Joanne Elizabeth (Hanson) Negstad, April 1, 1936-April 12, 2018.

     On April 1, 1936 Rev. Dr. Oscar C. Hanson and his wife Myrtle welcomed their first child, one of three. She was born at Fairview Hospital, Minneapolis. Oscar and Myrtle had agreed to name their daughter, Martha (blank?).  An early visitor to the happy family was Myrtle's father, Knut Lokken, grandfather to the baby girl. Grandpa walked over, picked up his granddaughter and said "How's my little Joanne Elizabeth?"   From that day on she was Joanne Elizabeth.
      April 1, 2018, was the last birthday she celebrated with us and the last meal she ate at the dining room table. It was also Easter Sunday and Grace University Lutheran sang 'Happy Birthday' to her during their worship service and recorded it. When the video recording was played for her she uttered these immortal words "I never knew dying could be so glorious!"  This year Easter will fall on the date of her death, April 12.
      We live in a time of grief and multiple deaths with fierce projections about the possible toll in America. Yes, this land my be ours, but our dwelling place is indeed in the land of grief. Anxiety, fear and worry abound as we await our fate. This quote, (below) sent to me recently by a friend, seems to fit both the remembrance of Joanne and our place in the land of COVID-19.
   
"Once, not so very long ago, the contemplation of death was regarded as an important element of a good and considered life; today, death is seen as our antithesis, and its contemplation is deemed morbid.  (perhaps it is time) to invite it back into our world in some small way - we might rediscover what our ancestors knew so well: the seemingly paradoxical notion that it is precisely by keeping death close at hand and coming to terms with its inevitability that we are able to lead full, rich lives."  Joanna Ebenstein, editor, in the introduction to Death: A Graveside Companion. Thames & Hudson, Ltd., London, copyright 2017.

    The threat of COVID-19 is a stark reminder of what is precious and dear as we contemplate it's possible loss. "Lord, teach us to number our days so me get a heart of wisdom."  Psalm 90:12.  Numbering our days is often not high on our list of priorities.  This is an opportunity of today.

     My day today has been enriched by many who have shared their memories of Joanne. Family and friends are a gift and with them shared memories are also gift.  There is so much for which I have to grateful. 

Takk for alt,

Al

P.S. Tell someone a story about Joanne.