My Story

When I started this blog after Amy died it was mostly about her life and also about me coping with the loss of a child. As time has passed it has turned into more my story than Amy's but then I wouldn't be who I am if I hadn't had Amy in my life.

I imagine some of you reading this already know most of my story, but I feel compelled to share a little of it on this holiday we call Independence Day, July 4th.

After graduating from high school I took a summer job working in the Black Hills of South Dakota at Mount Rushmore. It was our country's bicentennial, 1976, a presidential election year and a lot of special events were planned. The faces (as we called Mt Rushmore) were lit every night and there were fireworks on special occasions. I don't remember those as much as I do the people I met and the friends I made for a lifetime. I would turn 18 that summer and my life would be forever changed.

My roommate and I were in each others wedding and we visited over the years as our families grew, not an easy task as we lived 1500 miles apart. We still keep in touch, not as often, but the closeness is still there and will always be.

Another special person that I met that summer was at a street dance in a little town called Hill City, in a cowboy bar. He asked me to dance and I said, “Yes.” Then 6 months later he asked me to be his wife and I said, “Yes.” A little less than 6 months after that I said, “I do.” That was 43 years ago.

So the Black Hills of South Dakota have always had a special place in my heart. We took a few vacations there when I was young and as an adult I've visited at least 6 times since. We honeymooned, enjoyed family vacations, and a few years ago it was just the two of us once again.

I follow South Dakota on Instagram and a few days ago I noticed they were doing a big fireworks show over Mt Rushmore on July 3. I thought it would be much too late with the time change so I didn't give it a second thought. 

This week our governor ordered us back to wearing masks outside the home. This was really a blow to me, as Bill and I had finally gone back to church last week for the first time and realized how much we have missed it. Bill and I didn't wear masks and yes, we sang, loud and with full hearts. Our grandchildren have really been missing interaction with other children at church and I feel so bad for them too.

Last night, for some reason, I was drawn to check out the fireworks. I had no idea that President Trump was speaking and that it was such a bid deal. It really lifted my spirits and I enjoyed seeing people behaving normally for a change. I have missed the patriotic spirit that this country once had and hearing all the music made me think of my parents and especially Daddy, a Marine of the Korean War. I'm actually glad that they are not alive to see how this country has fallen so far away from God.

Early this morning I needed to pick up an order so I decided to stop in the town square and get some pictures of the memorials there.

The Korean War Memorial

World War II Memorial

   

Then on the way home I was taken by the beauty of the little valley we live in. The far group of trees right in the middle are next to the cemetery where Amy lies and our farm is down the hill below the mountain, hidden in this picture.  

As I stopped to take the picture, I remember that Daddy would always take a picture in the cornfield each year on July 4th. So I decided to take a photo of the corn on the other side of the road and then got brave and did my best at a selfie with the sun in my eyes.  

So this is just a piece of "My Story." But my real story follows this song.

Hope

Love

Life

Jesus

 

My Story

If I told you my story
You would hear Hope that wouldn't let go
And if I told you my story
You would hear Love that never gave up
And if I told you my story
You would hear Life, but it wasn't mine

If I told you my story
You would hear victory over the enemy
And if I told you my story
You would hear freedom that was won for me
And if I told you my story
You would hear Life overcome the grave

If I should speak then let it be
Of the grace that is greater than all my sin
Of when justice was served and where mercy wins
Of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in
Oh to tell you my story is to tell of Him

This is my story, this is my song
Praising my savior all the day long
This is my story, this is my song
Praising my savior all the day long