Richard (Dick) Olson retired from Ameriprise in 1990. About that time with Frode, a WWII bomber pilot who had retired earlier from the FAA, we formed three of a golf foursome with Don, Frode's son's father-in-law. The three of us played together until 2017, with others completing the foursome over the years. Thursday was golf day and for many years we played a variety of courses. Eventually we settled in at Lakeview for several years until it closed then moving to Shamrock. In the earlier years we would begin in the spring as soon as courses opened and play into autumn. Handicaps were maintained and the losers would would buy lunch at McDonalds. Perhaps you can imagine the world problems that were solved in conversation among us. Unfortunately a computer crash makes it impossible to analyze how many total rounds were played.
Dick and his wife, Grace who was known as Jo, were outstanding church members. Dick was instrumental in the establishment of the churches' benevolent foundation, served on the council, was a long time member of the finance committee and chaired the internship committee. His contributions were always wise and respectful. Jo suffered severe hearing loss which limited her participation though she was very perceptive and always a positive influence. She died 30 months ago and her funeral was the day Joanne was buried in Sinai.
Dick, age 92, called me today to say he's in home hospice care. His daughter and son-in-law are caring for him. Joanne frequently said "Grief touches grief." That was abundantly clear today when Dick told me his news and immediately I was thrust into grief; for Dick, for Joanne and for all the other losses I've experienced. Dick was hospitalized for five weeks with an infection that could not be localized. Apparently this has been too much for his system and his situation is not COVID related. COVID complicates the grieving though because it will not be possible to visit him nor attend services. We had an excellent conversation and it was special that he called me to report the news in person.
What about Frode? He's alive, well and both body and mind are well intact at age 96. He's occupied caring for his wife, of the same age, who has memory issues. Frequently I would tell Dick and Frode that "I want to be like you when I grow up."
So, that's my melancholy report from the land of grief.
Takk for alt
Al
2 comments:
Dick and Jo are wonderful people. We bought Jo’s beloved piano and it spent many years in our home. Jo practically cried when we took it from her home - pleading with us to love it and care for it. It made the trip with us to Arizona, and just a few years ago we let it go. Unwilling to sell it, we donated it to Steinway Piano who came out and deemed it worthy for their adoption - where they would refurbish it and then place it into a needy gifted musicians home. We felt this was in keeping with our promise to Jo.
If I knew about the piano I'd forgotten thanks for sharing. I call Dick regularly and just talked to him today. Next time I do I will tell him about the piano.
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