My Quotes of the Day

5/30/10
The workings of the Infinite are not subject to the limitations of the finite mind.

As long as we are watching ourselves, there will be less time to be annoyed with the mistakes others our making.

Brian's Funeral Day

Brain's funeral was wonderful. He was a fine young man. I'm certain that he was happily received in loving arms in heaven when he was released from loving arms here on earth. It was so good to see so many Highland 1st Ward friends. I'm glad that we all got to do some of our growing up with Brian and his family. I was impressed to think about that group of young boys and how they all are sensitive, caring, loving and gentle souls. This includes Brian, Mark, Tommy, Ethan, and Kevin. As our lives were touched and enriched by Brian, it's a neat thought to think that he will in turn touch and enrich lives of those beyond the veil with his own gifts and with the memory he carries of us.

Thoughts about life and death this week.

My Uncle Helmut died this past Tuesday; I just found out that Sharon Willis's son Brian died yesterday (Friday). He was only 20 or 21, but he has had multiple health problems for a long time. I wrote a little note to Sharon and I posted Eric Clapton singing "Tears in Heaven" to dedicate to Brian. This made me think of my own son who only lived for two and a half hours. I wrote the following lullaby to sing at his graveside. It has been a comfort to me to have this song.

Robby is our angel child
Robby is our love
Robby is our angel child
Sent from heaven above
To lift our hearts and thoughts and goals
And dreams to reach the sky
Robby is our angel child
Robby lullaby
Sweet Robby lullaby

May God's peace be with us as we deal with the death of our loved ones. May his peace be with us as we deal with the daily struggles in life so that one day we may return to live with Him and all of our loved ones who passed on before.

I look forward to the day when Jesus will dry all of our tears away. But for now, I'm thankful for my tears...They help me remember all the love. I certainly do anticipate getting to now my son Robby. I certainly do miss my dear brother Ed. I miss my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends. But all these people remind me of how great life is and I'm thankful to be able to continue to share so many experiences with those friends and family who have been left behind. One day we will be taken, too. What a grand reunion that will be.

Auf Wiedersehen, Helmut Radtke

Uncle Helmut passed away two days ago. May 18, 2010. I was on facebook today, and there was a link to a site that will post his service information. Guests could write memories. This is what I wrote:

Uncle Helmut was always fun to be around. His humor and wit were amazing. He was well read and self taught in many things, and his knowledge and understanding were vast. He was courteous and sensitive to the beliefs of others. He taught his three sons to be respectful as well. Many will remember him for his remarkable sense of humor. He spiced up life with it. But he was also a deep thinker and often reflective. He was a wonderful story teller.

Aunt Heidi was truly a giving woman. She loved to cook and do crafts. She blessed the lives of everyone with her good food, and her artistic talents. She fed our souls as well with her firm faith and her dedication to her church and her family. She loved Helmut, Dennis, Norbert, and Stanley, and their families more than anything. I am certain that she is happy to have Helmut back with her again.

When I was engaged, Aunt Hedi gave me $50 to help me buy a plane ticket to go visit Bob. She told me not to tell Uncle Helmut, that he could give us another wedding present.

When young Michael went to visit Uncle Helmut a few years back, he had no concept of how large California is. Michael convinced Uncle Helmut that they should come visit us in Highland, California. So they drove one day, spent the evening with us, and drove back the next morning.

Truly remarkable people. I will be happy to meet them again.

"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"

I finished reading I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou last night. It is a wonderful book. You can't help but fall in love with the girl Maya. This book was written with a strong and gentle voice. Maya's determined soul certainly propelled her to greater heights than probably even she expected.

You walk with Maya through the tragedies and triumphs of her childhood. She was moved around much, but Momma (her grandmother) gave her a strong anchor. She learned from all the adults in her life, and despite their shortcomings, she seemed to see the good in everyone.

She recounts her experiences how they happened. Even the things that we might not want to see are shown candidly. The innocence of a child is what is seen--a child that does not have a vacuum existence.

Thanks for a great read.