Henry Hawk 77 isn't done but he shows us how to finish well

Henry Hawk working with Robert

I know a lot of people have negative ideas about the Internet. And there are a lot of bad ideas, but I have to tell you that I really enjoy surfing the net for health, news, travel, things of interest, other people's experiences and a lot of times there's the untold story of someone doing good. Such is the case with the story of Henry Hawk A 77-year-old fitness instructor from Arkansas. From the article Henry has a fitness routine that keeps him fit and he teacher two classes to help others in their fitness. As you can see from the picture Henry practices what he preaches. 

He has goals for himself as he gets into his 80s. He doesn't consider himself old. 

For me the story stands out with Henry how he helps others who would have had any spinal injuries where they have difficulty moving. There is a short movie called true athlete about a rising star Lucas Verzbicas. There was a patient that Henry work with name Robert in the film who was a quadriplegic. With the injury it was recommended that they would let them die. Henry has worked with him and he's made progress. 

http://www.outsideonline.com/fitness/bodywork/in-stride/The-Unlikely-Athlete-Changing-Lives.html

Another story was of the lady Emma Jean Smith A bright lady in her 60s who could barely get out of her wheelchair with assistance he used a technique of negative resistance where two people would hold a weight adapting what could move by Emma with as the weights she could.  The weight was brought down and not lifting weight up. Within two years Emma could walk unassisted between two tables. 

The people here are real people who experienced slow progress but here it is active man is trying to help them in their recoveries. I know firsthand how much rehab can help us with our injuries. We should never give up and we should seek the best help possible. If we are outside professional help because the inability to get insurance or pay the cost then we should be doing our best to check out ideas that we can do. Of course we all need to follow some medical opinion but if we can move it's a better alternative. 

To me Henry Hawk is a brilliant example of finishing well. Walking with the fat man by the very principal involves a philosophy of continually working on ourselves even in retirement. We can save the rocking chair until after we are gone. As your read Henry’s story part of his day is committed to fitness. The matter who we are there's always something that we can modify that gets us moving in keeps is healthy. There's not one idea here but many. Thanks Henry for your story and example, keep walking! 

(Strength training for us or older has real positive results when we consider modifications and building ourselves up. We can see progress of how we've gotten stronger. Modified push-ups off the countertop, Wall, stairs; squints where we put her back against the wall, put two hands lightly on the counter look straight ahead with your back straight and squat, stand up from a chair or bed are great way to do squats; lunges assisted again by our friendly counter can really build up the muscles to get off the floor; in some type of core exercise to strengthen your abs and lower back are four types of movement that really help us.)

Remembering John Raymond Egly,

John Raymond Egly, 1929-2014
My father in law stands out as one who finished well. There is a long life, but one that was lived fully in light of physical injury and pain. He cared for others and enjoyed the blessings of life all the way to the end.  He was active in mind and wit and always encouraged others. 

