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View out the side mirror

 

It was some time in 2005 while sitting in the church pew in Payson, Arizona, when I saw him for the first time. As I sat listening to his homily, I was visually struck by the Deacons appearance. His coal black hair was the first obvious thing I noticed reminding me of someone I dearly loved all through my life. In addition, there was something about his personality that captured my attention.  I forced myself to question whether or not I was being a tad ridiculous with noticing and comparing the similar traits to my late Grandpa Chuck.
During his homily, Deacon Tom shared the recent move he and his wife Dee made from Estes Park Colorado to Payson, Arizona.  At the time, I too, was new to the area, although not living here full time yet.

 

That was seven years ago.

 

Last night, my husband and I got back from a week long vacation with Deacon Tom and Dee. Who would have thunk this couple would enter my and now my husband and my life in friendship, fellowship and now vacationship. Yes I know that’s not a word. I am feeling humorous.
The main reason for our trip this past week was to see a Christmas concert by pianist, Lorie Line held in Denver. The music was beautiful and what talent we enjoyed.

 

Red Rock

We planned other outings during our five day trip like visiting The Denver museum of Science and History, Red Rocks Amphitheater, The Denver Mint, sight seeing and a beautiful Cathedral where Deacon Tom was ordained eight years ago. My husband Jim’s favorite place to visit was The Denver museum of Science and History. Because of Jim’s love of science, he was relentlessly teased by Deacon Tom about the formation of the rocks, evolution, erosion, alluvial fans and so much more. Most of the time this teasing was done while driving and admiring the beauty of the mountains, valleys, rock formations, etc.  The laughter within the car was contagious during these educational bouts and Jim was a trooper.
Our first night was spent in Grand Junction Colorado.  Our original plan was to stay in Moab, Utah, but we felt driving the extra 100 miles or so would put us closer to our final destination of Denver.  My Grandpa Chuck was born in Grand Junction so I felt that was something special spending the night in his birth town.
On page 64 of my book, Meet Me In the Mountains, I write about Grandpa. I share my thoughts about my admiration for his glass half full personality and positive nature. He inspired me to laugh, have fun, be creative in all you do, and try to make others happy by being happy yourself. Grandpa wasn’t a perfect man and I know he had his flaws and made mistakes in life. He was human and occasionally had a temper, but also humbly displayed sentimental tears quite easily.
Where am I going with all of this?
Well I truly believe that God gifts us with certain people in our lives for a reason. There are no coincidences. When I see someone who strongly resembles someone I know, past or present, I try and make it a point to pray for them. I don’t know whether that person has a need, but I offer a prayer up for them anyway. I reflect on them and look up in Thanksgiving appreciating the fact they are or have been in my life. Even if they weren’t what I expected or wanted them to be, I still pray for God’s mercy.
Life is short and memories are lasting. I hope you make some beautiful memories this Christmas. I can truly say this past week was filled with amazing memories, beautiful scenery and fun times. God’s sense of humor was so present to me.  Little Godcidences that only I catch and know about. I invite you to look for them and ask for them. as a matter of fact, There is one that happened yesterday while driving home from our vacation and I will share. But first, I must tell you that on page 64 of my book, I talk about how Grandpa took my brother and I through the car wash many times. We rode in his car and he made the outing fun by making a big deal out of the whole car washing experience.  Yesterday, while stopping for gas in a small town called Cortez, Deacon Tom and Dee were sitting in the back seat of our car when it was decided to take time to get our filthy car washed. We had been through a lot of snow, ice and dirt and it desperately needed a bath. As we drove into the bay of the car wash, I looked behind me through the rear view mirror, and there sitting in the backseat was none other than……………….My Grandpa.

 

 

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Candy Reading Chapter 15