June – I am Seeing You!  

The song "I'll be Seeing You" by Kahal and Fain (1938) – written over 70 years ago, could have been written for you and I – even though we were only 10 years old at the time. It was popular during WWII in our high school years. I have revised and rewritten this beautiful old song to better tell our story. 

I am finding you in all the old familiar places

That this heart of mine embraces all day through.

In the little French cafe, that is just across the way.

The children's laughter, the trees of fall, the snows soon after. 

I'll be finding you in every lovely summer's day.

In everything that's bright and fun. 

I always think of you that way.

I'll find you in the morning sun -And when the night is new -

I'll be looking at the moon - but I'll be seeing June! 

It was in March 2005 that Alzheimer's took you from the house that was once our home. It was three years and seven months later that God took you home to his heavenly mansions...John 14:2 (KJV):

                 “in my father’s house are many mansions...I go to prepare a place for you...” 

I still see and feel your presence in the house that was once our home...in every room that I enter and in every drawer, cabinet or closet that I open. I find your presence in the hundreds of poignant little reminders. You are so near but yet so far... You are there but you are untouchable. You are just beyond my reach...beyond an impenetrable and silent void.... 

I find you in the living room by the fireplace on a cold winter day... 

I find you at the Redeemer Lutheran Church Sanctuary for every Sunday’s morning service...and soon after the service I find you at Perkins where lunch was once our Sunday routine. 

I found you on "Wings of Song" at our Redeemer Church Christmas Choir Concert. 

I find your presence in the sounds of the violin strains at Culver’s on the Saturday afternoon Blue Grass and old time music sessions. 

I find you at our favorite French Cafe, The Sofitel...at the little lobby table with a basket of bread, wine and a cheese-fruit plate...and in the little lobby gift/card shop soon after. 

I find you at Rosedale having your favorite Caribou Coffee at a little atrium table...and then in your favorite Hallmark card shop. 

Where ever there are joyful little children, I find your loving and caring presence among them... 

I find you at a favorite NE Minneapolis restaurant - JAX - where memories abound for nearly 50 years. 

I find you at the Anoka Lyric Theater’s Sunday afternoon productions.... 

I found you at the Christmas Eve and New Years Eve family gatherings... 

I find you every Wednesday noon at Lakewood and shortly thereafter in the little “Holy Spirit” Chapel at the Benedictine of Innsbruck. 

"I am finding you in all the old familiar places

That this heart of mine embraces all day through. 

I always think of you that way.

I' find you in the morning sun -And when the night is new -

I'll be looking at the moon - but I'll be seeing June! 

On August 16^th, 1952 when we were married, a double coronation took place – though we were both unaware of it. You made me the King of your heart and you became the Queen of mine...We both became Royalty at age 24! 

Not a day passes that I do not think of you the first thing in the morning and the last thing at night.  Not a day passes that I do not talk with you as I look at one of your pictures...Your million dollar signature smile - automatically brings a simile to my face. Every day also has its sad notes - not a day has passed since you have gone that I have not shed tears - I miss you so much... 

Happy Valentine ’s Day June, my forever Valentine sweetheart! 

Stan  

(Published in the Minneapolis Star Tribune for Valentine's Day, Saturday 14 February 2009 in the "Love Lines" section.)

Note: On October 23^rd, 2008 June passed away after almost eleven years of an exhausting battle with Alzheimer’s. June's last three years and 8 plus months were in an Alzheimer’s facility at the Alzheimer’s “Villa” of the Benedictine Health Care Center of Innsbruck, New Brighton, MN. See June's funeral notice as published in the Minneapolis Star Tribune. It is located on the top blue navigation strip under the label: “In Memoriam”. Click on: “June K. (Rolstad) Berg – In Memoriam”.