On This Day ...

 

Have you ever done a web-search on one of those ‘This Day in History’ sites? I’m sure that most have.
But let me ask … Does any one historical event come to mind for this day, December 31^st? Of course, with exception, that it's New Years Eve. I’ll provide the year momentarily. Though one added note about this particular year … Only twenty days prior, Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt became that last astronauts to walk on the moon. No help, huh?

I was quite disappointed to discover how little some ‘Day in History’ sites offered in regards to this individual. At times their only contribution was the DOB, occupation and date of death. Most of those sites are mainly about advertising, more than 'history'. While other sites were quite generous, providing material that I had not even known.

December 31st, 1972

This person, OK, l’ll give it away, guy … was originally signed by my own Brooklyn Dodgers. Kind of like our Portland Trailblazers not signing this little known fella … named ... Michael Jordan. Ouch! Also on that Dodger team was a pitcher by the name of Tommy Lasorda. Our mystery man was a U.S. Marine and his last name is Walker. But, I’m almost positive that this name will not be of much help. He wore a number on his shirt made up of the total letters of his name. So cool ... and original! And his batting coach was the great George Sisler.

He was once asked about racial and ethnic tensions, to which he responded, “I don’t believe in color”. This he said, was the way that we were taught as children.

It was said by a close friend, Luis Mayoral, that he was to Latinos what “Jackie Robinson was to blacks”. As well, he would become the first Latin American player selected to baseball’s Hall of Fame. They even waived their five-year rule because of him.

When he was in his home country, he played for the Cangrejeros (Crabbers). In 1956 he hit baseballs lone walk-off inside the park home run. And a month before my birth he accomplished a rare feat of hitting three triples in a single game. He became an annual winner of baseball's Golden Glove award (Best defensive player at his position), as well as a fifteen-time All-Star. Once he was the league MVP, as well as being the 1971 World Series MVP.

And his very last at bat of his career, was his illustrious three thousandth. For those non-baseball fans (Will Horton), this is one of baseball’s most elite accomplishments.

So … lot’s of facts about one of my childhood favorites. One, whom, as a young boy, I would often pretend to be ... along with others, like Sandy Koufax and Willie Mays. This gentleman, number ‘21’, stands above all. Hard, diligent play has always been very important to me as a ballplayer. But above this … is sportsmanship! This man displayed both ... to the extent that baseball’s award presented annually to a Major League player for exemplary sportsmanship and community service is named after him.

His name … ‘Roberto Clemente Walker’. Known by most without his maternal family name of Walker. Early in December of 1972, Roberto had visited Managua, Nicaragua. Three weeks later, on December 23^rd, an earthquake stuck the country. Roberto began arranging emergency relief medical flights. Though, with concerns that the supplies from the first three flights never reached the intended victims, he determined to accompany the fourth flight into the country. His motto was, "If you have a chance to help others and fail to do so, you're wasting your time on this earth".

Fifty years ago today, on December 31st, 1972, Roberto Clemente boarded that plane in the evening, flying only briefly, before crashing into the ocean. It is said that a fellow Puerto Rican friend describe this news as the “night that happiness died”.

Mr. Clemente, most of the above are trivial facts of your life as one of baseball's greats. As amazing as they are, nothing compares to how you lived your life. It is in honor of that life that I leave this blog. Thank you number ‘21’. Thank you for showing us what compassion looks like … Thank you for showing us that we “don’t need to believe in color”. Might we all go out "And live the life of a common fellow".

 

With Admiration … 

 

 

 

 

 

 Roberto's last interview ~ https://youtu.be/RFEH5nxSoKc ~ (Life, Racial and Baseball)

About the plane ... and crash ~ https://youtu.be/CC4V_1aJzzc

 

That Was Then ...

 It was the mid 1990’s and I was enjoying a wonderful summer day while completing a landscape project on my hillside. The good news about the blaring music was that it was 1960’s and 70’s soft rock. A genre that I greatly enjoy and fondly reminisce. None-the-less, the seemingly 120 decibel’s exiting her speakers was a bit much even for me. I walked over and knocked onto the wooden screen door. With no response, I hollered, “Terri, can you turn the music down”? Again, no response. Fortunately while dancing to the music, she began a pirouette. It was then that our eyes caught one another. So I attempted one more time, and hollered, “Terri, can you turn the music down”? To which she replied, “Just a minute neighbor, the music’s too loud”! “Exactly”!

