Purple Hearts and Evil Surgeons: A Tale of Faith and Fate

Yesterday, I shared a story about my dad’s Purple Hearts and the shrapnel in his eye. Someone asked me to explain what happened with his eye, so here I go.

The Injury

After the bomb exploded, leaving shrapnel in his leg and eye, they transferred Dad to a field hospital. They attended to his immediate needs and set him up in a large tent with numerous other injured soldiers. With Dad’s eye being affected, they had wrapped his head and face in gauze so that he couldn’t see.

A Fateful Encounter

Two young surgeons met with him and explained they needed to remove the injured eye. I think Dad was about 22: young, scared, and naive. He accepted this was his fate. Dad had tremendous faith in God and never showed fear or anxiety to us as kids, so I don’t really know how he was handling this.

The next morning, a young doctor was making his rounds. He came to my dad’s bed, picked up his chart hanging from the end of his bed, read the name, and said, “Billy Hoffman? The Billy Hoffman from Lincolnton, North Carolina?”

“Yes,” my dad answered.

The doctor introduced himself, and Dad immediately knew who he was: a classmate from his hometown. What a small world. The doctor sat on the edge of the bed and listened to Dad’s story, including that surgery to remove his eye was arranged for the next day. The doctor told Dad to hold on tight as he would discuss this with the surgeons.

A Miraculous Intervention

Walking down the makeshift corridor, he overheard the surgeons discussing Dad’s case. They said this would be a great practice for them and would give them great experience when returning to the States. Dad’s friend was appalled and confronted the surgeons. As the doctor learned more, he concluded that eye removal was unnecessary! Imagine deciding to remove someone’s eye for practice’s sake. It’s so unethical.

I mentioned yesterday that Dad’s eye was fine all the rest of his life, and he never wore glasses. Dad didn’t do much reading in his late 80s, so who knows if he would have needed reading glasses. But he lived to 90 and enjoyed seeing the world around him with two eyes.

Memories of a Good Dad

I hope you have fond memories of your dad and have tales to share with family and friends. There is nothing better than a good dad. Unfortunately, Dad died eleven days before I started working at Louis Page in 2011. He would have taken great delight in perusing the website and the catalog, dreaming of ways to use our fencing products. I’m sure he would have found a way to incorporate a fence in his yard. I would have jumped at the chance to watch him dig those fence post holes.

Plan Your Fence This Spring

It’s the end of April, and it's time to plan your fence. Many of our fence contractors install backyard fences this time of year to keep dogs and children safe. Our Yard Guard has been a favorite for many decades. I received a lovely email with pictures from a satisfied customer who installed this last Spring and is looking to expand her project. Why not join suit?

Warm regards,

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (True! That’s 131 years owned and run by our family!)

Setting the table and finding the missing leaves.

Preparing for a special day is sacred to my heart and soul. Amongst all the days I celebrate, Easter is the most sacred to me. I have many fond memories of my Easters as a child.

Memories of Easter

My mother made this one day of the year incredibly beautiful for us. From dyeing the eggs to having a small egg tree, she had so much enthusiasm and joy, delighting our senses with color and beauty—my dear mother, how I thank you.

Now, I delight in enchanting the senses of my adult children, their children, and family friends. This year, I’m hosting 17 people and a baby! Now, that’s a lot of people, and I am determined to seat them all around the same table—no easy feat.

The Search for the Missing Leaves

Daniel came over to help me add the leaves to the table. I kept insisting I have seven leaves for this table, but he thought it wasn’t possible as we could only seem to expand the table to take five leaves. But I was sure I remembered there are seven leaves for this table, though I’ve never used all seven. Oh, well, let’s see what we can do.

My five-year-old granddaughter spent Tuesday with me, and our mission was to set the table. We tried tablecloths, and nothing was long enough. Then we decided we’d just use the placemats I have. They’re lovely, and I only use them for Easter. They are a garden scene with brownish-gray rabbits and purple and white irises. They transport you to another place in the world. Then, we created place cards. She wrote the names she knew how to spell, and I wrote the others.

Somebody took great pains to decide where each person should sit. She changed her mind several times but finally settled on the seating arrangement.

Preparing the Centerpieces

We stopped for lunch and then continued to plan the centerpieces and candles.

“Mimi,” she exclaimed, “we forgot Pastor and Kathy!”

