Mariette is a Rare Friend For Life

 

Allerliefste Pieter—Dearest Pieter

 

April 1, 2024

Dearest Pieter,

During Easter Mass, tears came to me when I saw you sitting there—how much longer? You get so out of breath from climbing stairs. It's frightening to think that you're slipping away like that. My Pieter, my rock and great help for the past year after accident. 

Because of the enormous pain, I was certainly not the nicest conversation partner! My humor appeared to have dried up and the pain was unbearable. You felt powerless... But you kept me alive by feeding me what you prepared. 

Suddenly, the roles reversed! It hurts so much to see your elderly sweetheart struggling and I couldn't change it. Praying, a lot of praying for strength and to be able to spend some more time together. Cycling together if I can still manage that... At least I want to take care of the laundry again. You're already doing too much outside! In bed you breath very difficult—frightening.

Both of us are still too often exhausted. Reading makes me calmer, but the pressure of many things causes stress. Glad we got the trust almost complete! Before it is too late, I want to tell you that I still love you dearly and that I am proud of you. I have emphasized that pride often enough in my blog! A rare great love and it hurts to have ended up in the rag basket like that. Neither of us wanted this! Someday we will be together again without physical discomfort—our souls. It's going to be hard to ever having to live without you...

I will fight for our cats, but I want to be with you again as soon as possible!

Your eternally loving L.L.

Our Final Easter Together

Pensive Pieter with his short hair cut

 

My pensive 94–year old sole caretaker with new, short haircut

Welcome Home, my Love!!

 

June 7, 2023

Welcome home, my love!!

Pieter

Welcome Home! My Love!

May 12, 2023

Welcome Home!

My Love!

your Pieter

Our twins Spooky and Dido behind vase and on chair...

When big Sis Mary Louise came home with me from Savannah Memorial Hospital, Pieter sat in the front porch with Spooky—awaiting me home!

 

What Have You Come To Realize in 2022?

 

What Have You Come To Realize in 2022?

I realized I can trust myself. I've survived so much and I will survive whatever is coming next.

Mariette

Allerliefste Pieter—Dearest Pieter

Dublin, October 14, 2022

Dearest Pieter,

My rock–my intellectual–hardworking, down–to–earth 'better half'!

We first saw each other 53 years ago. An inexplicable sympathy that grew into a pure–real love.

More than that: a fusion of two souls.

With the same feelings and drive–never lazy or too tired to do anything.

Committing yourself to many and only thinking of yourself at the end... and that even reluctantly!

A deep faith and with the help of God's blessing has given us so many years.

Also, undoubtedly many souls of loved ones who have accompanied us on our path together.

You asked so little for yourself. Often even pro bono for so many.

We are convinced that God will one day settle it! Our behavior and that of those who scarred your heart. We can only pray and ask: Father, forgive them—they don't know what they are doing—just as Jesus said in all his sufferings.

You are still good to all the birds and animals on our estate. You feed and protect them. 

Even more intimate with our cats—they don't hang onto you so much for nothing. Animals feel how you really are and love you unconditionally. How proud I am of you—as I walk through the garden, where your hard work is visible everywhere. And no less in the house—what you've done yourself!!

There is no second Pieter.

Even the little oak clock that you recently managed to repair. And the silver clock! No, such an intelligent person, who still reads so much, is immortal—if it weren't for the body's inaction. 

Thank goodness we captured your intellect in our book in 2020—for others especially. I was also able to highlight some things about our life together. You like to read it on your iPadPro and enjoy it. Makes me feel good and especially because I know there was never time for it before. Always doing a mega job or often driving someone else around and proudly showing our new homeland.

All those memories will remain—that is my anchor when you leave me behind to receive the final reward for you soul. I know you'll still be with me until I get to follow too.

Thank you for so much real love and see you later!

LL

Silver Clock and Oak Wall Clock repaired by Pieter

 

Every Girl's Name Holds 6 Truths About Her

 

Every Girl's Name Holds 6 Truths About Her

Mariette

She has zero time for your drama.

She has a pure heart of gold.

She has always been an over thinker.

She never loses her sense of humor.

She misses someone very deeply.

She stands up for what she believes in.

A big dream of yours will finally come true—YES, we saw Mount Rushmore in South Dakota

BIG CHANGES

You are a pillar of strength, Pieter. You never ask for much, all you want is a simple, happy life full of love and contentment. You aren't afraid to work hard, especially for the important people in your life. Your weakness is that you're hiding your stress behind your smile, and you never complain. The past few years were not easy, but they taught you how strong you are. The rest of 2022 will be full of love and light! A big dream of yours will finally come true, Pieter!

Indeed, on July 19, 2022 we both went to Mount Rushmore in South Dakota!

CRAZY HORSE and MOUNT RUSHMORE, SOUTH DAKOTA | post about our visit

So true!

