Nora's Spotlights

Psalm 147:15The Voice (VOICE)

^“His command ripples across the earth;

His word runs out on swift feet.”

Written by Nora Palmer Fox, April 2016, with grateful appreciation to Denver Fox for technical support

There has always been a kind of appealing earthiness about her. As she grew, the love of God’s creation and her place in this remarkable world grew stronger.  Elation fills her spirit at the feel and smell of the soil in her fingers as she tends her garden, the thrill of dough responding to her kneading and the heavenly smell and taste of the bread it produces.  Music reaches her ears compelling her to dance, climb mountains, hike and swing her grandbabies in a circle.

Wait, can you see her?

There she is. You can see her just over there by Spring Creek catching tiny fish.  No, wait….now she chases lady bugs as they hatch and migrate.  She spies the mule deer as they are bedded down in the meadows.  Shhhh! Don’t disturb them.  They are very important to God’s creation here in the Sierras.

The happy child, still a kid at heart, is all grown up and we know her as

SUZ WALKER

“Difficult to see. Always in motion is the future..”  Yoda

Her affection for and her place in God’s creation grew and she states “For $50.00 a year, I could ski all season at Heavenly Valley (Lake Tahoe). I loved flying down the hill, but I also remember how beautiful the red fir trees near tree line were as we rode up the chair lift.”  Too shy to join the ski team but excelling in academics is part of Suz’s intriguing personality.   She felt the strong pull  “…of the hand of God reflected in the way the granite was sculptured, the sound of the burbling creek, the wildflowers and the crunch of the fresh snow on the path as we walked to the creek for water.” 

Growing up in southern California and Sacramento, skiing and hiking areas of Lake Tahoe, her parents were well educated and loving. Suz’ passion for color and texture emerged from her mother,  Betty Jo Bucklen Colen (BJ),  a decorative arts major at Cal, Berkeley. Suz took full advantage of her dad’s career as an early rocket engineer. Thorp Walker encouraged his daughter to ride in the jeep while they looked for rocket nose cones at White Sands.  She met the first astronauts when Thorp’s engine was going to carry them into space.  The family found relaxation on week ends at a very rustic cabin near Mt. Talac at Lake Tahoe.  She learned to drive in the snow!!!

Even as an only child Suz was nurtured by Grandfather Maynard, fostering her love of all things math and science. Grandmother Llewellah enlivened kitchen life with her inquisitive little granddaughter teaching her baking, canning, quilting and reading.  How proud they must have been when Suz became a math mentor at California State University Sacramento (CSUS).

During childhood Suz was plagued by allergies, asthma, bronchitis and many rounds of antibiotics. “I was happy when I could be strong.” Ballet provided the connection to music and movement she craved. She still feels that way today. She can hardly wait until she is completely healed from recent foot surgery and hike high mountains again.

Family get-togethers were filled with animated discussion of politics and religion. Her side-kick in fun and mischief was her cousin, Denny.   At one of those shindigs, Suz and Denny crept away, found “antique cowboy Uncle Charlie’s retired horse,” and a bridle. Away they went on bareback until they were caught!  Fun didn’t end there.  After a heavy snowfall at Lake Tahoe, they were delighted to find a steep toboggan trail interrupted by only a few telephone poles.  When Suz speaks of Denny her eyes twinkle and her face is filled with joy.

About an hour north of Reno, Nevada, is quaint city of Susanville, California, where Suz visited her grandparents and helped with Vacation Bible School.  They have great bike paths.

At age 16, much of this joy was cut short when, on Christmas day, her beloved father was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. Five months later, he died and Suz quickly became an adult, helping her mom through the terrible grief. Pastor Mike Anderson was a huge help to her ailing father and the family that year.  She became very involved in the youth group and found another community/family of support.  She found comfort and some answers in books and authors like Your God Is Too Small, The Comfortable Pew, Kierkegaard, C.S. Lewis and many others.

 “It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.”

Robert Francis Kennedy quotes ( U.S. attorney general and adviser, 1925-1968)

After her father’s death, Suz was touched by another one of God’s ripples, Alice Avett Hass. Alice was a Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) nurse. Suz and Alice attended the same Methodist church.  Alice had a profound affect on Suz. Nudging people out of their comfort zone and into a closer walk with our Lord was a gift Alice shared with Suz.   After Katrina, Alice and her husband traveled to Mississippi to help with reconstruction.

From Mrs. Hass’ obituary, you read how faithful she was and why she was one of the “ripples” in Suz’ life.

