Tag Archives: short-story

Letters to Diane – 35 – January 5, 2026

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Hi Sweetie,

Just a short note to share an interesting thing Max has been doing lately. You know that I take him out for romp around the yard before going to bed. Previously, he gladly went out but he’s backed off a few times. Then I open the slider and offer him an off-leash friendly run, he simply lays down. I even walk to the edge of the patio and he just lays there, with the door wide open.

Granted, it’s dark, but that didn’t used to bother him.

He starts this by coming to me and sitting where he can see me, no matter where I might be, and he gives me his tiny little growl. Just enough to make a noise. It’s not aggressive at all, just a simple growl to let me know he’s close and wants my attention.

Tonight he did that while I was working on the church newsletter. I stopped and talked with him a bit, letting him know that I had to finish my job then we could go outside. He seemed to understand because he just laid down by my feet and waited.

When we got to the door he made it clear that going outside wasn’t what he wanted to do, so I worked a little bit on the puzzle near the door. He watched me a bit then disappeared. He actually went to bed and waited for me there.

Such a funny little guy.

I cooked tonight. First time in a while I took the reins and got busy. All I did was slice up two boneless chicken breasts using Lydia’s new knife that is about the sharpest knife I’ve ever used It’s amazing. I had a bag of frozen stir-fry veggies I wanted to get rid of and some extra rice that needed to be cooked so that made a meal. It wasn’t the best stir-fry, but it was good and we ate all the chicken. So, we got our protein. I made way more rice than necessary so bagged it for a later meal and left some in the pan for Max. He was a happy dog and cleaned it up pretty good. That’s probably why he didn’t eat his dish of food I put down for him. Could be his earlier growling was his effort to let me know he wasn’t pleased with my food choice for him (it was turkey).

Here’s another fun photo I like. A good one to end the evening with you.

Say Hi to Brad for me.

Love you

Me

Letters to Diane – 31

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Hi Hon,

Here we are on the last day of 2025. It’s only 2030 and the fireworks are going off randomly all around us. It’s not really noisy yet, but it’s enough to make Max hide behind the couch and he refuses to go outside even when it’s relatively quiet. Poor little guy is so scared of the blasts. I think in just a little while I wrap things up and go to bed. Perhaps he’ll curl up with me.

Today I did very little. Jeff stopped by to say “Hi”. He stayed until he remember that he was supposed to pick up Jerrie half an hour ago. Jennie texted me and I’ve been tracking Lydia to make sure she got to North Carolina OK. She did and I’m sure she’s enjoying herself. No doubt she tired, but I bet she’s still having fun. This is quite an adventure for her.

I watched a couple of football games, but my heart just wasn’t in the mood to watch teams I don’t know. My favorite was this afternoon where Miami beat Ohio State. Miami is ranked #10 and Ohio State is ranked #2. know me., always pulling for the underdog. Oregon plays tomorrow against Texas A&M. That’s going to be a good game. Jennie is coming over to watch it with me so I’ll have someone in the chair next to me Like we normally do. Well, she’s coming over because she’s an Oregon fan, not to just fill up your chair. Perhaps Dan will come with her. Whatever the reason, it will be good to have them here. Maybe having company will motivate me to clean up the kitchen. Every time I go in there I shudder at how upset you might be because of my neglect. Now, that’s a better reason to motivate me, not just people coming over.

I’ll have to do laundry tomorrow. Might even take a shower just for the fun of it.

I searched my photos for one that shows me with a beard almost like I have, but none appealed so I just chose this one, because it’s you.

Now I’ll quit. I love you. Please tell Mom and Dad I said Hello.

Happy New Year!

G’night.

Letters to Diane – 26

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Hi Hon,

It’s Christmas Eve, but it just doesn’t have the zing it used to have. Today is more like, well, Wednesday for me. Might be because today is Wednesday. I guess the Holiday Spirit just hasn’t touched me yet. I have a feeling this feeling will take a long time to go back to some semblance of normal. No, it will never be normal. New Normal, but never just normal. Without you nothing is normal.

