April 2014

Ray Bormann, 1929 - 2014

The month of April brought change, sorrow, gatherings, good-byes, all set in weather that refused to really warm up.  Early in the month, Hilde’s father, Ray, was moved to hospice as his condition worsened steeply.  The folks at AngelsGrace kept him free from pain and ministered too to the family members as they came to say good-bye, to spend time just sitting quietly, and praying with him.  He died April 18, very quietly slipping away.  Almost all of his large family was able to gather for the funeral April 25.  The services and visitation brought in people from all over and the family really appreciated the sympathy and respect paid to their loved one.

In the shadow of this big change, daily activities somehow continued for Mark and Hilde as they finished a very productive maple syrup season despite snow and cold, dealt with technology challenges and got seedlings started for the eventual garden.  They upgraded their home computer (good-bye XP, you were great!), learned some of the tricks of Windows 8 and Hilde was issued an iPad from the county.

Mark and Hilde shared Easter with John and Evie, enjoying their company, their newly floored home, a delicious meal and worshiping together.  Before and after the observances for Hilde’s father, they were also cheered and comforted by time in Sussex with Rhiannon and Rowan.  Those girls are growing fast and Rowan’s vocabulary growing by leaps and bounds as she tries to catch up with big sister.  Mark got to do some work with Jim in the garden and yard, so both enjoyed that.

 

The taekwondo front was active also.  Mark and Hilde assisted Dr. Stevens with the April testing, then Hilde and Karen Johnson taught an introduction to self-defense on UW-Stevens Point for the Women’s Resource Center which was lively and very well attended.  Mark and Dr. Stevens traveled up to Wausau to teach a seminar on board-breaking.

As April ends with lots of cold rain, the pure white of bloodroot is still pursing and waiting for warmth and sunshine, the fields are soaked and farmers fretting about delays, and folks are hoping that May will bring more seasonal weather and spring flowers.

Evie and John Easter

April 4 weather delayed cooking