Oh, my gosh. There is no way I can get two more people at this table! I’ve got to find those missing leaves that I am sure are in the house. After a bit of hunting and pecking, Voila! I found them—the extra two leaves. I sent a text to Daniel to let him know. His response was, “I don’t think we can open the table anymore!” I guess we’ll find out. I’m still waiting for the verdict.

Visualizing the Expansion

Expanding the table, expanding our minds, expanding the fence—they all take visualizing what you want. I want everyone to sit at the same table. But when it comes to fences, I visualize my customers fencing in their orchards, training their grapevines, or building a run for their chicken coop.

Whatever you are thinking about, make it a reality. We’re here to help you make wise decisions for your or your customers’ property.

Dream it, sketch it, build it!

Don’t worry, Pastor and Kathy, we’ll ensure you have a seat at our table this Easter! I know because I’m visualizing it.

As always, my warmest regards,

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc—Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (Without question, that is 131 years owned and run by our family!)

 The Timeless Harmony: A Scottish Honeymoon and the Wisdom of a Farmer

Introduction

In the summer of 2000, my cherished late husband, Duncan, and proprietor of Louis Page, whisked me away on a spellbinding journey to Scotland for our honeymoon. August draped the Scottish landscape in a cloak of enchantment as we ventured from the east coast and meandered our way north, west, and south, tracing the contours of the breathtaking coastline.

The Journey

It was a time of unparalleled beauty to be in Scotland, with the local children returning to school, leaving behind tranquil sites for us to explore in blissful solitude. The weather, too, favored our escapade, with bonnie sunshine gracing our every moment, save for a gentle mist that veiled the air on the eve of our departure.

Duncan, renowned for his penchant for unearthing hidden pathways and off-road escapades, delighted me at every turn. We ascended hills, traversed pastures, and followed babbling brooks, our journey punctuated by encounters with quaint cattle-crossing bridges and picturesque scenes.

Daily Rituals

Each morning, we would visit the local grocer, selecting an array of cheeses and a freshly baked loaf of bread to fill our picnic basket before setting off in search of the authentic pulse of local life.

A Memorable Encounter

One particular day has etched itself vividly into my memory. As we wound our way down a narrow, stone-walled lane, the forest enveloped us in a serene embrace, whispering secrets of centuries past. Suddenly, as if conjured by the very magic of the land, a quaint stone bridge emerged before us, its ancient facade barely wider than a footpath. Below, a gathering of Highland cattle stood in silent communion, their majestic forms forming a perfect circle, their intentions shrouded in mystery.

Parking our car by the roadside, we approached the wire fence that bordered the pasture, drawn by curiosity to unravel the enigma before us. And then, amidst the tranquil backdrop of nature's symphony, we heard it—the roaring of a chainsaw.

The Farmer and His Herd

At that moment, the cattle slowly and deliberately stepped back as if to give us a glimpse into the sacred gathering. Our eyes traced the source of the sound to the figure of an old, weathered farmer, his rugged frame silhouetted against the verdant backdrop as he embarked on cutting logs from a felled tree.

Yet, not the farmer nor his labor captivated us, but the solemn congregation of the Highland cattle, their sober gaze fixed upon the unfolding scene. They were in harmony, and neither were bothered by the presence of the other. Cattle and Farmer understood one another.

A Moment Frozen in Time

At that moment, amidst the rustling leaves and murmuring brooks, it felt as though time held its breath, as if the land's very essence had converged to witness the age-old dance between man and nature. As the old tree yielded to the relentless onslaught of the chainsaw’s biting teeth, falling to the earth repurposed for the cook stove, the Highland cattle stood as silent sentinels, guardians of a timeless bond that transcended the bounds of comprehension.

Conclusion

In the hallowed embrace of Scotland's ancient landscape, Duncan and I shared a fleeting glimpse into the ineffable harmony between humankind and the natural world—a harmony woven into the fabric of existence, echoing across the ages in whispers carried on the wind.

Although our journey may have ended, the memories we forged amidst Scotland's rolling hills and misty moors would endure, forever etched upon the tapestry of our hearts.

Call to Action

Did you notice mention of “the wire fence that bordered the pasture” above? That wise old farmer was not so entranced by the romance of his surroundings that he neglected to protect his herd. And neither will you. Order yours from my website. There's a sale on - worth a peek to see if what you want can be scooped up: Louis Page

Debbie Page CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893.