Those early years brought a variety of surprises in our neighborhood ~~ the last which occurred in 2007. It was on a Fall day when Terri went across the street offering an apology to a couple little girls. Now a decade and a half later and her ‘15 Year Sobriety’ coin in hand, she says, “That was then”. 

And this is joy ~

There’s not a one of us with whom change is not necessary. But I guess when a “transformation” is so dramatic, so life “altering”, that one can simply pull a coin out of their pocket and exclaim, “That was then”!

Choosing never again to have reason to offer such an apology, those little girls you might say, forever renewed her life. So yes, she has reason to exclaim with joy, “That was then”!

And I can say … there has NEVER been a neighbor quite like Terri. Ha! And I rejoice with her at fifteen years. And here’s to the next ... fifteen ...                                     

 

 

Our Plans ... His Steps …

I counted, trece, catorce, quince … that is thirteen, fourteen, fifteen … as he completed his lagartijas. I smiled and asked, “¿Cuantas lagartijas hiciste?” That is, “How many push-ups did you do?”

I love the Spanish word for push-ups, ‘lagartija’. Simply, a lizard. Why not? The visual is perfect, right?

We introduced ourselves, chatted a bit, and then he asked if I wanted to do another set of lagartijas with him. I smiled again. He did not realize who he was asking. Just another OLD man, right? He pushed through to get another fifteen. And the old man ... continued with, “Dieciseis, diecisiete”, and so on. He then knew that had been taken by a ringer. Ha :)

Ricardo y Rogelio

It was just another peaceful morning on the Malecón in Puerto Vallarta. I asked if he’d like to join me climbing to the Mirador de la Cruz. Something that we’ve enjoyed several times since, and will continue. The following week, a visit to the Optometry business, where he’s employed. And today, joining us a second time at church, has reinforced a new and likely lasting friendship.

Through this relationship with my new friend, Rogelio, I’ve been reminded of some valuable lessons, which I have found while reading through the book of Proverbs. Over the past two months I’ve read a chapter a day, focusing particularly with regard to wisdom. As well, those verses that have grabbed my attention.

Chapter 16, verse 3 says, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” So, there needs to be the intention of commitment ~ to the Lord. OK! Continuing a tad further in verse nine, we read, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Now wait a second. We need to commit, and then our plans will succeed. It is we who plan our course ... we who plan our routine, that which we’re going to accomplish for any given day, but … the Lord is determining the actual steps. Stay with me for one more verse! Chapter twenty, twenty-four, “A man’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand His way.”

Perhaps I’m wrong, but here’s my current take away from these verses written by Solomon, said to be the wisest of all. We ponder, we educate ourselves, we search and prepare for what we’ll become and how we’d like to proceed in life. And in this process of planning and of committing, to be in step (pun intended) with ultimately the Lord’s direction for each moment. Allowing His character of humility, grace, joy, relationship, gratefulness … among many others … to be ready for and to be impacting our world at any given moment.

I … we … can not understand His way. But, if we’re honest with the commitment, if we’re intentional with the plans, then, the Lord is able to determine … He is able to direct our steps. And sometimes, those steps lead to the cross. Sometimes those steps lead to new and vibrant friendship.

The view from 'El Mirador de la Cruz'

On that Monday morning a few weeks ago, I had absolutely no thought that Rogelio would be placed in my way. My plan, my course was to simply walk to the Malecón, and then up the steps to the Cross. But within “my” plan, within “my” course, the Lord directed the “steps”.

Might we all have a plan, a course in life … but wait with expectation, with anticipation, and with excitement for those particular steps in which the Lord will direct. 

 

 

A Room ~ Without A View

Though I’ve done no scientific research, I do believe that the most celebrated view is that of a sunrise or sunset. Think about it for yourself. Mountains, rivers, waterfalls, the stars, the ocean … all of these present some of the most amazing visual experiences that we’ve ever enjoyed. But ~~ who has not sat, while dining, while sitting upon a mountain top, or upon the oceans shores, from your hotel room, or as Rob Georg sings, "Sunsets from the Ranch", and lingered while the sun slowly dipped beyond the horizon? By itself, it is completely spectacular! Yet, add a few clouds, perhaps a sailboat, or a couple walking upon the seashore ~ and you have just magnified your moment in untold ways.

