Cheers! to Retirement

Hi everybody!

How’re y’all doing? We’re doing well, actually. Yes, 2023 was one heck-of-a-year around here, but we’re putting it in our rearview and pressing forward.

I’ve been thinking. I don’t believe I ever blogged about the fact that Todd, my husband of 42-plus years, has retired. He formally retired at the end of 2022. know, I know… it’s an awfully big life change to not have mentioned, yet lots of “other life” snuck in and took over the front burners of our schedule for a long while. Now that things are settling down, I figured that today, I’d catch you up. 

Ten people = lots of shoes! 

Back in October, as our family discussed who would host Christmas this year, it sounded good to both of our kids’ families to come up to Wisconsin. Since both sets of in-laws also live in this area, it’s nice to connect with their other families as well. Todd and I accepted the host/hostess challenge, which included deciding how we might “sleep” ten people in our house – six adults, three little kids, and a baby.

As all of these dates, plans, and people-shuffling ideas started to form, I had a light-bulb moment. Last year, there hadn’t been a good time for everyone to be in town together to fully acknowledge Todd’s retirement. Perhaps the holiday season could be the perfect time for us to throw him that “Surprise Retirement Party” I’d been contemplating! I talked with the kids and they said it sounded good, so I started making calls and crunching numbers. December 26^th seemed like a perfect day for our family, so I rolled up my sleeves and began the invitation process.

This blog entry would not be complete without some history about Todd and work – a complicated pairing, indeed. I’ll start by saying that both he and I were raised in families who worked hard and saw jobs through to completion. From grass-cutting to babysitting, whatever jobs we undertook, we learned what we could from them.

In January of 1979, 45 years ago, Todd started his Sheet Metal Apprenticeship.  About a year later, in February of 1980, Todd and I met - he was 19 and I was 18. I was working at the Miller Brewing Company, doing secretarial work. Both of us were employed and happy in our jobs.

We fell in love, so in September of 1981, Todd and I said our “I do’s”. Those first few months of marriage were fun and care-free. Then, just three months into our marriage, he received his first lay-off notice. Our life no longer felt as fun or as care-free. We bickered more often, and I admit that these sessions were not very helpful, likely making our situation even worse. It took three long months for him to get called to a new company. Our hopes rose. Maybe this will be the end to the unemployment… but no. The placement didn’t last long. He received another lay-off. He hated what was happening. All he wanted was to work full-time, accumulate the hours needed to graduate from his apprenticeship, and finally become a journeyman.

In that tough early-1980’s job market, the way to permanent employment would be to make himself indispensable. The trade needed welders, so he enrolled in a night class to help him beef up his welding skills. His strategy worked and he was hired. Welding wasn’t/isn’t easy or glamorous. Despite the protective gear he wore, he came home every day with burn holes in his jeans and t-shirts. But his dedication impressed me. He knew what he wanted and needed, and went after it. He was no longer unemployed.

He liked his new company. Initially, he welded, but then grew into a whole different aspect of the trade – service. They gave him a van to drive and a schedule of appointments to keep. With lay-offs, he’d lost about six months, but eventually he graduated from his apprenticeship. The union ended up inviting Todd to teach night school. For many years, after working a full day at his job, he’d then teach up-and-coming apprentices one night a week. He could earn more money in those four hours of teaching than I could have earned in ten hours of part-time secretarial work.  Over the decades, many young people have approached me, saying how much they appreciated Todd’s teaching, leadership and mentorship in the trades. It always meant a lot to me, knowing that the sacrifice we made of him being away from us (his family), was helping others.

Woven into all of this school and work, other life experiences were happening, too. We bought a house and remodeled it. We became parents to our two children: Tony (our son) was born in 1985 and Megan (our daughter) was born in 1988. From early-on in our relationship, Todd and I worked toward me being a stay-at-home mom. Todd confesses that from the minute he watched our kids come into the world, a deep fatherly responsibility settled over him. It was no longer just him and me – no, we were now a family, and he (mostly) would be financially responsible. That was our goal. He took that very seriously. Finally, we sold our house and moved to an apartment while we built another home which he actually designed - from scratch! The kids started school and lots of other activities. Life really took off.   

At work, Todd became a boss - a man that other employees reported to, and relied on for employment. Remembering his own feelings about those early lay-offs, he felt deep responsibility to keep “his guys” employed; no longer working for just himself and our family, but also for a crew of other people who needed to feed their families, too.

During his years in the trades, he learned many aspects of the work. From his earliest days of sweeping floors, to hanging ductwork, welding, being “on call” for service, teaching, bidding and running jobs, and even attending engineering classes at MSOE to obtain licensing; to finally becoming a partial/co-owner of a mechanical contractor. What a career it’s been!  

Work held a top spot in Todd’s priorities. How could it not? But… to be honest, I personally experienced a love/hate relationship with Todd’s work ethic. On the one hand, I respected and was proud of him. Nobody would or could ever refer to him as lazy. I fully understood that the kids and I relied on him (almost solely) for income, and benefitted the most from all he did. Yet… we also took the biggest hits where his work was concerned.  

Vacationing became more stressful than simply staying home and having Todd go to work. We can laugh about it now, but he actually closed a big deal on a payphone (pre-cell phone days) at Walt Disney World in Florida. All we wanted was for him to ride “The Pirates of the Caribbean” with us, but he wouldn’t hang up. That said, we continued to go through the motions of him taking time off, always hoping for those special moments that only vacations can bring. The best trip our family ever took was in March of 2001. We flew to Mexico for a week’s stay at an all-inclusive resort. His cell phone usage was not yet international so he couldn’t work. We had a whole week with him to ourselves – snorkeling, playing volleyball, eating, drinking… relaxing! It was the best family get-away we ever spent.