“Mrs. Haas was a woman of deep faith and a driving force in community outreach efforts at Rancho Cordova United Methodist Church. She organized youth group activities and initiated a weekly free meal to feed the hungry. She sewed quilts to sell at church fundraisers and helped arrange trips to aid victims of natural disasters in Louisiana and Alabama.” From Merced Sun Star, March, 2013 

“CHILDREN!! THEY ARE SO WHOLLY IN THE MOMENT AND SO UTTERLY WITHOUT PRETENSE” Suz Walker on what brings her joy.

Her marriage at 19, produced 2 remarkable children…..

Dan, now 40, lives in Edgewater, Colorado.Julie, now 36, lives in Rancho Cordova, California. Julie’s daughters, Cora Naomi, 6 and Aliza Tirzah, 4 bring enormous delight to Suz’ life.

When that marriage ended, Suz had absolutely no desire to marry again and she wasn’t looking.  Funny how God changes things.

How could she know at that time that God had another little girl just waiting to come from heaven and into Suz’ arms.

OUT OF AFRICA

A SERENDIPITY

“Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits” 1 Corinthians 13:7

The California school where Suz was teaching was considering a unit on an African safari.  Of course Suz wanted to be prepared. Recreational Equipment Incorporated (REI) was sponsoring a camping safari in Africa. Suz signed up and gathered lots of gear in preparation for the safari. Suz followed the equipment instructions for “duffle bag” and purchased a big one.  Off she flew to JFK airport in New York. Waiting for the next flight, Suz took a seat on the floor, resting her back against a wall and brought out a book.  Next stops would be Germany and then to Nairobi, capital city of Kenya. Seeing all the gear a gentleman approached her and asked if she was going on the Safari.  Conversation turned into friendship almost immediately and the gentleman (David) insisted on carrying her big duffle bag.  So off they flew for their safari adventure. 

During the safari the two friends talked and walked. Walking and bartering through Mombasa on the coast of Kenya, David went on high alert suspecting someone was following them. David, Suz explains, has an endearing protective quality especially about Suz. Fortunately, all turned out well and they continued their shopping.

Time to fly home. They knew they would always be friends. David promised Suz he would send her pictures of his wedding if he ever met the right girl.  Leaving him on the east coast of the U.S., Suz flew back to her California life. Not so fast.  In about 3 days, David called her and then she called him and so it went.  For a year they flew back and forth. David loved his job as a geologist and Suz loved teaching special needs students in a normal classroom.  But now, living without each other was not an option.  Friendship blossomed into love.  As often happens, there were obstacles to conquer.  There was an age difference and David is a Jew while Suz is a Christian.  But IT SEEMED SO RIGHT.  By bringing these two together, God, says Suz, has a sense of humor.  BIG PROBLEM: No one would marry them….not the Methodist pastor, not the local Congregational church pastor and not even the Rabbi.  Says Suz, “It broke my heart.”

BUT WAIT

GOD HAS SENT A UNITARIAN PASTOR TO THE RESCUE

“Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.”  Scott Adams quotes (American Cartoonist, b.1957)

Not only that, but David had found a chapel at Conneticut College. And then came the wedding of two of God’s precious children, Suz and David. All of that was 27 years ago. Eventually they moved to Colorado. David’s folks live in Steamboat Springs.  Another interesting fact: David’s 90 year old father continues his work as a Necrosearch volunteer, a group finding bodies for government agencies!

“NecroSearch International, Inc. is a volunteer multidisciplinary team dedicated to assisting law enforcement in the location of clandestine graves and the recovery of evidence (including human remains) from those graves.” From the Internet

And just a few years after marriage, she and David produced the beautiful Rebekah (Becca) now 24 and recently moved to Lakewood, Colorado, from Fairbanks, Alaska.

Suz and David continue to honor their own and combined faiths. Suz loves attending synagogue services on Friday and PUMC on Sundays.  “There is so much more in common than differences and that has been my experience with those of other faiths as well. Especially today with the world ever more divided by clan or race or faith.  The search for common ground calls to me.”    

Zephaniah 3:17

“The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Last November, 2015, I had the opportunity of seeing the Lord in the midst of some of Suz’ family.  It was the 3 degree chilly day after Thanksgiving. I met Suz and her daughter, Becca, at Village Inn.

Honestly, they look more like sisters.