But let’s say that your view is obstructed? Perhaps it’s a cloudy day. Maybe there are structures that prevent you from enjoying that most wonderful moment. Or, perhaps it is creation itself.

~ The 'Pearly Gates' ~

In 2007, I had the privilege to join a dozen of my firefighter comrades on a 11,249 foot climb of Mount Hood in Oregon. Your day actually begins the previous day. That is, you begin your ascent at approximately 11pm the night before,. The goal is to time your arrival in order to capture the dawn of the new day. Yet, on that particular day we experienced one major problem. Due to a couple of our comrades having climbing difficulties, and hence having to descend, we arrived at what is called the ‘Pearly Gates’ only minutes before the rising of that amazing ball of fire. Because of our late arrival, ice had begun to fall from the narrow passage of the ‘Pearly Gates’. Dave, our most excellent guide, made the painful decision to abandon the climb. The sunrise goal ~ well, it would be missed. So, the safety of the moment and the crew took preeminence. The point ~ At 11,100 feet, we were but a mere 150 feet from seeing what would have been one of those most spectacular sunrises. Instead, the mountain herself blocked our scene.

Now fifteen years later we found ourselves in a room without a view. Though we had been “upgraded” from our typical unit, it surely seemed more like a downgrade. You see, if you have reservations, made nearly a year in advance, to the next higher condos, the presumption would be an ocean view. Initially we were hopeful, as our room number was ‘7168’. That must be the seventh floor, correct? Oh no! That would somehow be the seventh building. And it was on the first floor. So what began as a potential ocean view became one of jungle plants.

Say What?

After several encounters with multiple different employees from each of the high-end to lower-end units, over that evening and the following morning, I finally resolved that “Que sera, sera”.

It would be a couple days afterwards that the true resolve occurred. While watching the trees across our courtyard, as the gentle breeze created such a beautiful sway of the leaves, I was reminded of a simple truth. That is, that a view is solely a perspective. You see, that 11,100 foot climb in ascent of Mount Hood … it was not lacking view, only the expected view. The same is true of our first floor condo. Though it was not the expected view … there was, and is a view to be enjoyed.

Might we recognize that our rooms without an apparent view … do indeed have a view. If only we change our perspective. 

No sunrise ~ But indeed a spectacular view!

Anticipated View ... That Wasn't

 

                                                 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O93IiMkmwTI

A Firefighters Bond ... And More Than

 His began in 65' ~ For me, 77' ~ And though we never crossed the same fire-ground ~ The enjoyed conversations, spoke of similar smoke eating, fire breathing experiences. Often in midst of darkness ... on rainy days and in the frigid cold ... of zero dark thirty hours. Fear would be overcome by the pure joy of service. Into the commercial building ... the overturned vehicle ... your private residence ... perhaps Starbucks, Safeway or Home Depot ... 

Often responding just after taking the first bite of that juicy mushroom burger... or that specialty dish prepared by a fellow comrade. The tones command our immediate attention ~~ to join you ... the public ... at your worst possible moment! A family involved in a serious MVA at the corner of 13th and State ... A Co-worker with an anaphylactic response to unexpected nuts ... CPR required on her 55 year old husband ... or perhaps the frequent diabetic or seizure patient. Other times, we were attempting to save your valuables from the early morning fire. Or even freeing little Timmy's Fido, who somehow trapped himself in one of the most unique predicaments. We never knew what to expect. Part of the joy of being a firefighter. Every call, every tap-out ... it was like ... A new job ... each and every response. 

Circa 1970's Salem Fire House

And then, a return to the House. To the soggy burger, or that once in a lifetime specialty dish ~ Sure must have been wonderful... an hour ago. A game of Texas Holdem ... Cribbage, Ping Pong ... Until the tones once again set us in motion. And they call this a job. Dude!!!

Off duty ... building cabinets, joining our children ... later, our grandchildren in their schools, at their games. Twenty-four ... or, Forty-eight hours off ... then Twenty-four ... Forty-eight hours on. Thirty years of life given to service. To a brotherhood that few experience ... few can imagine. 

Duane ~ in his Cabinet Shop

But in this brotherhood ... this Bond is enhanced ... For a day is coming when once again we will reminisce ... not solely about the fireground. Duane, we will complete our conversations of our Savior's faithfulness. Shift after shift, by His Grace, we were returned to the safety of our families. You have now been transported to the Father's arms. We miss you! But hold a place at the table ... we'll join you soon!