The one thing that stands out with Ray was his ability to make others better. He was one of the most unique people that I have come across in my life. He had a strong sense of being a working guy, but that was just one layer. 
Ray was a fixer. He could and did just about fix anything that needed repair or building. He wasn't a putzer, no, he was a perfectionist. The work wasn't just put together; He made things better and he had an artistic flair to what he did. His home is a reflection of the can-do spirit all of his family had. They all had a hand in putting things into his home.
He was the chief electrician for Material Service for over 35 years.  I'm not sure that even describes his job as many things that he fixed were outside the world of electronics. He also used engineering, calculation and science with engine know how. How do you raise a barge that's been sunk and get it ready to work again? He could take a complicated problem and find a way to solve it right on sight. Immediately after the 1990 tornado, Bev was worried because she hadn’t heard from him. Switching on the news, there he was, on a front loader, assisting with the rescue operation.
There are many projects that he did for the grandkids and children show a long record of craftsmanship that he had. He loved to see historic places and furniture, to see how things were built. He was fascinated with the coal industry and geology at work. Like his brothers each took a great interest in the railroad and the engines and the mechanics that made it work.
He was well read and did his own analysis of life and news. In that sense I think he was a Renaissance man. He liked to travel and investigate family history and roots. 
He lived his own story; he took interest in the story of his family. He loved the west, he loved going to England and later to Malta. Throughout his life he took many holidays with his bride and took along as many little people as they could.
He loved work because it was in him to make things better. When it comes to family I think that's exactly what he did. He wanted to improve the place where his family worshipped so he put himself into the task of helping to make Larkin Baptist a better place  to worship and know the Lord.  The building, currently Stone Hill Bible Church, is one of the most beautiful churches in Joliet. That was John Raymond. He thought worship was more than a gymnasium, or in a storefront.
That was just another layer of Bompa. He was a man of class and dignity. He was the most honest man that I have known in my life. 
Ray was a man of faith. He taught me that faith isn't easy. People often talk as if faith is easy to do or believe, trust; but it isn't. To put your trust in Christ is an exceptional thing. He and I had great conversations and an ongoing dialogue about faith. Communicating his faith was hard and he would often ask Barb and I to share things with people. When he made decisions concerning faith, or service, or giving he did it with a whole heart.
I believed in his trapdoor theory on preaching, when it is time for the sermon to be done, it is time. He supported missions, and there is no doubt that what Barb and I did in Africa would not have been possible without his support. There were a lot of people who were helped and came to know the Lord as a result.
His humor was sharp and full of wit. He was good at recounting many of the family stories. He enjoyed the humor that was found in life. He had a twinkle in his eye and a smile that was very endearing.
I have a little experience here with the passing of my parents and other people in my life who have already gone to be with the Lord. Bompa, (thank you Becky for giving us that name), Dad, (or father) husband, friend will give hours a pleasant conversation for years to come. Maybe even a debate or two? We will continue to talk to him, will be sitting in our living room, or out in the backyard enjoying life underneath the shade trees. And his thoughts, conversations, directions and wisdom will enter into our minds and I just personally believe we will just end up talking to him again even before we go see him glory. I can't be the only one here who talks to people who has already passed on? It is rather fun to do.
Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Romans 15:2 Each one of us must please his neighbor for his good to build him up." This is what you saw in his life. His faith was in action. What he did was for our good and benefit. He had purpose to make us better.
The other night I wish you could've been there when family and friends and were around him, sharing stories prayers and even songs. He would have shooed us off. Ray, has certainly given us a legacy and he is someone to aspire to be like in so many ways. He for sure has given us a lot of things that we will laugh about.  He has set a very high bar for us to follow to be a man, husband, dad, and grandfather who loved and was loved. For the women in his family he was both strong and caring that made it possible for them to blossom.

Grace Jones finished well

The last person to be alive from the 1800's in Britain died yesterday. Grace Jones born in 1899 died at the age of 113. Physically her strength left her, but mentally she was described as "bright as a button". In my youth there were many alive from WWI and even some from the War of 1898. I remember taking to a soldier who served under General Pershing when he was chasing Poncho Villa. Several people were able to describe their life in the "Gay 90's. They were still alive but I did not talk to them, there were people who went through the Civil War. Touch history and visit the old people in your life, listen to their stories. Grace lived through the transition from fire to electricity, out door plumbing to indoor plumbing, horse and buggy to car, walking to air flight, Morse code to Cable and Internet, wood stove to microwave. What will my grandchildren live through?
Grace Jones living to 113 tells me how hard that is to do. There are people who live to 100 but there are not many of them. Most of us won't make it. If you are 20 you probably think you can. You may think that feeble person has lived to long. Grace has been retired for 50 years. The drums along the Mohawk are probably sounding we can't have that. We need to keep in mind how rare it is to live to 100+. Life at any age is too short, let's take a breathe and enjoy it. The elite will tell us it is OK for the famous to live to 100, but for Grace we can't afford it. Rubbish! Thanks Grace Jones for living a simple life of love and faith, most of us won't live as long but we can keep bugging at it. Keep walking 

I am not depressed, but this article caught my interests, some here are my thoughts

Manet

In my reading sections there was an interesting article on Is Suicide Painless? Quoted is the original article where the author says it is peaceful and OK, then the author gives His response.
Is Suicide Painless?

