Letter to a Friend

Friend below is from the church I pastored from July 2004 to Fall 2005.

Our skeeters are few and far between here, but we have them. Lots of trees for them to come out of but less standing water here to breed them. Everything is hilly and most water flows down. I have scars from the MN skeeters. They remind me of that time.

I remember -40F one day in Thomastown. I told my California friends who asked that it was 3 degrees warmer than International Falls because that was the coldest spot on their national news.

I also remember sliding off the road between you house and the Paulson’s. Ray came and single handedly slid the Suburban back on the road. He wouldn’t let me help. His neck veins bulged. My kids thought he was Superman – and they still do.

Michael remembers watching the Paulson’s chickens when they travelled. He’s now out in the country on 20 acres with chickens of his own living the country life.

I also remember you taking us out for ice cream in the Middle of Winter – maybe in January? I thought it was crazy, but it was good.

I also remember driving to Hockey in Fargo in the middle of Winter in white out snow conditions. Being from the Southwest that was frightening.

I also remember Spring was breaking out and saying to Wally “Looks like Spring is coming” and him saying “Yah, but Winter will be here soon” in his grumpy but gentle way. Winter comes too soon and lasts too long in Staples. I’m here in SW PA complaining about +5F. I shouldn’t be complaining.

I remember griping to some who shook my hand on the way out of church about winter coming. He was excited – ice fishing and snowmobiling. I though he was crazy.

I remember the tornado that went over the church on a Wed night and how loud it was and how God spared us.

I remember staying overnight with A** and E*****. She was away and didn’t want him left alone. He came into the room in the middle if the night. I think he wanted someone to talk to. He was an enigma. I hear he got better after E***** passed. That made me happy.

I remember God telling me to go over R** W*****’s house. Unbeknownst to me, the bucket or loader on the front of his earthmover fell and crushed his leg. I rode with his folks to the hospital and waited until they had figured out what to do about it. I visited him one time after that in the Hospital. I should have gone every day.

I remember meeting your dad. I think it may have been for lunch and what he fine man he was. I felt sad at the story of him getting removed from the church for fishing with a friend who drank beer. I figured if a much finer man than me could get removed, when I got removed it made it a lot easier. I was nowhere as good a man as him or as good a pastor.

I have lots of fond memories and you supporting me is by far my fondest. If my marriage was stronger, I might have lasted longer there. And I remember you saying the church should be patient with me. I think you were empathetical with me because your dad raised you right and left you in Staples.

I envied your ability to make Bible stories practical for kids and you helping me at that. I never got it. I loved theology more than telling people how it applies to their lives. I know I failed at that part.

I should have spent more time doing visitation. When we came, R** W***** told me to concentrate on the H***’s family since they were new and the rest of the people were “OK”. They weren’t OK. I should have listened less and put more time into the others. The H*** family being from CA (originally from the area) just fit so well with my family, but it wasn’t fair to everyone else. This isn’t an excuse, the failure was all mine.

I know your Swedish ancestors liked MN because it was like home and land was available in MN, but you folks are just built differently from anyone else (Finns along with you). Much respect.

I’m sorry I was too broken to be a good pastor at Staples. All fault is on me.

I don’t know if I ever thanked you properly for your friendship. It meant everything to me.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

(Feel free to share this with anyone who’s still around).