As the kids grew up, I was able to attend most of their soccer/baseball games, marching band competitions, band and choir concerts, school plays, and church activities. Todd came whenever he could, and even coached soccer for a couple of seasons. Are the kids resentful of all the work their dad put in? There may have been days that was true, but overall, I don’t think so. Now that they’re parents, they stay mindful of how much work they invest themselves in; perhaps striving for a better work/play balance than our own family achieved. But they’re also both aware that work must take a high priority in order to keep a growing family fed, clothed, educated, churched, and active.

Back to present day… Christmas at the Memmel’s this year was crazy but joy-filled. On the morning of the surprise party, Megan said she had a terrible headache. My mind raced, wondering if after all of the planning, she’d even be able to attend. As life would have it, she could not go. Her husband, Joe, and kids were there. Tony, Lesleigh and the boys were there, but not her. What could we do except to keep going? Eighty people, everyone from family, neighbors, friends, and work acquaintances, were planning to attend; all of them ready to honor Todd for all of the work he’d accomplished during his 43 years of dedicated employment. It had to be celebrated.

The party turned out terrific! Todd was totally surprised! He had no idea, whatsoever. Tony honored Todd by speaking briefly. He acknowledged that from the beginning of time (Adam and Eve), work has been a complicated directive to which we must find a balance. Tony tied it all together saying that now that he’s a small business owner, himself, he knows how hard that balance can be to find. His words brought tears to many of our guest’s eyes. I spoke for a minute about how I felt about Todd’s work. Mostly, that I’m really happy that he’s finally done. I believe that retirement is going to be good for us. Food, drinks, cake… it truly was a night to remember.

Sooo… Happy Retirement, Todd! We’re all proud of the man you were, are, and always will be. You’ve accomplished so much. Here’s to many new endeavors and projects in the years ahead!

 

Katie Kolberg Memmel is the author of three books: “Five Fingers, Ten Toes – A Mother’s Story of Raising a Child Born with a Limb Difference” (Now a 10-Year Anniversary Edition with Photos); “From This Day Forward…”; and “Silly Stories and Sentimental Stuff”. All three books are available through Amazon as either a paperback or electronic version. Visit Katie’s website for more information. www.katiekolbergmemmel.com 

Good-bye, House...

 

Good-bye,  House…We’ll Never Forget You

Most of you know that my father passed away in May and we held his funeral on June 1^st. If you hadn’t heard that news, here’s the link to that blog post: https://katiekolbergmemmel.blogspot.com/2023/06/saying-good-bye-to-my-dad.html    

Celebrating Dad's 99th b-day

What many of you don’t know is that Dad still lived in his house until shortly before he died. He personally began building it for our growing family back in 1954. I remember my older siblings talking about the early days of living there. My parents moved in before the second story was finished, so my brother and sister shared the bedroom off the kitchen. When my next brother was born, Mom and Dad simply added his crib to a corner of their own bedroom until the upstairs work was complete in ‘56. Life went on until several years later when in August of ’61, yours’ truly appeared on the scene. That house was the only one I lived in until the day I married Todd in 1981. It’s been a part of my life for… well… for my whole life!  

Before he fell, I often talked with Dad about how his “end days” might play out, and how he thought things should be handled after he was gone. He advised that if nobody in the family wanted to buy the house, I should sell it. He knew I had worked on the administrative side of real estate for many years, and that I had a friend or two in the business. He trusted I’d handle the sale without any trouble.

My father had never been a pack rat. That said, he was 100 years old, and had not moved since building the place, 70 years prior. Let’s simply say he’d accumulated quite a few things, especially when you factor in that he was from the generation who’d lived through the Depression. He didn’t like to throw out or waste anything that might have a use some day.

After the funeral, I spent lots of time at the house, detailing each room’s contents, and weighing out the best way to empty each. I started by making an announcement to the family. “If anybody wants something, tape your name on the item. If more than one person wants it, we’ll figure it out.” (For the record, no two people ever wanted the same item). I was often present as our loved ones came through the house. I felt privileged to witness their tears, as sweet memories spilled out. “I remember holidays when we’d play ping pong in the basement…” “Remember when Grandma baked cookies with me…?” “Remember the games of basketball on the driveway…?” On and on...  

Slowly, the items were taken from the house, which then left me with decisions to make about the rest. The Salvation Army came and picked up some clothes, dishes, and furniture. I only became emotional once. It was when the movers carried my father’s brown leather recliner out the front door. I could still envision him sitting in it, all of us gathered to celebrate his 99th birthday. How many sports teams had he watched on TV from that perch? Movies? I must admit that the sight of it leaving made my throat close and my eyes mist. But… there was still work to do. We made many trips to Goodwill (and yes, even to the dump). Todd cleaned the basement, then packed up and boxed paint brushes, nuts and bolts, and any/everything else that was scattered around Dad’s workroom. One brother faithfully took care of the lawn and flowers. My oldest brother and my sister seemed to enjoy sorting through the numerous boxes of photos and news clippings that had accumulated. As we laughed, reminisced and even rolled our eyes, we created a pile of pictures for each of us, plus a stack to go through “later”.  

As I waited through the probate process, I received many phone calls, as well as a large amount of written correspondence, from realtors and “we-buy-houses-for-cash” businesses. I really didn’t want to sell our family home that way - to someone who only wanted it to turn it around and re-sell. Rather, I wanted a buyer who would enjoy living there, and who'd make the needed repairs because he/she liked the place. I received a couple of offers from those cash dealers, but just couldn’t see our family going that route. Before I listed the house, I asked my realtor friend for advice about the process. In the end, and to my delight, it was his son who purchased the house. In my opinion, the deal was a win/win – a young man who liked the home and neighborhood, and wanted to live there.

