ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

It was about a year ago, I guess. Paul and I had made a habit of taking little daily road trips during his last year of life. This day was no exception. It was a crisp, fresh Wednesday in early November. We didn’t have to go far for this excursion. Wednesdays were the days his group of plein air painters would meet and paint in various locations outdoors. Soon it would be too cold to set paint on a canvas. Paul’s students would retreat to the studio instead. This may have been the last day they gathered outdoors. Paul thought it would be fun to visit them at the Old Feed Mill in Anoka – only a few short blocks from our home. We drove because it was too far for Paul’s frail body. We arrived and saw the artists in various spots doing what they loved. Paul, ever the teacher, stopped to talk to each one and give suggestions, but never criticizing. He was loved by this group of painters, and he loved them just as much.I

While sorting through his art these past few weeks, I found the painting he did way back in 2010 of this very site. Crisp, sharp lines with just the right amount of detail made the place look a lot better than it appears today. I believe he sold the painting, but I have a signed print remaining which is a reminder of then and now.

God blesses us with memories, especially when we grow older. Often they are the best things we have to hang onto. Today is November 5th and day five of counting my blessings. I thank God for memories – great and small – which remind me of a wonderful life.

The time has swiftly passed me by, I wonder where it’s gone,

I think of you with fondness throughout our whole life long,

Time takes away the sting of death, but never really heals,

Knowing that you abide with God, reminds me how it feels.

I know that my life will go on, I’ll never be the same,

But having you to share that life, is now what I will claim.