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A Sad Day at A Word with You Press
Jan
Good morning friends
For three years now, sometimes surging and sometimes as only a trickle, A Word with You Press has invited authors, famous and yet to be famous, to share their stories on our website. But the remarkable thing was that we not only invited you to our site, but YOU invited us, and all who visit the site, into your lives.
Collecting mildew in the bottom of a drawer were stories that Peggy Dobbs was not only hesitant to send to us, but not even schooled in how to do it, relying on her daughter to send her work as an attachment. Peggy soon mastered the art of the blogpost and regularly sent us posts and contest entries, and has always been a most generous commentator on the stories others have submitted.
Her story is the best example of the unifying nature of words and stories shared. The born-again Baptist met on line and is now best friends with the Rabbi’s wife,Miryam, trading recipes from opposite sides of the coast.
Peggy has touched and continues to touch us all. Often, a character in her stories has been her husband, Homer.
It is with great sadness that I share that Homer passed away, in his loving wife’s arms, just a few days ago. Peggy was good enough to send us a picture of the two of them in their 1948 Ford convertible. They were married longer than many of us have even been on the planet, and I know I speak for all of us who work on this site and all of us who visit the site, that we share Peggy’s grief.
Only Peggy could inspire me to write an entire post without saying something stupid, sexist, blatantly immature or inappropriate. How did you do that Peggy?
Must be love.
I wish you well. We all wish you well.
Love
thorn
so-proud-to-be-your-friend-in-chief
(please leave your comments for Peggy below)
Wow. Thanks for the update. Peggy is a very endearing person.
How about saying that in Chinese Brian! Such kind words all the way from China.
Blessings, pd
For Peggy and her family, I pray for strength to see you through these days of sorrow. Understanding will only come when we are once again reunited as promised in the Scripture.
Gary, I knew that you would share with me some of the kindness you have shown our Vets on AWWYP. Your words are cherished as are you and your family of which you are their example.
Blessings, pd
My heartfelt condolences, Peggy.
Ed, physical hearts wear out, as did Homer’s, but the kind of “heartfelt” you express only grows truer as we age. Thank you for allowing me to feel the warmth behind the words.
Blessings, pd
Peggy, I’m sorry to hear of your loss. I send my condolences to you and your family.
Julie, Thank you for sharing your kind words. I am looking forward to getting to know you better in the future.
Blessings, pd
Dear Peggy,
What a blessing it was to have such a marriage, and how lucky we’ve all been to witness your example of lifelong devotion through good times and difficult ones, sickness and health. Here among all the wordsmiths I cannot find words adequate to console you on the loss of your life’s partner, only that I am so very sorry for your loss. May the love of your family and community, close and far, surround and comfort you.
Deepest condolences and love,
Ann
Ann, the mute or the wordsmiths convey the truthfulness of their caring by sharing their precious time which slips by so quickly. The overflow of kindness and love that surrounds me, shown with tears and laughter, have given me the joy to get through whatever I have to do for now. I know that soon, in the dark of night in an empty house, I am going to have to draw even more on the strength of our Maker. Surely He will fill my head with something worthwhile to share with my friends in Thorn’s “playground”.
Blessings, pd
Come play with us then <3
We hold you both in our hearts.
Derek, what a warm and loving place to be held. Thank you,
Blessings, pd
Your marriage is an inspiration to stay tight with our friends and cherish our loved ones. Godspeed to Homer, he was a lucky guy (and you are a lucky girl). Oh, and thanks, Thorn, for the heads up. We all grieve together separately.
Mike, that kind of marriage takes lots of work. I have always considered it a ministry and one that must be nurtured daily. I told my children if I wasn’t there when he was dying it would be OK because there wasn’t anything more I could say to him or him to me. Being such a romantic, I promised myself that even though it takes you guys about 40 years to grow up that we would never go to sleep angry. He grudginngly agreed even if it was 2 or 3 in the morning. Little angers have a way of growing out of control, so as Barney Fife would say, “You have to nip it!” Thank you, Mike for caring enough to express your thoughts to me.
