Dad told me that sometimes he doesn't know what to write in our birthday cards. I told him to just tell us about what they are doing. It doesn't have to be anything profound. Just give us a snapshot glimpse into your lives. I so enjoyed reading the birthday cards they wrote to the three September birthday men around here, that I decided to blog them, after asking the boys if I could. They thought it would be a nice way to preserve their grandparents/parents words.
Philip's card had a painting of a Atlantic Puffin in the front with fish in its mouth. Inside, Grandma had hand-written 'Happy Birthday.' Then she wrote:
"Dear Philip,
Hope you can enjoy the "Puffin" with fish in its mouth for the young hungry babies, waiting expectantly for a delicious dinner.
This afternoon we had a carriage ride with Carl and Hilda Stoltzfus. They have beautiful "Halflinger" horses whose origin is from Halflinging Austria. On the ride we went past your old house. The owner was in the lawn playing or training with his dogs. Before we got to French Creek we made a right turn traveling through the woods and another right unto 345 and connecting with Harmonyville Road and on toward home going past the cottages your dad repaired. We all enjoyed the ride and fellowship.
Love you and come see us soon. Grandma
Dad wrote:
Dear Philip,
One interesting thing we have here is a perky little pup they gave Bradley for his 12th birthday. He's part lab-his body and head are black, and he's part Blue Australian Heeler. He joyfully runs around and sticks his nose in everything; he is the picture of happiness and the cats have their various responses according to their personalities. Some cats keep their composure when a dog comes close and some don't. That reminds me of a little jingle about personalities that kind of defines people-
Some are and some aren't.
Some do and some don't.
Some can and some can't.
Some will and some won't.
So when you know how the person you're dealing with fits into that system of actions you can judge how best to respond to them. The book of Proverbs is surely the best teaching along this line. There's one chapter that deals with fools and another that deals with mean-spirited people. The best I can gather is watch out for the mean-spirited man: you won't get a break from him, and watch out for the fool: don't deal with him as one who will reciprocate for a fair deal. In other words, guard yourself. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, but know who you are dealing with. Proverbs also says, "Like a mad man who throws fire brands, arrows and death, is the one who deceives his neighbor and says, "I was only joking.'" Another proverb states, "It is better to meet a female bear robbed of her cubs than to meet a fool in his folly." So know who you're dealing with. The Book of Proverbs is divided into 31 chapters, so read 1 chapter a day and cover it every month.
We've had good rains here. I don't believe we've ever had better pastures this time of year. We used to pasture the milking cows day and night, which meant we had the job of getting in the cows before milking. Bringing them across the road from the pond field in the afternoon was my job when I was old enough. We did have a dog to help part of the time. Then later we were given an Australian Shepherd pup. I asked a man who knew how to train him. He said, "The only thing you can teach him is to come to you. He knows all the rest." We called him 'Buddy.' When you went to the field and there was a cow way off in the far corner and Buddy was with you, all you needed to do was point at her and Buddy went and got her promptly. He wasn't a Blue Heeler, he was light brown with some white. He got a bit rough on the cows and one time it seemed they agreed they weren't going to put up with it and they stampeded at him and he ran for his life and got away. The herd seemed to have a different attitude and since then even the heifers seem to act silly when I walk thru their pasture. They come walking after me and smell at me.
God bless your cattle business. Keep looking for ways to play fair and make a profit. Look to God for LIFE. He desires to guide you into the best experiences of joy and satisfaction. And remember: whatever happens to you is the best thing that could have happened to you.
Love,
grandpa Hertzler
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Through the years, these special cards and letters have been collected into a special box or drawer.
Precious words with history and wisdom entwined amidst precious personalities and a blessed heritage.
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