I quickly learned of Suz’ 35’ by 55’ organic garden. Not only a garden, Suz has 30 egg chickens, 16 meat rabbits (what is a “meat rabbit”? I ask myself), two Morgan horses for lots of fertilization.  After Christmas she begins the gardening planting and transplanting seeds.

Her interest in organic gardening came from reading books and from friends in the Xerces Society teaching her about the danger to bees’ benefits and extinction. Her grandfather’s garden , Suz recalls was always organic. “In about 1967, I was the person who led the first Earth Day celebration at Sac State. I backpacked in the Sierras and along the John Muir Trail and Yosemite.”

This cornucopia of beautiful vegetables and herbs include forty tomato plants, pumpkins, carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, garlic and flowers The family gives the eggs to family and friends and to anyone in need.  Chickens are also used in meal preparation.

Now back to the “meat rabbits”. Yes, they did have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner but guess what?  They also butchered many of the meat rabbits and skinned them.  They assure me that rabbit stew is delicious and rabbit pelts are used by Rebecca in her costume business. David really loves rabbits barbecued. “Chickens are a real pain to skin”, I am informed.

 At PUMC they are involved in Dinners for Eight and Suz volunteers to count the offering.  Her comprehension of math, spread sheets and computer programs led her to volunteer as finance director at her last church.  She travels to California in December to be with her grandchildren. She and a girl friend meet in Lake Tahoe to quilt.

David is a geologist and currently manages rock quarry mines in southern Colorado for Martin Marietta. This photo is from one of the caves near El Dorado, California.

As if he isn’t busy enough, David is a runner.  The picture below is of David after his first 50 mile race. Becca was his “crew”.

ANNIE (SUZ) GET YOUR GUN

Who knows….this could be fun!

Suz’ and David’s family really enjoy target practicing.  So much so that every June they gather in Forsyth, Montana for the Quigley Buffalo Rifle Match.

“The idea for the Quigley Match was born on the drive back home to Forsyth from Miles City, MT, by Al Lee and Earnie Cornett after seeing the movie Quigley Down Under starring Tom Selleck.  With an active gun club in Forsyth, there were a number of members already shooting single shot black powder cartridge rifles.  The first Matthew Quigley Buffalo Rifle Match was held in 1991 with twenty-nine shooters.”  From the Matthew Quigley Rifle Match web page

Naturally, Suz, and the rest of the intrepid family, dressed in costumes from the 1880s. “…we shoot antique style black powder rifles with iron sites at targets 225 to 817 yards away.” (yes, you read the target distance correctly!) The steel targets are based on shots Matthew Quigley (Tom Selleck) made in the movie Quigley Down Under. When David’s dad could attend, they had three generation competing!

SUZISMS

 “The best thing about children is the way the ripples travel through lives.”  

“I have an irreverent sense of humor, and often get in trouble when making sarcastic remarks when I should have enough sense not to be silly.”

 “Organic may be who I was, more than something I became.”

 “Friends tease me that I am so tactile I shop for clothes by Braille-it is ALL about how it feels on my skin.”“Usually I am motivated by other people, either their needs or their enthusiasm.” 

 “I see God shining from the people I meet especially the children.”

As Suz moves forward in her life, she wants to make a difference against the ripples.  As I see it, almost every person in her life has been a precious stone, forming ripples in Suz’ beautiful soul.  Without knowing it, Suz is a precious stone touching the ripples of the souls she passes.

Her favorite Bible verse so poignantly reflects the soul of Suz Walker.

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8

New International Version

Written by Nora Jane Palmer Fox

Click here to see Rambling Along with Nora Blog

October, 2015

For several years at 9:00 on Sunday morning, I rush to the Show Up and Sing choir.  And for several years, I have passed ladies sharing coffee and conversation at a round table in the narthex.  “Who are these women?” I wonder.

I notice, not just the coffee, but the sharing of smiles and laughter.  Each week, they seem comfortable with each other’s company.  So one day, with the help of Judy Stephens, I have the pleasure of meeting with them.

Today, at our table are Mary Lou Butefish,  Dorothy Grosenheider, Judy Stephens and Donna Roquemore  At another meeting, I meet Dorothy Pope and Betty Taylor-Vineyard.  As we talk, Jane Johnson greets all of us as “The Silver Foxes”.  The ladies tell me they have also been called “The Golden Girls”.  Eventually Sharon Strawn joins our discussion.  Ann Weaver, not present today, often joins them for coffee. I am told that Betty Taylor-Vineyard is the oldest member of the group.  Fascinating to learn that Betty rides a two wheel bike!  I check this out with Betty (I know Betty from aqua aerobics at the Recreation Center).  Betty says it is just a smaller two wheel bike.  No big deal but I am pretty sure Betty tears up the road.  Betty recalls the time that the ladies surprised her with accessories for her bike….a loud bell to signal others on the trail she is approaching and bright streamers to flow out of her handle bars.   When in Arizona to escape the Colorado winter, she uses her bike. Note to self: do not compete with Betty on her bike since, I’ve noted, her endurance in the pool is far superior to mine.

