Dear Family

(reflections from Sept trip to Colorado)

On Sunday at 12noon at the 12,000 foot level on Pikes Peak , our family gathered. David from Portland and Susan from San Diego flew in to join John & Jim, Ann & me, with

Rob, Tracy, Harper Lee and and Scott, Brooke and Cullen Frederick.

We gathered at a spot of Bristle Cone Pine above the timber line, where Carol has been before as we hiked.

With Scripture, tribute and prayer our four children placed Carol’s ashes beneath several of the strong Bristle cone trees in quiet, meditative and some tearful moments. Next to where I placed my portion of Carol’s ashes is a little larger tree, I hope our children will use for mine.

This is the last physical symbolic expression of our love for a wonderful woman, mother, my soul-mate, and dearest companion for 68 years.

We became responsible to each other, from University of Redland’s days, through 60 years of ministering for the American Baptist churches and Social Work concerns in which we have engaged our talents: culminating in this delightful 5 years in the Wesley- Palms

Retirement Community.

To feel the love and see the beauty in our Family Homes in Colorado: to celebrate Birthdays of Ann(Jim’s wife) and one year old Cullen Frederick with other Great Grandparents; plus watching

Harper Lee; the first Great grandchild , walk and play with her cousin, and parents: Rob & Tracy Lowery of Fort Collins; was to sense the amazing mystery of “Generation to generation”.

I constantly marvel and stand in awe as I “ see and feel the Wonders in Living on this amazing Planet.

Goethe, the German Philosopher, once said, “The Highest and best things in life cannot be expressed...but they can be felt.” To me these past two weeks have been filled with inexpressible Joy !

(Thanks for Scrolling)

-Caleb Elroy Shikles.