Your brother fire fighter & brother in Christ, 

Rick Williams 

Ps ... I can't wait to see the cabinets that the Father had you build for some of those Mansions which He has prepared.  And inlaying them in gold, I can see you grinning ear to ear ...

 

Might each of us enjoy our twilight years as Duane was able. That is in the manner in which his grandchildren displayed Ephesians 6 honor. "Honor your mother, father (and grandparents), which is the first commandment with a promise".
 

Leaving an 'Indelible Mark' ...

“Nearly every day of her life ... she would go for a walk either in the canyon on their  ranch, or at Silver Falls, keeping her very healthy in body and spirit. On her 80th birthday she accomplished her goal of hiking the entire five-mile trail around Silver Falls. She was so healthy and strong in fact, that she traveled to Mexico on a church mission trip building houses while in her 80s.”

The above is from the obituary of my dear friend, Jennie Hickman. Last year I added the following to a website dedicated to her memory. It is in regards to that infamous 'Mexico' mission trip.

“On our return from Mexico and our March mission trip, we stopped for the day at Paramount's 'Great Adventure'. Eric and I had said that we would be Jennie's chaperon's for this day.

Even before entering the park ~~ this young eighty something grandma, with grin ear to ear, looks up and points high and to our left, exclaiming, "That's the first ride". Oh my, she was pointing at 'Batman the Ride'. Before stepping onto the ride, in which your legs dangle down, I set the hat that I just purchased in Mexico off to the side. The three of us are now on the ride with Jennie in the seat between us. Fast and twirls and grins were had by all three of us. As the ride comes to a stop, and without thinking, I walked over to pick up my hat. While bending doing down, and about to pick it up, I hear from behind me, "Rick"! As Jennie stepped off the ride, she swerved a bit, being a tad dizzy, thinking she might fall. Though at the same time with that ear to ear grin.

Nearly as fun as the ride itself were the accolades she received throughout the remainder of the day from several who had been witness to this amazing feat from little old lady Jennie.

Though a memory from more than twenty years, it is as clear as the day itself. Thank you Jennie ~~ your youthfulness in your twilight years remains an inspiration.”

Her obituary continues, "Jennie has left an indelible mark on the lives of all her family and friends, and all who have known her are richer for her influence."

Now, eleven years from her death, the memory of our friendship and that “indelible mark” continues to bring appreciation and a smile.

 

I'll let you see if you could stomach this ride.

 Today at nearly 64 ~~ I'd still ride. But at 80 ~ baby, I'm not sure. Ha!

 

 

A Paradox … or, A Pair of Cows?

 “We learn from history, that we don’t learn from history”. Georg Hegel ~ I am going to think positive, but I know it won’t work ~ “To early seen unknown, and known to late!” William Shakespeare ~ “Prediction is very difficult, especially if it’s about the future” Niels Bohr ~ “Plans are worthless, but planning is everything” Dwight D Eisenhower ~ “What a pity that youth must be wasted on the young”.

George Bernard Shaw ~ “Cowards die many times before their deaths” William Shakespeare ~ “I can resist anything, except temptation” Oscar Wilde ~ Or, how about this one from our modern technology … ‘No keyboard detected, Press F1’ ~ Or … some of mine are: In regards to value, the surgeon is a pauper, when compared to a professional basketball player. Perhaps we need to start calling our surgeons ‘professionals’. Yeah, that’ll make the difference. And last, I almost always, never drive this way … or, That’s awful good! …

So Rick, some good paradox sayings, but what the heck is the ‘Pair of Cows’ all about? This past week I was riding my motorcycle to visit a friend who has been quiet ill. On the way I passed through our tiny town of Lyons, Oregon. A few things that always stand out to me about Lyons. One, the amazing Santiam River flows through it. I have yet to drive over the bridge without enjoying her beauty. Two, the awesome new metal sign that welcomes the visitor to their town. And three, it is a hub of motorcycle joy in three directions.

As I rode through this past week, something new stood out. I glanced momentarily to my left to capture a very unique site. To such, that I was impelled to turn around and truly capture this moment. I had seen the metal ‘Longhorn’ sculpture before, but never with its doppelganger standing only few feet away. It was this picture that got me thinking of the past week’s events.

Two weddings … both ended with “I do”! Both, assembled family and friends. Both, included food, music and dancing. Both couples are brothers and sisters in Christ. Both provided as a symbol of their love, rings … a distinction, a bond, an eternal love.

