"on a bus"

It doesn't matter where I am.  On a plane, in a car, on a bus.  I can always find someone to talk with.

For example, my Aunt Ann decided not to go to hear the Jacksonville Symphony recently and offered me her ticket.  Twice.  The first experience was fair.  The second was much better and although the music was wonderful, it was who I met on the Westminster Woods bus that was outstanding.

"My name is Marise", she said, as she joined me on the bench where I was waiting to board.

I quickly heard an accent and said "German" and she said "No, I was born in Holland".

We chatted a moment before boarding and then I happily found an empty seat next to her.  I don't think I asked if the seat was taken.  I just sat down.

And no one will be surprised at this, I began to ask her questions.  She was warm and welcomed my inquiries.

Born in Hollard, Marise came to the United States as a youngster, and went back to Holland for education as a nurse. She met and married the nice man that I saw put her walker on the bus.  She has had MS for more than thirty years.  They have lived at Westminster since 2021.  They have three children (two girls, one boy) and many grandchildren.

And her hobby?  She is a sculpturer.  She even teaches it.

I looked forward to the ride back.  And I was not disappointed.  As we made our way back to St. Johns, she told me about her daughter who has homeschooled her 9 children with a goal at finding each child's passion and tailoring the learning process to meet that.

Marise also told me that her parents had hidden Jews during World War II.  I said, "like Corrie ten Boom"? and she said. "Yes, but they were not arrested."  She said she had done sculpture to depict the house her parents lived where they hid Jews. And she also spoke of the experience of writing a book based on the memories that her father shared with her. 

The story is written from the perspective of the house.

The bus was pulling into Westminster when I said, "I must write about you - let's get together". I got her phone number and soon we had made plans to have lunch.

Our visit was outstanding.  I saw her work - in her home, the walkway near the Dining Room and in the foyer of the Health Care Center. This is how Marise believes the Zonnehoek House "looked" based on the stories her father shared.  By the way, the name Zonnehoek means "sunny corner".

I brought home a copy of the book, and you guessed it, I know there's more to write about her.

Marise Rinkel is an example of something I know I must do.  There will be more to tell about this terrific woman and most likely her kind husband, Bert, and their other children. Their story should be told, and I think I know someone who can do it.  From Paula's Pen. . . Have I got a story for you - I haven't given up my dream!

                                May you have enough sunshine in your life 

                                            to help you appreciate the shadows