Tonight, Max and I will be alone because Lydia is staying with her family with all the brothers, like she does every year. I think that’s just great and I know she’ll have fun and be safe. Max and I will be just fine.

I went to the Walters home at 1630 for spaghetti supper. We visited until it was time for the 1800 service at Grace Baptist Church. Lydia and Jeran participated in the service, so it was a family affair. Everyone was there, including Jerad. After the service we all returned to the Walters home to watch the children open some of their presents before going to the 2100 service at Bethany.

Jennifer broke all the rules because she bought me three presents and she wasn’t supposed to buy anything. We drew names. She gave me a huge mahjong set that weighs about 50 lbs. That thing is heavy. So now I have to learn how to play the game properly instead of like I do on the computer. I’m pretty sure the rules are different. Jennie wants to play to so we’ll learn together. That will be fun. It’s probably a game you would like.

The services at Grace and Bethany were both good and well attended. The Littles got up and danced like crazy with the hymns and had a good time. At Bethany I was happy to see a lot of people we’ve missed over the years, especially Brooke and Heather, Al and Vonna’s daughters. They hadn’t heard the news that you are palling around with Al up there somewhere, so we had a nice visit after service. We were the last ones to leave. Jennie mentioned on the way out that we would have been the last ones out if you had been with us because you would have made sure the doors were locked, the lights were off, and the furnace was turned down. We were always the last ones out, weren’t we? It was fitting and we didn’t mind.

I got home a little after 2200 and Max met me at the front door as I struggled to get in the house with that really heavy mahjong set. He usually makes me look for him when he’s been alone for a while. He made it clear that I needed to take him out and I was ready for him. I got his harness, but he met me at the patio door with the primer treat, I gave him before leaving, hanging from his mouth. This was a message that he didn’t really want a walk. He just wanted to go outside to pee and bury his treat. I’m not really sure what burying those treats are all about.

I took the treat from him, and we went out back off leash and he was fine. I apparently read his mind because he peed and went right back to the door. When we got inside, I gave him the treat and he promptly ate it. Now all he has to do is eat the bowl full of turkey he got for dinner.

Right now, it’s 2330 and I’m tired. Time for bed. No need to get up early for us except Jeff visited while I was out and left gifts for me and Lydia. I think I’ll make him a batch of fudge tomorrow just for fun.

I’m going to stop now and go to bed.

I still love you, just like I always will.

G’nite.

Letters to Diane – 24

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Good Evening, Sweetheart,

It’s 2200, an hour past my bedtime. That’s not entirely true because I don’t really have a bedtime. I’m sure Lydia would agree. She and Sanchez spent most of the evening dying a dress black for Lydia to wear for her part in a Christmas Eve service at their church. I’ve been told that both she and Jeran have speaking parts so I may have to go to them as well as Bethany’s 2100 service. The Walters family plans to attend Bethany’s, too so it’s going to be a busy day for everyone.

Today there were 30 people in church at Bethany and we had over two full settings for communion. That hasn’t happened in a long time. It was truly good to see all those folks.

After that I came home to rest and walk Max. I took him down to the river because he really likes it down there. Sadly, I forgot to bring his leash, so we had to go back home. He’s almost to the point where he will stay with me off leash, but that’s just in the back yard. He’s really good with me, there. I don’t quite trust him to be that good in a busy environment. I wound up taking him around our block because the 3rd Sunday Lunch scheduled for 1500.

I made fudge for my contribution for lunch. That was Jennie’s suggestion. I probably mentioned that yesterday. It’s really good. Jennie was happy.

Lunch was excellent. Jen made pulled pork and sourdough bread. It was pretty awesome, and I ate more than my share. After everyone was done eating we had our gift exchange. It was loud and a lot of fun as Siah got everyone’s attention so he could pass out the gifts. As you know, we drew names. I got Herther and Jennie got me.

After all the gifts were in place the wrapping started, one at a time beginning with the youngest. So, Siah started the festivities. He did a great job.

