Notes - and appreciation

       You are in a funk over Charlie’s death and don’t know why exactly. Combinations always play a part; keeps things loose throughout the universe. No fate or destiny involved. You watched “The Closer” last night, the one where Brenda’s mother died unexpectedly at its conclusion.

         Brenda’s mother looked dead, Amorella. She reminded me of the physical features of Dad Hammond a couple hours after he died. I write about the Dead or at least I have written about the Dead. The top layer of skin deteriorates quite rapidly, or it can.

         Kim called. Owen is still sick so you are going up this afternoon. Carol is on her walk at the park and you are sitting waiting on her as the youthful bodies run and run to get into shape for fall sports. Lunch is reserved for Gary at your favorite place to meet. Carol’s idea – to meet with him before school begins. This is Gary’s last year and Teresa’s last year also. You have to call Scott about work on the house this Thursday as it is scheduled. Chores and errands, seemingly never-ending. Later, dude. – Amorella

         A great lunch with Gary. Fun and entirely a private conversation, which made it more fun. Gary and you know things most others do not. Secrets are kept, boy. In here, even in death secrets may be kept. – Amorella

         This is a surprise. I would not have thought it possible as you are ‘keeping me honest’. 

         Betweeners never tell. What would be the purpose? We listen to hearts and souls mostly, rarely minds. – Amorella

         For your birthday your ninety-one year old Aunt Patsy Orndorff-Ernsberger hand-wrote you a poem for your seventieth and placed it in a tradition ‘nephew’ birthday card. Inscribe it here:

***

                  When we saw this little fellow,

                  Not much bigger than your hand

                  We knew there lay a writer

                  To be known throughout the land.

                  Who grew to have the neatest friends,

                  You traveled wide and far,

                  You made a famous epic trip

                  In your father’s borrowed car.

                  You brought a bright and lively wife,

                  Into the family

                  Then you added a lovely daughter

                  For a family of three.

                  To how many students

                  Have been taught the written word?

                  From many of the faithful

                  On Facebook have been heard?

                  So this very new little fellow

                  Born on a hot August day,

                  Brought his talents, fun and humor

                  On the stage of life to play

                  Seventy years! That can’t be true.

                  But if it is as they say,

                  We want to wish you, Richard H.

                  The happiest kind of birthday!

                           [Patricia Ann Orndorff Ernsberger]

***

         What a wonderful surprise, Amorella, to have been given such a witty gift of clever words from my kind old Aunt Patsy’s heart.

         Post while being most appreciative of family and many friends. - Amorella