But then I thought of a ‘Paradox’ or, ‘The Pair of Cows’, as it would be. They’re both ‘Longhorns’. But they’re not! The weddings, though so many similarities, had many different distinctions. The one, high octane, with much more energy. The other, a calm, a quietness. The one, a focus more toward one person. The other, very much included both. The one, a mixture of Christ … and the world. The other, a legacy of generations living in the grace and fullness of God our Savior.

As these two couples begin their journey’s here in the year 2022, we can not begin to imagine where their marriage will take them twenty or forty years from now. Struggles will be inevitable. But I hope, I do pray that communication, and that grace … will carry them, and their children through the difficulties which they will face. That their ultimate reliance will not be upon themselves, as individuals or as couples. Rather, might their reliance be upon the Creator of the universe. The one who, as John 3:16 says, “Gave His only son, Jesus, that whoever believes in Him might not perish, but have everlasting life.”

‘The Pair of Cows’ … One, solely for looks. The other, is a wondrous created miracle. Might these marriages not be one of looks, rather another wondrous created miracle, an example of the love that our Father has so bestowed upon us. 

 

 

 

So hold onto Jesus wherever you are ...

 

Time To Let Go

~ Ella, First Citizen ~

 

  She could never remember, was it a ‘Model-T’, maybe a 1915 Dodge Model 30, surely not the more elite Benz or Pierce-Arrow. What she knew was that for her graduation present in 1922, she got to drive a car owned by her best friends family. And though it was her very first, and most memorable time to drive, it would be far from her last. No, that day would come nearly 70 years later, the day she sold her Nissan Stanza. It had been a couple years in the making. Request and hints from both family and friends finally convinced her that the time had come, the ‘time to let go’. But “Letting Go”, meant letting go of a freedom that is … that was so treasured.

Chelsea was sixteen, for most her age, life was full of expectation, of hope. Returning from Paris, where she and her mother spent a glorious week of sites and taste, she needed a nights rest in Portland before completing her journey home, only two hours south. We had the privilege to offer her an oxygen tank for the night. A service that was customary for our Fire Department.

For Chelsea she had come to accept that it was ‘time to let go’. And though mom had made the same decision, understandably she was not ready, nor willing to release her only daughter. That said, this trip, these memories, they will forever bring the same smile on her face, that was hers while she told of her story.

Far from ever being one of ‘the’ fastest, still his times were decent. That sub six minute mile over two miles, the 53 second 400, and the 16:45 climbing 85 stories of the Empire State building were some of his most treasured events. And even at the age of forty-two, he was able to garner one more sub minute in the 400. Yet he knew that chasing to better these, well it was ‘time to let go’.

Life is full of growth, full of higher expectations, and the opportunity to become the best at what we do, or what we’re capable to do. Yet a day will come, a moment to accept, that it is ‘Time To Let Go’. For some, they seem unwilling to bear the inescapable.

Perhaps there are no differences between the three above ~ each a follower of Christ, and those who do not. What I know … is the hope that all three had. In First Corinthians Paul says, “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet, the dead shall be raised and we shall put on the imperishable”. Or in Philippians 1:21 Paul, while in prison, makes this very profound statement, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain”.

My daily hope is live my best for His kingdom until the day I can no longer. But I know, I accept that “My best” will change with each passing year, sometimes each passing day. There will even come a day when it will be ‘time to let go’ of my motorcycle riding days. Yeah, I may be fighting that one. Just saying :)

 

                The song I've selected, 'Say I Won't' by Mercy Me sings of the paradox to 'Time To Let Go'                                                                          Only with wisdom (and sometimes incredible determination) do we know the difference.

The stories above are mostly true. Ella, (or Grandma Ella), was the first story, born in 1906. I remember the many conversations that we enjoyed over our years of friendship. Living till the age of ninety-seven, the telling of some of her ‘first’ were always quite fun. Chelsea (unknown actual name) was a patient that we once provided an oxygen tank during a necessary nights layover in a hotel near PDX. Dying of cancer, she and her mother had just returned from an amazing adventure to Paris. And the last story … well, that is ‘moi’ of course. Age brings stages, events, aspects of life which conclude as ‘times to let go’. ‘Being ready’ for these moments is likely an impossibility. Yet, I hope for grace, perhaps His grace to be able to transition when such a time arrives. 

