March 25, 1982
I don’t know where to start to say “thank you” for the stacks of cards that arrived when I was in the Blanchard Valley Hospital and after being released.
I guess my first words of appreciation must go to Elinor Fruth who suggested in her column that RT readers flood me with “get well” messages. Her card was addressed to “Mr. Paul (Potluck) Krupp”. It was one of those humorous types which brought a quick chuckle. I wish it could be reproduced here.
It is impossible to acknowledge all the cards received, so this is my way of saying “thanks” and permits me to add a few other thoughts which come to me as I recuperate at home.
As the day approached for my recent surgery, I must admit I was somewhat concerned, but then a great feeling of assurance settled over me as I realized there were hundreds of people praying for me.
GOD PROVIDED
For weeks I had prayed that God would perform a healing miracle in my body, so that I could thank him publicly, with the thought that my experience would be an incentive for someone else. However, God handled my prayer in his own way. He guided the surgeon’s hands. He showed me the concern and love of the many who sent cards, telephoned and visited me. He provided a Christian roommate in the hospital. He provided excellent nurses and aides to care for me, and to show their love and concern..always with a cheery greeting, smiles and understanding.
My pastor Rev. Vernon Hurles was on hand too, to thank God for his goodness.
I have looked through the stack of nearly 100 cards more than once. And in doing so, made mental notes of the variety of religious faiths represented by the senders – Catholics, Lutherans, Baptists, Presbyterians, Methodists, Nazarenes, Brethren and probably many others who affiliations I do not know.
But, regardless of religious faiths, the cards expressed sincere wishes for a quick, complete recovery, or reminders that they were praying for me.
LOVE DEFINED
As I thought about all the good wishes and love expressed in the cards, I turned to God’s word to see what was there on the subject. Here are just a few of the many references available, all taken from First John:
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God”.
“If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us”.
“Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his spirit”.
“By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep (do) his commandments”.
Brotherly kindness is defined in one concordance…”Love of the brethren is affection for our brethren, in the broad meaning of which word the scriptures include our neighbors by all mankind”.
So, I rejoice that those brethren of many faiths had concern for me.
The world needs a revival of God’s love for all mankind. Right here in Fostoria there is a need for such a revival, sponsored by all the churches. Such a movement could be the start of a still greater movement, the spreading of God’s word and His saving grace to those who yet do not know Him and His Son Jesus.
It can happen if we allow God to lead us.
Finally, (I almost forgot) sincere thanks to all those who provided transportation to and from the hospital, and multiple errands during the period when I am not allowed to drive the car.
P.S. I must also add that cards came from business firms, friends and RT readers from near and far, as far away as Cleveland, Columbus and Florida. One was from Claude Devore, a schoolmate, when we were both attending Crocker Street (Whittier) School many years ago. I haven’t seen him in years. It was quite a “shower” and I enjoyed them immensely.
FEEDBACK EPISCOPAL CHURCH
That series of two articles brought a number of complimentary remarks, including words of appreciation from that church’s officials.
Of great importance was the information from one reader, who did not furnish his name, that the rectory of the original church at Wood and South streets was moved to 1008 S. Poplar St. when the church was demolished.
Investigation revealed that Arnold Birkmire purchased the rectory and had it moved to the Poplar Street location. The Birkmires did extensive remodeling to the house and continue to live there today.
EAST CENTER STREET
Harry Swartz, ex-barber, telephoned to remind me that Russel Smith’s barbershop was not listed in that article.
I do not know how I erred, since I personally know of its existence, in one of the basements of the building now owned by The Review Times.
Swartz said he had worked for Smith at one time in his five chair shop; also that Ken Beman took over the Smith shop later.
LEHMANN WORKED AT WHITEHOUSE
Since the East Center Street story was published, as well as Feedback about it, I have learned from several readers that Dr. L.L. Lehmann, DC, worked at the Whitehouse Hamburger Shop when he was a youth, up until he went away to college.
Then very recently, when “Doc” himself was working out some aches and pains from my old body, he confirmed the information.
“Doc” has earned a good many honorary Lions pins for the many years he has belonged to that club, and has been a good citizen besides.
EDISON STORY
Fred Roberts, 521 N. Countyline St., told me he enjoyed that story so much that he read it through twice.
Incidentally, Mrs. Harry (Georgianna) Gair, Cape Coral, Fla., who furnished some information for the Edison story, has since then sent a copy of the Fort Myers News Press 180-page Edison Pageant of Light Edition of which 116,000 copies were printed. The special edition and the pageant is an annual affair for that area, Edison’s winter home.
RECOLLECTIONS OF PEOPLE AND PLACES
That article brought a telephone response from a reader, revealing that relatives of George Caldwell, the “Hackie” are still around Fostoria, also some of George’s personal effects, perhaps even a photo of him. More about that later.