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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Nonagenarian!
Nonagenarian is a word we don't get to use very often. What an unforgettable day! … [Read more...] about Nonagenarian!
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
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
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 trip to … [Read more...] about Honor Flight: a WW II Veteran Reflects
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