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Ruth Everhart

Author, Pastor, Speaker

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My Dad, Nicholas J. Huizenga

The Zandstra family, whose eldest son died in the 1918 flu

March 11, 2020

A Life Cut Short by the Flu of 1918

Our personal responses to the coronavirus are shaped by many things, including our understanding of history. I've been thinking about the Flu of 1918, which has always been very real to me, perhaps because I heard stories about it from my father. He was named Nicholas after an uncle who died in that … [Read more...] about A Life Cut Short by the Flu of 1918

My Dad, Nicholas J. Huizenga 1918 Flu,  Dutch settlement in Montana

June 8, 2018

The Christian Reformed Church & Woman Suffrage

In his retirement, my father did research and writing about the denomination he loved. One of those articles traced the fight within the Christian Reformed Church over the issue of women voting. When he first told me about the research, I thought my dad meant women voting in church -- fights I could … [Read more...] about The Christian Reformed Church & Woman Suffrage

My Dad, Nicholas J. Huizenga Christian Reformed Church,  first wave feminism,  woman suffrage

counting Dad's days just before his death on Father's Day

August 12, 2016

Counting Dad’s Days

Dad's medications were already organized by the time I arrived at the house. It was the Tuesday before Father's Day. Two identical trays had been labeled with a Sharpie: Week 1 and Week 2. Getting Organized for Death I noticed the plastic organizers on the dining room table, and for a moment … [Read more...] about Counting Dad’s Days

Aging,  My Dad, Nicholas J. Huizenga when a family member is dying at home

June 28, 2016

Obituary for My Dad, Nicholas J. Huizenga

Nicholas John Huizenga, of Grand Rapids, MI died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on June 19, 2016. He was 90 years old. Nick is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joan Huizenga (nee Katte); their children, Mary Lynn (Roger) Wesorick of Wyoming, MI, Timothy (Annette) Huizenga of … [Read more...] about Obituary for My Dad, Nicholas J. Huizenga

My Dad, Nicholas J. Huizenga writing an obituary,  WWII veteran

June 25, 2016

Remembrances of My Dad, Nicholas J. Huizenga

REMEMBRANCES by Timothy, Ruth, and Susan Joy from the Memorial Service, 22 June 2016 by TIMOTHY HUIZENGA My Dad lived both a conventional and unconventional life. He remained faithful to what he saw as the best parts of his tradition while sometimes pursuing a different … [Read more...] about Remembrances of My Dad, Nicholas J. Huizenga

My Dad, Nicholas J. Huizenga eulogizing a father,  what makes a life good?,  WWII veteran

April 16, 2016

Pausing in the Swirl of Life

Have you ever looked forward to an event, only to have your plans crumble? "Life intrudes" we say. Or "God laughs when we make plans." Responding quickly to change can be difficult. At least it is for me. If you know people of Dutch descent, you will understand. We are not known for our … [Read more...] about Pausing in the Swirl of Life

Aging,  My Dad, Nicholas J. Huizenga FFW,  Tobias Wolff,  when plans change

November 19, 2015

Final Words

About two months ago we celebrated my father's 90th birthday. When I arrived at my parents' home the night before the event, my mom handed me a typed page that said at the top: "Dad's Final Words." It was rather startling. I wondered if I had missed some family news! What the page contained were … [Read more...] about Final Words

My Dad, Nicholas J. Huizenga what to say when someone is old and dying

September 20, 2015

Nonagenarian!

Nonagenarian is a word we don't get to use very often. What an unforgettable day! … [Read more...] about Nonagenarian!

My Dad, Nicholas J. Huizenga family

September 9, 2015

Nick At Ninety

My father is turning 90 soon. That shouldn't be a surprise. He's been 89 for a while. Still, age has a way of sneaking up on a person. Our family is throwing a party later this month. One of my sisters took care of renting a room at my parents' church. My brother assembled a guest list. One … [Read more...] about Nick At Ninety

My Dad, Nicholas J. Huizenga family

June 13, 2015

Traveling to the U-P of Michigan with Elderly Parents

Growing up, my family took long car camping trips. My father was a principal and my mother was a teacher, so they took full advantage of summer vacation. All seven of us piled into a Ford Galaxy for trips we measured in weeks and thousands of miles. Our trunk was stuffed to capacity and an … [Read more...] about Traveling to the U-P of Michigan with Elderly Parents

Michigan,  My Dad, Nicholas J. Huizenga Charlevoix,  Mackinac,  Michigan,  Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

May 25, 2015

Honor Flight: a WW II Veteran Reflects

The following account was written by my father, Nicholas J. Huizenga, a World War II veteran. He describes a Talons Out Honor Flight he took on May 16, 2015, along with a plane load of other WWII veterans.  Memorial Day, May 25, 2015. Nine days ago I joined 105 veterans of World War ll on a … [Read more...] about Honor Flight: a WW II Veteran Reflects

Memorial Day,  My Dad, Nicholas J. Huizenga full itinerary of Talons Out Honor Flight by a WWII Veteran

July 12, 2013

A Trip to Beaver Island

Beaver Island is possibly the biggest island you've never considered visiting. It's in the upper portion of Lake Michigan, a 2-hour ferry ride from Charlevoix. After my husband and I took a boat trip in the Thousand Islands (and yes, I'll admit I did post rather excessively about that) we … [Read more...] about A Trip to Beaver Island

Michigan,  My Dad, Nicholas J. Huizenga Beaver Island,  Michigan

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Recent Blogposts:
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  • Lady Gaga in Concert, DC Aug 2022
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  • Embassy Tour in DC, May 2022