ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

One year ago today, I decided to write the following poem because it was Poet’s Day. I’m repeating it today for TBT and adding a watercolor painting of a lovely sunflower that often blooms at this time of year. It was the last home we looked at after viewing at least 200 more. Paul actually got down on his knees when we finished the tour. I’m not sure if it was a sense of relief to finally find the right one -or if his knees gave out – or most likely he was thanking God for making this particular house available to us. The house was built in 1885. It needed repairs, much like we did. We were made for each other.

Two years ago, we were looking at senior living housing. The cost was prohibitive, so we put that idea on hold. When we sat down to look at our options. We had equity in our home, but certainly not enough to keep us going for the years to come. Our current house payment was way below what it would cost us to move. Weighing the pros and cons, we decided to remain in our current living space for a while.

We were able to manage until he passed away in January of this year. I could still work on my garden and Paul could continue painting in his little outdoor studio. We spent the last year of his life filling every second of every waking hour together. We’d take little road trips to enjoy the beauty of nature only a few miles from home. We’d stop at roadside diners and have lunch or pack a picnic lunch to share in a wooded area. We’d stretch our legs as much as we could and talked about memories shared in a lifetime together.

As I look out the window that greets me each day, I am truly blessed and thankful. My grandson, who was born in Minnesota and loved his “hometown,” decided to move in with me. He loved the place he grew up in and wanted to return to find employment here. I know Paul would be happy about this arrangement. He’d probably say something like, “See, God’s got this.” I am not alone. I feel safe. I am happy.

A journey through a crystal pane of light and glorious sun,

Separated by a wall that’s conceived within my mind,

A longing leads my heart into a place where I can run,

A place to hide, to bear my soul, a place I’ll never find.

I wander through this wilderness, surrounded by my fears,

I close the world outside my door and let no others in,

The days go by and swiftly ebb, though dreams may dry my tears,

I will not capture peace until the Lord comes back again.

In His magnificent glory, He’ll cut right through the clouds,

His angels will encircle Him, the saints are at His side,

They sing their loud alleluias and shout His name out loud,

My fears will melt, my heart will soar, with Him I’ll now abide.