July 7, 1968

    It was on this day in 1968 Joanne and I were given a unique gift. The gift was cemetery plots in Sinai Lutheran Church's cemetery. Joanne remembered the presentation: "You'll likely live several places during your ministry, but this will always be home, so we're giving you two cemetery plots should you ever choose to use them."  The offer was made at the end of the day of my ordination. For a significant time before her death Joanne was clear about her desire to be buried here as has been attested by several of her friends. While we were always appreciative of the gift I'd hoped we wouldn't need it so soon.
    The significance of the day hadn't occurred to me until I received an email from MKV wondering if this was the anniversary of my ordination. Twenty-seven years ago I got a congratulatory call from Uncle Burt on the 25th anniversary. After thanking him I asked "Uncle Burt, how long have you been ordained.?" He said "sixty-two years."  25 seemed insignificant in comparison but now I'm within ten. 😀 
    This is one of those days where the presence of absence is powerful. We were married, Joanne and I, as I began seminary. Together we lived in Mohall, ND, where I served Zion Lutheran, Sioux Falls, SD, where I was at Our Savior's Lutheran, Davenport, IA, and I served Zion Lutheran and ended living in Golden Valley, MN while I was pastor at St. James, Crystal (The Crystal Cathedral.)  There were 39 year between ordination and retirement. Joanne was so much a part of all those experiences, ecclesiastical and otherwise, I can't think of them without thinking of her. She would not have neglected to remind me of the significance of this day. Nor can I think of it all without deep gratitude for all the blessings which I (we) received.

Takk for alt,

Al

Sinai Lutheran Church, 7/7/202

Sinai Lutheran Church, 7/7/2020