A Smile

I love to smile, and I think that it’s an amazing part of who we are, and I feel is one of the most wonderful gifts of expression God has given us. Before L’Arche I never really thought much about the significance of a simple smile. In my time here I have begun to appreciate much more fully the beauty of a smile. 

I think one of the most beautiful smiles of mankind belong to Terrie. I have gotten to spend lots of time with her in the last nine months, and her smile has made a big impression on me. Not to say that she smiles all the time, no not at all. But when she does, it’s as powerful as the sunlight when it pierces through the darkest clouds. She has blessed me with such a simple gift, yet you could never put a price on it. It’s immeasurable. 

I am learning to see life’s goodness in the little things. Each breath, each smile, each laugh, each hug, and each kind word is just another blessing and reason to be thankful to be alive.

Frank D. Reimer 1923-2011

Grandpa

He worked in the wintery forests, his skin hardened by the cold

A man of many mysteries and stories left untold

He drained the Mennville wetlands and plowed its rocky fields

Of hay and grain and other crops little did they yield

How I wish I had loved him more, and how I wish I’d cared

To go out of my way back then, and with him good times share

A man so weary and bent with age no longer able to stand

I wish I’d been at his bedside to firmly hold his hand

I’m sorry my dear Grandpa, I’m sorry with all my heart

I long to have you back again and loving words impart

Life is to short to hold to these feelings of regret

For I know one day I’ll see you again, and we'll sing a sweet duet.