Barbara J. Hamby

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A Visit to the Past

Today I attended Lake Forest Park Presbyterian Church with my sister. We began singing in their choir, and joined a Christian Endeavor young people’s group there in about 1942, when only the basement was constructed. The rest of the church was not built until construction materials became available again after World War II ended. I left Seattle in 1962 for the Portland/Vancouver area.

I have returned to the church occasionally over the years for weddings, anniversary celebrations, etc.  Today was my first visit for a church service in a very long time. My sister pointed out a schoolmate of ours from high school, who sings in the choir now. The tall balding fellow bore no resemblance to the dashing crew cut student I remembered. He was younger than I at that time. Today, he appeared older, but I hadn’t seen him for more than fifty-five years.

My sister has lived on the same property in Lake Forest Park since 1942. She and her husband bought the house my father had upgraded when they married in 1950. When he retired, fifteen years ago, they divided the three lots it sat on into two. They sold the upper half with the house on it and put a new manufactured home on the lower portion. She has lived in it since then. Her husband shared it with her until his death a month and a half ago.

Her many neighbors, church friends and her children and grandchildren are helping her through the transition from fifty-four years as a couple to widowhood. During our week here, we have made some suggestions to her for coping, such as using a cell phone. My partner made a few minor repairs and mowed the lawn. We all tried to help as much as possible.

Tomorrow we leave her life in her very capable hands.