Alive and Well etc. etc.

All is well in snowy, wintry NH and we are all still alive! Since we've only had about a month of winter so far, how can one complain anyway? Except that I kind of did do a bit of questioning God last Wednesday when He chose to coincide the arrival of our Nor'easter of the year with C's arrival from Israel! Um, Lord, what is this all about? Did it really have to be today of all days? I love the snow, but I don't like wondering if there's any airport in the Northeast with a runway open so that ole British Airways plane can land! Logan was closed off and on during the day, but thank God it was open at 7 in the evening when it was time for his plane to land. No matter that the runway closed soon afterwards because the pilots were reporting difficulty braking on the sleet covered surface! I clung joyously to the one word "Arrived" on the message board by his flight # even as the minutes and then hours crawled by before he appeared due to a frozen baggage door, frozen conveyor belt and all gates blocked by other planes going through the arduous process of de-icing in the sleet storm.

And guess what?? The lighting was kind of poor and I even mistook several other swarthy men for C before he actually appeared--exhausted, but tanned from a couple of days snorkeling and vacationing in Eilat just before returning. Life is different now. Messes and music abound, and both are okay. The music is always okay and I'm tolerating the strewn clutter while he's catching up with finances, taxes, mail, etc. etc. Who cares anyway?

Life is a lot different for me these days and some day I'll write a little bit about some of what I've been doing, but not now. Suffice it to say that I am alive and doing well.

First Winter Snowstorm

I do believe we just received our first real snowstorm of the season--last night. After a bit of consideration on my part and since Neil is away, Kayla and I opted to go to watch Clyde coach and Cotie Maxwell play basketball at Conval. Clyde's team did very well but just couldn't outsmart Cotie and the 16 points he scored. The attendant who takes the money at the entrance told me, "Coach's Mom gets in free!" "Her, too?" I asked, gesturing at Kayla. The answer was affirmative and we were quite amazed.

We stayed for the Varsity game also, and oh my word! It was the game of Milford fans vs. Conval fans, seeing who could yell the loudest in the most obnoxious ways all game long. They would chant, "Just play football," to which the other team would replay, "Just play baseball," and on and on and on. It was most wearing. After double overtime Conval lost and Kayla and I headed for home in the snow--very wet and slippery snow I might add. As in other snowstorms, I thanked God over and over that I was driving our Subaru and prayed for Clyde as he drove middle C's Jetta that he would be able to make it home, which he did--barely making it up the second Dublin hill and complaining about "those tires on the Jetta.!" I don't think it was the tires--I think it was the extra wet, slippery snow.

After garaging the Subaru, I grabbed a shovel and began shovelling our walkway out of pure joy! The snow was incredibly beautiful, as it clung to all the evergreens and I thorougly enjoyed myself. Today the sun is shining gloriously, but the wind has blown most of the snow off the trees so it isn't nearly as beautiful but the world is still fresh and clean and white.

Letter From Brother Dave to Mom

Letter to Mom (a little fiction tossed in)
Dearest Mom
Thought you might like a little report
Well you went out gracefully, with such a satisfied sigh. You have no apologies to make to anyone this time. Us kids are so thankful that you didn't have to suffer. I spent some private time in your bedroom after you left us, and just reveled in the good memories. I know the other kids did the same thing however it appears that Clyde cleaned the change off your bureau top.

You would have been shocked if you knew the distances friends and relatives traveled and sacrifices people made to do you honor and tribute. Willy Abram came all the way from Washington, Sherri from California, Ellie Wakemen from Texas, Marea from Halifax, Alouette from Georgia, Kendra from Illinois, and the entire Sweet tribe from North Carolina and VA. Several car loads from Maine traveled up in snowy weather. Ron Parker and Gerry Parker, Allison Miller, John and Joan Anderson,Sharon Tupper, Alden Street, Cindy and Kristin, and probably others I can't remember from Maine. Oak Hill was well represented-Evan & Jill Jones, Ralph and Choral, Keneth Sandford, Earl Sandford and Family, and many others. All your precious grandchildren were there except Our Melissa and Craig Sandford. Melissa's bloodcount didn't look good, so it seemed wise she stay home. Craig chartered a super sonic jet in Israel, but they couldn't get the baggage door closed, so that trip got aborted.

Neil hit a home run with your service. Your children all got up (yes even Hudson got up and blubbered out what appeared to be from the heart (sentiments and memories). Several grandchildren spoke also. Your Grandchildren sang like birds. You would have been so blessed. Little Kayla looked like an Angel on earth, and sang like a Warbler.(several people made that observation). It was so evident Mom, that you left an everlasting impression on ALL who knew you. You always said that LOVE was the greatest thing. Even though I don't believe anyone exactly quoted that 'cliche' (that sometimes it seemed you wore out), it was manifested that you sure walked the walk, and not just talked the talk on that subject. It was so noteworty that LOVE was the main attribute that seemed to be spoken by everyone, and that LOVE was your favorite reminder to us. Thanks again for all the love. The Abram girls all reflected that you were like their second Mom (Auntie) when Aunt Rebecca went on trips with VPA, and that they felt as loved as your own.

Oh yes, Doug Abram drove all by himsel from New York in snow. There was another funeral on his wife's side the same day. She had passed on one hour after you did. Did you see her on her way up? Doug was quoted as saying that he felt unconditonal love from you in his walk in life.

Had a good reception afterwards, and no one seemed in a hurry to leave. The occasion brought so many people together and fellowship was so enjoyed by everyone Mom. All because of you and your life and trust in Jesus. WELL DONE. I am sure you have heard that by the most important person by now, and hopefully you found Lois.

Well, I am going to sign off for now, and maybe the other children may want to add to this. Oh by the way, I am in Florida, and Gwennie girl is just fine, and the best friend and help meet in the world.

Eternal Love
David Hudson
PS Say Hi to Dad & Zeke