Speaking of winds and rain, on Tuesday we drove nearly 6 hours northwest into Minnesota through steady hard rain, high winds, and endless dark skies. It felt good to finally arrive and be able to hear the howling winds from inside the house!
Speaking of NW MN we were there to attend Joel's brother James' funeral which was held at their country church Wednesday. Joel was baptised, confirmed, and ordained in this church. The graveyard/church yard has 17 or more Dahlens buried there. We too, will place our earthly remains there. It was a nice funeral as we celebrated James life with sadness for the loss and joy for where he is now. It was nice to see so many of Joel's family. Memories were shared and hugs were passed around. It was a short trip.....leaving Tuesday morning and arriving back home Thursday afternoon.
Speaking of home, it was a cool 60 degrees inside the house when we arrived! Ha...we forgot to turn the heat back on before leaving, as we had a couple of hot days. It was good to be back home, and it did not take long to warm things back up!
One of the families we reconnected with were the Erlandsons who lived on the farm south of Joel's family farm. They were there when Joel's dad died at age 49, they were there for our family when Joel was ordained, they were there for Joel's brother James (with special needs)when he needed help to pass the driving test to get his license. They were there for countless people who were in need. Janis is still 88 years young and loved by so many, rightly so. I remember the first time I went to their home and I noticed she had one whole drawer filled with just boxes of jello! Rows of soup, lots of staples stored...I never had a "jello drawer" but I did learn from her on stocking our kitchen.We still buy some things in bulk and store it as if the stores were hours away. And for us Trader Joe's is! Haha It has served us well when we both had Lyme and when we went through the pandemic. Regarding Janis's generosity, we have quilts she has made us, we have long hand written letters she sends us. We have memoires of Joel's ordination party when they opened their home to so many people. There are just some people who have the gifts of hospitality....and grace.....and love.....and encouragement. This family, Merle and Janis Erlandson blessed the world, and Janis STILL blesses so many people including her own great family. So grateful!
Going back to Joel's family territory is enjoyable but also tugs on our hearts. We miss the hills, lakes, and trees of northern Minnesota...and lets not forget the people. It just wasn't God's plan for us to move back there. We, who have always called Minnesota our home state, are living in Iowa...Twenty eight years ago today we moved here to Mason City, never thinking it would be permanent. Neither of us have ever lived anywhere this long....We have tried to move 3 times and the doors have shut. I think the desire to move will always have a small hold on us from our years in the military and also our desire to live near our family but here we are. Starting year 29 in this city of 28,000. In Iowa. Always open to God's leading to "go".....and open to His whisper to "stay".
So today I am grateful for being able to gather in Joel's home church to grieve the death of a loved one and at the same time celebrate his life. Grateful for our middle daughter being able to go with us and open her home to us. Grateful for safe travel in so much heavy rain especially while grateful for the much needed rain. Grateful for laughter and tears for James. Grateful for coming home to "home". Grateful for the past 28 years here. Grateful for the memories with Janis and Merle and their family. Grateful for seeing family and catching up. Grateful for all the hugs, conversastions, texts, and phone calls....and so much more.
Enjoy your weekend!
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