You are:

Exceptionally Strong

Your resilience level is: exceptionally gifted. You are mentally tough. A good analogy for you would be the Energizer Bunny -- basically something that just keeps going and going no matter what. You are able to overcome difficult situations and remain cool, calm and collected. You are always prepared to seek solutions and get back on track. You almost never let disappointments deter you from what you want -- instead, you stay focussed and plan to be successful. The hardships you've faced in your life have been instrumental in developing this kind of amazing strength and perseverance within you.

Welcome Home! — from my solo trip to Europe to pick up Mom & Dad's Estate items

June 17, 2022

Welcome home!

L.L. Love you!

NS Train of 5:40 to Schiphol Airport and Flight HOME | I was going HOME to my Pieter, coming back from the FINAL trip to my homeland...

Mom & Dad's Trio of Crucifix with Corpus and Plaques with Red Copper Relief Statues | some of my treasures bought back 

 

PICK A NAIL SHAPE TO SEE WHAT KIND OF WOMAN YOU ARE! — Stubborn

PICK A NAIL SHAPE TO SEE WHAT KIND OF WOMAN YOU ARE!

Mariette chose 6

Stubborn

You won't find a girl like Mariette twice, and you won't be able to forget her. She has a heart as big as the sun and a smile just as warm and bright. She's the kind of woman who could boil the ocean just to keep her loved ones safe and happy. 

Mariette experienced a lot of pain in the past, it made her stronger, but it also made her more cautious. She doesn't need toxic people and fake friends in her life anymore. Whoever is loved by her is the luckiest person, but there'll be no love left for you, if you dare to abuse her trust. 

It's a sure way to lose her forever.

 

Mega Task of 100 hours for Fleur de Lys curtain in 11 days

 On Sunday morning, January 22, at 4:30 AM the new handcrocheted curtain was hanging!

Just pray for me...

Pieter replied: You are an amazing person! 

Great result!

Related link:

Mega Task Crocheting DONE | previous post

Mariette — The Heart Stubbornly Independent

 

Mariette — The Heart

Stubbornly Independent

Women like Mariette are hard to find and impossible to forget. She has the heart of an angel and the spirit of a warrior. She has faced nightmares as dark as midnight, but it only made her stronger. She is not a sweet talker, but she prefers to be judged for being real, than be loved for being fake. Mariette has a big heart, and whoever is loved by her is the luckiest person, but don't fool yourself thinking that you can abuse her trust. Mariette is the sun, and whether she warms you, or burns you, depends on the way you treat her!

Liefste Pieter–M'n allerliefste Maaike—Dearest Pieter–My dearest Maaike

Dublin, August 4, 2021

Dearest Pieter,

Have been lying awake for over an hour. Spooky tried to stroke me in his way, with his sharpies... and his teeth. Nevertheless, he is sweet, and he lay with his head against my cheek for a while. Kneading my armpits felt not so good, but with saying 'gently' he understands you.

Wanted to thank you again for always solving problems or stress situations by going out.

Someone of 92+ and then performing something like that is great!

Feels good to still have such a gallant knight.

Unimaginable what you have achieved in your entire life.

Always to make everything yourself, solving things and often correcting other people's sloppiness.

Especially in the home and garden!

Those Spivey people didn't do the garden to our liking either...

We always had to make ends meet with a budget because of Thea and Liz. Nevertheless, we managed well together.

Editing the old videos brings things up again. 

Sad that we are only now doing our own 'behind the news' program.

An afterthought of a very special love through thick and thin, through mountain and valley. Always together—a lot together.

That God may keep it 'whole in heart and kidneys', then we can reminisce together!!!

Rich inside, with a great and rare love.

A heartfelt hug for now and always connected by soul from LL

Dublin, August 5, 2021

My dearest Maaike,

What a surprise to find such a sweet letter (at breakfast); it brought me to the brink of crying. I'm not very good anymore at articulating my thoughts, but you should know that my feelings for you are indestructible. I love you, through thick and thin, and pray every day, morning and evening, to thank God for such a jewel of a wife and ask Him that I may live a few more years alongside you. It is so true what is written on those wall tiles: 'love covers everything, endures everything; love never perishes. 

Your loving Pieter.

I would like to write a book about your qualities; but as the song says: words are just words...!

September 12, 2021 biking together made Pieter so happy!

My Angel Sister who Died TWICE

 

BLUE BAND MARGARINE

Cute decorative grocers nostalgia

These two boxes date from the first years just after World War II when the margarine was delivered to the grocery store in large blocks in a box. At the customer's request, the desired quantity was cut off and packed in a greaseproof paper or bag.

Parts of the production stamps are still present.

The lidded boards are missing, but the boxes themselves are in good condition.