They started meeting, informally, more than a decade ago, enjoying each other’s company at church and also at the Parker Senior Center.  “It was sort of an accident.  We just all gathered after the first service.”  “They all looked like fun when I met them.”  “Jean Darcer invited me.” 

Would you believe these Golden Girls participate in rigorous aerobics every week? Walking and even kick boxing are part of their weekly routine.   They say their goal in weekly work outs is “to try to stay upright.”  Once a week they meet for coffee after exercise.

No, No, This is not one of our ladies!!

As they forget I am there and just have their usual conversation, I am taking notes furiously and, I have to admit, I do not know who said what.  It’s all so good.  

They grew up in an era when you dressed up even with hats and gloves when you went to church.  One look and it is apparent they continue this tradition.  Each one is well put together.  Sharon Strawn and I express our love for clothes from Soft Surroundings. They agree in the belief that, in looking your best, you honor our Lord and His church.  All have experienced loss…loss of a spouse, a friend, loss of health and, they agree, the worst kind of loss…loss of a child.  As a group, they have suffered through unimaginable physical and mental pain.  But still, they soldier on and this fellowship supports them through life’s joys and sorrows.

SUNSHINE ON MY SHOULDER

 They relate how their friends in the mid-west seem to be having more health problems than they.  They attribute this to the sunshine in Colorado.  On the internet, I find the following:

“– In the Denver area there are probably only 30-40 totally overcast days per year, and some of them are even fairly bright — about 300 days would have at least one hour of sunshine sometime during the day, but only about 115 days per year fit the classic definition of “clear”.

Colorado Climate Center – Questions and Answersclimate.atmos.colostate.edu/questions.php

 From the author: It has been my experience that, with so many sunny days, even when cold, we get out, exercise and surround ourselves with other happy people escaping the gloom of the house AND HOUSEWORK!

 “THIS IS OUR BIGGEST SOCIAL TIME.”

 “ We talk about normal stuff like solving world problems.”  Joyous laughter.  The blessing of good health, added to their friendship, is not taken for granted by these women.

“We don’t act our age” is a huge part of life.  We launch into a discussion about how we (people over 60) are lumped into categories, words and negative expressions:

declining years, decrepitude, winter of life, infirmity, elderly, evening of life, archaic and let’s not forget……obsolete

In 2015, chronological age often just does not fit these descriptions.  Our use of assistive devices should describe us as resourceful, ingenious, clever and astute.  Our courageous journey through joint replacement, cataract surgery, chemo, etc., etc. should mark us as  heroines.  We band of sisters are modern day Don Quixotes.

“The wounds received in battle bestow honor, they do not take it away…”
― Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote  

These magnificent women converged to this time and place from Minnesota, Illinois, Wyoming, Indiana, Colorado, and Washington, D.C.

ON LOVING PARKER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

They express their appreciation for the sermons and the music the choir provides.  Friendships at PUMC and the senior center are counted as blessings. They have quietly served the church in choir, tending to the flowers, teaching Sunday School, leading the women’s group in another church and cleaning the pews.  Sharon often shares her piano talent, beautifully accompanying many soloists at PUMC.  She states gathering around this table has become a gratifying habit.  It should be of no surprise that, in 2014, Judy Stephens was the Parker United Methodist nominee for the Quiet Disciple Award at the Rocky Mountain Conference.  Ruth Wills explains this prestigious honor to me:

  “Judy Stephens was our Parker UMC‘s nomination for Quiet Disciple in 2014.  ….. “Quiet Disciples are exactly that – quiet!  These individuals, by their very nature, would rather serve without being recognized.  They are people who can always be counted on to help when there is a need.”

Authors note: Judy was one of the first persons I met at PUMC.  She was quietly watering all the plants and I thought, at that time, she was a paid gardener.

ON GETTING THROUGH LIFE

 Animated conversation leads to astute observations that must be shared with all who will listen as these noble ladies express life lessons so well.

