This Life I Lead by Rory Feek

I listened to this book while traveling. Learning about their life before, during, and after was quite moving but certainly not a tearjerker. If you enjoy love stories please read this book.

Their backgrounds were quite different and the open, honest sharing of Rory's early years and life before he met Joey was surprising. He is totally relatable. He shared his married life with Joey honestly. He didn't play the blame game at all during the book and each stage of his life was discussed in a manner that will bring clarity to those who have made similar choices.

Here are two good lines from the book. "Hurt people, hurt people. " "Great moments aren't great moments until they are shared."

Rory did not have it easy growing up and relationships were difficult for him.  Then came Joey…

“This Life I Lead” by Rory Feek is a love story worth reading. 

My Uncle E. W. "Ett" Buck and the Buck generation

It is such an odd feeling to live without ones father, mother, child, grandparents, etc. As they predecease us it rarely feels timely even if tied to an illness or injury.

The last of my mother’s siblings was laid to rest yesterday. It marked the last of a generation for the Buck side of my family. Three special aunts remain who were married to brothers in the family. I am comforted to know that I will see these Buck siblings again, one of whom is my mother.

The funeral service yesterday was a tribute to my last uncle, Uncle Ett, known to some as E. W. This Buck family as a whole was a generation to be remembered, loved, respected, and definitely honored. We would do well to recall their faith in God and example of their love and appreciation of family and not just as a provider of food, shelter, or education. I am content in the knowledge that each knew how loved they were beyond their children, grandchildren, etc. but by their many, many nephews and nieces, plus their personal and professional friends. I am proudly one of those nieces who loved them each so much. It is an extra blessing that I got to see and talk with the last of that generation a couple of weeks ago which is now an added memory.

Love your family and accept their love in return. Life is short enough as it is so do not waste it in the “woulda, shoulda, coulda” on either side of a conversation. I am certainly proof of the Buck and VanMeter genes which contributed to what made me ME.

See you later Buck generation - Uncle Tom Buck, Uncle Junior, Aunt Dude, Uncle Donald, Uncle Elwin, Uncle Ett (EW), Uncle Ronald Neil and my mother Margaret Key PLUS my VanMeter generation ; Uncle Eldon VanMeter, Aunt Erma, Aunt Evelyn, Aunt Esther, and my Dad Elmer Leon VanMeter, Sr.

Memories bring comfort so don’t let your memories include regret.

My Uncle Elwin Buck is the Dearest and Best

During my devotional last night came the words “apologetics and apologist”.  These words have been bantered about for the last several years and in good measure.  However this time the name Henry Elwin Buck, Sr. came immediately to my mind. I immediately looked up the definition of each word per Wikipedia and then synonyms. Sure enough and clear as day I understand why my Uncle Elwin’s name flashed into my mind.  (Apologetics (from Greek ἀπολογία, "speaking in defense") is the religious discipline of defending religious doctrines through systematic argumentation and discourse. Apologist synonyms are defender, supporter, advocate, apostle, champion, promoter, spokesman, and this is just to name a few.)

For my entire life he has been my mentor, confidant, second father figure, and “the man” for any theological discussions as well as my discussion buddy for whatever confusion or hurt was being experienced at any given time.  His deep, calm voice was soothing in itself and whatever was going on with me he would talk me through it and included scripture verses for me to use in greater detail after our call.  He never passed judgment or told me what to do but we explored options and potential consequences with the ultimate decision being mine. It is through him that I learned and came to understand the power of prayer and to do it regularly, not just when I needed Gods’ help but to also thank God regularly as well.  His wisdom was shared when sought but never pushed onto anyone. 

His devotion to his wife, children, and grandchildren were always Christ centered. That love was shared with his nieces, nephews, siblings, parents, and to whomever was fortunate to come into his presence.  What a gift he was to 100s and 100s.

He performed my marriage to my husband and others in my family.  He and his brothers made sure that there was food on the table and the mortgage was paid when my dad left for another woman. He provided wise counsel when I found myself divorced with two young sons.  He was a barber for many years and was known as Buck, partner of “Buck and Carol Barber Shop”. He was a deacon in his home church, Sunday School teacher, and choir member.

Years ago he wanted to become a full time preacher.  He may not have had a full time pulpit but he certainly pastored his large extended family, church members, and friends.  What a blessing!

I have been quite reflective, emotionally full, and to the point of spontaneous crying since Friday evening.  It is the moment when my beloved Uncle Elwin left this earth for his heavenly home.  I still cannot imagine my life without Uncle Elwin but I along with everyone who knew and loved him will learn to endure that loss.  He is whole again and walked through heaven’s gate straight and tall into the arms of Christ and eagerly greeted by his family that have gone before.  His beautiful bass voice is now part of the heavenly choir.  I will always love you and will definitely see you later