Will Meecham, MD, MA at Guideposts to Happiness

A picture tells a thousand words, maybe more.
Death has millions of possibilities in regard to pain and it only a guess as to what the person is suffering. I think we have the idea that we can make death clinical and clean. But any measurement will include heighten anxiety. For sure we can wear down and exhausted slip into eternity. But we can only view this from the outside at best.

I get it I am older, some days the skies are gray,
I still went for a swim, lets find good reasons to
carry on

It was been my experience to witness a suicide attempt or success about 10 times. It was never neat of clean. People who were successful with it, it was bloody and frightening to the victim. Several were unsuccessful, painful, and long regretted. One fella jumped from five stories and lived. He lost the use of half of his body, was reduced to life in a wheelchair, lost an eye. He spent months in painful rehab but resolved a will to live.
Depression convinces us of a peaceful romantic end, but it is never that. Some like Hemingway die for others to clean up and painfully deal with. What ever course is chosen painless is not an option.
I have read a book recently by Billy Graham on aging. It was a good read. His health has since become more frail. He still finds good moments with his children. I am sure he looks forward to heaven and reunion with his wife, but he stills embraces life God has for him. Life has good and bad, but loving God and others will protect us from depressions, lies and distortions. Keep walking
 

walking in Love

Of the 61 confirmed dead, many were Nigerians.

One of the things I want to do on my "bucket list" is to return to Africa. To go on another walk, visiting villiages and talking with people, enjoying their company would be my kind of Safari. To have another time to teach, support medical services, share the "good news" both being a possible blessing and being blessed by others, that is something to take heart in.
In Liberia I walked many trails and walking you see things different. I used to sit in villiges and listen to others tell their stories. We would laugh, cry, think, even have a palava (discuss some disagreement) work things out. Walking with my students I got to see another part of them where I was the student and they were teaching me about their jungle and life. many a times they would tell me of a snake, or danger nearby that I was unaware of. We played a lot of football, (what we call soccer) rain or shine.
At night I would listen to the music from surrounding areas as I saw the southern hemisphere. I saw life and death there, but every day I was doing something to help others. What I did went unnoticed and should because it involved little things. A school, clinic, church where we fed kids, helped those who were sick, shared the gospel all without forse or violence to people who are real and very human.
Spiritual abuse and killing in the name of God stands out by way of contrast. Where is the love? Where is the care? Where is giving in particular to those who are different? Killing the innocent takes no courage, it is evil and reveals the evil of a religion gone wrong. It isn't the words, it is the actions which show the truth. Keep walking

Good news about getting older, I think?

 

Jacob has the idea how to age -
be cool man

The New York Times Paula Zahn reported Denmark seniors are living healthier and with less dementia then previously. The study was done with two groups of seniors born 1905 and the second group born in 1915. The study was done with seniors ages 93 and 95. There was an improvement in cognitive activity and mobility. Education and world events were similar but health care, diet and financial resources were possible reasons.
Another study the Times reports in England and Wales, that "dementia rates in a sample of those over age 65 had dropped by a quarter over the past two decades."
Medical care is a significant factor in why we are living longer and many times better. Diet which improves vascular health and immune health would factor in. The science of aging weighs in somewhere.
Her report points out the struggles of being 90 but people are doing it better. Check it out for yourselves.
http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/
The people in the Denmark study were more mobile but as to strength and speed they were the same. How does walking play into being 90+? It seems aging is a great equalizer in some ways. Dr. Cooper reports weight lifting can improve muscle conditions in our 80's and 90's. As more people practice flexibility, aerobics and strength fitness I believe it will improve the quality of life.
Somewhere in our 70's to 90's we also should note, "Hey we did it!" Moving is better than not and living is better than complaining. It appears our Denmark seniors found ways to enjoy being 90+. Weigh in on what you think. Keep walking 

