Tag: Nicholas J. Huizenga
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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 flu, in…
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The Christian Reformed Church & Woman Suffrage
An article my dad wrote about the Christian Reformed Church and woman suffrage was posthumously published in “Origins” the historical magazine of The archives of Calvin College and Calvin Seminary. Congratulations Dad! I know you would be proud and happy, and so am I.
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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 wondered which of…
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Memorial Service Liturgy
What was it like for my Dad to type out the Prayer of Committal with his own name listed?
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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 Chicago, IL, Ruth (Douglas) Everhart…
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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 flexibility! We…
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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…
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Nonagenarian!
Nonagenarian is a word we don’t get to use very often. What an unforgettable day!
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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…
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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 drove across Ontario to Michigan,…
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My Dad Writes About His Mom: The Power of Loving Words
Would you please give a warm welcome to my guest blogger (drum roll, please), my Dad: Nick Huizenga! Since retirement I have done some chores that I have not done for many years, but circumstances change. ?I have been making our bed and folding laundry. ?I “don’t mind” these tasks, but I don’t take the…