Category: Generations of Faith

For Dad, On Veterans Day

My father wrote me many letters.  He could make everyday life come alive.  After he died in 1983, my love for him transferred to my mother, and then her care. I felt him near.

They were both teachers and then volunteered as teachers when retired.

After Mom died in 2004, I found I needed to grieve for him again too.  Once he said to me, Everything will be all right in the end.   When I think of Harold and Enola, I think of unconditional love, service, and deep faith.

I am about 30 years older than he was when he served in World War II.  It is not possible to find the words to say what is in my heart.  But always good to try.

Blessings to you and your loved ones.  Your memories and hopes and dreams.

Psalm 4 “Hear me when I call”

Impatiens 009 

Hear me when I call,
O God of my righteousness:

 thou hast enlarged me
when I was in distress;

have mercy upon me,
and hear my prayer.

Psalm 4: 1 (KJV)

Update, February 13, 2014:

This is a verse that means so much to me.  I know, for example, that my past experience with a chronic illness helped me to be a better caregiver for my mother.  Now she has been in Heaven for over 10 years.  It is more than 20 years past major surgery for me.  Every day is a gift.  God “enlarged me when I was in distress” and has “mercy upon me.”

The photo of the impatiens planter is by Karl.

Thanks for reading, and many blessings,

Ellen Grace Olinger