The phone was in the corner by the fridge

With a solid buyer in the wings, I knew our days at the house were numbered. I found myself looking more closely at every room, closet, cabinet and drawer. Talk about a trip down Memory Lane! I remembered back to when I’d sit in the kitchen, talking to my friends (and eventually Todd) for hours on our family’s one phone. I remembered friends standing by the backdoor in the kitchen, talking with Mom and Dad while I finished getting ready to go out. I remembered special occasions like Homecoming dances, when my date picked me up. We exchanged corsages and boutonnieres, then took pictures near the piano. I reminisced about walking out to our old mailbox, hoping and praying that in amongst the water and electric bills, I’d receive a letter from a pen pal or current love interest. And I remembered the Thanksgiving when Todd and I sat on the couch, and announced our engagement to my whole family.

My room and closet where I "hid" my journal

My biggest memory of the house itself will probably be my upstairs bedroom. After my sister got married, Mom and Dad let me move up to her old room. How many homework assignments had been completed there? How many books read? How many notes had I written to friends? Most importantly, that room was where I started journaling; not just about where I’d been that day or what we’d had for supper. No. I started journaling about the real stuff – the “who, what, where, when and why” of teenage life. Every night before bed I wrote my thoughts about it all, then hid the ever-growing pages in a shoebox in my closet. Had I really thought that was a good hiding place for such precious thoughts? Yes, for some reason I had.

And so… after the house was emptied out and cleaned by us for the last time, I signed the paperwork that permanently ended our family’s time there. It had to happen sometime. Was I ready? Yes… and no. Is anyone ever fully ready to let go of such a large part of their history? Their life?   

But I can say that just as love and care had been shown to each of us in that house over the past 70 years, first from our parents, then finally from our dad; love and care was given through our preparation of selling it, too.

Mom and Dad

Each of the four of us got the opportunity to walk through, take pictures, and say good-bye one final time. I was last. 

“Good-bye, Mom, good-bye, Dad. Good luck, old house. May you thrive with your new owner. Love, your one-and-only family… well, to this point, anyway. We’ll never forget you."  

Then… I closed the door.

 

Katie Kolberg Memmel is the author of three books: her recently-updated “Five Fingers, Ten Toes – A Mother’s Story of Raising a Child Born with a Limb Difference – 10-Year Anniversary Edition, now with Photos”; “Silly Stories and Sentimental Stuff”; and “From This Day Forward…” All are available in paperback as well as electronic versions. For more information about Katie and her writing, please go to her website: www.katiekolbergmemmel.com

 

 

 

 

Saying Good-Bye to My Dad

Hello Dear Readers! 

If you have been active on Facebook over the past month or so, you’ve likely read that our family endured some sadness recently. My dad, the guy who turned 100 years old last fall, passed away. Some folks reminded me, “Well, Katie, he was 100. He couldn’t live that much longer.” I know, I know… Of course they are right. I know they are right. Yet, when it comes to your own parent, your own father, it doesn’t feel quite that simple. 

My dad was sort of “one of a kind”, you know? After my mom passed, he lived alone for 20 years. He golfed pretty well until about three years ago when balance issues got the better of him. He was still driving his car at 99 - just short distances, mind you - but was still able to get around. Unless he was at work, he drank two beers a day for probably the last 80 years, solemnly swearing they aided in his good health. His blood pressure was still okay, his breathing and pulse rates were still okay. But then, back in February, he fell. Nothing would ever be the same for our dad – or any of us - again. 

He hit his head and developed a brain bleed. Just as its name suggests, his brain started to bleed and began clouding his everyday functions. At first, we thought he might recover - get some rehab and live another couple of years. My brothers, sister, and I tried for a few weeks, watching as things were possibly, slowly (like turtle-crawling-slowly), improving. However, about two weeks in, his progress stopped, and he seemed to reverse, and went downhill fast. 

A final CT scan showed that the bleed was spreading and taking with it his ability to stand, walk, feed himself, and more. There would be no more rehab. Hospice is what they recommended. Within two days, I was signing the paperwork. We knew the day we’d thought about was now inevitable. Our 100-year-old dad was going to die. 

At first, we watched his every move. “Is that normal? Does he always do that? Is he talking the same? Is he happy? Is he angry? Does he know what’s happening at all?” We didn’t know, but he didn’t pass. My siblings and I read two books about hospice care, and the information they provided made us see that indeed, some of his behaviors seemed like “end of life” signs. 

Early in the hospice process, during one of his brief moments of alertness, he told me, “Kate, I feel like something is happening to me.” I perked up, and encouraged him to continue. “I had a dream where I saw the Lord – not his face, of course, but it was him.” Intrigued, I told him it was okay if he needed to go, and actually told him to “walk toward the light”. But he said, “No, the Lord’s not ready for me yet.” 

Dad’s dream was so clear to him, like nothing had been since his fall, or ever was again. If the Lord wasn’t ready for him yet, then what was all of this about? There had to be another reason this was happening to him. I watched him closely for every possibility, but I don’t think I’ll ever truly know, at least on this side of Heaven. 

Another week began with us asking the same questions. Two weeks. Three. “Did we do the right thing by admitting him to hospice? Maybe the bleed will clear. Could he ever live alone again?” Oh, how naiive we were. Maybe, maybe, maybe… We kept wondering. Week four, week five. We didn’t know if we should get our hopes back up or leave them abandoned on the ground. It seemed as though every time we encountered something positive, the next day, afternoon, or hour, his situation changed again. Nothing was certain. No timeframe seemed to be present. Week six, week seven… visit after visit… holding his hand, saying good-bye. Sometimes he’d respond coherently, appropriately. Those were good days. Many times, we’d think it was the end. 

His pain became more and more evident - not just verbally saying so, which were some of the most heartbreaking sounds I’ve ever heard – but visually, too. Lines on his face, furrowed brow, clenched jaw, visible weight loss. By week eight, we seemed to have no more choice. It was time for heavier pain meds. With that, he seemed more restful, more at peace. Then finally, during week nine, the inevitable happened. 