                                ~ Written in honor of CB Menveg, aka Nana, who would have been ninety-seven today ~ 

 

'Beauty Unexposed'

My 'Rachel Delevoryas' was Charlene. Though I never joined with the chorus of pain that so many brought her way, one day my omission in fact added immensely. As with Randy's song, this too was the 5th or 6th grade.

I had inadvertently stepped onto some dog crap only minutes prior to arriving at school one day. Quickly I attempted to rid my shoe of any evidence. Thinking I had done such, I walked into class. Sitting in my chair, next to Charlene, I immediately realized that I was mistaken.

Slowly our classmates began to sniff and say, "What is that smell"? Looking toward Charlene, each began to point, snicker and comment ~ "You stink"! Charlene, bigger than any of us boys, perhaps twice her average weight, with a large head and hair similar to Rachel's, sunk her head shamefully down. And I ~~ I said nothing......

~ I hope that this is what Charlene became ~

Deep emotion of regret swell up now & EVERY time I think of that moment. Charlene, I'm sooooo VERY sorry! Father, thank You that I've long since learned the value of speaking up for the vulnerable. Might we all have ~ might we all teach our children, our grandchildren, to be bold. To be the voice for the {Rachel's} ~~ for the {Charlene's} in our world. Might God's grace, which He so lavishly poured into our lives ~ be poured through our lives into our world.... 

                                             

A quote from Randy Stonehill: "This is a true story from my childhood. The first time I sang the song Rachel Delevoryas in public I was completely unaware that Rachel's sister was in the audience. Later that year Rachel surprised me by coming back stage after one of my concerts."
 

Unintended Ministry

 Standing in the mini grocery store, owned by my ‘Tocayo’ (namesake), here in Puerto Vallarta, she was purchasing some simple items ~~ diapers and tortillas. She was ‘perhaps’ a twenty year old, together with her three year old and six month baby girl. There was no, “Oh, I feel sorry for you”. Rather, I asked, “Me puedo comprar estos, un regalo?”. That is, “Can I buy these ... as a gift?”. She graciously received this gift as it was intended.

Those who know me, know that this is said by no means to lift myself up. Rather, it is the heart … the ‘Jar – of - Clay’, which our Father, our Creator, continues to shape within this life. A ‘heart’ which hopefully resembles that of our Savior. A heart always being aware of the person, the need directly in front, or sometimes to the side, in that very moment of time.

I’ve heard it called ‘sprinkling the living water’. I’m calling it ‘unintended ministry’. Though perhaps it would be better called, “Intended Ministry”. Because in a world which demands so much of our time, where most are consumed by a daily life of “busyness”. Where our focus often excludes awareness of the other, of the circumstances directly in plain sight.

She surely had the money for this simple purchase. And perhaps … I did her no favor in buying this for her. Will she expect the same next time? Or perhaps, as it was ‘intended’ ~~ it was received as the grace and the smile from someone who has been blessed, and in turn would like to extend a blessing.

Is that not what these ‘Jars of Clay’ become? Those shaped into those who view the world as through the eyes of our Savior. Who when walking with His disciples so often surprised them ~ talking to children, touching the leper, healing a blind man, weeping over the death of a friend ~~ even conversing with the rich … and with the poor.

Nothing more to say ... but Beautiful!

I hope for a tomorrow, or the day after, or the one after that to continue to be that ‘jar of clay’. One whom is ready for the next ‘unintended ministry’. 

Today ~ April Fool's Day 2022 ~ would have been my mother's 80th birthday. It was through her life that I first discovered what 'Unintended Ministry' looks like. It's in her honor that I post this blog. I ~~ We love you Elizabeth Ann ~~

 

 

 

 

 

  

© Malcolm Grieve - Top Photo

Our Fathers, Their Sons ~~

At the 'Queen Mary' 1983

 His smile was larger than life as we ventured through this most magical place. Our journey lead us from adventure, to fantasy and even into the future. Yet more than the magic, more than the journey ~ what became most spectacular, was nothing more than a mouse. Well, perhaps not just any mouse. No, this particular mouse goes by the name of ‘Mickey’.

