came home from school or play, she always knew her mother would be there.

When Woody was about eleven or so, we took out a golf membership at the American Legion Golf Course in Holland. He and a friend of his would often ride their bikes to the golf course in the morning and spend most of the day there We often golfed together too. Saturdays were always special. This friend of Woody, his father, Woody, and myself would play a round in the afternoon, and then we got together with the rest of our families alternating at each otherÕs homes for a hamburg fry. We always looked forward to those days. This went on for years. At first, I could score better at golf than Woody, but before long he could do as well, and he gradually pulled away and I could no longer catch him.

An activity our family especially enjoyed and appreciated was the Saturday afternoon chicken barbecues in the Summertime. Just the thought of it creates an appetite even now. We would get a good bed of charcoal started, and after it was producing real well, we pushed the charcoal to the back, put the cut-up pieces of chicken in the basket, and hooked up the rotisserie, basting the chicken frequently with melted butter. This required frequent checking to make sure the coals were hot, the rotisserie was turning, and occasionally basting to keep the chicken moist and tasty. After about two to two and a half hours, the chicken was generally done. All sides had to be uniformly browned and the meat had to show signs of pulling away from the bone. We were then ready to eat. The picnic table in the back yard was spread with a variety of dishes which varied sizably from time to time, but we generally had SadieÕs potato salad, a gelatin salad, maybe hot pork and beans with bacon, onion and garlic toast. This came fresh and hot from the oven. For dessert we might have vanilla ice cream with hot fudge and nuts, or when in season, a watermelon or muskmelon.

Quite frequently, Scot Los, son of Rev. Los (they lived a stones throw from our house) would join us and occasionally we would invite the entire Los family. We had great times together. These were memorable occasions. The LosÕ still remark about the good times and meals we enjoyed together at the picnic table in our back yard on Lawrence Street.

We sold the charcoal burner and rotisserie at our garage sale just before moving to our present condominium, and replaced it with a gas grill - no rotisserie. We very seldom use it any more. The thrill of barbecuing for two is not the same as when we were together as a family. We have tried barbecuing on the grill, but it just is not the same. Oh to smell the smoke of chicken juices and butter spattering on the hot coals, and to taste that mouth watering goodness once again!!

As a family we traveled a little. We went to Florida a couple of times, to Washington DC and Gettysburg, and to Denver a couple of times. One memorable trip was to the Black Hills and the Bad Lands. It was at the entrance to the Bad Lands that our car caught fire. It was a Buick, hardly a year old. It is a long story of waiting and hoping, but finally help came. With a temporary hook-up, we were able to drive still deeper into the Bad Lands to a dinky little gas station. The attendant apparently was skilled in making-do with what he had. He took a section of hose off the air conditioner on his mobile home and used it as a vacuum hose on the car. He had a set of Chevrolet spark plug wires which served the purpose. The surprising thing was that after he had everything put together, after driving a considerable distance to get us, and all the time and effort spent in fixing the car, we asked him how much we owed him. We expected a sizable amount because we were entirely at his mercy. There was nowhere else to go. He gave some ridiculously low figure like $20.00. SadieÕs dad was with us at the time, and he gave him another $20.00.

About this period in time, old cars began to intrigue me. The first one purchased was in partnership with Mel Boonstra. It was a late 40Õs Jeepster. Luann always enjoyed riding in this car. It was a classy little four door with a convertible top and side curtains. We drove it mostly in the summertime when we could have the top down. One ride she always appreciated was going to our old farm, taking the trail along the creek, and listening carefully as I related the locations of the picnic grounds, the old swimming hole where we built our dam, and favorite fishing holes. She would ask different times to take the Jeepster and travel that same route. The time came when Mel BoonstraÕs boys were of driving age and making extensive use of the Jeepster. One day Mel suggested he buy my share. This he did, and a short time later one of his boys wrecked the car.

While on the subject of old cars, we owned a number of them. We had a Kaiser, Edsel, Corvair, Model T, and a Studebaker. The Studebaker was the car Dad formerly owned. Mechanically it was in good shape. The motor ran so quietly it could barely be heard. The body needed attention. We put on four new fenders, rocker panels, a complete paint job, and the car looked like new. This car, and the Model T, were the last two cars owned and the most difficult to part with. We were anticipating a move into a condominium and there simply was no room for them. I still think about them occasionally and wish we still had them.

Involvement in the lives of our children was soon to become very real following WoodyÕs graduation from Calvin. The war in Vietnam was still being carried on and the U.S. involvement, although very unpopular, was still very actively resulting in young men being called to serve. After graduating from Calvin, Woody fellowshipped at Michigan State in a Post Graduate Political Science course. He was able to finish one semester before being inducted into the army on January of 1969.

He took his basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky which he completed in March, and then to Fort Polk, Louisiana for infantry training. His next assignment was overseas to Vietnam in June of 1969, but before leaving for Vietnam, he came home on furlough. While on furlough, on May 31, 1969, he and Mary were married.

The wedding was an occasion for real happiness and it was, but underneath all the joy and well wishes was the deeper emotional feeling of future uncertainties. We were happy that they were able to get married before he had to leave, and the closeness of our relationship with Mary following his departure deepened and became more meaningful.