It was a Friday morning, exactly three months to the day since his fall. Todd and I got up and started our morning routines, planning what time that day to go visit Dad. My cell phone rang, interrupting our schedule-making. It was a woman from Hospice. She explained to me that earlier that morning, my dad had passed away. I blinked, not knowing what to say. 

Even though I knew it was time, that it was best, that it was inevitable… I was still shocked. My brothers, sister, and I were now parentless, sort of like orphans - in their 60’s and 70’s, mind you, but orphans, nonetheless. I cried. 

My siblings and I cooperated pretty well, and planned a beautiful funeral. Ten years ago for Father’s Day, I had written a short essay for my dad about his and my relationship. Back then, he asked me if someday I’d read it at his funeral. I told him I would… so I did. Tony was able to come to town and sang/played guitar for the service – How Great Thou Art, Beautiful Savior, and Abide with me. My daughter and her family drove up from Tulsa, Oklahoma to say “good-bye” to their grampa. Dad would have loved it, had he been there. 

Our father was a retired fireman, so the city for which he’d served, provided him/us with an honor guard ceremony. As the visitation time began, about every 15 minutes, three guards ceremoniously rotated in and out of their post near where our dad lay, one of them always at attention, near him. I’d never seen that before. It was really cool… and emotional. 

Dad was a WWII vet, so he received a military honors burial, complete with the three gunshots. After they folded the flag that had draped his coffin, they handed it to me. Such a somber moment. My jaw quivered and my eyes misted. I swallowed hard, trying to be brave. Then, after 100 1/2 years of living, our dad was gone from this earth and out of our sight. 

He had been a Christian throughout his life. We know he is now at rest with the Lord. some of dad’s favorite scriptures are in John 14. There, the disciples are told that Jesus is going away to prepare a place for them. As much as we’ll miss our dad, we know he is now pain-free and perfect, living with the One who prepared his place. Oh, how that vision brings me peace. 

Three months doesn’t seem like a long time, yet it felt like an eternity. My siblings and I each had time to say what we wanted to say to our dad, even if he wasn’t always awake or comprehending. I hope they each took those precious moments and used them. I know I did. 

And so… we now move forward. Here I am, blogging about the experience, hoping that someone who is reading these words will know that they’re not alone - that our family has also endured something hard.  

That said, we do know our dad’s okay. Better than okay. Actually, he’s finally home. 

Both in good times and hard, I wish you God’s every blessing, 

Katie 

Katie Kolberg Memmel has written three books: “Five Fingers, Ten Toes – A Mother’s Story of Raising a Child Born with a Limb Difference” (Ten-year anniversary edition, now with photos); “Silly Stories and Sentimental Stuff”; and “From This Day Forward…” All three are available through Amazon - paperback or Kindle edition. Visit her website at: www.katiekolbergmemmel.com for more information about her, and for links to her books.

A Wonderful Wisconsin Whirlwind

Sooo… I had a new experience recently, and I wanted to share the details with all of you. 

I don’t know about you, but I’d never been to a birthday party for someone who was turning 100 years old. Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever even met anyone who was in their 100’s. I know they have (or used to have…?) a segment on the Today Show for those entering that stage of life, but I didn’t know anyone personally… until now. 

My father turned 100 this week. My sister (Cheryl) and I started throwing around the idea of hosting a party for him, several months prior. We decided to make it a surprise, not so much to really “surprise him” exactly, but more because we thought he’d worry himself silly with negative scenarios of why we shouldn’t have a party, or how it might not work out because of… well…whatever his reason might be. 

Me, my siblings, and our spouses

She and I brainstormed potential dates, and then ran the idea past our brothers, who both thought it was a good one. The four of us decided we’d split the costs equally. We settled on Sunday, October 16^th, during the afternoon, and would incorporate the Green Bay Packers game into our day. Sure, the date we chose was two weeks before Dad’s actual birthday, but at the same time we didn’t want his big day to arrive, and then not have a party until much later. 

The guest list would consist of more than 50 people, including a fair amount of children. That’s a LOT of people to party with in a house. For that reason, I started making some inquiries about renting a room at a restaurant. We decided to use a local pub/eatery called “Club Paragon”. We’d attended parties there in the past, and agreed they’d done a nice job. 

I created a flier with all of the who’s, what’s, where’s, when’s, why’s and how’s. Cheryl addressed all of the envelopes and got them into the mail. RSVP’s started to roll in, and believe it or not, almost everyone could make it! Amazing! Initially, my daughter (Megan) and her family didn’t think they could come. Now that she’s a teacher in the public schools, taking off on school days didn’t seem like a real possibility for her. Two weeks before the party, she contacted me and asked if it was still possible for them to make the trek. She’d worked things out with her principal, and their family’s attendance could now be a “go”. “YES!” I said. “Of COURSE!” That news made me very happy. 

Theo, Jake and the cake

Cheryl, her husband (Jack), and I drove over to the venue, and met with the planner. She suggested some of their best party foods for our shindig: pizza, wings, pretzel bites with cheese, taco dip, a veggie tray… and also said that we could bring in our own cake. Cheryl and I thought that would be a good idea. She ordered (from Sendik’s) the most delicious chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. I often find that people merely tolerate big cakes, but this one was a hit! I took care of ordering helium-filled balloons and picked up the crepe paper and "Happy Birthday" signs. 

Cheryl also arranged for her son (John) to call our dad a few days before the party, and invite him to a little Packer gathering at his house the day of the event. John and his wife often host get-togethers of that nature, so it wouldn’t seem odd at all. My dad accepted. We had decided that if Dad called and said he didn’t feel up to it, or didn’t want to go, then we’d have to tell him about our scheme, but… that never happened! On the day of the party, Jack and Cheryl picked him up as though they were going to their son’s house. Little did Dad know that 50 guests awaited his arrival at his 100^th birthday surprise party. 