•  Model your faith so that others see Christ in you.
• Don’t worry about what has been
• Be positive.  Take one day at a time. 
• Have friends that support you and will let you“vent” .
• Faith and friends plus a son who is very patient and helpful.
• My parents were Christians and taught me to believe in the Lord and follow the Golden Rule.
• Through faith and maintaining an optimistic attitude as often as possible.
• If you are “down in the dumps”, get out, go someplace even if it is just to the drug store.
• Share your friendship and camaraderie.
• Be thankful at all times for your health.
• Say prayers every day, no matter what.
• Slow down and enjoy life – everyone is in a big hurry.
• Know that there is always hope.

ON FEARS FOR OUR WORLD AS WE MOVE FORWARD

 Loss of Chrisitanity and ISIS, they agree, are their greatest fears as we all move forward.

ISIS (“Latin, the goddess Isis, from Ancient Greek. (Islamism) Initialism of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (a terrorist group)”

Author note: On doing these Spotlights, I am always drawn to research and, in most cases, I am lead to report my own conclusions.  So here goes:

“In short, ISIS is not an independent religion. Its ideology is essentially a zombified, fundamentalist reflection of Islamic principles. On Monday, theIndependent reported that UK Prime Minister David Cameron described the ideology that fuels ISIS as “stemming from an extremist narrative which hijacks the religion of Islam.” Cameron’s description is a fairly accurate one; ISIS maintains its grip on its followers, which include 42 million Muslims according to Express, by justifying its policies of violence and sexual enslavement with bizarre, draconian interpretations of actual Islamic scripture. The fundamentalist group convinces people to follow its demands for “true Muslims” by portraying itself as a legitimate defender of Islam.” KYLIE CHEUNG

July 2 NEWS   www.bustle.com  (bold and italics added)

 My conclusion: Who would not be afraid of such an evil presence as this conglomeration of hate and especially hate toward anyone professing Christ as Savior?  Fear overwhelms me even as I type this but then I am drawn to one of my favorite passages from a Pharasee sent to punish Christians. (See Acts 22:4-5) Of course, we all remember that, as he traveled the road to Damascus, this Pharisee was struck and blinded by God.  This is the great apostle we now know as St. Paul.  After Paul’s conversion, he faced persecution and death and yet he wrote:

” ³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ³⁶ As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

Romans 8:35-36; Psalm 44:22  NIV  (bold added)

My further conclusion: We may never be allowed to defeat the evil of ISIS and so many other evils.  But we have the resounding promise from Our Lord through Jesus that we will never be defeated.  St. Paul confirms this so eloquently.  

Mary Lou, Dorothy, Dorothy Pope, Judy, Donna, Ann, Betty and so many I have not met have been confronted with grief, pain, loneliness.  Each time that they or any of us put one foot in front of the other and continue to breathe in and breathe out, seeking  fellowship with each other….Each time it is the Holy Spirit residing in us, holding us.  And, with each plodding step, we trample evil!

WE NEED MORE ROUND TABLES OF NOBLE MEN AND WOMEN

When I started this conversation with the elegant women of the round table, I never expected to be so moved.  They are gentle souls and yet, firm in their friendships and in their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.  They emphasize “there’s always hope”, even though life is not constantly easy.  All agree on the promise of their favorite Bible verse is

John 3:16….

 “FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY SON, SO THAT EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM MAY NOT PERISH BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE.” NIV

ONE COURAGEOUS WOMAN’S REMARKABLE JOURNEY 

IN THE BEGINNING . . . 

Once upon a time in the west, a Wyoming cowboy (maybe the original Marlboro man) paid a visit to the big city of Denver, Colorado. In the 1920’s cowboys came to town in their boots, often with a saddle slung over one shoulder.

Author’s notes:1. I remember Denver in the 1960’s when these handsome cowpokes meandered from the train station to town. I was awe struck and even asked one, “Are you a real cowboy?”  And then I took his photograph.  What a site for a young girl from D.C. 

2. I have changed the names of the boy and girl below. University of Northern Colorado has also carried the names Greeley College and Colorado State College of Education

Now, where was I? Oh yes. The cowboy by the name of Jim went to a Valentine Dance where his eyes were drawn to Cora, a Denver school marm from Simla, Colorado and educated at Greeley College. Almost immediately it was love for both of them.  The cowboy has been described as a ne’re do well, going from ranch to ranch.

