NOTHING NOT TO LIKE

It's natural  to have some regrets when someone you have loved for so long dies, some remorse over things left undone, words left unsaid, promises not kept and the list could go on and on.  Gwen and I were fortunate and blessed to have had very good life together.  Lots of exciting adventures around the country in our early years, the joy of raising four children and being part of their accomplishments, spending time with our grandchildren, seeing their accomplishments;  in later life we traveled and saw the world, and even during the years when Gwen was sick we were able to have many trips, sometimes alone and sometimes with family.  Very late in our life, living in Marquette for six years, making friends there, being close to our relatives in the U. P., especially her mom and dad.  So, no regrets--except, I wish people had gotten to know Gwen better.  She really was a special person;  those who did get to know her are unanimous in agreeing to that.  Mr brother-in-law said it best; it's in the title and the last line of this poem

NOTHING NOT TO LIKE

Friends, relatives and mere acquaintances

have all told me

they wish they knew her better.

They all seem to agree

she was someone special

in her quiet way

always a smile

a kind word.

They admired her spunk

when she saw injustice

as ready to fight

as she was to forgive.

Perhaps Bob said it best

double negative and all

there was nothing not to like about her.

John A. Bayerl, March 4, 2011



I'm having a bit of a rocky day, went to a restaurant this morning that Gwen and I enjoyed going to for breakfast.  Fond memories.  There are days like this when that overwhelming sense of loss and sadness is somewhat overpowering. Nothing complicated about it, I just miss that girl name Gwen.  Even an hour at the gym did little to help.  Gotta own it; some things have to be done by me alone.