Dad arriving at the party - Tony opens the door

Cheryl texted me when they were a few minutes away. I asked everyone in the room to grow quiet, thinking it might be best to not shock our “dear old daddy” by shouting. The room we rented had its own entrance door, so when the trio arrived, they simply needed to ask him to get out of the car. He didn’t know why, but he did it willingly. My son, Tony, pushed open the door for him, and he said he didn’t understand why Tony was at John’s party. Once he got his bearings, we sang “Happy Birthday”. He was honestly sooo surprised. 

Grandkids, their spouses, and great grandchildren

Most of us had tears in our eyes watching him say hello to his grandkids, his great grandkids, and other extended family members he hadn’t seen in a couple of years, mostly due to the pandemic. It was truly a blessed reunion. We got him seated, and people started to file by to talk with him, kind of like visiting Santa! 

As you know, both of my own children and their families live out of town, and both families drove up. Tony, Lesleigh (who is very pregnant) and Theo live near Nashville, Tennessee. Megan, Joe, Jake and Annie live near Tulsa, Oklahoma. One of my brother’s kids flew up for the weekend from Florida. Some live near Sheboygan, some near Madison. Only one grandson couldn’t make it, but his 15-year old daughter attended. It was a blessed reunion that day, all of us celebrating his 100 years of life. 

About a month before the party, one of my nieces volunteered to make a slide show of Grampa’s life. Most of us contributed photos we’d taken through the many years. Some of the shots included my mom (of course) and overall, it was so moving to watch his life reeling past. So many good times. 

Our family with my dad

Everyone ate, drank, and conversed, catching up with our dad, and also with each other. I had such a good time, I almost hated to see the day end… but of course it had to. Thankfully, both of our kids were staying with Todd and me, so our family was able to go back to our house and de-brief about the fun day we’d all just experienced. On Monday morning, both families were up at the crack of dawn, and heading back to their homes. The weekend was such a whirlwind – a wonderful Wisconsin whirlwind! 

On our dad’s actual birthday, a few of us got together for a small luncheon. The weather was so spectacular (a rare 70-degree November day) that we sat outside in the yard. As we ate subs, chips, pickles, and cake, we bantered about past family vacations, times spent up north at the cottage, good old days when Mom was still alive, and other special topics. Most importantly, we toasted to our dad’s past 100 years, and wished him another 100! (LOL)

Celebrating at dad's on his big day

All of those years have created quite a legacy: four children (all with spouses) nine grandchildren (most are married) and 11 great grandchildren (one more to arrive soon!)  Plus, the family is still growing!

Dad has shared so many stories about his upbringing, his youth, his army/WWII years, dating our mom, and becoming a father. He even participated in my book, “From This Day Forward…” You can read his story there! He’s experienced most of what the world could throw at him. He had to quit school to help out his family, but he’s smart and well-read. He deeply cares about our government, so I took him to “early vote” this week; that way he wouldn’t have to fight the crowd next Tuesday. He knew exactly who he wanted “in”. He’s wise. He still cares. And one of his biggest fears is that something will happen to one of us before he passes. He feels that would be way out of order. But… mostly… he trusts in God and knows that all of that is out of his control. He takes things as they come – one day at a time.

And so, I simply wanted to share with you what we’ve been experiencing here over the past months, weeks, and days. Watching our dad approach, and now reach 100, somehow feels like “a goal” we’ve reached; not by anything we actually did, but just that it happened in general. He’s a special guy and this is a very special feeling. 

As always, thanks for reading! 

God's Blessings, 

Katie

Katie Kolberg Memmel is the author of three books: “Five Fingers, Ten Toes: A Mother’s Story of Raising a Child Born With a Limb Difference”; “Silly Stories and Sentimental Stuff”; and “From This Day Forward…” All are available in paperback as well as electronic versions. For more information, visit her website at www.KatieKolbergMemmel.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Big Announcement: Katie's New Project

 Hello Dear Readers!!! 

Yes, it has been a while since I posted last, but that is not because I’ve been lounging about, not working! No, sir!!! On the contrary, I have an amazing new project to share with you, and I hope you’re going to love it. 

Can you believe that it has been a whole decade since I released my first book, “Five Fingers, Ten Toes… A Mother’s Story of Raising a Child Born With a Limb Difference”? I took a chance back then, openly sharing my experiences of raising my son (Tony Memmel) who was born without his left forearm and hand. I can honestly say that things have gone very well, and that “Five Fingers…” has reached people all over the world. That fact is so incredibly humbling… It has always been a dream of mine to add photos to the story. All those years ago, I had so many pictures in my photo albums that I referred to as I wrote, that helped me to chronicle that part of my/our life. 

After releasing two other books, I finally reached the point where I had some time. I took a chance and did the hard work. It took me a long time to go through all of the photos, and decide which ones were “the ones” to add – the most special, the most telling/revealing. BUT… I’ve done it! “Five Fingers, Ten Toes…” will soon be printed with over 100 photos of my family’s, especially Tony’s, life! 

Presently, I am in the “Proof” stage, waiting to make sure the book’s layout is right and that everything is as I dreamed it would be. The book (paperback only at this time) should be available via Amazon in the next month or so. I will also be ordering copies for myself so that I can sign and mail/deliver them to all who are interested.  

In my opinion, these photos have given so much life to my words. I’ve shared with you before how I felt as I wrote the first book; how there were days I’d sit here typing, laughing like crazy… or... crying my eyes out. Honestly, I did the same thing this time as I clicked “insert” on each of these special snapshots - 110 to be exact - including the new image on the book's cover! 