But Cora saw none of this and, as it often happens, a scandalous (“scandalous” in the 1920’s) affair began, resulting in, how shall we put this, Cora found herself “with child”.   On December 3, 1923, their beautiful baby girl was born at St. Luke’s Hospital and labeled “illegitimate”. 

“ To be illegitimate was to be shamed and shunned.” From “The Adoption History Project”, University of Oregon. 

The word “illegitimate” in describing children is now so rare that young people today have no idea it ever existed. I call that good news. However, it was into that environment that our Parker United Methodist Church (PUMC) heroine was born. The cowboy was made to pay for the birth. The baby was taken, almost immediately, to Denver Christian Home (now Tennyson Center) and her birth records were sealed.

“Many states, provinces and countries adopted this practice in the early to mid-20th century with the aim of protecting the adopted person from the shame of his or her illegitimate birth.” From Wikipedia. 

SERENDIPITIES EVERY WHERE . . .

At about the same time that the cowboy came to Denver, another young man heeded Horace Greeley’s advice, “Go west”. Ralston Allen Adams was an Alabama teenager when he departed from his boxcar and landed just east of Denver, Colorado.

 Ralston met and fell in love with Zelda Wickes. Our heroine, a lover of history, relates that the Wickes were from Chicago and came to Colorado with a group of Methodists settling up and down the Platte River. Eventually the Wickes settled in Ft. Vasquez, now Brighton. They were dry land farmers, “very religious, fun people who believed in the importance of family.”

 So, Zelda Wickes married Ralston Allen Adams, settling in Brighton Colorado where Ralston became well known as he sold WT Rawleigh products to ranchers. 

 Pillars of their community and good Methodists, Mr. and Mrs. Adams were not able to have children. And this is where their paths crossed with Cora, the cowboy and the new baby girl.  Just seven days after her birth on December 10, 1923 she was adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Ralston Allen Adams of Brighton, Colorado.

You guessed it; the beautiful baby is the elegant woman we know as …..

BOBBI ADAMS STOREY

 Bobbi describes her adopted mom, Zelda, as a red haired, freckled face beauty. “She looked like Joan Crawford or Bette Davis. They were very brilliant and loving people.” She adored her parents and characterizes her father, “that darling father of mine.” No pity party from Bobbi who often thanks God, “I was such a fortunate child to start out life this way.” Even with the great Depression raging, her dad, Ralston, was able to provide a good living as a top salesman.

 Growing up in Brighton, her love of music blossomed, singing with 52 other children in the United Methodist Church in Brighton. Her mom made all of the robes for the children.  They toured throughout the state with their high school teacher and choir director, Virtual Purvis.

 Her mom, a talented seamstress, was a remarkably caring person.  Zelda befriended dozens of Mexican national children whose parents came to Adams County to help with the farming. Mrs. Adams made coats for each child. Bobbi recalls being on the lookout for children who had no coats and then Zelda worked her magic at the sewing machine, honoring each family as she finished each coat.

Early on, Bobbi demonstrated her passion for performing and memorizing poems so why not try the accordion.  She literally picked up the instrument and, without music but a good ear, began playing.  Her accordion teacher tried, unsuccessfully, to teach her how to read music, matching the written notes to the notes on the instrument. Bobbi just could not get that and, in frustration, her teacher gave up just let her play the songs she loved.

 To this day, this “good ear” is a gift Bobbi has. In her home, she has a small organ and away she goes, regaling us with songs we know and love.  I just could not stop singing. “Oh, do you know this one?” asks Bobbi and then another song comes out of her head and onto the keyboard and we sing along.  Perhaps you’ve been fortunate enough to hear Bobbi recite.  Sometime, ask her about the recitation called “William, Just Afore Christmas”.  “Mud Pie” is one of her favorite songs and she beautifully sang it for me in her rich alto voice with just a touch of vibrato, really lovely….

“Do you remember one day in September when you and I played we were married?

And to you I’d carry some water and mud to make pies….” 

FULLY ACQUAINTED WITH PAIN AND SORROW…

 The ability to recite came with sorrow and pain. As a child, she fell victim to the measles (rubeola) epidemic.  Although she lived through the ravages of the initial virus, she was left with a serious bacterial infection, rheumatic fever, which confined her to bed and a wheel chair. “I was so alone and I wanted desperately to go back to school.”

 The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in the decade before the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, 4-5 million people in the US died each year from the disease and many others developed chronic disabilities as a result of the infection.

