Thankful for Ken.... part one

I have been thinking about telling a few of Ken's stories to have them actually archived and available for the kids and grand kids.  I might have shared a few over the years, but I am sure not all have been "in one place".  This has especially been on my mind since November is Adoption month and there have been many stories shared surrounding families impacted by adoption.  This is a bit of Ken's story, starting at the beginning.... and remember that I am writing from bits and pieces of information that I have been told over the years - by Ken himself, by his family, and from documents we have.  He was born on May 14, 1952 but this is the first picture of him.  It is dated June 9, 1952, with the name Jimmy Joe.  This is the photo that was presented to his mom and dad, asking them if they wanted to adopt this baby.  He was called Jimmy Joe after the two doctors who delivered him.  He had spent some time in an incubator (we really don't know much about why, except that he was very small).   His parents were delighted to have him join their family and he actually came home from the hospital at the age of 6 weeks, somewhere at the end of June, 1952.  

 

This is the first family photo we have of Ken with his sister Sue (who was 7 1/2 years old), and his mom and dad on one of the first days he was home.  Ken would have told you that he always knew that he was adopted so he didn't have any time when he was "told" about his past.  Over the years I heard many different stories about exactly how Ken came to be in his family and why he was placed for adoption.  One story was that he had many older siblings but his birth father had died and his mother could not care for him.  It was even suggested that his father might have died in the Korean War.  We were also told that he was in some way "biologically" connected to his adopted family through a distant cousin who might have some connection to this baby.  The facts were always very sketchy.  Ken's mom had a real fear that he might try to find his birth parents and because of this, Ken never wanted to know anything about his ancestry.  After his mom died in 009 and his dad was moving to Florida, we came across his adoption papers for the first time.  We saw that his birth name was "baby boy Ferguson".  This was the first actual clue we had about his heritage.  We knew that in 1952 most babies were placed in homes with similar backgrounds and genetic makeup.  So the idea that he was English and Irish (similar to his adoptive family) made sense.  Finding this name confirmed that possibility. A few years ago, after his dad died, I finally convinced Ken to do an Ancestry DNA test in the hopes of locating some information about his family.  He was mostly English and Scottish with some Irish.  While he matched to a few first and second cousins we really didn't get any further on finding his birth family.  More about my continued search in a future blog!

Ken was always close to his maternal Grandparents, Grandpa Les Baker and Grandma Versal Baker. His earliest memories almost always included them.  Beginning when Ken was a baby, the entire family would travel to Florida to Nokomis and Casey Key.  

This badly damaged photo was taken on May 14, 1954 on Ken's second birthday He is walking on Casey Key.  The second photo was taken in 1955.  

These pictures remind me of just how much Ken loved Casey Key and why he made it his final wish for his ashes to be scattered there.  On every trip we made to Florida, Ken always wanted to at least stop and visit this beach.  And for me, it is special  since it is the first "ocean" (okay it is really the Gulf but to me it was an ocean) that I ever saw.  We went to Florida in 1976 when Grandpa Baker died.  And these two pictures were taken on that same beach.

The next two photos are the last time we were together on Casey Key in January of 2019.  He loved this place so much and I will end with the picture of him doing what he loved most.... taking pictures of the place he loved most.

So many more stories to share.  Not surprising since we spent 48 years together.  But also, so many memories and thoughts that I don't want to lose.  I hope you come along with me over the next few weeks, as I remember more about Ken and what was important to him.  

Jesus, thank you for bringing Ken and I together in your master plan.  Thank you for photos and memories that help us stay connected to our past and also help us to see your hand in our life.  Holy Spirit, help us all to be thankful during this month of Thanksgiving.   Give us reminders of your love, your care and your provision in every season of our lives.  Jesus, keep our eyes on you rather than on our current circumstances.  Shower us with your peace and your love.  Amen

When you discover that an old adage is true....and seeking contentment!

This has been quite a week.  First of all, Ken's passport arrived so we will be taking that vacation to celebrate our 40th Anniversary!  The bad news is that our travel dates are just 2 weeks away and we are finding that many of the hotels are booked!  I'm sure that it will work out and we will be quite happy with wherever we end up staying, but it is much more stressful than I would like.  Alas, I am a planner and a list maker and there is no time to plan OR make lists!  Yes, it will be a trip that is much more "fly by the seat of our pants" than usual.  But a vacation is a vacation and I can't wait!

I don't normally share much from Ken's life, but I can't let this pass without some acknowledgment and comments.

I've mentioned that Ken has a job that is really almost his "dream" job.  For the last 11 years, he has been doing this dream job and we still don't know how he got hired for this job!  He loves to tell people that he "breaks pencils" when he is asked about his career.  In fact, breaking pencils is part of his job!  He spends his days doing mechanical tests on products for Papermate and Sharpie.  I am sure that most of you did not know that you missed it.......but last Wednesday was "World Metrology Day".   To quote Webster's - "Metrology is the science of measurement."  Ken is in his element when he talks about Metrology!  He prepared a big presentation with videos, demos and discussions and it was presented on Wednesday to celebrate World Metrology Day.  Now this is the kind of thing that could have come and gone, without much comment.  So it was quite a surprise for Ken to find out that he had been given a very special award and recognition throughout his entire company!  And this is not a small company!  This is Newell Rubbermaid!  (Rubbermaid, Papermate, Sharpie, Graco, Calphalon plus about 20 other brands).  Seriously, I am sure that almost everyone has some Newell Rubbermaid product in their home!  This is a big deal.  And I am very proud of Ken.  But, here's the thing, Ken just acts like this is no big deal! 

I can't help but stop and think about the old adage that "you marry your father".   My dad never really got honored by his company, although he worked at Montgomery Wards for 43 years.  I remember very clearly, hearing his boss say that the training program for service repairmen that my dad developed had "revolutionized their service departments".  But the thing was, it just didn't matter to my dad.  He just loved doing his job!  He spent hours and hours showing young guys how to fix appliances.  He was so happy in his "work pants", down on the floor, with his head inside some appliance. And even better for him, was teaching someone else how to do what he loved!    Ken just loves this "science of measurement".  He loves planning and doing the tests.  He loves the analysis of the data.  He loves working with all of the engineers.  And loves talking about metrology.  But being honored simply doesn't matter to him.  Neither Ken or my dad went to college yet they are two of the most intelligent people I have ever known.  And they were just happy to be doing their jobs. Contentment.

Boy, what a lesson.  Just being content with where you are and what you are doing. And not looking for any recognition.  Happy and content.   I know that I don't succeed in this.   I have lots to learn.  What a blessing it is get a renewed perspective on this very important character quality.  I know that in the coming weeks I will be thinking about contentment.   The Bible has a lot to say about contentment.  And I know that being satisfied and joyful are not only the definition of contentment but also the RESULT of contentment.   What a wonderful reminder, contained in an unexpected surprising award.  Congratulations to Ken!

Jesus, thank you so much for Ken.  You knew exactly what I needed in a husband when you brought us together.  Thank you for the reminder that contentment is the path to joy and satisfaction in our life.  Holy Spirit, help me to breath and heed this reminder, when there are tense moments in my life.  Jesus you are the source of contentment!  Amen