Childhood

Zbigniew Ting has flown back home. We had a wonderful visit.

His stories about his grandchildren charmed us. I'm still smiling at some of their antics.

Those stories also got me to thinking about my own childhood in Patara. I remember the hills and streams I used to explore. I remember the streams I used to wade and swim in. I remember the sea, stretching off into the distance, with a constant stream of boats. I wondered what it would be like to be on one of those boats sailing to distant lands. Little did I know that I would fly to lands I could not even imagine!

My parents were devout Christians, and Christian travelers often came to our home for meals, or even to stay. As a boy I listen to their talk of distant lands and strange animals. But none of them ever mentioned reindeer!

Ah yes, so many memories. But in the truth of my youth lies all those legends people just had to tell about me ...

Gifts

As I enjoyed my visit with Zbigniew Ting, the more melancholy thoughts I'd had yesterday left me for a while.

I also thought of my darling wife.

God in his wisdom gave me a companion who is as long lived as am I. I had never expected such a gift or such a companion, for as a priest and bishop I had accepted a celibate lifestyle. But God saw that what was best for me was to have a wife, just like some of our Eastern brethren.

"Oh, one change since my last visit," Zbigniew interrupted my thoughts. "I'm going to be a grandfather again."

"Marvelous," I exclaimed. "When?"

"Just in time for Christmas," he grinned.

"Ah. A gift."

"Yes. Number seven."

At that moment I spotted my wife outside the window.

"We both have gifts to be thankful for," I said.

A friend

Zbignew Ting arrived today. He's the bush pilot who flies up with mail, supplies, and news of the world. He's one of the few humans who knows where my headquarters is. He's also one of my best friends.

He'd been laid up for a while - shoulder problems.

"I'm afraid I'll need some surgery," he said. "It might mean no flying for a couple of months."

One of the bad parts of being as long lived as I am is that I don't age, but many of the people I love do.

Zbigniew is not my first good friend.  All the others have gone home to be with the Lord. I'm happy for them, but I miss them. And I sometimes have a hard time watching as they age.

As is Zbigniew.

Once he's had the surgery and recovers he'll be back. But eventually, he'll have to stop flying. I might get to see him on trips to southern lands, but not as often, and gradually the years will take their toll.

But for now, I'll enjoy his latest visit.

A year without posts?

My goodness - it's been almost a whole year since I last posted. I've been busy, yes, but I've also been so forgetful.

I promise I will do better. If not, I'll give myself a lump of coal!