As a complication from the bacterial infection of rheumatic fever, she developed Sydenham’s Chorea, commonly referred to as St.Vitus Dance which is characterized by rapid, uncoordinated jerking movements of the face and feet. St. Vitus Dance is reported to occur in 20-30 % of patients with rheumatic fever. 

CLIMB!

   CLIMB!

         CLIMB!

Through the pits of despair, loneliness and unbelievable pain, Bobbi held onto her mom’s strength.  More than nursing care, her mother showed Bobbi the world, reading, singing and teaching her patient to memorize. “The Lord Is My Shepherd…” Psalm 23, is one of Bobbi’s favorites.  “So, I could not run or jump but I learned to recite. And my mom read to me with great drama.”  Bobbi remembers people coming in, praying over her.  Choirs came and sang to her.  Her mother’s natural instincts to “deinstitutionalize” and use Bobbi’s gifts opened a new world outside of her bedroom. “I loved people, and I still do, performing for anybody who would listen to me.” She played her accordion “…all over Adams County.” Prior to her illness she loved dancing, ballet and tap. And now, her mom persevered to introduce her to Denver’s society as Bobbi performed recitations and accordion “in the great homes of Denver and many churches.” Bobbi discovered she had a dramatic flair and excellent comedic timing. Her body and spirit began to slowly heal.  Even with all of the illnesses she describes herself as “a happy go lucky kid. I still like to tell people stories.  Because of the way I was raised, I like to entertain and I love center stage.  As long as I have applause, I am happy.” Bobbi reflects on her life with great happiness, “I was showered with love. Even during the depression, my father had no problem earning a good living.” 

 By high school, she was out of the wheelchair and was the drum major, leading the band to small colleges in Colorado.

A born extrovert, she brought many friends home to meet her mom. I wish I could have been part of this fantastic group of friends and family.

 FINALLY, AN “AHA” MOMENT….

 Puzzled why her mom would constantly instruct Bobbi to come to her if she had any questions, Bobbi was laughing with the other girls at a slumber party when she became aware of a very big question filling her consciousness.  The girls described their births, where they were born, some in a hospital, some at home.  It then occurred to Bobbi she knew nothing about her birth.  So she mustered up her courage, calmly approached her mom, “I think I know what you wanted to tell me if I had any questions.” It was at this moment, her mom revealed she had been adopted.  However, since adoption records were sealed, it wasn’t until much later that Bobbi could trace her blood roots.

LIFE MOVES ON AND SO DOES BOBBI….

After graduation, she attended College in Greeley. But, we need to back up just a bit.  You see there was a mixer at East High School in Denver. And, seemingly out of nowhere, a man came up and, out of all the girls, he asked Bobbi to dance. “Oh, he was handsome and athletic, very friendly and loved to sing.” And that is how she met Robert L. Storey, her future husband.  The other girls asked her why he picked her over all of them.  Although Bobbi cannot answer this, I think it was one of those “God things”.

She stayed at college one year. She and Robert married, just as our country was beginning to realize victory in World War II.

Feeling his patriotism calling, Robert became part of the Air Corps.  There was a little hiccup in this assignment.  You see Robert, a little bit of a show off, buzz dived (I think that is the term) a buddy’s plane.  At least that’s what he thought.  Turned out not to be the buddy but Robert’s commander.  So Robert said “goodbye” to the Air Corp and “hello” to the Navy and was assigned to Buzzard Bay off the coast of Maine. This site was part of the U.S. defense against Nazi submarines.

“Located on the Southeastern end of West Island overlooking Buzzards Bay is a 48-foot concrete tower that has served as a reference point from land, sea and air at the town beach for over 70 years.” From The Advocate

Not one to sit idly by, Bobbi took a number of little jobs.  She was hired by Remington Arms, making machine-gun-bullet belts. She describes this as a sort of assembly line where she would thread bullets through their belt-like-container.  She laughs when relating this and compares her work to Lucille Ball’s unforgettable sketch of trying to keep up with the chocolates on the conveyer belt.  (Most of you will recall this with hilarious laughter).

 Bobbi says she was so bad, they never called her by name, just referring to her as “Number Six”. “I couldn’t even boil water.” She took jobs at the National Biscuit Company and also became a dental assistant.

MEANWHILE, BACK IN COLORADO . . .

War came to a close and Robert finished his education at Colorado State College of Education.  While he was in school, they lived in a Quonset hut.

He would get up early, deliver milk and attend class while she waited tables at the Scandia Tea Room.

