Passages

I just spoke to my wonderful friend, Candace Broecker, who now resides with her husband in Michigan. Howard practiced law in Geneva and Wheaton while Candace managed their thriving property business, and still does! Of course, I can't list the many other things they do because the list would never end. They lived in this area most of their lives after being school sweethearts in Wheaton. A few years ago they built a beautiful home in Michigan and have decided they love it so much that they are claiming it as their principal residence. They are just the neatest couple and I love them dearly. Just wanted to tell you a little about them. Oh, I forgot--Candace is beautiful, wise and gracious, as well as kind and loving, and very spiritual. We met when I sold her floorcovering for an apartment at Bellevue back in 1994 or '95. Bellevue was where Mary Todd Lincoln was hospitalized back in the mid 1800s for depression. It is a beautiful limestone building with meandering gardens in a very historic neighborhood in Batavia, Il.
The reason I am telling you about Candace is because she read to me a wonderful epitaph which I am going to print for you to enjoy. Losing my beloved mother last November has encouraged a rather reflective state of mind for me. Candace and I often share tidbits and proverbial sayings that coax pensive thought and introspection.

Sleep after toil
Port after stormy seas
Ease after wave
Death after life
Does greatly please

One of my customers is in his early 70s and is showing early signs of dementia. His wife, Fran, is one of the loveliest people I have met. They purchased their home about 30 years ago in rural St. Charles. Their yard is a sanctuary of tranquility. Fran proudly showed me all the trees, the evergreens and other deciduous treees that her husband planted years ago. When I finished measuring for their new tile, I was taken on a tour of the entire home to see all the things this strapping man had crafted to grace their beautful home. I can only tell you that this carpenter has a talent beyond belief. What a gentle demeanor he has, and I could see through his eyes who this man is and where he has been. His home tells a wonderful story of a beautiful family man who truly loves his family.
Their lives are met with more challenges these day, a few more storms. I suppose this is God's way of easing us into the twilight times. I witnessed my beautiful mother as she eclipsed one passage for another. It is for me to see God's perfect plan.
Whenever I see an older person, I'm in awe as I imagine their life and what they have learned.
May your day be wondrous and may you be blessed.