More of us are aging, but walking keeps us alive

Hava Supai Bible Church I actually walked to and
preached one Sunday. A highlight for me

The benefits of exercise I may say alot but there are many good reasons. According to Michael J. Joyner, MD  in 1950 56% of men and 65% of women reached the age of 65, compared to in 2010, 84% of men and 89% of women reached the age of 65. He goes on to say men go on to live 17 years and women go on to live 19 years after that. Add to this, "For people who don’t smoke, don’t drink too much, watch their weight, remain active, and stay socially engaged, life expectancy can increase beyond what’s mentioned above. Those life expectancy numbers can shift upward by about 5 to 10 years." Even fat people can negate negative problems with exercise. Brain health is improved by these factors and improved diabetes and hyperstension. Read the article at

http://www.todaysgeriatricmedicine.com/archive/011613p34.shtml

GRETCHEN REYNOLDS reports brain health improved by weight training and

Walking the canyon is special for the desert is
in bloom, you hardly noticed the 12.5 miles to the
camp ground

walking. Walking having the greater value to the brain. I have reviewed many studies on the value of strength training as we age and I have personally benefited in joint and muscle function. One of the common things we do is carry our groceries into the house. Weight trainings helps us to do this. Check out Real Age for programs you can do right in your home. Read Gretchen's blog at

nytimes.com/2013/04/09/ask-well-exercising-before-bedtime/

Aging is unique to each one of us but the trend is more of us will do it. Walking is one thing we can do to improve the living of aging. Getting to a healthy weight is something I am challenged to attempt. Moderation lived out is huge. Making lemonade from lemons seems to be key to living well. It is not having the problems, (we all have those) but how we look at those problems. Having friends also improves the quality of life. If you are a younger reader and have made it to this point, think of walking as investing in how well you will live. The earlier you start the more will be your return. Keep walking

Being comfortable in our skin, Ain't easy

Aboard the Missouri, and I could pass up the pose. When it comes to aging
don't you think it is OK to fight it a little. What do you think?

Are we comfortable in our skin? At the age of 60 my skin has replaced itself 8 1/2 times.  I was feeling my grandson's skin at 22 months and his is smooth and soft. My skin by contrast a little more weathered.
One of the blogs I follow, Already Pretty by Sally McGraw explores fashion no matter what body type. Her blog is feminine and the opposite of me, but her message is a good one. I have met too many beautiful gals who thought different of themselves.
When it comes to fitness, I think it is first, it is about our health and well being. If I was younger I probably weigh in how one looks. Do I think that because I've given up on my youthful looks? Probably, but am I comfortable in my skin? To be honest, I think I am working on that one.
A few things  can say is I am feeling more fit than 8 weeks ago. Almost daily push ups, squats and sit ups are working. Being active at work and watching what I eat is a part of it also. Doing right things has the benefit of not doing what is harmful.
About my skin so different from Liam's, accepting growing old. Part of it I think it is good to work at and fight it. I don't think it should be easy. Aging is iinevitable so I think we should be realistic but give in? Walking and diet, working on social, spiritual, mental issues I think is healthy to work at. Continue to live and not give up but accept how we look and feel. How is that different from accepting fashion for any size? Sally McGraw is right for those struggling with body image.  Mystery writer the late Robert Parker would say, that is a shrink question? In therapy maybe the ultimate goal is dealing with loss. Ultimately loss is our struggle with death. Long before shrinks aging has been a problem.
For me I have to understand "my skin" with eternity in view. Paul wrote in Romans 8:22, "For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers together until now." That groaning is part of my aging. Life on earth after the fall was never meant forever. My life continues after physical death, where it is spent depends on my coming to faith in Christ while I live on this planet. Finding peace with God is huge in how I feel in my skin. You can check my page on a relationship with God.
Saying this, I still struggle with "my skin". I know my time to be with the Lord in heaven is not yet. So I walk, exercise, see my doctor, change my diet to continue to live an active fuller life. I'm working on it. Keep walking

As we age how does our faith change?

