Along the Way

Marsha and I had an exciting 45 years of marriage. Along the way we had the opportunities to have close relationships with many wonderful people. Some have been lost along the way. In the picture is Susan Vigliano and her son Danny. When Danny was born Susan lived with us and Marsha ended up being her birth coach in the delivery room. I walked her down the aisle for her second marriage, but we lived far apart and our paths have not crossed nearly enough. As I was looking through my photo album this picture stopped me and made me think of the people I miss. People who don't even know that Marsha has passed away. I made an effort yesterday to find Susan by a google search and did come up with some results, but when I called I had no luck. I think of others like John Bernard who used our home as a living space for some time while he completed college. We took a seminary class together as later we both worked toward ordination. Life brings people into your arena and then sometimes they are gone. We learn from them and we grow from them, but in due season the connection can cease. I don't think that changes the value that comes from the time together. I love the opportunities that I have had to share my life with people. What a gift it is to look back and have those memories. We cherish the past for all it has brought us, we plan for and hope for the future, and we live in the moment. All three valuable in their own way.