The way this experiment has worked out so far, every time I am introducing a new Rare Air episode, the content presented is a time-capsule from the past. The footage presented here was captured right at the end of 2019 … so, six-and-a-half years ago.
As I recall, I spent part of that day with Beth’s uncle OJ, who passed away two weeks later. It was sort of a miracle that he was able to join us for the occasion; he was losing strength and barely left his room. Still, we all picked our moments to stop by, to check-in, and to chat a while.
Together with Pete at Cherry Grove Beach, January, 2019.
All the while, those of us lucky to assemble there – including our nephews Julien and Will – were greatly missing their parents, Pete and Amy. Due to Pete’s health issues, they were not able to join us. We all knew that situation was serious, too, but would never have guessed Pete would pass early the next June.
Spanning my own and Beth’s families, there is so much good fortune to honor and celebrate every time we get together. Still, even this little creative endeavor reminds me that our time may be shorter than we are expecting. For me, that makes me especially grateful for the lessons learned along the way, including frequent reminders like these from Beth’s Grandma Theresa Julien, and her father, Bill Kiefert:
“Don’t hurry, don’t worry, and don’t forget to stop to smell the flowers.”
Please come back soon for more Rare Air.