Any Tree But That Tree: Memories and the Power of Creation

The spring ice storm last weekend did more damage than I initially thought. As I drove an hour and a half south, I witnessed the aftermath. For an hour, it was still a winter wonderland. I passed power trucks either heading home or to their next job. The ice-covered trees glistened in the powerful March sun, creating a gorgeous scene.

The Aftermath of the Ice Storm

I wonder if the guys restoring the power anticipate their next job or just carry on with purpose. I doubt it's aimless; they seem committed to getting the lines back up. I saw long poles being carried to the next destination and witnessed a pole snapped in half, a testament to the storm's force.

When I arrived in Massachusetts, there were no signs of an ice storm—no snow, ice, or heavily salted roads. But as I pulled into the parking lot, I saw a disaster. A tree house lay crumpled on the ground, still attached to the tree that had snapped off about six feet above the ground. No! Not that tree!

Memories of a Beloved Tree House

My mind immediately returned to my much-beloved tree house, which my wonderful dad had built for us in the 1960s. Rick, Kathy, and I spent hours playing there, pretending to be robbers, cowboys, and pirates. We spent many nights in that tree house, always waking up hungry for pancakes or the breakfast rice my dad prepared using the leftover rice.

Making memories and remembering memories—what a beautiful gift we have as human beings.

Creating Lasting Memories

What memories are you creating today that will be remembered for many years? A trip with your best friends? Going to the beach with family? Your special recipe that the kids love?

I’ve been thinking about my mom’s Easter dinner that we loved dearly: baked ham, potato salad, deviled eggs (always deviled eggs in the South!), lime cream cheese Jell-O salad (like I said, in the South!), homemade yeast rolls, and coconut cake. My mouth is watering just writing about it.

Building Memories in Your Backyard

Make memories in your own backyard. Put in a new fence to give you boundaries. Create a safe space for the animals you want to have, be it horses, goats, or sheep. And if you get sheep, you might want to get a herding dog. Border collies are the smartest dogs! Did I tell you about my trip to England and the incredible border collie?

No? Something for another time then.

Warmest regards,

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (It adds up to 131 years owned and run by our family. Think about it: Nobody stays around in business that long without really supporting customers so they want to come back!)

A Miscalculation and a Flood of Suds: Life's Unexpected Memories

Do you have a list of "Oh my gosh, I hope that never happens again" moments? I certainly do, and I bet you do too. I have a wonderful friend named Theresa who laughs at her mistakes, and when she retells them, we end up laughing together. She's a joy to be around, and I have some delightful tales about her adventures.

The Car Wash Incident

This particular story took place in the mid-80s. With two babies in car seats, Theresa decided to surprise her husband by cleaning his car. She turned her brown woody station wagon into a car wash adventure. She paid and proceeded slowly into the car wash. However, she miscalculated and somehow didn't notice the huge warning when she drove over the metal railing designed to set the vehicle's boundaries.

Laughing and singing with her toddlers, she was oblivious to what was about to happen. Suddenly, smash went the windshield, followed by a flood of suds. Trapped helplessly in the car wash, Theresa was still happy, continuing to scrub the car, unaware of the chaos around her. She let out a hysterical, laughing squeal, looking at her drenched self and wondering how much water would be dumped into the car before it stopped.

The attendants came to the rescue, shutting off the machines and running to her window for further instructions. This incident probably wasn't the first time something like this had happened, but it might have been the young attendants' first experience with such a mishap.

They helped her guide the car out of the car wash, park it, and call for help. Oh yeah, her husband got a big surprise, alright! Not exactly how either of them wanted their day to turn out. But even now, forty years later, we both get tons of laughs and joy remembering this story.

Creating Memories

Sometimes, I think of life as making one memory after another—some bad, some good, but always a memory. Your property is part of the memories you create, whether for yourself, your family, or your customers. Whenever we can control the creation, we make it for the good of others and the world.

Fences create memories. They serve to protect things that are dear to us. Sometimes, they are used to provide strength to a structure. Other times, they serve as a boundary to give us a sense of security. Whatever your reason for installing a fence, check us out at Louis E. Page.

We have over 65 years of combined fence expertise and add products to our extensive catalog monthly. Need help finding what you want? No fear. Call us! Terry loves searching for what you need, and if someone manufactures it, we can find it.

Warmest regards,

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (So 131 years ago our family ancestor Louis E. founded the company)