A few more memories of my lovely bride of 43 years, Edie Hopper of Eagle River.

When I ran across the top photo last night, I couldn't remember if it was the St. Ignace or Manistique Big Boy. But the large white rock makes me think it's the latter. One of our many adventure-trips around the U.P. in our 42 summers here, 28 of those years as full-time residents. The second scene is closer to home, PastyFest in Calumet - maybe 2005 or 2006 - but I can't recall the Queen's name (maybe somebody will recognize).

The black & white photo, taken at a Fort Wilkins fashion show, reminds me of how much she loved to wear historical dresses, this one from the early 1800's, one of Becky Weeks' designs. The fourth picture is from a more solemn event, the 2012 return of Army Private First Class Arthur Leiviska, an 18-year-old POW from the Korean War who died just before we were born. As a Chaplain in Daughters of the American Revolution, Edie attended many events like this around the U.P., and took me along on each excursion.

I barely remember taking the final photo. It was not a U.P. cemetery, but one downstate, where many of her ancestors await the Resurrection. The man next to Edie is her Dad, who passed away last Fall. Hard to believe, it was 4 months ago today that she peacefully went to sleep in her beloved Keweenaw and woke up in a place even more heavenly.

I appreciate the caring concern of folks who ask how I'm doing. It has been a big adjustment not having a lady around the house. But I have to say, I feel closer to her now than ever before. I see her life from beginning to end, from the photos taken moments after her birth, to the good night kiss on that final April evening. And I cherish every day we had together. As you may know, she was a statistical anomaly, living several decades beyond the healthy life expectancy of a brittle juvenile diabetic. In fact, the year we moved to the U.P. full time (1988) she was 35, which earlier medical assessment had predicted would be her last. I thank God for the 28 bonus years we had together in this wonderful corner of the world.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a good week :o)

Charlie, may the promise of that Resurrection and reunion with Edie continue to comfort you. What a wonderful walk down memory lane with her today!

So good to see pictures of Edie....:O)...Always had a smile.

Thanks Charlie. I always enjoy seeing these pics
of Edie through the years. It brings back fond
memories for me as well. I'm glad you're doing
well. Thanks for your continued dedication.

What a heart....thank you for washing my face. God
Bless you both.

Such wonderful pictures, Charlie. Thank you for
sharing your beloved Edie with us all these years.
So happy for you both that she got to live so many
years more than the doctors thought. I keep trying
to tell my grandhcildren who important pictures
are. There are no words for the happiness we get
out of just looking at pictures of those who have
gone on before us. And thank you for keeping
pasty.com going. What enjoyment we get out of
these daily glimpses into the lives of those living
in the U.P. Brings a smile to my face every day.

This is wonderful to see such special pictures of Edie today, Charlie! Thank you for sharing these photos and memories with us. Prayers for you and your family continue, Charlie. God Bless you all. :)

Dear Charlie,

Since Edie died, I have visited her grave three times. Each time I
visit one of her neighbors--our son in the Evergreen Cemetery in
Eagle River. I will visit her soon, on the sixth anniversary of our
son's death. They have another home now, and the time we had
with them was a blessing.

God be with you, Charlie. You will meet again.