Dimensions: 34 x 24.5 x 9.5 cm or 13.4 x 9.6 x 3.7 inches

Production stamps still present

On Wednesday January 11, 1950 my Angel Sister Mariet was born...

At least, she struggled hard for making it into this world!

She was the very FIRST GRANDCHILD on Dad's side of the family...

Here in the house (photo courtesy of brother Jan Van den Munckhof) where seven of us are being born, except the youngest who was born in the hospital...

Mom had to manage doing this with the assistance of a midwife, which was normal for that time.

My Angel sister had been too active and twisted around, so she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck and arrived looking BLUE

None of them acted rapidly for giving AR (artificial respiration) to the baby, for saving it.

WORSE, it got taken away from Mom, she NEVER got to see her own daughter... 

It would be better for forgetting and getting over it FAST, they reasoned.

How CRUEL. The baby clothes also got taken away.

Thirteen months later, I got born and again, I had the umbilical cord around my neck but the midwife came timely.

But now back to those Blue Band boxes...

Dad put the tiny body of my Angel sister inside such a wooden Blue Band box and put her under the fast-binder at the back of his bike.

My Angel sister Mariet was not allowed to be buried on blessed ground of the real Catholic Church's graveyard but instead on a small parcel of ground next to it.

When I was a toddler and a bit older, often Mom would take me there for a visit.

She told me about my older sister that had my name... I could feel her unprocessed grief. 

I've for that reason, always felt so very close to her and in a way tried to live for her as well.

Maybe that's why I got two crowns on my head, a funny way for trying to part my hair when making two tails.

Later on that parcel of ground, an iron shop got constructed, also selling household goods.

~

My Angel sister has been always very close and I often can sense her presence. 

She has been watching over me.

When I talked to Mom over the phone after she got hospitalized, it was on my Angel Sister's Birthday, January 11, 2015. 

Mom had been weeping all night, so scared and feeling so lonely.

Then around 7:00 AM Dutch time (1:00 AM our time), I called and a gracious nurse lend her the phone for half an hour.

I started by saying to her: Congrats with the Birthday of your first born today!

Oh, she said, is it?... I had not realized that and her voice changed.

I then went on that SOON she would finally be able to hold and hug her and SEE her for the first time.

She did so on January 27, 2015.

It felt so good for sharing these thoughts with her, her innermost thoughts and even for me myself, they'd been pent up feelings for so many years.

When Dad himself, was still active as the family patriarch, Mom's obituary came to be like above:

My Angel sister is listed at the very top, strange though with her baptismal name, one of three and she never got baptized...

Guess they found it odd for listing twice 'Mariet'...

Dad had arranged a solemn requiem Mass at our local Catholic Church, where also the choir sang, in which Mom was a member for over 25 years and lately, together with Dad.

Organ music and all.

Again, this got done by Dad, the patriarch!

The patriarch had died himself so now my sister Diny took the lead, and she omitted our Angel sister!

So that is WHY she Died TWICE!

She did however add her significant other to whom she was not married...

Worse, there was NO requiem Mass, nothing, not even a chance for condoleances.

And that for Dad, who got his Royal Certificate for being a Choir Member for exactly 81 years to the date of his death. He got a Certificate for 70 and 80 years; unique in The Netherlands!

Over the weekend we heard that our honorary member has died

Piet Van den Munckhof

Piet has until this day been a member of the Horster Men's Choir; he joined in July of 1938 and was by far the oldest member of our association.

Although he has not been actively singing in our choir for many years, in May we were able to enjoy his singing qualities when singing the old Horster Anthem. As an accomplished performer, he recited this song at the St. Lambert Church.

"Horst can boast of scholars, shine because of their great talent", he sang then.

Piet was our teacher for many years as a 1st tenor and we are grateful to him for his contribution and commitment.

Board and members

Horster Men's Choir

Horster Mannenkoor

In the guest book of the (Horster Men's Choir)—Horster Mannenkoor—I replied to the above:

Deemed board of directors and members,

From Dublin, Georgia we would like to bring the following to your attention.

We had a certain premonition and therefore we were during Papa's last days in Horst and thus have been able to say goodbye.

We cannot take the thought out of us, how wonderful it would have been if his very beloved Horster Mannenkoor would have graced his Requiem Mass.

We do not doubt that the singers would have liked to have done so.

Unfortunately, my younger brothers and sisters have denied you this opportunity because they decided not to have a Requiem Mass...!

We congratulate the board of directors and members of the Horster Men's Choir for the well-chosen words in the newspaper report of Hallo Horst aan de Maas.

With respect and warm greetings from the U.S.A.,

Mariet(te) Van den Munckhof-Vedder

Pieter Vedder

PS The American law first uses the maiden name, then that of the spouse.