Another awesome addition to this second edition is that Tony personally wrote the book’s “Foreword”. In it, he describes some of his own experiences over the ten years since “Five Fingers…” was released. He writes about what he’s heard from people while he’s out on the road sharing his own music and story. Talk about bringing a tear to my eye… You’ll see! 

So keep your ears open and your eyes peeled for the near future when I make the big announcement. I’m very excited to release this new project. It is my hope and prayer that all who read my new version will benefit greatly. As the old adage says, “A picture paints a thousand words.” Believe me when I say, that has been my own experience, too. 

God’s Blessings, 

Katie

Katie Kolberg Memmel is the author of three books: "Five Fingers Ten Toes... A Mother's Story of Raising a Child Born With a Limb Difference"; "Silly Stories and Sentimental Stuff"; and "From This Day Forward - Eight True Love Stories Shared Through Interviews". For more information, visit Katie's website at: www.katiekolbergmemmel.com  

#TonyMemmel  #FiveFingersTenToes  #Apicturepaintsathousandwords  

The Blessings and Benefits of 40 Years of Marriage

Dating, October, 1980

As often happens in life, 40 years have flown by and snuck up on us. On this day, September 19, 2021, Todd and I are celebrating our 40^th wedding anniversary. Huh? What? That can’t be right…! Yet as I count them off, 40 years do, indeed, compute. 

I remember our wedding day very well. The weather was flawless – 70 degrees, blue sky, light breeze. I had just turned 20, three weeks prior, and he would turn 21 in October. Both sets of our parents approved. They’d also married fairly young, so it didn’t seem crazy or too young or any of the adjectives we might use today, in 2021. We both had direction and were both employed. Yes, marriage seemed like our proper next step.  

Wedding Day - September 19, 1981

While dating, we both lived in our individual family’s homes. About a month before the wedding, Todd moved into the apartment we decided to rent, and our forever-scenario became so much more real. We cleaned the place nd shopped for things we’d need. Family and friends threw us wedding showers, and our new digs started to fill up with pots and pans, dishes, sheets and towels, and other marital gear. The first night I spent in the apartment was on our wedding night. True story! 

Never having lived anywhere else, I had some adjustments to make. Todd’s family had moved several times during his life, but I’d been born and raised in the same house. Fun Fact: My dad still lives there all these years later. Those first weeks and months of marriage were fun, but also sort of strange. Cooking every dinner, washing all our own clothes… everything we did or didn’t do was now up to us. We didn’t have to report in to anyone (except each other) or account for any action - positive or negative. 

Both of us worked full-time, Monday thru Friday, so one of our favorite things to do was to sit around on Saturdays, watching cartoons and early-afternoon mystery thrillers. After that, we’d often go to a $1.00 matinee movie (before 5:00 p.m). The buffet restaurant, Ponderosa, ran good specials, so we’d usually head over there to load up on low-budget steak, baked potatoes, and a whole lotta salad bar. Most Saturday nights were spent watching “Love Boat” and “Fantasy Island”. Who can relate??? From early-on in our relationship, God was important to us, so we usually attended church on Sunday mornings. Our apartment had a little balcony off of our living room, so later in the day, Todd would often grill something (whatever had been on sale that week) on our brand new “Smoky Joe”, acquired at one of my Bridal showers.

So, I must be honest. We also (unfortunately) had our share of arguments. I think about that now, knowing how paper-thin apartment walls can be. Apparently, back in those days, we were either unaware of, or simply didn’t care, what we sounded like. Many of our “discussions” centered around our families, friends, time, and ultimately (yes, you guessed it) money.

Within three months of us saying “I do”, Todd received his first lay-off notice. It seemed devastating at the time, and we were unsure of how he’d ever finish his Sheet Metal Apprenticeship. But he started taking night school courses to better his chances of getting hired. Obtaining his welding certification clinched employment for him during that difficult 1982/1983 recession job market. He definitely learned that he didn’t want to go through his life without a job. If you know anything about Todd today, you know how hard he works. Honestly, he works too hard, which has also been a subject of many heated “discussions”. Ah, life takes much balance… Anyway, these early lay-off lessons have stuck with him (or should I say “haunted” him?) all of these years.

By the summer of 1983, we were able to save enough money to make a down-payment on an older home that needed some TLC. What a feeling! We felt like royalty after we closed on the place. Gone was our Saturday TV watching, and enter, home fixer-upper projects. Both of our kids were born while we lived in that house. Even though we eventually built a house and moved, we cherish many memories from those early years. I wrote about many of these experiences in my first book, “Five Fingers, Ten Toes – A Mother’s Story of Raising a Child Born with a Limb Difference”.

I’ll say this… While life wasn’t always easy, Todd and I took our marriage vows seriously. My parents had made it clear that unless there was a REAL problem, there’d be no “sleeping at their house” because we had a fight. For that reason, I can honestly say we have never spent a night apart because we were mad. Sure, there were times we each clung tightly to our own side of the bed, or even occasionally (rarely) slept on the couch. But most disputes were settled fairly quickly through talking and apologies, and promises to try harder and do better. Saying “I love you” (and meaning it) is also an absolute necessity.

Todd’s mom had a theory. I can still envision her sitting across the table from me, making the shape of a diamond with her hands. She’d say, “Kate, marriage is like a diamond. It starts out small, with just the two of you. At the middle, while you’re raising your kids, you’ll feel stretched about as far as you think you can go. Don’t cash in though! Eventually, the kids leave home, and it’s just the two of you again, and Kate, those are good years.” She’d nod. I’d nod. I guess I believed her because here we are!

Our son and his family (Tony, Lesleigh and Theo) live in Tennessee. They travel all over the world sharing music and ministry. Though almost 600 miles divide us, we find ways to see each other and be together. When we do, it’s a joy. Our daughter’s family (Megan, Joe, Jake and Annie) live near Tulsa, Oklahoma, about 800 miles from us. Face Time and phone calls keep our feet in the door of our grandkids’ lives. We all do what we can to be in the same room with each other several times per year.

