Olive was my best friend’s mother and my Cub Scout Den
Mother. What a wonderful name. Olives
are health producing anti-oxidants which are anti-inflammatory, stress reducing and
healing fruits that have existed since biblical times. In fact, olive oil was
poured on wounds for healing and was used for anointing of the sick to
represent healing and the power of the Holy Spirit for life and eternal life. Olive's long flowing brown hair seemed to fit her
warm personality. She was aptly named.
Owen, her son, and I went to school together from 4 year old
kindergarten on through high school. We would do many things together after
school and on vacations. Later we would hunt and fish together even with my two
sons. I have written previously of our trip to Alaska after High School when we
faced death and innumerable adventures.
But back to Olive.
She was the Den Mother for Den 10, Coub Scout Pack 398. She
took it seriously; especially teaching crafts and providing home baked goodies
every week. I can still taste her 16 layer Linder cakes. She loved being with
us boys, even though we were not always so thankful to her. Perhaps most I
remember her peacefulness, gentleness, kindness and faithfulness. Doesn’t that
remind you of many of the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit?
Olive’s husband was a Southern gentleman doctor who worked
long hours, so Olive spent lots of time with us. She took us on field trips to
her native Sheboygan County farms and family. We would always stop at a cheese
factory for fresh cheese curds and maple candy. I will have to add that I was
not slim in those days and I found my clothes in the “Husky” section of the
store. After picking up goodies we often headed for Lake Michigan, to the nearly
vacant and beautiful beaches of Terry Andre Park. Then I didn’t care if the
water was still in the 50s. I always noticed, however, that Olive had a
cigarette in her mouth.
On summer vacation Olive’s family took me up north to Kettle
Hole Lodge, an old style fishing resort on a beautiful lake. Our little cabin
was perfect for our wet and sandy, muddy and fishy fun. We caught crappies and
bass by the dozens. Olive often cleaned and always fried up the fish to
perfection along with cornbread and donuts from the bakery in town.
Olive provided friendship, food, companionship and caring
always. I never heard her raise her voice, although she should have at times.
Years of college, marriage and family responsibilities
separated us. Owen and I continued to
see each other for hunting or fishing.
Then one day I heard that Olive was sick. In fact, she had cancer and
was in hospital hospice unit. There were few hospices in 1985.
I visited her. She was lying with her covers pulled up to
her chin. Her long flowing, now silver hair lay on the bedspread. Her sad
eyes looked up at me and she said, “I knew you would come.” It was as if she
had been waiting for me to be there. Perhaps it was one of her last tasks in
this life, saying goodbye to me and I to her. After much reminiscing, we kissed
and I left. The news of her passing came quickly bringing sadness and a certain
joy of remembrance to my soul. She was a beautiful and godly woman. It seemed
that the Proverbs chapter on a woman of noble character fits Olive. Sleep
softly and sweetly dear child of God until we meet again.
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