The nights here in the New Hampshire north country are cold now, but the days are still warm. I managed a very slow paddle up Pine River today, a little after high noon.
Two more family members left today, a daughter and her son. Our middle daughter remains a few more days. Autumn is in the air. Soon it will be just the two of us. Last night our little group of five went out to dinner to celebrate the wonder of long years together - 69 of them. What high adventure a marriage is. How many places God has taken us, even into "the heart of darkness," in Rwanda where the Africans have taught us so much. It has been all blessing. We think back to so much. Even some painful memories. But what they have taught us, and how we have been enriched. There are regrets, of course. But, "we would do it again." Marriage is such a treasured relationship: two people, teaching each other, growing in faith, learning the depths of love. And becoming even more sure it has all come from God. Our children need our prayers, even as we so gratefully receive theirs. Indeed, so many of our years have been a true gift from our children. And really, from so many others. The many beloved along the way. Grateful are we, so privileged to still be alive - together.
3 Comments
Millie Karr
8/31/2019 02:04:03 pm
I was blessed with 55 years with John..I know God intended him for me..You and Molly are a holy team Looking forward to your return
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Sissy Ueland
8/31/2019 10:36:38 pm
Arthur-“Alive together” with dear Molly for 69 years-we are all so blessed by those years-we thank God for the example of your beautiful marriage, and how much we have learned from it. Robert Frost wrote a fitting tribute, that reflects your journey, together, “two such as you with such a master speed cannot be there parted or swept away from one another once you are agreed that life is only life forever more, together wing to wing and oar to oar.” Love from your friends on the journey, Sissy &Sig Ueland
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Kathy Humphrey
9/3/2019 09:59:08 pm
Dr Rouner: I recall, as a youngster in Eliot Church of Newton (Mass), watching a young Ken Gleason, Jr., imitate perfectly your lovely stride, right hand in jacket pocket, as he portrayed you in a loving lampoon at the church. You watched him with such joy and affection, and I remember feeling the strength of that connection: standing in another's shoes and knowing them for a little while is a powerful bond. You were so important to my mother, Wanda, who found your empathy and kindness to a grace that saved her from the worst of her bouts of sadness. The congregation hated to lose you, I recall that so clearly. My family especially hated to lose you. It was the world's gain. I wish you stable health and more days of canoe trips and Molly's fearlessness. What a gem you have always been.
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January 2021
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