Blessings, pd
I am sitting in a coffee shop with tears trickling down my face. Oh, Peggy, how I wish for you comfort in your grief. How I wish for you an upwelling of memories of good times and love to help dilute your loss or at least balance it with remembered joys and sweetness. Telling you that you were fortunate and had something wonderful that so many people would envy may seem crass. I know you know that already. Envy may not seem a proper emotion to bring up at this time, but emotions are signposts about the things that are important to us deep inside. I am happy for you that you could be there at the end, although I can guess how incredibly difficult the time before Homer’s death may have been. The two of you shared your life journey a long, long time. I am happy for you for that. Sending along a little strength to help you through the coming changes.
Diana, “the coming changes” are precious words which I will hold dear in the coming weeks. I have thought that phrase but this is the first time that I have actually put a name to it. In answering AnnBan
I danced around what I know is coming, but the meaning of the word “CHANGES” really touched my heart in a bittersweet way, more bitter than sweet. I don’t like changes, but here again I am being forced to enter a gate I would not volunteer to enter, one from which spiritual growth will come. Thank you for your truth wrapped up in love.
Blessings, pd
Two minutes, one year, five decades, a millenia…when we lose someone, it will never have been enough time.
Thinking of you and Homer <3 And I hope to speak to you soon, so feel free to talk to me anytime <3
My young friend, At your age, you could only know this from experience. I hope you have made the truth of it a part of your life and make each moment count.
Blessings, pd
I had the distinct pleasure and honor of knowing, sitting at the feet of, and learning from both Peggy and Homer Dobbs years ago when we worshipped and served with the same body of believers. I’ve never met a man like Homer, nor a woman like Peggy. They are both proof that God has a divine purpose for each of us, and that humor and fun are as much a part of life as the struggles we each face while on this earth. Homer, I know you are face to face with the One you have waited all your life to meet. Thank you for showing a young naive wannabe minister what it is to be a man of God. Kevin A.
Kevin, you need to join us on this site and share with us your beautiful ability to write from the heart. I can’t tell you how humbling your remarks are and I only wish I could live up to them. I so often think of your melodious voice and the manner in which you chose to sing The Lord’s Prayer at that retreat Chapel. It was so kind of you to express your thoughts here, among people I only know through this web site. But I am sure from reading their words you already know what kind of people they are.
Blessings, pd
Dear Peggy,
I’d like to share with you a favorite excerpt of mine from the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi
O’ Divine Master; grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; for it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
My most sincerest condolences,
Liliana Molina
Liliana, I havn’t had an opportunity to meet you in the “playground” as yet, but I look forward to it.
I am familar with the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi and especially that excerpt. How wonderful if we all tried to live by that admonition.
Blessings, pd
Peggy and Homer, I know as life unfolds in places that are not yet revealed. Homer will be there. As you walk in those places that have been shared by your footprints. Homer will walk with you and the earth beneath your feet will be filled with the generosity you both shared. The wind will seem different as Homer blows inspiration and preservation of your joined spirits lightly in your ear, with the knowingness Homer and Peggy will be joined again in God’s house. The sun will feel different as if Homer covered you in a warm blanket to lessen your grief;the warmth of his love for you is eternal. The laughter and smile of a child will seem different because Homer knows when you capture those moments again, he is there, wanting to see your smile and hear your laughter for he will always be near.
Love to you both.
Kyle, your thoughts are too profound and beautiful that all I can say is that I truly hope it will be as you describe. I already see and hear him through his children and grandchildren and even the great grand children. Thank you for reminding me to expect it and be open to it.
Blessings, pd
Thank you all for loving my grandmother, and for all the kind words you have spoken to her. I’m am so glad that God has blessed her with this writing community that you are all a part of. I know she holds each and every one of you near and dear to her heart. From our family to yours, thank you for lifting her up in prayer. God bless you all. -Geneva
You need to join us sometime on A Word With You Press, Gen. Who knows, you might write the next great American novel.
Blessings, mzp
I’m so sorry. I’m usually pretty good with words, but right now I don’t know what to say. I’m just really, really, really sorry.
hello Monika, no stranger to recent grief yourself. I hope you are well
Monika, you said all that was necessary. From what Thorn mentioned, I understand that you are not a stranger to grief, so in return I hope the path you are traveling right now will soon be level again.
