Celebrating the Life of a Good Man

Once upon a time, from 1954 until 1978, we were a family of six. First we lost Betty at age 28 in 1973, then Dad (Louis) at age 61 in 1978. Mom (Ruth) lived almost to 85, dying six weeks short of her January birthday in December, 2003.

Two weeks ago our brother Ronald died at age 86. Now we are two, me and my little brother Les.

Last Saturday, Ron's Celebration of Life was held and it was just that - a celebration - much more comforting and joyful than a funeral.

This has always been a favorite photo - Ronald and his wife Ruth in 1974 with the twins Andrew and Lorrie.

Their first born, Jennifer Lynn, only lived three days. She and our mother, Ruth, both died on December 16, Jennifer in 1972 and Mom in 2003.

One of the last pictures taken of Ron and his four grandsons.

Left to right - Aidan Yoakum, Nicholas Lynam, Carston Yoakum and Erick Yoakum. Aidan and Erick are twins.

Ron with his adult children - Left to right, Christine, Ronald, Lorrie and Andrew.

Christmas 1954. I was looking at the camera, or at least a camera. Were there two because my siblings were all looking somewhere else.?

Ron was 14 when Les was born; Betty and I, 8 and 10. We were so happy to have a little brother to play with and spoil.

Ronald could not have been any cuter.

Cowboy Ron - complete with hat, gun and chaps.

 

And all dressed up for his birthday. 5th or 6th.

The stand in the background is one our Dad made in shop when he was a freshman in highschool

It's my night stand in the bedroom now. 

I do not remember this picture. I think it was taken up at the other place.

Betty and our cousin Frank on our pony, Queenie.

Ron with 'rifle', me with a six-shooter. Obviously we were the good guys hunting down the outlaws.

The freedom and fun of childhood, making up our own stories and acting them out. A wonderful way to grow up.

A picture I took and one of my favorites of Mom and Ron.

He was the best big brother, helpful, kind, generous, funny as well as serious.

As his sons-in-law spoke about him at the service I began to see how much like our mother he was - non-judgemental and always willing to help.

Ronald's obituary and more photos can be found here: https://www.nblfuneralchapel.com/obituaries/ronald-lynam

No Killing Frost Yet, But.....

Our lovely Autumn weather continues. We've had our first frost, but not a killing frost yet, so technically this warm spell is not Indian Summer. Maybe next week....

 Indian Summer

Along the line of smoky hills
The crimson forest stands,
And all the day the blue-jay calls
Throughout the autumn lands.

Now by the brook the maple leans
With all his glory spread,
And all the sumachs on the hills
Have turned their green to red.

Now by great marshes wrapt in mist,
Or past some river's mouth,
Throughout the long, still autumn day
Wild birds are flying south.

By: William Wilfred Campbell (Canadian Poet 1860-1918)

Ties to Home

My old blue chambray shirt

Worn through at the elbows

Haphazardly stitched together just so

I could wear it a little longer

Soft, comfortable, holding memories

Worn over a white t-shirt and jeans

Not just looking like a farm girl

But feeling like one - like myself

The farm, once and then again, my home

I would go back if I could

So many memories, good and bad

They do take me back - in my mind

 

October!

October

Crispy air and azure skies,
High above, a white cloud flies,
Bright as newly fallen snow.
Oh the joy to those who know October!

Colors bright on bush and tree.
Over the weedy swamp, we see
A veil of purple and brown and gold.
Thy beauty words have never told. October!

Scolding sparrows on the lawn,
Rabbits frisking home at dawn,
Pheasants midst the sheaves of grain,
All in harmony acclaim, October!

Brown earth freshly turned by plow,
Apples shine on bended bough,
Bins o'erflowed with oats and wheat,
And satisfaction reigns complete. October!

Radiant joy is everywhere.
Spirits in tune to the spicy air,
Thrill in the glory of each day.
Life's worth living when we say, October!

(By Joseph Pullman Porter)