One early Sunday morning, as Todd and I drove home after spending a long weekend with our family, a thought occurred to me, which I want to share with you. Both of us know every piece of our history. We were there, together, for everything – job joys and difficulties; health issues; the buying and building of houses; the births of our own children; deaths of parents, grandparents, and loved ones; challenges of child rearing, especially through sassy teen years; family vacations; the joy of the kids’ confirmation days; attending band concerts and marching band field shows; choir concerts and musical “gigs”; baseball and soccer matches too numerous to count; both kids going off to college; their graduation days; two joy-filled weddings; and the births of three grandchildren. Todd and I have both had front-row seats to living it all - some fantastic, some mediocre, some downright challenging – but having lived it together, we both “get it”.

Mackinac Island, Summer of 2021

When I think about those occasional long nights of disagreements, I give thanks to God that the situations have always been fixable and that common ground was found. I’m grateful neither of us ever marched into a lawyer’s office and asked for a divorce. I know that sometimes that is a necessary step to take, but I’m glad we have been able to somehow compromise and work things out.

None of us ever knows what lies ahead, but I pray we will continue down the path we’re on for years to come. We share so many memories – 40+ years worth! All I can say is that these are the blessings and benefits to a long marriage… and I am grateful.

Katie Kolberg Memmel is the author of three books: “Five Fingers, Ten Toes – A Mother’s Story of Raising a Child Born with a Limb Difference”, “Silly Stories and Sentimental Stuff”, and “From This Day Forward…” They are all available through Amazon in electronic and paperback versions. 

A Boating Adventure (With Some Nice Surprises!) - Mackinac Island - Part 3

 

Thank you for reading Parts 1 and 2 of my Mackinac Island posts. If you missed them, here are the links so you can catch up. 

Part 1: https://katiekolbergmemmel.blogspot.com/2021/08/a-boating-adventure-mackinac-island.html

Part 2: https://katiekolbergmemmel.blogspot.com/2021/08/a-boating-adventure-with-some.html

Now you’re ready for Part 3…

Beautiful distant view of the Steeple at St. Anne's Catholic Church

Last I wrote, I mentioned wanting to go back up to Fort Mackinac to see what life had been like for the military and their families, as far back as the late 1700’s and early 1800’s. My challenge was that it was waaaay up on a bluff, and I thought that the climb might kill me (ok, that’s a little overly dramatic, but you know what I’m saying).

Interestingly enough, after my shower the next morning, I saw a woman walking ahead of me on the dock, using a cane. It was pretty early, and she was in the marina, so I figured she was probably a boater. I decided to catch up to her, and take a chance by asking her a few questions. She looked to be around my age, so I said, “Hi there… do you mind if I ask you a couple of questions?” She said she didn’t mind, so I proceeded. “I’ve been having some pain in my legs, and I see that you are using a cane. Are you a boater, and if so, how does it work for you, having leg issues?” She explained that many years ago, she’d been diagnosed with MS. On hearing that news, her husband told her "If you have MS, I have MS. We’ll figure things out together." By this point, I was already teary, but she continued. She pointed out their boat, which was quite large. She explained that they both have jobs that they can work from remote locations. They sold their house, their cars, and are in the middle of boating “The Great Loop”. (That is a trip boaters often discuss. It takes you south through the Illinois River to where it meets the Mississippi, then south and into the Gulf of Mexico, across to Florida, then up along the East Coast, through the St. Lawrence Seaway, and back to the Great Lakes, whatever your home port. They were presently on Day 65). She explained that even though she walks slowly, she fully participates with the boat and all that needs doing. She was on her way to breakfast, so I thanked her and wished her well as she walked to the nearby restaurant. She had no idea how her story enhanced my day. 

Todd and I had seen an island advertisement for a “Taxi Service” that would take visitors wherever they wanted to go. He called and asked for one to meet us in front of the marina, and they said they’d be there in 15 minutes. Perfect! The horse-drawn taxi paraded up to us right on time. I asked our driver what it would cost for her to take us up to the fort. She answered, “Seven dollars per person.” Wow, fourteen dollars( plus a good tip, of course…) She had no idea how this low price for this simple ride would carry us through this day. I brought my cane this time, and used it to climb up into the carriage. She drove us back up past the Grand Hotel, and past the farm where we’d stopped the day before. She chatted with us all the way, and answered some of our questions, much more personal than our ride the previous day. It was just the three of us, out enjoying the quiet morning - our own private tour, really! After about 30 minutes, we reached the fort and feeling relaxed, I felt ready to start our day there. 

We bought tickets to go in, and as we paid, the ladies in front of us asked if we’d ever been there before. I said, “No, it’s our first time.” They said, “You must MUST eat lunch at the restaurant!” Restaurant? We had no idea there was a restaurant. We nodded and said we’d look into it. Todd and I walked around for a while, taking in how the fort dwellers lived years ago – medical facilities, the kids' school rooms, their living rooms, kitchens, even bathrooms! There was also a jail cell, ready for anyone disobeying fort laws. 

About mid-way through our walk, we found the restaurant – a long, narrow pathway, filled with umbrella tables, boasting one of the most beautiful views you can imagine. We looked at each other and nodded, The ladies were right… we need to eat here! We asked for a table for two, and the hostess led us to the middle of the tables, with the perfect view overlooking the water. Our waiter was so kind, he took the picture you see here, even encouraged us to hold hands ;)  It was fun. The food was delicious, and I must say that this little trip up to the fort was probably my favorite activity we did on vacation. No kidding. It was so unexpected and so special. A day I’ll never forget. 

