ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

This piece of art was done as part of Paul’s re-enactment presentation as a frontier artist. An example of Northwest Coast Native art, we see a wild bird painted with waves of color, twists and turns, organized design and beauty in motion. There is a comparison here as to the waves we face through each day – especially when we lose someone we love. The emotions come and go like fierce, tumultuous waves. Sometimes it’s a memory. Other times it can be a feeling of anger or frustration. Tears fall at the most inopportune times, but then, when is it the perfect time to weep?

You have been gone from my life for a few months, my love

Yet, in the length of a sixty year marriage, it’s just a small chunk of time.

Those last few months of your life were spent worrying, fretting, planning, fearing and longing for the journey to end.

It wasn’t yet time for you to pass to eternal glory.

We shared time as we had never done before. We discussed things that we wish we had done. We reminisced about our growth as a couple. We visited little out of the way places to refresh us in a small way. We planned for the future, not knowing if there would be one.

You hung on. So did I. We hugged, we cried, we got angry and frustrated. Our love for each other never waivered. Eventually those times were left to oblivion. As you faced your final breath, I deeply exhaled, knowing that you were now with our Savior. I know I will be too when it’s time. The memories of a lifetime have been stored for future reference. Each day I recall one or two or more highlights of our days together.

You were my greatest earthly blessing – the love of my life – my inspiration – my encourager. You will remain in my heart forever.

Thank you, Jesus for loaning this wonderful human being to me for a lifetime, and for giving me the assurance that we will be together again someday.