READER'S EXCHANGE

 

Nell left us very suddenly. She died almost immediately of a massive heart attack. I opened the bathroom door, not having heard a sound from her. She was lying doubled up with her head between the stool and the tub. I tried to get her to say something but she was gone. She detested formality so much that at her large funeral service at two places, here and at Flat River, I spoke briefly, then introduced Sue who read the poem enclosed. The four grandchildren sang her favorite song. I asked for those who wanted to pay tribute to her to raise their hands and speak, and we followed with a few words from a brother. I went back to work teaching the next morning. It was hard. God bless you. — Carl Ketcherside, 4420 Jamieson, 1C, St. Louis, Mo. 63109.

Thanks for all the spiritual strength, encouragement, "road maps," spiritual oases and islands of self-renewal. Thanks particularly for sharing with us your very personal lives - deaths, weddings, visits to other parts of the Body. I could not feel closer to you were you my very family. — Kathy and Phil Wyler, Victorville, CA.

We will hate the day when you put down your pen for the last time. Restoration Review has been so much a part of our lives and so many other lives it has touched. We pray for your wonderful mother-in-law and your family members . —Ed Shroyer, Pekin, Illinois

I have just returned from a retreat at New Melleray Abbey in Dubuque, Iowa, which is A Trappist monastery founded in 1849. About 35 brothers reside there and provide their own support by farming. Their doors are also open to guests at no charge. One need not be Catholic to stay. Inspired in part by your visits to other churches, I arranged to join them as an associate, a program limited to four men who live with them as they live. There are seven worship services a day, the first being at 3:30a.m. Each day is filled with private prayer, group study, and hard labor. No naps. It is physically demanding but spiritually rich. Anyone who believes that the monastic life is a retreat from the real world doesn't know what he is talking about. While I am committed to the Church of Christ, I plan on visiting these brethren again. — Howard Morris, Janesville, Wisconsin