Rick and Elaine #96

Last nght I read I very stimulating blog by Mart Dehann. http://beenthinking.org/
As we age how does our faith change? Do we get discouraged and doubt? Or do we become more sure of things? I read an article a few weeks back that reports 1/4 of seniors at 65 suffer from depression.
(Share your walk)

http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2012/08/28/12-depression-busters-for-seniors/

I know in my day I start out fresh and move pretty good, but by the evening my Cerebral Palsy firing all day I am a little wore out. Do we do a similar thing as we age?

On the other had many like Paul are optimistic in their faith. Paul writes, NASB 4:16 "Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day." I  do think if we follow Paul's advise in Philippians NASB 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." If we fill our minds with things that build our faith and life, we give our selves an edge as we age.

I think it is safe to say we can't control everything as we age.

Putting our hands in the One who stilled the
water

We may have changes, but we have a big God. I will use myself as an example.  I can tell you I have heard foul language most of my life. It is all up there in my head. I have chosen not to use foul language, but as I age will I lose the ability to control my thoughts? I think it is possible. I may swear constantly. Somebody who never knew me may conclude I have always been that way. Now God has always known me. He knows what is in my brain to begin with. Just thinking about swearing, has its problems. He has forgiven me and loved me through it all. That doesn't stop if I go senile.
I was in my 20's and I was taking care of aged people who had emotional breakdowns. I remember one fellow who socked me in the nose. It was a good hit. I was glad I showed kindness. I remember many were afraid. There were nights where I would sit with them until they went to sleep. We have gotten better in helping the aged, but I think kindness goes a long way.
I personal response to how we change spiritually as we age is to encourage myself and others to trust the Lord. Back to walking, it is good for our brains and heart. Walking helps us to have a few more positive years spiritually, the things we can't foresee or control we will leave "in the Hand of the Man from Galilee." Keep walking

Remembering Harv Russell

Harv Russell

The last couple of days I have been thinking about Harv Russell. I have know Harv about 40 years. I remember walking on Herkimer Str. I probably was walking to a friends house. I looked in the front window and their were kids playing table tennis or ping pong. There were kids in the background and a sign in the front, the Christin Youth Center. I was led to the Lord by a track a Navigator from Michigan State put into my pocket. Three weeks later I trusted the Lord and I remembered what that fella told me, "If you trust Christ seek Christian fellowship." It was a month or two later  and walking by I went inside to see what it was all about. The CYC kids were friendly and normal and I loved Ping pong. The speaker that night was this old guy (to me) he was my father's age. He spoke simply and from the Bible. I always liked that about Harv. He talked about the big things and important things with a big smile and he look you right in the eye.
For a few years the CYC was a big part of my life. I think that is why so many people loved Harv. He was there in those years you need somebody to be there. When ever I talked to Harv in private he always gave me something to think about. Harv would give you room to think about it.

That's the smile I remember

Through the years we would talk once and a while. Harv gave me a compliment sometime back and it is one of those things I have kept close. Harv knew the kids the he worked with and loved them.
My dad was a navy man and so was Harv. I liked that. Harv lived life to fullest. He lived his life in Joliet. He was a steady witness in a hard place. How God used him, we all saw it. He showed us you can live for Christ anywhere. There are people from the CYC all over the world, making a difference for Christ. Harv with a wink knew he was part of all that.
Harv never retired. We used to see each other on the walking trails. Remember Harv walking those 20 mile walks. He used to train for those a bit. He would be walking for health in his 80's. The last time I saw him he was sitting down looking out over the pond. He looked tired. When he saw me he grinned and we talked in person for the last time. Harv finnished well and he had eternity on his mind. Thoughts he asked his son to share.

