We have a double feature this week! Please meet William and Rae, a wonderful couple who we befriended “cold turkey” at church. Before we met them, we so admired that they served communion and read scripture together at church. They seemed like a kind, warm and interesting couple…we were right!
When we first moved up here, I was always worried that we had no one to call if we ever needed help in an emergency, needed a ride to the airport or would ever get to have good friends, rather than just acquaintances. William and Rae have become good friends that we can call on and be totally honest with. They are wonderful to talk to and hang out with. We make sure to get together once a month despite busy schedules. They’ve also gotten to spend time with some of our family – so now we consider them family too!
I’m doing two posts on them, so let’s do ladies first: Rae does live up to her name. To us, she is a “ray” of sunlight. She is always ready with a warm smile and a real hug (not those fake little pats). She is insightful, thoughtful and a very compassionate person.
What is your favorite memory growing up?
One of my favorite memories is taking the train from North Dakota (where I grew up) to visit family in Minneapolis. Usually it was my mom, dad, my brother and me. We would get the seats that faced each other. My mom would pack lunch and lots of snacks. I would always get to buy a new book to read. It was usually one of the series of either Nancy Drew, Trixie Beldon, or Cherrie Ames.
I felt like I was on such an adventure.
Besides family, who has had an impact on your life?
I had several very strong women teachers through out my school years. The first seven years of school, I attended a “country” school and I had the same teacher (Mrs. Egge) for the 1st four years. She was also my Sunday School teacher for many years. In high school, I had Mrs. Molberg for several of my math classes, Mrs. Weeks was my English teacher, and Mrs. Nelson was my Latin teacher. They were all very intelligent women and great teachers. Looking back, I think it was unusual to have so many women teachers in high school and teaching such strong academic classes.
What don’t you leave home without?
I never leave home without my wedding ring which is also one of my most treasured possessions. Another treasured possession is my journal. I am never without at least one. When I finish one, I start a new one. It is a combination of prayer journal, processing journal, collection of favorite quotes, notes from books that I am reading, and a place for organizing my life.
What is your idea of a perfect day?
A perfect day for me is being on the water somewhere in a sail boat or a motor boat. I am sure a yacht would be nice. The sky is blue, the sun is shining, the temperature is in the 80s with a lovely breeze. I have no schedule and some good food and drinks. Someone else is doing all the navigating. Of course, it is a big plus if William is along. If I can’t have a boat, anything that floats will do.
Who would you like to sit down to tea with?
I love to have tea with my best friend, Linda, who loves tea.
Having a long conversation with her is always a blessing.
What is the last great book that you’ve read?
I participate in a theological discussion group which meets once/month at our church. The books challenge me mentally and spiritually. I love the discussion time and have learned so much from both the reading and the discussion. A couple of my favorites have been “The Silence” by Shusako Endo (a fiction book really) and “The Peaceable Kingdom” by Stanley Hauerwas. This doesn’t leave much time for other reading other things, but I did read “The Shack” which I really enjoyed and William & I are currently reading together “A Grace Disguised” by Jerry Sittser.
Describe William in three words:
I would like to give more than three, but I will start with honest, compassionate, and devoted husband.
Thanks Rae!!