Related links:

From CitizenM Hotel on Delta Airlines from Amsterdam to Savannah, Georgia | previous post by me

{January 11 Angel Sister had 1st Birthday in Heaven together with Mom...} | previous post by me

{My Angel Sister & Mariette's Back to Basics Explained} | previous post by me

Afscheidsbrief toen Pieter zo zwak was... Farewell letter when Pieter was so weak...

Dublin, January 9, 2021

Dearest Pieter,

There we are, in front of the painful exit of your special life...

For more than 51 years I was allowed to participate in it and for 37 years in a very nice and intimate way. 

A great love and a deep faith are what unite us.

Proud of the completion of our book; your intellect is preserved for many...

Proud of your always modest way of performing.

A very hard worker, who could do everything, knew everything, and tried everything.

Our critters loved and do love this special person just as much.

Your Dad is waiting for you...

It's been so long. Also, you will meet my oldest sister and more loved ones, who will also accompany you.

How I will ever live without you—I don't know, but for the kitties I'll do it. I also know that your soul is always with me—until you welcome me too...

Faith is strong and it sustains.

Everywhere in the house are the memories and also outside.

Videos that are valuable!

Thank you for so much love...

LL

It is in self–limitation that a master first shows himself. 

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

 

Pieter's Legacy Letter to be Opened After his Death

 

LEGACY LETTER WRITTEN BY PIETER ON NOVEMBER 5, 2020, FOR WHEN HE WOULD NO LONGER BE WITH ME.

HAD TO OPEN IT ON THE DAY OF HIS DEATH...

BUT I TOOK IT WITH ME TO SAVANNAH MEMORIAL FOR MY SECOND SURGERY TO HAVE SOMETHING FROM HIM NEAR ME... HE COULD NOT VISIT ME, HARDLY CONVERSE VIA PHONE... (due to his hearing problem).

November 5, 2020

Dear Mariet; my everything for almost 40 years? 

I can't tell you anymore how much I've always admired you. As two people of different character and age, we obviously sometimes had differences of opinion, but true love on both sides always provided a peaceful solution.

Also, I can't tell you anymore how much I've always loved you, but I don't have to, it showed every day we were together. 

Both of us are not the type of so many words, not sweety, darling etc., but more no–nonsense individuals; no lame talk but do something.

I think there are few couples who have lived and worked together practically every day of our togetherness so intensely.

In general, they were beautiful and productive years.

We tried to be good to people as well as to other people's children.

In addition, we have made many friends all over the world. We have both always given everything in our work and we leave something behind in the form of the book, which you have also worked on with heart and soul.

We had our own little family, with Mauzie (Dachshund girl) and our furry babies (kitties) who, like us, enjoyed our paradise like spots in Georgia.

For years I prayed in silence that I might live a little longer; so that I could be with you a little longer, and still do something for you.

Unfortunately, the body no longer wants to listen so well to my spirit, but still let me, together with you, still ride a bike.

My body has now given up, but my spirit remains, not only in your memory, but also from the afterlife.

From there, together with our deceased family and friends, I hope to be able to follow you in your actions. 

I will continue to follow you with love and admiration, my dearest.

Look up if you need help; there are some, along with me, who would like to help you.

I sincerely hope that you continue to live for a good number of years, together with friends (and babies) and live on the many and beautiful memories, until we are together again. 

Forever; your Pieter

Yes, we both did form a unity, inter–subjectivity from the start.

35+ Years Together

 

Dear Mariet

35+ years together!!

What is it that brings 2 people so inseparable together?

I don't know the answer exactly; in my opinion, it is one of those mysterious, complicated, possibly supernatural influences. 

Whatever it may be; we have found each other; two people with different personalities, ideas (and age) but also with many similarities. Some traits sometimes clashed with each other, but the love between the two of us always turned out to be stronger. 

With this in mind, I've always loved you, and that hasn't diminished over the years. 

We lived together for over 13,000 days; in general, sunny days with the occasional rain shower to keep things fresh. 

I still love you very much girl. Both of us are not such overly 'sweeties', not exactly such soft romantic types; we are too level–headed and too rational for that. We may not say often enough that we can't miss each other, nor do we kiss enough, but when we say something like that, it comes not only from our lips but from our hearts. 

I hope to be able to live with you for many more days; Our life together was, and still is, the result of the 'something' that brought us together. There will come a time when we will have to say goodbye to each other, but even then this 'something' will continue to exist.

Beyond doubt!!!

November 2018

your Pieter

This is our Valentine

 This is our Valentine

Homegrown!

With Love!

Pieter

Mom is celebrating her 4th B'day in heaven. Wonder what color she would have been?

 

Mom is celebrating her 4th B'day in heaven. Wonder what color she would have been?

PEACH

You are the life of any party. Your charm and charisma makes you a great conversationalist in social settings. You inspire others by the life that you live.

Most of the time, it's the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination. It seems like you're heading somewhere beautiful!