More than fifty years ago ~ when Hiroshi Imaizumi and I first met. Since 1971 he has been known as Uncle ‘Mickey’. My father and Mickey would begin a partnership, no actually a brotherhood, that continued until my father's death in 2010. And his new name ~ given by yours truly ~ was after that visit to Disneyland, and his love of ‘Mickey Mouse’, so the name stuck. In such a way, that through his world travels over the past fifty years, no one calls him Hiroshi. Ha!

Mickey & Dad ... circa 1990

Those early years provided many memorable experiences with Uncle Mickey. But none greater than the infamous ‘Dune Buggy’ ride. I had become good friends with Shotoshi Takahasi, a foreign exchange student from Yokohoma, Japan, who was a fellow ballplayer, neighbor & best friend. Shos, as we would call him, had been in the States for six months when Mickey arrived for a two week stay. My father, by the same name, Rick and I had built a four seat dune buggy just the year prior. With a 2100cc VW engine, back seats that sat six inches above those in front and buggy reign brakes (for turning on a dime), this buggy remains as one of my most favorite memories.

It was a gorgeous Spring afternoon as the California sun glowed upon the Santa Clarita dry riverbed. Mickey & Shos sat in the back seats. Rounding corners and topping hills while completing 180 & 270 degree spins, made for nothing more than pure joy! And then came ~ ‘the spot ‘. Dad slowed ... glanced toward me and we both nodded. Ahead ~ a lone puddle, that appeared inches in depth. First, then second and third gears provided more than sufficient speed enroute to the puddle. As the front, then the rear tires hit ~ a wave of water, no, of mud lifted above the buggy and landed perfectly upon our unbeknownst passengers. Dad with excellent precision grasped the left buggy reign as we spun a perfect 180 degrees to a stop. What seemed like seconds of silence, the two passengers, with almost choreographed synchronization ... lifted their arms toward the sky and shouted ~~ AGAIN!

Mickey, Kuni & I ... Tokyo 07'

“Well done sir!”, the announcer proclaimed as Kunitaka crossed the finish at the 2019 Portland Marathon. His second place finish with a time of 2 hours and 46 minutes was more than sufficient for qualification to the famous Boston Marathon. Kuni (as he prefers to be called) and I ironically first met in Japan in 2007 at the Tokyo Marathon. I was in Tokyo for a weeks visit after a return from a training operation in Sri Lanka. Uncle Mickey took the two of us on a tour of his lovely city.

Autzen Stadium ~ Fall 2019

The 2019 Portland Marathon, my first ~ Ha! ... as I rode my bicycle around the city capturing video of Kuni and his run to his second place finish. It was our fifth of six meets while he attended the University of Oregon for nine months that year. A July visit even included his parents, Mickey & Kyoung Mee who traveled from Japan for a brief visit. Together we enjoyed Silver Falls State Park and also lovely afternoon baseball game watching the Salem Volcanoes.

Rick & Kuni ~ Go 'Red Sox'! Oct 2021

And now, months have past since Kuni ran with the top 3% in the 125^th running of the Boston Marathon. We enjoyed great lodging in Natick with my nephew Daniel, along with morning breakfast at 'The Bagel Table'. A beautiful ride out to the Atlantic coast. And let us not forget the 'baseball marathon'. Yes, the night before his race we had the privilege to enjoy great seats in the Major Leagues oldest stadium, Fenway Park, where the Red Sox were victorious in thirteen innings. Oh baby!

Kuni's Finish in Boston

How life so quickly changes. After Kuni’s return to Japan in late 2019, I began making tentative plans for a trip to Japan in the Fall of 2021. Then in early 2021 Uncle Mickey would have a stroke and later even diagnosed with cancer. Unbeknownst at that time that I would still have a Fall 2021 connection with the Imaizumi family. Only not in Japan, but rather Boston, USA.

Then came the news toward the end of January 2022, Uncle Mickey had died. Blessed ~~ I’ve been to have had him as part of my life’s journey. Blessed that Kuni made the University of Oregon his school of choice in 2019. 

Not sure if their sons will have another twenty-five years in order to match the forty of which our fathers so enjoyed.  What I do know ~ an ocean was never able to diminish their friendship. Not then, and not now.

Kuni, Karen, Rick, Kyoung Mee & Mickey

Post Boston Marathon Delight :)

Silver Falls State Park - July 2019

2nd Place - Portland 2019

~ Mickey, a major role in Tokyo's Olympic Stadium ~

https://weldingproductivity.com/article/olympic-assist/

                                                Kuni at the 2019 Portland Marathon