Newspaper + Dog = Friendship

In 2011 we moved from CT to Duncan, SC.  We had our dog Ginger with us, and soon after we moved in, I began walking her on the street in front of our house.  Our realtor told us that the elderly woman who lived across the street once owned the property our home was built on.  I had not yet met her, but I noticed she also received the morning newspaper, and the walk to the end of the gravel driveway was about 75 feet long. I was worried about her walking alone on the gravel with her cane, so I stopped by one afternoon and introduced myself.  I told her that I was out early every morning with my dog Ginger and I offered to bring her paper to her door. She told me her name was Ruth Pearson, and she said supposed that would be alright. 

Not too long after, we had lost Ginger to an aggressive cancer, but I kept bringing the paper to her door. It didn't take long for Miss Ruth and me to become friends. Soon, I was bringing her cookies, she was making me Pound Cake - real honest to goodness Southern Pound Cake - and I was coming by for visits.  Most days we'd sit and talked, or crack pecans at her kitchen table - she had a beautiful pecan tree in her front yard which produced a lot of pecans!

Soon, I was taking Miss Ruth to the library—she was an avid reader like me—as well as to the doctor’s, the hairdressers, and the grocery store. We remained good friends until she passed away in 2015 at the age of 91. This treasured friendship began with a newspaper and a dog.

In 2015, we moved to Inman, SC, and had welcomed Missy into our home a few years earlier. We lived in a community of 75 homes with six cul-de-sacs, making it a wonderful place to walk. I’d take Missy out for a stroll in the morning and later go for a faster-paced walk on my own.  

I’d heard about an elderly man who lived on the next street down. He had moved here from Florida with his wife, but just a week later, she suddenly passed away. I'd never been formally introduced to him, yet my heart went out to him.  I noticed he also received the morning paper and though his driveway wasn't long, the slight hill concerned me. So, I began bringing the newspaper to his front door. 

For months I delivered the newspaper without ever meeting him, until one afternoon when I was out with Missy and saw him coming out of his house.  I walked over to introduce myself and Missy, and that's when he told me his name was Emil.  I told him I was the one bringing the newspaper to his door. Apparently, all this time he thought it was the carrier, so he said he always gave him a generous tip!  We had a good laugh about that! 

I had told Emil we lived just up the hill and to let us know if he needed anything. Emil said he was fine, didn't need anything, but he thanked me very much. The next day, I left the paper, some chocolate chip cookies, and my phone number. I didn't see Emil for a few weeks after that, but one day he was waiting for me and Missy to walk by.  He thanked me for the cookies but said that next time he'd prefer them without nuts. And just like that - instant friends. 

I've written blogs about my cherished friendship with Emil (and Ruth)*. He truly was a dear, dear friend, and we always looked out for each other.  Almost every morning, we would sit on his front porch and wave to the people going by. Those are some of my fondest memories, this quiet, peaceful time with my friend Emil and Missy. 

We enjoyed our friendship for about four years before Emil had a mild stroke and moved to the VA hospital.  During COVID, visitors were not allowed except for family, but his son Richard would call me during his visits and hold the phone up to Emil's ear so I could talk to him. Richard always told me that Emil made facial expressions to show that he recognized my voice. Emil passed away in November of 2020. This treasured friendship also began with a newspaper and a dog. 

I felt lost without Emil.  Nurturing has been a deep part of who I am, and after losing Miss Ruth and now Emil, it felt like I had also lost my purpose too. I believed God put me in Duncan to be there for Miss Ruth and then moved us to Inman to be there for Emil. I still trusted that my gift for nurturing would find its place again. I knew it wouldn't come through a newspaper - they don't deliver them anymore - and it wouldn't happen while walking a dog, but I believed it would be revealed to me soon.

Since then, the Lord has blessed me with many dear friends - some I've cared for, and others who've been there for me when I needed looking after. I know with absolute certainty that I've found my purpose and my center - a center grounded in the joy of nurturing and the joy of the Lord. 

* Additional Blogs:  Ruth Jan 2015  /  Emil Dec 2020  /  Emil and Missy Sept 2020  /  Emil, Missy and "Will-Powers" Aug 2020

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Stand by Me - Ben E. King

The song "Stand by Me" was recorded and released by Ben E. King in 1961 when he was 23 years old. At this point there is nothing that I can say about this classic that would be new or different - this song is simply timeless.  Ben E. King 1961

Every time I hear this song, I stop and listen, giving it my full attention.  I love the whole song, but the violin and cellos in the middle are by far my absolute favorite part of the song. 

This 2007 live performance is the one I watch over and over again. At 69, King has likely sung this song countless times, yet the lyrics clearly hold meaning for him. He sings it with the ease of a seasoned artist and the comfort and warmth of returning to an old friend. It’s a wonderful performance.  King sings this song with the respect and admiration it deserves, neither over- nor under- performing it. The expressions on the orchestra members' faces reflect their dedication and respect as well.  Ben E. King 2007

Seeing King in the 1961 video and then again in his 2007 performance, you see a man who has found contentment in life. There’s a quiet yet powerful sense of confidence and peace about him that time has nurtured. He went on to live another seven years, and I pray that those years were filled with the same peace he radiates here.

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People Watching / Airports / Heaven

Earlier this month, my mom and brother flew in from Connecticut for a long weekend visit. Bill dropped me off at the airport, and I waited for Nora and Bernie in the chairs at the bottom of the escalator along with the others. This spot is where everyone exits the airport and goes to pick up their luggage from baggage claim. Since I’d arrived early, I passed the time doing one of my favorite activities—people-watching. It’s always fun, but there’s something especially fascinating about people-watching in an airport. (I also love to watch dogs in cars too and wrote a blog about it, Missy Makes Me Laugh: "Wait for it")

As I sat there, watching people pass by, I'd smile if someone glanced my way, and most of the time I was blessed with a smile in return. I can't say I represent all of Upstate South Carolina, but I hope they remember the stranger who smiled at them and thought, "Wow!  This sure is a friendly state!".

My favorite part of people-watching at the airport is spotting those waiting for someone to arrive. I look for the person in the crowd; eyes fixed on the area where their loved one will appear. I can't get enough of that moment of recognition - both faces lighting up with pure joy and love as they rush to connect and hug.  

I probably watch more than what's considered socially acceptable, but I can't help it. I want to witness it all - the long hugs, the happy tears and the pure joy of people being reunited with someone they love. 

We're not meant to know how we will be welcomed Home this side of Heaven, but I know that the Bible says we will recognize our loved ones. I may not know where I will be waiting, but that's okay, I trust that God has everything planned out.  He will guide me to the place where I can witness the reunions, the homecomings, and all the love and joy that Heaven holds for all of eternity. 

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