’s words about me, the contract taking so long, and having to have an inventory etc.

The ducks and geese are quacking – black and white. Three together in formation are swimming north by me. Children are climbing in the tree where my grandsons climbed when small, now a sophomore and freshman in college and then thirteen and eight and Chris fifteen.

The sun is shining brightly from the direction of the beautiful tower which I climbed, admired, stood under…

A gust of wind is blowing my hair as I sit on this bench in my white tennis shoes and socks, khakis and a fine pinwale purple shirt with sleeve cuffs turned up.

I think of my book “When I Am Old, I Will Wear Purple.”

Now the sun slipped partly behind the trees on the other shore. The air feels cooler.

Oh, Lord, heal me, bring me to a new sense of gratitude, reverence, closeness, with permanence.

Dad, grandparents and Richard are with you.* May they know I love them.

Then there is L. D. Nix, younger than I, a friend and Sunday School teacher at Edwards Road Baptist Church who encouraged me, who told me as we drove by a country church where a family plot was located, that he would be buried there, and within a year, he was.

Now I can look at the tower as the sun will not get in my eyes – the tower whose clock chimed the hours through all the years I have been here – twenty!

Thank you, Lord, for your beauty. May I reflect you, as the water reflects the magnificent tower.

In your precious name I pray.

Amen.

* Now at the time of publishing this, added to those loved ones no longer here are these, including those listed above at the writing of this: Dad, Mother, Richard, Shirley, Aunt Florence, Uncle Bill, Barbara, aunts, uncles, and cousins on the Roberts and Orten side, too, friends, Jerry, Kristen Keener, Joyce, Ila, Maurice, Reese, CE Lott, Jr., Bob Pfannesteil…. (Yes, I have included some whom you might have thought I shouldn’t or wouldn’t, but they qualified at some time in my life.)

 

Miracle

The Lane family had gone skiing in the Rockies near where they lived. One son, my grandson Jordan, sank through the snow and could not be seen. The ski patrol hunted for quite awhile. When they were able to locate him, his hands were frost bitten. The ski patrol said that Jordan would probably lose his fingers when they noted how bad they were. He was hospitalized; even the doctor thought he would lose some fingers. The family took photos of his fingers and sent photos to me.

Years later he is now a senior at Colorado Christian University majoring in music. He played a piano solo at the spring concert. In first semester, he wrote a Sonata. As I listened to Jordan play the solo, I marveled at the fact that he did not lose any fingers, only needed some physical therapy, and could play the piano. With each measure of music, my heart welled with thankfulness and praise.

Psalm 150:1-6 (NIV) Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!