Tuesday, June 30, 2020
One of my first memories of Barney was of him giving us loads of cord-wood for the fireplace we had in the house we were renting out on Briggs Highway. He was so proud to point out how good was the quality of that wood, that it had come from trees that fell across his driveway, and that it would burn slow and hot. Lenny was there to confirm it and to help move it.
It was fun to have the same exchange again and again with him after church on Sunday: "I can't hear a thing you're saying in that pulpit." "Well, then move closer!" "I can't move closer." "Why not?" "That pew has more leg-room than any other in the church, and I need the room 'cause my legs don't bend enough any more." But he had hearing aids that by turns cost a fortune or were a good buy, depending on how good they worked or didn't work that particular day. I suspected it depended on how much he wanted to hear what was being said--he never heard me say that, though.
And he was so proud and pleased to show us his copper bands that were supposed to help his arthritis, until they didn't anymore.
When our car's engine blew on the Quickway down by Chester, we called Barney, who drove all the way down to get us and bring us home again. And we never heard mention of it again from him.
He and I spent hours over cups of coffee and he talking about how the government in Washington had done him in. And we talked about the US Navy Air Corps in World War II, and my own father's time in it while we lived in Japan.
We imagine that in the halls of the Temple in Glory, Barney is taking measurements to replace worn out frames, counter-weights, and windows. And Pete is there to kibitz....
Be at peace, Barney and Pete. May God's face shine upon you both, for ever and ever.
We sure do miss you.
Jay and Nan
Liberty, NY 845-292-7160
Woodbourne, NY 845-434-7363
Livingston Manor, NY 845-439-4333