Archive for May, 2010

It was a sad week in the Norwegian countryside of Elk Point, South Dakota.  We lost Clarence.  Well, I should say Clarence went home.  He was eager to get home and God finally called him home.  What an awesome experience to lay to rest the body of one of God’s faithful.  He did not make it to his birthday but that’s OK.  He wanted to get home.  Clarence helped build the church he was buried in.  Standing by the graveside for the final prayers, I could not help but think of the TV movies that show a funeral out on the prairie.  A gentle wind blew on a perfect day.  The crowd was mostly older.  But there we stood amongst the gravestones of so many other faithful followers of Jesus Christ.  Clarence saw the 20th Century and go.  He seemed to accept it as we all should.  God help us all to remain faithful to You until you call each of us home.  Thank you Clarence for your example of quiet steady faith.

For those interested, contact me at jeanne@photoartbyjeanne.com for a photo.  The collage comes: 16×20=$100.00/ 11×14= $60.00.  All photos are: 11×14=$40.00; 8×10=$25.00; 5×7=$25.00.  I can do color or black and white.  There will be a tax and shipping so email me and I’ll get back to you.
(If you click on a photo, it will enlarge for you to see.)

Now you have to understand something:  here in Elk Point, South Dakota, on the farm, we use the word “neighbor” very loosely!  So, when I say that my neighbor Clarence Hanson is turning 100, you might want to think miles rather than feet or yards to define “neighbor.”  I had the privilege of a visit with Clarence and he graciously allowed me to take his portrait.  He was one of the first Norwegians I met when my husband brought his young bride home to a farm north of town.  Clarence is a quiet, stately man who has lived in the same house he was born in!  He has been the “keeper of the family farm.”  One of 5 brothers, Clarence is the one that stayed on to keep the land tilled and plowed and planted. 

I want to wish Clarence a Happy Birthday…… a bit early but why not?  His birthday will be June 12.  He will be 100 years old.