I got Heather a very busy puzzle to hopefully challenge her prowess at the puzzle table. I also got her two candles – one smelled like dinner rolls and the other was something with chocolate. As it turned out, Baylee’s name didn’t get drawn because it would have been Tiana to do it and she wasn’t there. So, the candles went to Baylee. She was very happy about that. Jennie got me a mini art supply set which means I’ll have to get busy painting. Jeff got one, too. Her thought was that since I’ve had painting dates with her on a number of evenings, I could have some daytime art dates with Jeff when time permits. I think that’s a stellar idea. Now we just have to make it happen.

People trickled out of the Walters’ home until all that was left was me and Lydia. She brought Sanchez along for the aforementioned dying project they did. Huh. How about that. I didn’t think “aforementioned” was a real word, but the spell checker seems to like it.

Now it’s late and time to dream of you. I’m disappointed that you don’t show up there more often. I really miss you. The bracelet you got for me helps a lot. Thanks again for that.

Good night.

ILY

Just me …

Letters to Diane – 13

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Good Morning My Love,

It’s not bright, and not clear today as the storm clouds shuffle across the sky. The ones we see were dismantled throughout the night, scattering their innards all over the place. A testament to that is the increased level of the creek as it tries to cope with the amount of water strewn about.

The creek isn’t as busy as it’s been in the past, but it’s on the rise.

Yesterday I called Avon to report that Diane is no longer an active representative and that her account needs to be closed. When asked “why”, I told them that the last time she went shopping at Safeway, she was attacked by a Mary Kay representative, who was accompanied by a Revlon distributer, Together they subdued Diane right there in the parking lot. She was unable to survive the experience.

It was sad even though you know that’s a lie. I was able to terminate her account and was reassured that the emails to her account would cease. Yes, I still monitor her email. It makes me feel closer to her to do that. I still have her phone, too. Every once in a while I call someone she knows while wishing I could see their face when they checked the caller id and saw it was from Diane. I don’t do that often.

The house is really messed up, now. Stuff is scattered all over the place while Lydia and Jennifer empty closets to make room for Lydia’s stuff. Sounds a little odd, I’m sure, but we all know that Diane would be ok with what’s happening. It’s my understanding that it was her idea for Lydia to be my supervisor for the time being. So far it’s working out just fine.

It’s Friday, now, and I suspect this has been idle long enough. I think I started it on Monday. This time it was at Dan and Jen’s house.

But, first, I’ll share what I remember about Thanksgiving.

Last Sunday we had the family gathering that you started. It was good to get together, visit, and eat a traditional turkey day dinner. Jeff cooked the turkey and it was excellent! As you know, I’m not normally a turkey fan, but his was really good.

Yesterday was the ‘real’ Thanksgiving Day and Jennie took me to the Intel Aloha Campus where I participated in a great meal with the Walter’s Clan (they all work there). Well, Jennie doesn’t, but the rest of them do. That was quite a treat for me. First time ever in an Intel facility. If my phone hadn’t died on me I would have had photos to share. Maybe I’ll get to go another day with my phone charged.

Gonna quit, now, and go to Walmart Black Friday Sale here in St. Helens. I’m going to get you a set of reindeer for the front yard. When you see them for the first time just act surprised..

See you later. Love you.

Letters to Diane – 12

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Hello, My Love.

It’s Monday already. It got here so fast that I’ll have to burrow into my brain to discover what happened to Sunday.

Sunday was Thanksgiving with Dan and Jen. I really knew that. Didn’t have to look it up, or anything. I just remembered. In attendance were: Dan, Jen, Cedric, Jeran, Lydia, Austin, Jesse, Linda, Jasper, Siah, Me, Brandy, Carolyn, and Sanchez. I think that got everyone. If not, someone will correct me, maybe.

For the meal, Lydia mashed up some white sweet potatoes that I got her then she added an abundance of cayenne pepper to surprise everyone. They were actually very good and the crowd ate all but a couple bites. I made deviled eggs using the recipe I found in the notes on your phone.

Jeff cooked the turkey using Jennie’s roaster and it was great. I was handed a big fork and knife when we arrived and directed to whittle some pieces off the bones. I did, and it was a respectable job. There was a lot of ham, too, by Jennie.

Overall, it was a great meal and no one went away hungry.

