On the narrow back road leading to our small town, Dad was driving his 1953 Dodge four door sedan to the building supply store with a fifty-five gallon drum in the trunk. I was now four years old, standing proudly in the front seat tucked behind my dad’s right shoulder as we rounded the curves…
Mother’s Love
I have published this several years on Mother’s Day for Pamela. This year, I want to dedicate it to all mothers. It amazes me. Mothers show such incredible love every day all the while wondering if they have loved enough. Mothers come as different as snowflakes, and they become mothers in more than one way. …
The Field of New Life
I did not expect that I would tear up in worship this morning. But, it dawned on me as the songs began that this is Pam’s first Easter in heaven. While we sang of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, I could not see what she was seeing and experiencing today. I could only…
The Piece that Brought Peace
“I can’t conceive how it can work.” I fumbled for words. The office was humble and modest. Brown sat in the chair which was angled at forty-five degrees from the wall on the right side of the window. I sat in a similar chair angled at forty-five degrees from the same wall on the other…
What about Valentine’s Day
I sat in my apartment dumbfounded. What should I do about Valentine’s Day? Or, should I do nothing? I remembered asking that question many times in my life. You know what I mean. What kid has not questioned who to give a special valentine to at school? As a teenager, we are terrified to give…
Just Because & Thank You
Just Because The picture above is of Pamela Joy Baker taken on the day we were married, 1-14-1995. Actually it was taken before the ceremony, so technically it is of Pamela Joy Hartman. I never saw this picture until the day I was pulling pictures together for her funeral service. Now, it is one of…
Cold Rainy January Day
All through the house, I heard the same disappointed thoughts coming out of everyone’s mouth. “The day is ruined.” “This is terrible.” “What are we going to do?” “Why today?” Everyone was concerned as they prepared to leave for the church. The rain was so heavy that just walking to the car would soak your…
Vastly Different Perspectives
12-25-2022 Pamela Joy, Watching the grandchildren open their Christmas morning presents, I realized that I had just as much fun watching your face and excitement while you watched them. It was only half the fun without your smile and laughter. I cooked breakfast, but there was no one to brown eggs for this year. Lee…
Christmas Letter 2022
Responding to a question from a friend last night I said, “Writing is my hobby.” Writing is still my hobby because I have not finished the book that I promised Pam I would publish, and I still have a full-time job. For years, I used my hobby to write our Christmas letter. Pam would add…
Grief and Healing 5 – The Birthday
Pamela Joy, Here I am on what would have been your 60th birthday. It was always the best day of the year for me. It was our biggest holiday of the year since we fell in love in 1994. Why did it become my favorite day of the year? Do I really need to explain…