Rhonda & Kev 2009 Christmas
It was a Sunday morning, July 11th, 2010, I'd been up pretty early that day so I chose to miss church & get some sleep instead before riding my bicycle down to the Special Voter's Mtg at Church. Upon awaking, having coffee & getting ready to leave the phone rang; it was my best friend and "brother," Kevin (or Kev as I call him).
In a calm but rushed voice he said, "Rhonda died." Now many times I'd spoken with Kev regarding his girl friend of 2.5 yrs and her habitual pill popping to calm down, get energized, get to sleep, hearing voices or for the constant pain Rhonda suffered, I'd say "She's lucky to be alive!" after he'd tell me how many of this or that she took so I didn't really think twice before saying, "Kev, you're joking right." He simple stated, "Would I joke about this? Rhonda died!"
This time I heard a cry in his voice of "I need you here." After getting the facts of what happen the last 12 hours I knew this was serious & so was he. Tho he was still in shock, my mind took immediately to whirl-wind of "HOW" am I going to get 90 miles from Grand Rapids to Duluth, MN.
You see, back in Feb. of 2010, coming back from Duluth medical appt. & staying a night at Rhonda's the timing belt broke in my 1998 Ford Contour. Shot the pistons so I'm told in that type of engine when the belt brakes & is near $2800. to fix! Living on Social Security Disability, that kind of money just isn't around. So I've been without a vehicle since.
So my first thought was call on the people at the Church since I was heading there anyway. There's gotta be someone out of the congregation willing to drive me to 90 miles in return for gas money. Keeping the faith I peddled on down, asked our Congregational President to announce that I needed a ride to Duluth because my friend died. The Voter's Mtg. ended, he made the announcement, I stood up & scanned the crowd of about 75 people. Waiting anxiously for someone to offer me a ride; as I watched the people I knew for years, some since I was born... I'm thinking, "Oh Kev, I hurt for you!" The last person walked out & there I stood, alone. What? Not a single soul? The tears crept up & I took off on my bike for home.
Upon arriving I got on facebook & posted that I needed a ride to Duluth from G.R. ~ 90 miles ~ and also posted on my blog. As I waited for a response I looked up & called everyone I could think of who had a vehicle. On a Sunday early afternoon, I found many don't answer phones, some were disconnected, others already had other plans. I called rental cars companys but since I no longer have my own insurance I couldn't rent one! And the bus only goes there on Fridays. Riding my bicycle had even been thought of. The longer I sat, the more frustrated I became... and the more I was seriously thinking of giving up with the Church in which I am Newsletter Editor, Sound/Video Production, Assistant Librarian, Photographer for VBS, Dishwasher and whatever else I volunteer for!
The phone rang, Kev's sister. Kev had called & left her a message. She called him back but by this time he was at the casino half in the bag. I told her of what I knew & that I was trying to find a ride to Duluth asap but it didn't look positive. I truely believe that if Di hadn't called when she did, I'd have been packed & off on my bicycle. Some know this wouldn't have been a smart act since I was literally laid up ALL of 2009 with various surgeries, etc. Di was one of them.
Thinking a bit more clearly now, I made notes & stuck on apt. doors of those I thought might be able to help. Than I heared from Kev. Rhonda's dad was going to pack up, clean out & close her apt. I'd not have had a place to sleep even if I did find a way down! Even tho I've been homeless & knew I'd survive on the ground Kev was against that & I didn't want to add any additional stress on him so it was decided I not go.
A neighbor, Terry, then knocked & had found a ride for me. We went back to his apt. & I helped him move furniture & boxes instead as he'd recently moved him. Rest assured, I couldn't tell you what time I woke the next day! However, Kev had talked to Rhonda's dad, had more info & said that he'd keep the apt. open if I wanted to stay there. This time I called Terry first off... at 10 pm Monday July 12th, I was in Duluth at Rhonda's apt with Kev.
The days flowed into the next. Wed. was visitation, Thursday was Funeral. The music was great & we all celebrated Rhonda being with Jesus "no more pain, no more voices."
Fly free high with the "Spirits in the Sky"
I stayed two weeks to pack up her belongings, cleaned apt & storage, spent time with Kev. Her dad & mom took us out for dinner & drinks like 3 times. On Tuesday July 20th, we gathered for cake & icecream in celebration of Rhonda's 50th Birthday. Friday the 23rd I rode the bus back to Grand Rapids. Kev will arrive on the 6th of August for a visit & stay as long as he wants! My door is open to those who are in need!
As far as me volunteering at church; I was home just in time to get the newsletter out for August, I plan to be taking photos of the kiddos during Vacation Bible School which will bring me to the day of Kev's arrival. We shall see what goes from there.