In case you’re wondering who Austin and Jesse are, I’ll tell you. They are Jeran’s roomies in Keizer. We met Jesse before when Jeran graduated from Corban. He’s a minister now. Smiles all the time. Both are just nice guys and a nice addition to the family.

Jennie took Carolyn and me home before the festivities ended because I was experiencing my normal afternoon depression. I’m not sure it’s depression, just incredibly tired, usually cured with a nap.

Later, when Lydia and Jennie showed up, they got to work cleaning out the closet in Lydia’s room because she has “things” she needs to remove from Autumn’s house. As you may recall, the closet in that room was full of your colored-coded shirts, blouses, and coats. Lots and lots of them. They also took out the boxes and containers of shoes and other “things” that were on the floor. Now it’s piled up on the living room couches. We all agreed that you would not approve but, you know what? That’s what happens when you leave early. In the end, however, you will be pleased with the plan to remove it from the living room.

I was looking for a photo to share but getting something recent is difficult. So, here’s one from last month in front of Bethany.

Love you.

Letters to Diane – 11

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Good evening. It’s been a busy day

Today we celebrated Friendsgiving Day at Simm in Scappoose Prior to that I stopped at the bread store and got a couple loaves of bread and a snack to tide me over until I got my lunch. I also filled the truck with fuel so I could make it all the way back to St. Helens. I know, it’s only 8 miles away, but like you would say, “keep the top part of the tank full.” You’re in my head a lot, and I like that.

After the fillup, I went to Simm’s and parked to wait for the gang to show up. They also went to the bread store, then they went to Goodwill. They finally showed up at 1230. I was ready for them.

Today I thought I’d try something different and ordered Yakisoba Noodles with shrimp. No, wait, that’s what I always get, isn’t it? Yes I do. We didn’t have the egg flower soup or tea so we didn’t get that. Terry thought it should have been part of the meal but I stuck up for the waitress. I didn’t think to order them. You are the one who did that for us. Maybe next time I’ll remember to get the soup and tea. You could also keep an eye on me and jab me in the ribs or something to remind me. Ya, do that.

Everyone but me had a container to take home what they didn’t eat. I managed to finish mine, like normal.

We had a nice visit and Carolann brought gifts for everyone. They are cute little gnomes that you will love. She also got a couple of different ones for Jennie which I thought was pretty special.

The standup ones on the left are ours. The yellow one is yours.

We also made plans for the Christmas gathering. That will be the 30th, a Tuesday so I can take Lydia. We’re going to the Riverside Spaghetti Factory. That’s the day Lydia is flying to North Carolina with Jared to visit an old friend of his. They are starting their adventure, it seems. Lydia is in charge of getting their travel plans booked so she’s following your lead and I’m sure she wishes she could pick your brain a little so she can play the booking agent like you did for so many years. I suspect she will do just fine.

Cliff and Susie drove their RV to lunch so they could continue on to Fort Stevens for a few days which sound like fun. I’m a little torn between keeping the truck and trailer, or selling them because I think it’s risky for me to drive that far all be my own self, but I suppose I should try it once to see how it goes. I might decide that I’d be pretty good at being a nomad. I could just wander around the country until it’s time for me to join you.

I find it interesting that my stability seems to be better. I don’t feel wobbly at all and I’ve been walking around the block with Max without my cane. I know, you think it’s a risky choice, but so far, so good. I don’t know what’s different, but it’s not bad.

We’re still working up for the girls to go through your clothing so we can donate the rest. They do have a plan for that. I can do that part but I don’t want to be part of making decisions about what goes and what stays. I’m OK with keeping it all. I’m perfectly comfortable with half a closet.

I have to stay up late tonight because Lydia is going to the gym after work and won’t get home until 2200 or so. I know, I usually stay up that late, anyway, but not by my self. I might get scared or something.

Lydia is in Scappoose, on her way home, so I’m going to wrap this and make myself ready for bed. I love you and miss you.

Jerrie

PS: forgot to tell you it was foggy this morning so the weather is changing. I suspect we’ll get snow soon.