Would this little guy reach thousands?

" Now the day is over - night is drawing nigh,

 Shadows of the evening - stem across the sky

 Jesus gives the weary - calm and sweet repose,

 with the tenderest blessing - may my eyelids close,

 Through the long night watches - may thine angels spread,

 their white wings all about me - watching 'round my bed

 When the morning wakens, then may I arise

 Fine + Fresh + Sinless in thy Holy eyes.

 Come on now - "Heaven Ain't so Bad"!

 

Thanks for being there. and hey, it mattered how you walked with us. He ended every talk with this quote, "Remember, "God's Word will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from God's Word"
Here is a cool link about Harv. keep walking

http://www.moody.edu/edu_MainPage.aspx?id=11098

Let's be real about getting older but there is hope

There are a few trails yet to see

I read two articles by Paula Zahn of the New York Times that got me thinking.

Among Many Aging Americans, Surprising Optimism

http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/20/among-many-aging-americans-surprising-optimism/

More Older Adults With Multiple Problems

http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/16/more-older-adults-with-multiple-problems/

In her articles she points out a lot of problems getting older. As we age we will encounter chronic health conditions and we can expect changes in our lives. We also may have financial struggles we didn't expect. Getting older isn't just watching the sunsets and eating in restaurants with ease.

I am optimistic about getting older that I can round off the aging to experience a more fuller and enjoyable experience through helpful lifestyle changes and exercise. I am less confident about health care and financial support in the years ahead. I am already planning to work for a while longer health permitting.

Get out there and walk like Rick there is a lot to
experience

Paula points us to a need to see our senior years somewhat realistically. Think back when you were thirty or forty and you looked at your parent's health and thought, "I won't be like that." If you compare your recent photos with your parents what do you see? On the positive side you may see differences. I know on the inside I feel better than my parents who smoked. My dad drank way too much alcohol. But if you take a look you aged too. For me I put on to much weight that I am working on to reduce. I know this may hurt, but how I feel in my 50's will be different in my 80's. I have already seen the difference in my 20's and 50's.

Sadly, as we encounter chronic problems we find it harder to make lifestyle changes. Four changes come to mind that are key for our health:

· #1 smoking (effects our body more than anything)

· #2 Exercise (not getting a good walk or at least 5000 steps is like smoking a pack of cigarettes)

· #3 or #4 over eating - drinking alcohol more than 2 drinks

Is your life more important than these changes? For me life was more important, I can do these things. In my world it is over eating and exercise. What is it in your world? Hey isn't living days healthier better than to smoke or not moving. Few people know this about me, but could enjoy a pipe or cigar.

We have chronic problems as we age. Along with walking, resistance training and stretching we can eat better - (more veggies and fruit); we follow the best medical support we can to meet these challenges. We will change but we can slow down these changes and that is realistic to me.

The Bible long ago tells us of the struggle for a long and healthy life. People of the Bible were walkers and they worked. Their diets did not have the additives and pollution that our diets face, but they may have had diets that slowed their growth as well. Not everything in our modern life is bad. But there was the blessing of getting older and as well the problems of aging from the fall and results of sin. We still have these struggles today.

Psa 92:14 They bear fruit even when they are old; they are filled with vitality and have many leaves.

Gen 48:10 Now Israel’s eyes were failing because of his age; he was not able to see well. So Joseph brought his sons near to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them.

We may have to think hard and make some changes to battle what we face, but being able to move and enjoy life a few years healthier is worth it.

Remembering Linda Gill, the voice of children and friends

Here's to you Mrs. G.