Blessings, pd
My heart pours out to you, Peggy, at this time of sorrow. But I also know Homer will be your eyes and your ears and your muse. You are not alone through this journey of sorrow. I hope that I, and others, can walk with you, and give you joy. May you find hope and joy with your creative endeavors.
Suzanne, I know the word “bittersweet” is so over used but it is more what I feel than sorrow. It is so hard to explain, even to myself. He has left such a legacy of love and joy that even though the journey will be lonely at times, I know where it will end. You are so kind to be concerned and I plan to take your advice and start writing again as soon as things settle down.
Blessings, pd
The last comment to you, Peggy, was sent to you with love by Suzanne Morse.
I am so sorry to hear about Homer, Peggy. You two have been blessed.
Terrie
Blessed beyond words, Terrie. Even in his death it was a blessing that he didn’t have to suffer any more and I was with him to the very end.
Blessings, pd
So well said, old friend. Though I don’t know Peggy, I have to believe she will appreciate the very touching way you have shared her sad news. Naturally, I wish Peggy well during this most trying time.
we all appreciate Peggy. Our Queen. stop by for a cuppa, Brian
Brian, No, we have not met but I appreciate you taking the time to wish me well. I agree with you, Thorn kinda out did himself on this one. But we all knew he had it in him, after all, he is our mentor-in-chief.
Blessings, pd
The site would not let me reply to Genmelan’s post so I will write it up here…
I will try one more time in response to Genmelan’s post.
No thanks needed, Genmelan, it our pleasure to have had the opportunity to know and love Peggy. To be a member of the family must be very special indeed. (Genmelan, what an interesting name.)
Michael, I knew you would turn up on here and you didn’t disappoint me. You have been so encouraging through the time we have been writing together. Others have sent emails. How blessed to be among such kind and thoughtful people.
I agree with you about my step-granddaughter’s name. It took me a few seconds to realize who was writing. Her name is Geneva, but evidently she wanted to disguise her last name. We all call her Gen.
Peggy, I am so sad to read of Homer’s passing, Sharon and I offer you our deepest condolences. It is always difficult to lose a loved one. It is at times like this we comfort one another and pray for strength to lessen grief. God bless you, Peggy!
Thank you Sal and please thank your wife, Sharon for me. The funeral was today and I am heading for bed. We had such a big family, several took part in the Service and the 8 grandsons were pallbearers. I have been surrounded with love every since Homer died but I know next week is when it all will become a reality. The messages that all of you writers have sent has really helped. Answering each of you has helped me get through the last two days. Thank you again,
Blessings, pd
Peggy, I am so very sorry for your loss. I know I haven’t contributed a lot to awwyp and less lately, because I am spending a great deal of time caring for my twin sister, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer last July. Know that my heavy heart, wishes you could be spared your grief, but it’s the price we pay for loving people with all our hearts and we go through what we must because of that love. You are in my prayers.
Barbara, how wise you are. I am sorry you are having to learn this lesson at what I assume is a young age.
C.S. Lewis wrote a book after his wife died called, “A Grief Observed”, and that was one of the things he talked about. If you are going to be vulnerable enough to love, you are open to heart break, but it is so worth it. Your sister will be in my prayers and I look forward to reading your work. The compassion you are showing her, I am sure, will give more depth to your writing.
Blessings, pd
What a classic “American” photograph! Buddy Holly has got to be there in the background. Please accept sympathies from a fellow Thorntonite. May the gentleman rest in peace.
What a fun thought, James. Don’t forget Glenn Miller and TommyDorsey. It was another time, another place in history. I am not sure that we have progressed, but then I could be prejudiced. He was a gentle-man and even though I am joyful that he is out of pain, I am beginning to feel moments of loss. I find myself thinking I need to check and see if he needs anything…
But I know in my heart that he is beyond our earthly needs and I would O, so love to know what he knows now. Thank you for your sympathies. I am looking forward to knowing you better through your writing.
Blessings, pd
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=HlqWy3Azb7M