After lunch, we finished walking around, then began our slow steep descent back to town. There were folks walking up the pathway, and we encouraged them to keep going. Little did they know we’d taken a taxi up… As part of our admission that day, we could get into a few attractions back in town for free. We stopped at the blacksmith shop and watched him work. As a Sheet Metal Worker, Todd enjoys watching that process. We also shopped around in a few stores, and found our yearly Christmas ornament. (We like to get one from each new place we go.) By the time we got back to the boats it was after 3:30. Everyone was going to dinner together at 5:00, so our taxi ride and fort tour had taken up our whole day. I was pretty tired, so I embraced that hour to simply sit down for a while, which felt good.

One of the restaurant owners in town had given his business card to our friend, promising that if we could eat an early dinner, he’d be able to get our whole party in to sit together. That’s not an offer our group gets very often, especially for a Friday night! (And especially since we had 15, total!) But everything was ready for us when we arrived. I don’t say this very often, but everything was delicious! Some ordered appetizers, some ordered special drinks, and all ordered dinners (including large fish fries, which we, Wisconsinites, love!). It was all so good. Mostly, I enjoyed sitting back, watching everyone eating, drinking and laughing together. Good for the soul! 

We walked back to the boats, where some of the women wanted to go for a bike ride.  One family decided to do the “Haunted Mackinac Walking Tour”. While that idea intrigued me, things like that also kind of scare me. Is that funny? I mean, years ago, I read Stephen King on a regular basis. Amityville Horror? No problem! Nothing about any of that bothered me. But…as I’ve gotten older (and wiser?) I’m not so sure about some of that anymore. Let’s just say I leave it for others to “enjoy” and Todd and I do other things. For example, the remaining group walked to the end of Main Street and saw the bridge all lit up in the dark. I took some pictures, but they don’t do the scene justice. It was much prettier in person. When we got back, we were just about ready to turn in for the night when our friends returned from their haunted tour. I won’t give you all the details because some day you might want to visit for yourselves, BUT I will give one.  Many many moons ago, when those who lived at “the fort” needed to grow food, bones from the burial ground were unearthed, and supposedly tossed into the water… yes, the water (the marina) in which we’d been staying. Yikes! I’m not sure I wanted (or needed) to know such a detail. Let’s just say it was running through my mind that night as I fell, rather tried to fall, asleep. Twilight Zone music plays… 

ANYway, it rained that night, and most of the next morning. Around noon, the sky looked a bit brighter, so Todd and I ventured out from our boat, and walked into town. We’d heard about a very small restaurant that’s difficult to get into because it’s so popular. “The Chuckwagon” was not as busy as predicted, probably because it had been raining, and people didn’t want to wait outside on the sidewalk to get in. All of the tables were taken except one table-for-two. Perfect! That’s all we need! We’d heard that the burgers are second-to-none, so we ordered a couple of diet Cokes, a cheeseburger, and fries to share. It was fun to sit there, enjoying “the joint’s” atmosphere – very narrow, like a small New York diner; a lunch counter, behind which the cooks worked fast and furiously, producing their magic. Maybe ten tables in all…? It operated like a well-oiled machine. I was so excited we got that opportunity. Afterward, we walked around, did a little shopping, and even stopped to get a beer. All that exercise can make a girl thirsty, am I right? 

When we’re on vacation, we don’t always go to church; mostly, we watch a service online. But our friends had decided to walk a block down, and attend Saturday mass at St. Anne’s – the oldest church on the island. It sounded like an opportunity too awesome to miss, so we asked if we could tag along. It had been remodeled (probably many times) but still had very old features, such as narrow wooden pews and kneelers. The priest hailed from Ghana, and I loved listening to him read Jesus’ words with his beautiful accent. There was no piano or organ, so we simply sang “How Great Thou Art” unaccompanied. We are not Catholic, but Todd was raised with that background. It’s amazing to me that no matter where you attend Catholic church, whether for a Sunday, a wedding, or a funeral; the format - the liturgies and the responses - are always the same. Todd picked up as though he’d never left. Fascinating… 

After church, four of us decided to go out to dinner for our last night on the island. We picked “The Pink Pony” which had a good reputation for excellent food. We checked in, and found out we’d have to wait an hour. Conveniently, there were four open seats at the bar. From our perch, the bay and marina were right there for our viewing pleasure. With good conversation, time flew by quickly and soon we were led to our table for four. Everyone enjoyed their dinners. I’m not kidding. The food we ate in Michigan was so delicious. I’m not sure why that is, but it’s so good! I’d give it an eleven out of ten!  

We got back to the marina around 9:00, just as darkness was settling in. We’d just started chatting with our friends, when all of a sudden, something happened. I didn’t know what at first, but one of our friends sprang up and ran into the action. She saw that a woman had fallen into the water between the boat and the dock (a dangerous place to be). More people began to rush over and started calling out their own ideas... but our friend was already at work. She hopped onto the boat’s swim platform and began calmly talking to the woman, making room for her to come around the back of the boat, offering her hand, and getting the ladder ready, guiding her along to finally climb out. The woman was shook up, but was following our friend’s clear instructions. The woman (with help) was able to get up out of the water, and our friend calmly left the scene, but it had really been something to witness. She doesn’t think she did anything heroic, as "heroes" never do... but I see it differently, and want her to know that her quick response likely made all the difference that night. I’m so glad there are people like her in the world… 

On that note, I’ll stop. I have two more legs of our journey that I want to share with you, but I’ll save it for another post or two. I hope you all have a great week. Talk with you again soon. 

 

Katie Kolberg Memmel is the author of three books: “Five Fingers, Ten Toes – A Mother’s Story of Raising a Child Born with a Limb Difference”; “Silly Stories and Sentimental Stuff”; and “From This Day Forward…” All are available in paperback and electronic versions, through Amazon.