I think of the hundreds of kids she taught, coached, friends and family. When my son had his frst born, Ken and Linda visited and came back because the little guy was napping. She was there for her own and others.Here is what they wrote.
Returning the love Mrs. G, you loved them, thy loved you -

Thank You for being the only person capable of teaching me math. I am lucky to have had you for two years, but four would have been better… Thank You Megan Minarich

Dear Mrs. Gill math has never been my strong suit, however I’ve found that not only do I understand, but I enjoy geometry and math analysis. Thank you for being a youthful teacher, your energy and laughter make learning fun, Mary

Mrs. G is the greatest teacher of all time. You see we used to hate math. Then Mrs. G came into our lives, now we love it. It’s fun! Thanks – per. 3

Mr. & Mrs. Gill, Thank you for everything you guys have done. Mrs. Gill I have never enjoyed a class like I have enjoyed yours. You are the best teacher I ever had. (But that is because I never had Mr. Gill, just kidding)…   Laura Lewandowski

Mrs. Gill Thank you …A t first, I was having a rough time with it, but you stuck with me, and brought my grade back up to an A. I am so thankful for this. I really believe that I will remember and use all you taught me later in life. I always looked forward to coming to 7^th period…Thanks again Kevin Hooper

Dear Mrs. Gill, You have always been so nice to me and I am happy to have a person like you as a teacher and friend, because I will always feel free to approach you as a son does his mother. Miles Vujauovic

Mrs. Gill I believe I got a lot out of the class…I would look at the lesson and not have any idea what to do and then you would explain it and I could do it easily…Sincerely, Adam Orlurik

Alex Beltzhoover Heaven is a better place with Linda's arrival.

... Linda Baldocchi Gill has been a part of every major event in my life for my entire life. During my formative years (when I really needed it), she gave me constant, unconditional encouragement and love that contributed in so many ways to the person I am today… her "pseudo son." Patrick Spangler

“I will always remember Mrs Gill for her unstoppable passion for teaching math. She had a lasting impact on me - not just for teaching me math, but also for making me feel comfortable with a subject that I was a bit afraid of. She showed so much compassion for this crazy mixed up kid. I'll never forget her… PJH colleagues.

Lara Morton Every time this photo comes up on my newsfeed, I stare at those beautiful eyes. She clearly was a woman who lit up the room from the inside.

Rita Barnes –…They are two special people in my book.”

Maribeth Callahan Amy, Your Mom looks exactly as I remember her from Prairie. So pretty and happy!

Lay Phonexayphova She was a big part of my high school experience. I have thought of her from time to time and I am so thankful to God she was brought into my life as a math teacher…I wish she could know I have two boys now…“a wonderful teacher and even better human being.” Lay will be teaching at West Point next year.

John Stiglich II Mrs. Gill, I will miss you. You were the first to encourage me to attend the University of Michigan, one of the best decisions I have ever made. Now, you and Bo can sit side by side and watch our boys on the gridiron. Always and forever, Go Blue!

Mary Lu Sweeney… You were a great teacher and President of our Teachers Union. A friend to all.”

Annette Renee Jones “Thank you for always making the track and cross country feel like family when we entered your home. Coach Gill and Family....so very sorry for your loss”

Dan Spradley - “For the many years of working with her. The years on math team, and the value she held for students for education. Her warm Christmas parties.

Kathy Lausch “Mrs. Linda Baldocchi Gill you will be deeply missed and will always remain in the hearts of those who love you. You have touched the hearts of so many and your memory will live on forever…Love you alway, Kathy”

Sue Farmer Hofer “I share so many memories with Linda. It's hard to remember a time when Linda, Kenneth and Amy weren't in our lives. I'm so grateful for the time we had together and I'm honored to have called you My Friend. I miss you.”  Love Sue

I had Mrs. Gill at Prairie. She has always been one of my favorite teachers of all time.

Mrs. Gill was one of the many great teachers I had in life, and I know I am a better person for having been one of her students.

“Mrs. Gill was a wonderful teacher!” Julie Grochowski-Newtoff,

Mrs. Gill was an outstanding teacher and a lovely person. Patti Mullen-McGoldrick,

“Linda was/is one of the nicest people I have ever met. She was a fun person to be around and she was an amazing audience - she laughed at everything! Her humor and grace always filled the room. Furthermore...the Democratic Party lost one of our most proud, and devoted members. Till we meet again” Mrs. G...

