Shade Tree wisdom 7/29/10

Well, the walk was easy, pleasant indeed, but cloudy. However, the weather people tell us the rain has gone and heat returns. It is end of July, after all.

This is a memorable day, for today, July 29th, is the 65th anniversary of our marriage,and we became great grandparents yesterday. What joy.

The day was bright and sunny, not a cloud in the sky, warm, a slight breeze ruffled the leaves on the trees, a day such as you experience ONLY in Wisconsin in July. And we were married at Trinity Lutheran Church on a Sunday afternoon, Pastor H.C. Wehrs officiating. Our wedding march was the Hymn, “Lord, Take my hand and lead me, along life’s way”. That was Ruth’s choice. Her reasons. It was a pleasant melody, and the words were thoughtful and really a prayer to accompany us through life. So that, when we heard the hymn, it reminded us of the prayer with which we began our days together, and the Lord Who always attended us.

Now after 65 years, what better prayer than

“Now when the shadows lengthen,
And night has come,
I know that You will strengthen
My steps toward Home.
And nothing can impede me,
O Blessed Friend,
So, take my hands and lead me,
Unto the end”.

That expresses a hope, states a wish, and speaks a heartfelt prayer.

So, we went on a brief honeymoon. Drove to Lake Shawano. Gas was still rationed, and we had no coupons yet. We rented a cottage for the week, but since we had no food stamps either, we really were terribly limited in food we could get. Corn Flakes, and Spam, and lots of fresh fruit. Fortunately, the neighbor in the next cottage was always fishing, so he shared his catch with us, so we had fish, I believe, three times. We went to church on Sunday, and planned on a meal at a restaurant as a special treat. But, none were open, since Wal-Mart hadn’t yet spread abroad and bulled many businesses into 7 day a week activity.

But we passed a hotel, and the sign said “Restaurant”. Good, we stopped and went in, only to be met at the desk with the notice that they only served their guests. Disappointed, we turned to leave, and the proprietress noticed our woe-begone expressions and said, “Maybe I can help. What is the problem”. So we poured out our sorry tale. She, kind soul, said, “Come on back. I will give you a meal and send some back for tomorrow”. So she did, fed us well, and we survived.

Tuesday we drove home, and found that gas rationing and food rationing had been ended the day before!

“So take my hands and lead me,
Unto the end”.

GPD 7/29/10