The day for his departure finally came. It will never be forgotten. The last view of him ready to enter the chute to board the aircraft taking him away from us was heart rending. We had shaken hands, kissed for the last time, and assured him of our constant prayers. As he waved his last good-bye and disappeared from our eyes, the tears could no longer be held in check.

How long would we be separated? When would he return? We tried to dispel the questions of if and how, but in spite of our best efforts, those questions arose. Maybe the fact that Sadie and I had gone through similar experiences made the events even more devastating. We knew some of the experiences he would be having, and some of the dangers he would be facing. His leaving left an emptiness which could not be filled. The situation was out of our control. We did not know what the future would hold, but we knew who held the future. We turned to God in prayer and left our burdens with Him. No, the heaviness of heart did not suddenly vanish, but we learned to trust where we could not see, and to hope when circumstances appeared so hopeless.

After a year in Vietnam, he returned to the States, served the remainder of his term at Fort Riley, Abilene, Kansas, and was discharged in time to enroll at Northwestern University Law School from which he graduated. With thanksgiving to God, our family circle was once again complete.

Years passed by and almost imperceptibly our children had grown up. Their own schedules took precedence over joint activities. This was good and only natural, but as parents we began to realize that the era of dependency had shifted to the state of independence. We were in a period of adjustment. With the passing of time another transition took place. The words of Jesus in John 21:18 come to mind. ÒI tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.Ó

We have always enjoyed the love and concern of our children, but in recent years that love has been most beautifully demonstrated. They are constantly in touch with us, visit regularly, and always offer their services in every way possible. For example, Luann drove us to Ann Arbor three times for laser surgery. I canÕt see to drive, and Sadie hates to drive except in the immediate area. One of those trips meant staying overnight which resulted in her missing work for four days. She wouldnÕt hear of any other alternative than her driving. We were glad she did. I think she has built in radar. She can locate places with no difficulty and always knows how to get from place to place.

The developmental stages referred to in our immediate family relationships as dependency and an increasing state of becoming independent has a somewhat parallel development in our relationships as brothers and sisters. When we were small we depended on each other. As we grew older and eventually married, that dependency decreased. Our relationships were devoted to our own families. Then as our children married and established their own homes and contacts, the ties that bound us together re-exerted themselves. There evolved a new appreciation for each other as brothers and sister which had as its roots the common elements we could so readily relate to. An outside appraiser might interpret it as a return to childhood, or a sign of old age, but personally, I feel this dependency relationship very strongly and regard it very highly. After all, there are only four of us left. The time is getting shorter for us to communicate our appreciation for and admiration of each other. To each of you, Jeanette, John, and Jay, my sincere gratitude for being what you are, for having contributed so much to my life, and for the anticipated joys and happiness we may yet share together. I have the best of the stock when it comes to brothers and a sister. May there yet be much time to enjoy each otherÕs fellowship.

The independence we so long enjoyed is changing to a state of dependency, especially on my part. The degree to which I am dependent sometimes becomes discouraging. Sadie is constantly called on to explain simple items and to read all communications. She never complains and is always willing to assist, but adding these responsibilities to her already full schedule is not the direction I would prefer to go. Our lives and activities have changed considerably in the last couple years. I no longer drive at all, and Sadie cannot drive at night, so we are at home almost every night with scheduled activities planned during the day. We are adjusting and are perfectly content with the situation as it is.

We have learned a new dimension in patience, in contentment, and thankfulness. We have been refreshed by GodÕs promises that ÒHe will never leave or forsake us.Ó We have the assurance that Òthe eternal God is our refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms.Ó We are confident that Òour help comes from the Lord who made the heavens and the earth,Ó and that ÒHe will keep us from all harm - He will watch over our life. The Lord will watch over our coming and going both now and forevermore.Ó

A song which we have come to love and one which has spoken to us a different times and in different circumstances will represent the close of this narrative.

Come to the Savior now, He gently calleth thee, In true repentance bow, Before Him bend the knee. He waiteth to bestow Salvation, peace, and love. True joy on earth below, A home in heaven above.

Come to the Savior now WhatÕer your burdens be; Hear now his loving call ÒCast all your care on me.Ó Come and for every grief In Jesus you will find A sure and safe relief A loving friend and kind.

Writing this story was a real pleasure. Looking back, I can say I really enjoyed reliving treasured experiences, but there were times I could easily have given up. Without the encouragement of Sadie, Woody, and Luann I might have done so.

To Sadie, my deepest appreciation for times innumerable in which she would read the last line or paragraph written, so that my train of thought would return and I could continue writing. Page after page she would tirelessly try to decipher what I had written and made corrections. It was not easy.

To Luann, my deepest appreciation also. When she first heard of my writings she immediately volunteered to do the typing. When the time finally came that I had the first section finished, it was given to her. In an unbelievably short time she had it finished. She did the work on their computer, ran off entire copies for each member of the family, and bound them in individual ring binders. Without her help I donÕt know what I would have done. I doubt that it would have ever reached the finished form. Thanks again, Luann, I still donÕt believe the beautiful job you did. How you ever made sense out of the scribbling with the written lines running at all angles across the page and often crisscrossing each other is amazing. But then, you are an amazing daughter!

1993 /Len/