I had Mrs. Gill at Prairie. She has always been one of my favorite teachers of all time. Michael Dziallo,

Mrs. Gill was one of the many great teachers I had in life, and I know I am a better person for having been one of her students… Know that her time away from you while she worked helped so many. Tom Egan,

Linda Baldocchi Gill, life lived well

Linda with Nate

When I think about finishing well what comes to mind is a person who has lived in such a way that they really lived an active full life. Some like Gordan Huber lived into his 90's. He lived well and rounded off the curve where he was active in life until the last months in his life. Health  is more than just doing the right things. There are many people who do the right things and despite their efforts they encounter hardships and illnesses that take there life too soon. But when we look at their lives we see a life lived well and finished well.
Such a person as my friend Linda Baldocchi Gill. Now grant you Linda and I have many similar activities we enjoy. Linda was a traveler, she loved mysteries, baseball, music, the arts, kids, family, good food and friends. Linda was also a person of faith. When I look a little closer these activities contributed to her love of her husband Ken and daughter and grand kids. She was a passionate teacher and again travels, mysteries, baseball was part of the painting of her life that made her such a dynamic teacher. Her subject math she mastered to teach but it was the student's success that counted. If a teen struggled with math Linda would encourage the student to hang in there and learn. Many students loved her as a teacher but struggled with math. She helped them succeed. She was good at challenging students to reach for higher goals than they knew about as well.

To me the philosophy of Linda's teaching is – “No matter the problem the student brings to the classroom, we can work it out.” I believe also there is a heart to it as well, a love for the student and respect. Her philosophy went further into a healthy relationship with student.

Linda loved competition and she was involved in sports and academic teams. She made the kids feel like family. There was no doubt what came first in Linda's life. She loved her family. It was special to see Ken and her, how they related to each other. In the Bible it says of marriage,"the two become one" and to me that describes Linda and Ken. Linda is the Cub's fan and Ken is the Sox' fan. Now me being a Cub fan, I have always wondered how can this paradox be? In the movie "Shakespeare in Love" Aussie actor, Geoffrey Rush gives us the line, "It's a mystery"! I think they loved each and some how the baseball thing worked its' way out. But every step Ken and Linda walked together. They are two very different people, but they worked together in raising a family and experiencing life together. Including Amy and grand kids was to them as natural as breathing. Going back to her philosophy on teaching applies to hr home, “No matter the problem the student brings to the classroom, we can work it out.” Family for Linda and Ken was a relationship of love.

They traveled to 17 different countries and the way they traveled they could have had their own travel show. Linda was the navigator and Ken the explorer. As Amy grew up the spirit of let's see what's out there.

It was Linda who introduced me to "The # 1 Ladies Detective Agency" knowing my love for Africa. Like me she loved the PBS mysteries and we both liked Robert Parker. I think it comes down to the love of the "games afoot".

Amy and Linda

Linda had to battle some difficult illnesses along the way. Courage we often think of as something done on the battlefield. But all of us are caught up in the battle for life. Linda battle cancer. To go to repeated treatments and set backs Linda continued to face disease for remissions to give her more time. I believe it takes great courage to repeatedly seek treatment that has side effects you have already experienced. Her faith in God was encouraged when she went to church. Faith even as small as a mustard seed is never easy. Paul writes, "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face:" There are alot of reasons we may have no faith or weak faith in God. Linda understood this life takes faith in God and life beyond our to brief life we have. It wasn't faith in good works, though Linda lived a good life, but faith in God Himself.

She lived her life well. She faced the end with a battle to continue, but in the end she shared her faith in God. We need better ways to fight cancer, but Linda showed us how to live with passion, skill and art. To join her we need to come to faith in the time of our lives. (see page Begin Your relationship with God at the top menu bar "pages") Keep walking