In the last month or so, my dad had the idea that he wanted to write a book. Sadly, he didn't get very far but I wanted to share the few paragraphs that he did write:
Have you ever watched a delicate, individually patterned snowflakes fall upon your little red booties? Probably not, but that happened to be my very first memory in life. There I was, standing in the snow, looking up at someone very big, most likely my mother and finding myself already in awe of life. I was born September 14th, 1947 in Kokomo Indiana. You might be saying, “you're kidding, Kokomo?...is that a real place?” Yes it is! and that’s where I am from, well, at least I was born there and lived there for about 3 years and then my family moved to Los Angeles the city of Angels, although it is getting tougher and tougher to find any actual angels there now-a-days!
I even remember the airplane trip. Everyone kept stuffing gum in my mouth, they said it would help with adjusting the ear pressure. I think I had about 16 pieces in there by the time I was choking on the gum(they had no Heimlich maneuver in those days) so a good flip upside down and whack on the back caused the slippery mass to dislodge. Needless to say I was happy to be in LA alive.
We moved into a cute little house in La Crescenta CA with pretty shear curtains and a brick walkway and steps, even a circular planter made of bricks around a beautiful tree of some kind. I liked it…other than the fact that the little girl next door tried to literally scratch my eyes out one day, grandpa tied to push my brother all the way over the entire swing set when he kept saying higher, higher grandpa (an early start to his gymnastics career I suppose) and my pet turtle slipped under the fence and off into oblivion…just a few childhood set backs, but over-all good memories of La Crescenta.
I love that we have these beautiful words and memories from my dad. I treasure them.
Maisha
11 comments:
Thank you, Maisha, for sharing that. Your Dad was such a wonderful person, as you already know. I remember when your Mom and Dad first came to the Lord and were so excited to share Him with anyone who would listen! I was one of those people and thankfully have come to know Him as well. I am so very grateful for the many, many lives that Kit and Shelly have touched ... for mine was also one of them. John, my hubby, and I continue to keep you and your family in our prayers especially as you go through this time of grieving and healing. It's so beautiful to see what a shining light you are to others as well. Please give your Mom a special hug for me and God bless.
Love,
Philly from CA
Loved it...I wish he had a chance to write more. I guess this is our "fair warning" that we all should be starting on our story ... right about now :). I love you, Maisha. Thank you for sharing that with us. It's precious.
Love,
Lisa
I loved it. Brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing with us today Maisha! Love you miss you. I miss you daddy so much too. I am sad that he is not on this earth with us anymore. That is the hardest thing for me to fathom. I can not wait for us all be together again in heaven with no more tears no more pain. Wish so much I could hug you and your mom today. Please hug each other for me (-: Love you guys forever!
Maisha,thanks so much for sharing that brief part of your dad's story! This has been such a good reminder for Jesse and I to start writing our "story" to at least leave to our kids and grandkids.Your dad was an incredible story teller and I can see you have his genes! And yes,we miss him in a big way!! Lovingly,Joyce
Maisha, that was precious. Everything about your dad is precious. He was such an overcomer and he inspires me to carry on when I am down. We love you Lauers, and know that no matter how much prep you had for your dad's departure, it is still extremely difficult having to say goodbye. Someday we will all say hello again, and I can't wait for that day.
Much love to you,
Da Johnsons
Maisha, I still check your dad's blog every day, it's almost like I can't believe he's really not here anymore. Of course, really he isn't.Death ends his life here on earth,but it doesn't end our relationship with him and I'm sure he's with you always. Thanks for sharing. Love, Jimi
Thank you for sharing this, Maisha:) Love you guys!
Maisha,
Thank you so much for sharing these kinds of memories with us, your extended-extended family. It is just another way you show love to all around you (something Kit was so very skilled at) to share things like this with us. He is truly missed and I look forward to the day when we all will be together, and never have to say goodbye again.
Hi Maisha,
Thank you for sharing these sweet memories with us. I could hear your dad's voice as I read and it brings comfort. We all miss him, and I will keep your family in my prayers. It was nice talking with you and your sweet mom the other day.
God bless you,
Robyn
Thank you very much we love to read and see Kit's letter and nice picture thank you very much for sharing we love you and your Daddy Natalia
Please see my blog posting--I'm sending this to you as a reminder in case you didn't happen to see it amongst so much at his time of passing. I'm delighted to read anything and everything your dad put his signature to. It is still a sting for me as well, and in fact I cannot help but weep most times I think of him. Please stay in touch with me as I consider you a friend forever--I hope you don't mind. Please say hello to your wonderful mother, she is such a trooper and is no doubt having moments of deep sorrow. I would like to someday get together with your mom and you and whomever else you would like, whether it be at church, at my home, or wherever.. the main thing is that I just want to stay in touch. Looking forward to hearing back from you at your convenience. Sending you a basket of flowers, and please give your mom a big hug.
An Ode to Kit - My Pastor, My Mentor and My Friend
When I say the word, "friend," I as a Christian know that it means more than just a simple "hello and good bye" kind of friendship. I remember in Jesus' time the wearing of robes was customary and therefore when someone offered you their robe in friendship, it was the same as saying they would give their life for you. My dear friend Kit, I would be honored if you would take my imaginary robe and wear it as a symbol of our friendship.
You have been such a phenomenal teacher to me throughout the years. I have come to know deeply our God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit through your teachings. You visited me in the hospital when I had a broken hip and when I had my life changing stroke that no one thought I would survive. You have been there for me as a true friend. To say that I admire you does not come close to the feelings that I want to express.
Kit, you have been an inspiration to so many that I could only wish to make a mark on this world as you have done. The mark you have made is huge. Thank you for teaching me that when one door closes, another door opens. And so it is, Kit you have taught me how to deal with my own future passing with the knowledge that I am going to live forever in the arms of the one you have taught me to love.
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