Sunday Funnies: Jan 8

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The last installment from my dad’s humor cards.

The backstory: My dad was a Presbyterian pastor for 40 years. He kept a well curated stack of humor cards – little stories he heard, found or saw and then typed onto 5×7 cards. Then he wrote in the margins when he used that particular item. His humor was often an easy way to settle in to something deeper – by laughing and thinking about the buried truth in these little nuggets, it paved the way to an open heart.

When we cleaned out his desk after he died 7 years ago, I was lucky enough to stumble on this stack. I pull it out regularly to have a little laugh with my dear Dad. Now when I post one of them, I write my note next to his and it feels like a continuation.

Life Summed Up

At Presbytery yesterday, one of my colleagues passed along this definition of the eight decades of man:

Spills, Drills, Thrills, Bills, Frills, Ills, Pills and Wills.

(Parables, etc. Vol. 3, #3, May 1983)

___________________________________________________

And that is the very last card in the stack. Somehow it seems so fitting because it reminds me that there is an end to everything. And we get to sum it up in whatever way we want. It might not always rhyme or be prettily tied up on a bow – but we will all leave something behind. Hopefully, like was true with my wonderful father, it’s a lot of laughter, inspiration, and the memory of a life well-lived.

I’d define his life and decades as this: Good-willed, eloquently quilled and peace, joy and love filled.

53 thoughts on “Sunday Funnies: Jan 8”

  1. What a great final note to conclude his many wonderful comical offerings. Perhaps you might consider the possibility of a reincarnation by beginning anew so that we can all enjoy a repeat performance? Meanwhile, this eight-word summation of life is definitely going into the next newsletter here at “the home” for us oldsters over 55!

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  2. What?! It’s over?! I’m with Julia- just recycle them all again 🙂 They are so enjoyable and a great way to start the day- thanks for sharing them. Maybe these would make a nice book?

    Beautiful tribute to your dad at the end 💚

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  3. A salute to you and your dad. Quite a team. As the old saying goes, “To live in the hearts you leave behind is not to die.”

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  4. I’ve loved this series Wynne, a great memorial to your father. It’s reminded me that life has ups and downs … but the one common element: humor. Thanks so much for sharing. A great gift one day too for your kiddos. My father died before my son was born. On the ride back to college, we were telling my son about him. Here, your kids can read and really take measure of the man. A great gift to them! 😎😎

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  6. Oh Wynne- I’m going to send a hug your way because I suspect knowing this final card has now been presented may feel a bit of a letdown as this chapter of your dad’s life, presented so sweetly for all of us, has closed. Thank you for sharing him with all of us.

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    1. Oh Deb, you have me in tears. You named it exactly right. A little bit of a letdown and ache for him.

      But I just found some newspapers and writings of his in a side pocket of a suitcase so I continue to feel blessed by his memories.

      Thank you so much for the hug, my friend!

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  7. Oh no…you said this time was coming…the end of the humor cards…but I didn’t want to believe you. I agree with Julia and Todd. Promise we’ll love them just as much if you recycle…and hey, the way my foggy memory is some days, they might all feel fresh and new! Thank you so much for sharing your papa with us in this way, Wynne. Love ya! 🤍🤍🤍

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  10. What a great and fitting way to bookend his wonderful stack of cards. How much joy and amusement they must’ve brought his community, your family and to us your readers.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. “I’d define his life and decades as this: Good-willed, eloquently quilled and peace, joy and love filled.” . . . a beautiful legacy to aspire to Wynne.

    Just a suggestion lady . . . Just like our end here someday will be the start of our best beginning, perhaps beginning a re-run rather than ending your Dad’s humor cards would continue to sustain his legacy and encourage others such as this ole duffer ☺️

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  15. I have a sad little knot in my stomach. Here’s to fathers — their humor, their wisdom, and the memories they’ve stored in our hearts. I’ve loved your sharing of these hilarious cards from your dad’s collection, and I know my father would have enjoyed them too. What a gift and treasure to have. Thank you…and hugs, Wynne.❤️

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    1. Oh, you’ve said it so well. Yes, here’s to fathers!

      By the way, did you get the message I sent you through the comment form on your site about 10 days ago? No hurry to reply – I know you’ve got a lot going on but just wanted to make sure it got there.

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  17. Thank you for sharing these humorous tidbits with us! I believe I have mentioned it before, but I think these would make a great book, but I think your perspective needs to be added to it too. I’m sure that with each post, the comments have spurred some deep thought on your part, and I think these thoughts can be interwoven into the humor, as you are so very capable of this!

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      1. Lol! I see it clearly in my head! Glad to share! I believe in your writing to be able to elevate anything!

        Liked by 1 person

  19. I enjoy reading these at the start of the week, Wynne. As someone who was late to the show, a rerun would give me a chance to catch up on all the bits I’ve missed. Glad you will be repeating them.

    Liked by 1 person

  20. I kind of want to say DON’T recycle them just because I like marching to the beat of my own drummer, but I’ve enjoyed these too much not to want to read them again. Especially since I wasn’t around when you first started doing these.

    Well, I was around…I just wasn’t reading your blog!

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