One of Robert’s enterprises was connected with the movie business.  Because of his good looks and charismatic personality, Robert was hired as a model for The Alexander Film Company. Advertising films were shown in movies during intermission or at drive-ins before the show started.  Bobbi and Chris remember Robert bringing home Charleston Heston and they were impressed by Mr. Heston’s kindness.

Robert became a land developer and builder all over Colorado’s small towns. Eventually, he felt he had run out of places to develop and that is when Bobbi said to him, “Well, go out to Parker. There’s not much there.”     My understanding is that he took her advice and is greatly responsible for one of the first neighborhoods in north Parker. 

SPIRITED RESILIENT FAMILY….

 The Storeys added two sons and a daughter to their journey. Our PUMC Chris is the oldest, followed by Barbara and then another son, Ryan. “My children are a gift to me and I really mean that.” Although I have never met Ryan, Chris and Barbara speak of both parents with great pride. Chris tells me his mom has an amazing spirit, capacity for love and is an unwavering advocate for them.  She followed in Zelda’s footsteps refusing to let her children fall through cracks designed by bureaucrats.  His mom, Chris adds, adores little children, teaching Sunday School for many years.  Reports Chris, “You should see her with little children. She stoops down to be on a level with each child and each one feels special.”  Bobbi’s face brightens at talk of little children. “I would really love to go hiking in the mountains with a group of kids who have never done that.” 

 Inheriting and cultivating her gift, daughter Barbara is an artist, painting magnificent wall and ceiling murals in homes in Colorado and other places. Chris has inherited his mom’s talent for singing and memorizing more songs than I can count. Chris also joined in his dad’s construction business, leading the landscaping crew.

Ryan, explains Chris and Bobbi is also an individualist.  At Ryan’s wedding, he regaled his wife and family when he jumped on a table and gustily sang, “L’chai-im” (To Life) from Fiddler on the Roof. 

A VEIL IS TORN DOWN….

MAY I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF INTRODUCING…

 Some years after adoption records were open, Bobbi found she had blood brothers and a sister.  One brother was the mayor of a sizeable city.  Another was a minister.  Just as she and husband, Robert, were getting ready to fly to Europe, her minister brother flew immediately to Colorado. He told his congregation, “I have to leave right away. I just found out I have a sister in Colorado” and with that he flew out to meet Bobbi and her family.  As you can imagine, they had a wonderful visit.  In addition, she found a sister in Panama who has her own remarkable story:

Bobbi’s sister in Panama had a daughter who was a nun with the Sisters of Loretto. This daughter started an incredible ministry and opened a refuge assisting lepers.  Only in her twenties, the daughter died but her mom (Bobbi’s blood sister) continued her daughter’s ministry in Panama.

So, of course, Bobbi flew off to Panama, met her sister and saw all of the many places her sister had started. Over the years, she has lost contact with them but she seems to have great sense of fulfillment in meeting her siblings.

The little “illegitimate” baby has forged ahead through crippling illnesses, many heartaches and has formed lifetime friendships. Her optimistic caring outlook impacts everyone she touches.  She looks to the future,  “I want something magnificent to happen to change the way we think….something much more positive.  But, I think it’s a better world because we have really outstanding people all around us.”

When I started my interviews, lunches, numerous phone calls with Bobbi, Chris and Barbara, I thought it was going to be about our PUMC heroine, Bobbi Storey.

 But NO! 

 This is a tale of families from Illinois, Alabama, Wyoming, Arizona, California, Panama and probably many other places. This lineage consists of pioneers, ranchers, cowboys, teachers, artists, missionaries, builders, gardeners, painters, ministers, mayors, singers and the list goes on. 

 It is about overcoming generations of horrible labels, insurmountable suffering, financial gains and setbacks, refusing to accept the formidable, dire predictions of systems trying to limit individual potential. It is the courage to sing, sing, sing and keep climbing looking to our Lord as we struggle.  

GREATNESS ALL AROUND US. CAN YOU SEE IT? 

The Remarkable Journey of Bobbi Jean Adams Storey is, in no way, illegitimate.  

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body     and knit me together in my mother’s womb. ¹⁴ Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!     Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. ¹⁵ You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,     as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. ¹⁶ You saw me before I was born.     Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out     before a single day had passed.

 ¹⁷ How precious are your thoughts about me,^s O God.     They cannot be numbered! ¹⁸ I can’t even count them;     they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up,     you are still with me!

Psalm 139:13-18

Nora Jane Palmer Fox

September, 2014

Many thanks to Denver C Fox for technical assistance