Things changed so much when my husband died. For 50 years we had done everything together. We even worked together for several years at Chanute AFB.
After we retired, Jim in 1988 and I in 1989 we began enjoying growing older. We both loved garage sales and auctions and we would get up on Saturday mornings and leave about 7 AM, stop by Casey’s to fill our travel mugs with coffee (they had the best coffee) we would head out of town in Jim’s truck for garage sales or an auction.
We would have checked the Champaign News Gazette for city wide garage sales. Those were the ones we liked the most. We would go as far as 50 miles (100 miles round trip) in our truck. Jim loved his truck and all of our married life Jim had a truck. A couple of them he bought new and a couple were used ones. I think one of Jim’s nieces in Wisconsin has this truck now.
Jim loved to buy lawnmowers at garage sales. He loved messing around with them and fixing them up and he was very good at it too. The above picture was taken in 2005 right before he was diagnosed with lymphoma.
Jim died on December 1, 2006 and that is when growing older was not so much fun anymore. beth
I'm finding the growing old isn't for weaklings. It gets tougher everyday. I really enjoyed this blog, it's fun finding out about the lives and loves of our friends.
ReplyDeleteBeth, I have to agree as I see our lives are so similar. As Syd passed 3 yrs to your Jim..We were always together, why so hard after 56 yrs is like losing half of my self.... we go day by day.. going here and there alone, no best friend as he was, to share days accounts of the day or what troubles me and problems of our kids.. This journey for me has been very hard, not a day goes by that I don,t drop a tear a two when alone. I don't have to explain as you understand...I have become an actress in sorts with my feelings to others.. Our Love was and is always with me till I join him...Other words our life goes on and I had to stop by and give you Hugs with my Love....xoxoxoxo Deanie Wild
ReplyDeleteToday would be his Birthday, he would be 77 today.... Sept. 11 will be 3 yrs. he has gone..He passed 3 days afer our 56 yrs of marriage....
DeleteDeanie, I remember the comfort you gave me during Jim's illness. And I remember how you suffered when you lost your Syd, I know what you are going through today on his birthday. Bless you for leaving this comment for me.
DeleteLove and blessings for you dear friend.
That truck is still on the road. Runs great!!!
DeleteHey Mike, when are you guys coming to see me??
DeleteMuch love to you Sis and many hugs and prayers.
ReplyDeleteYou must have been young when you retired. You are blessed to have had that many good years together.
ReplyDeleteJim was 55 and I was a few years younger. He retired with a civil service pension which made it possible and for which I am ever thankful now.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your wonderful post. Pam and I have been married for coming on fifty-two years and we still enjoy laughing together.
ReplyDeletePlease check my rather new blog.
You are in my prayers and I am sending you a huge bunch of hugs and love daily.Keep your memories alive and fresh to help the heart heal <3
ReplyDeleteMy husband like to go to yard sales and thrift stores together too.
ReplyDelete