Letters to Diane – 10

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Hi, my Love,

Yesterday is a little blurry because I apparently didn’t do anything to make it worthy of a place in my memory. Perhaps something will pop up in my mind if I just type aimlessly. Let me get going with today’s activity.

Jennie had a meeting with her team from school this afternoon so I got to keep Siah for a while. We got along great because we watched a couple of really silly movies.

After a while, Autumn dropped Jasper off and things went fine. By the time Jennie got here they were both tired and hungry so it didn’t take long for them to get upset.

Jennie ordered McDonald’s for them to take care of the hungry part, but as time moved on the lack of naps got the best of them. Neither of them could sit still long enough to properly eat their dinner and neither of them wanted to listen to Mom. So, I injected myself into the fray. That didn’t please them, but they kinda listened to me. If you were watching us, I’m guessing you are proud of the way I kept my cool. It wasn’t easy, but I did it.

I finally made it to Thursday coffee with the guys at the Kozy. Larry and Chuck were there and we had a good visit. Since I’ve missed so many, I bought the drinks. I also ate breakfast. You should be happy about that. I had one sausage patty, one egg, and one piece of toast. White, non-nutritional toast, of course. That was my second breakfast because I had a bowl of cheerios before leaving the house.

After I got home from the Kozy I took Max for an extra long walk. He appreciated it, I know.

Now it’s 2030, Lydia is safely home, and Jennie got the littles home to bed. All is well.

Love you.

Letters to Diane – 1

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I miss you. Today is Halloween and I was really counting on you to be here to hand out candy to all the kids. Now that you’re gone I guess I should step up and do it. It would be pretty horrible if some kids made it down the street with getting candy from our house.

“Where,” you might ask, “did you get candy?”

Well, I didn’t get it. Jennie did. She’s been taking care of everything since you left us. Watching you die kinda put me in a tizzy and I was pretty useless for a few days. It’s been a week now and with Jennie’s help I’ve become more human, and even a bit useful. That’s what Lydia tells me. She’s living with me now. The family thinks someone should be close to me in case I hurt myself like I’ve been known to do.

Jennie has also arranged your service for November 11th at Bethany. There will be many people there, we’re sure. Jennie’s first guess was 100 guests, but there will be more. I’ll give you the count on November 9th, after the service.

I kinda wished you had made a will. Everything will be OK in the end, but it would have been a bit easier if we had a will from you. You no longer need to worry about it unless you have a way of getting information from beyond. I don’t know if what I send into the cloud reaches you for approval, so we’re really in the same boat with regard to the communication issue. But, I’ll keep sending these notes to you simply based on faith. If nothing else, I’ll benefit from the therapy I get from talking with you.

Good nite, my love. I trust you are well in the arms of God.

It’s Tuesday – Biopsy Day

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We made it through the weekend ok, but it wasn’t as good as the days she spent in the hospital. Being surrounded by busy nurses, day and night, has its advantages over a tired old man. Honestly, the tired old man has the unselfish help of his children to make the right choices, or to do the tasks for him.

Mostly, my job was to ensure Diane got oxygen when she needs it and feed her when she gets hungry. Since she‘s eating like a sparrow, it’s a pretty simple job. consequently, since she’s eating less, so do I.

This morning Jennifer showed up right at 7am to transport her Mom to Good Sam for the biopsy procedure. That left me, all alone, with a list of things to do while alone. Not one of the items on my list referred to me taking a nap, but that’s what I did.

Normally, I take directions pretty well, but my head isn’t working very well lately.

For this day I only forgot to do two things – replace light bulbs in the bathroom and give Max a bath. Not so bad, right. Sadly, those are the only things on my list so it was a total failure. My only defense is that I had a few other things on my mind.

Jeff came to the house and cleaned out the gutters that have needed attention for a few years. That is another thing that was on a list, once upon a time. Now it’s done. That just goes to show you that if you wait long enough, things get done.

Jennifer returned Diane home early afternoon. She was still a little under the influence of the fentanyl that was used to sedate her for the procedure. They made 4 holes in her abdomen to get the samples they needed. It’s our understanding that the biopsy results will be revealed by her doctor when she visits him next Friday.

We’re both very interested to hear the results.

Diane on a better day last September …