Karen Casey - Keepers of the Wisdom: Reflections from Lives Well Lived

Hazelden Publishing

Center City, Minnesota 55012

hazelden.org/bookstore

1996 by the author

All rights reserved. Published 1996.

No part of this publication, either print or electronic, may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the express written permission of the publisher. Failure to comply with these terms may expose you to legal action and damages for copyright infringement.

Library of Congress Cataloging-In-Publication Data

Casey, Karen.

Keepers of the wisdom : reflections from lives well lived / Karen Casey.

p.cm.

Includes index.

ISBN 1-56838-117-4

1. Meditations. 2. Devotional calendars. I. Title. BL624.2.C37 1996

158'.12dc20

96-24023

CIP

Editors note

Hazelden Publishing offers a variety of information on addiction and related areas. Our publications do not necessarily represent Hazelden Betty Ford Foundations programs, nor do they officially speak for any Twelve Step organization.

This publication is not intended as a substitute for the advice of health care professionals.

In the process of being reissued in 2020, Keepers of the Wisdom has undergone minor editing updates.

To the greatest degree possible, the accuracy of quotations and sources has been verified. The quotations in this daily reader come from interviews by the author.

INTERIOR DESIGN: TERRI KINNE

TYPESETTING: PERCOLATOR GRAPHIC DESIGN

Patrick Butler was a spiritual mentor to me and thousands of people, mostly men and women who had never even met him. Because of his personal efforts on behalf of alcoholics and other addicts over many decades, tens of thousands of men and women embarked on a spiritual journey that changed their lives forever. He was far too humble to readily acknowledge this, but its the truth, nonetheless.

Pat was a St. Paul, Minnesota, husband, father, and businessman. He was also the son and brother of alcoholics. His own recovery from alcoholism in 1951 didnt come easy, but he did recover and he realized the value of time out in a sober setting. When that particular setting just north of St. Paul hit hard times financially, Pat, along with his family, undertook the task of getting it fiscally sound. He was soon committing his own fortune to the Hazelden Foundation, and it has been a strong force ever since. Thousands of individuals owe their lives to Pat and his family.

My own evolution as a recovering woman and writer is owing in great part to Pats inspiration. He showed so many of us the joy of living, thinking, laughing, and daring to take on new challenges. Even in his late eighties, he still made the trip to Hazelden every week from his home nearly forty-five miles away. He always had time for a chat with a patient, an employee, or a visitor.

When I began interviewing people for Keepers of the Wisdom, I realized that perhaps the wisest individual Id ever known had already passed on. His memory was always with me as I spoke with others, which is why I have dedicated this book to him. Pat was my model for the truly gifted, passionate soul. He had an awesome appreciation for the many details of life. His vitality and spirit surely still live.

Its not easy to convey the inspiration, hope, love, and knowledge of the people I interviewed for this book. They revealed how life really works when taken a bit at a time. Because of my debt of gratitude to all of them, I publicly thank them now for opening their homes, their hearts, their very lives to my husband Joe and me as we shaped this book.

Jim and Marie Burns, thank you for your ever-so-gentle spirits. As you so eloquently said, Jim, life is about giving and receiving only love. You two embody that to the fullest. To Edith Huey Bartholomew and husband, Harry, thanks for bringing your energy for life, for art, for nature, and for one another into our world. Janice Clark, we were overwhelmed by your many talents as writer, painter, sculptor, and community organizer, and your enthusiasm for all of them. You still found time to tell great stories and laugh a lot. Alpha English, Joe and I felt as though we had been touched by an angel during our visit with you. Your gentle way, the depth of your humility, your inspired vision about life and its many possibilities have changed the future for everyone who has ever encountered you. We thank you for all of them and for ourselves, too. Tom Harding, the photograph you gave us hangs in my Minneapolis study. Joe and I wont soon forget your wonderful hideaway, where you pass the hours in serious contemplation and work. Monty Cralley, you cant imagine how many times you come to our minds. We fondly remember the trip to your lovely cabin, the warmth with which you told us your story, the love that emanated each time you mentioned Ann. The book you gave me has been turned to many times. The picture you let us choose has been framed and hung on our dining room wall.

Alice Merryman, how grateful I am that I kept ringing your phone. Your talent at the easel and your dexterity in caning and dollmaking are a testament to the rewards of growing old. You prove that it can be the best time of ones life.

Eva Wines, how fortunate that your art teacher never tried to change your natural talent, and how fortunate for the rest of us that you turned to painting as a way to increase the joy in your life as the years moved along. Maria Regnier Krimmel, it wasnt only your beautiful silver work and your luscious flower gardens that amazed us, but your culinary talents also. All those people who think that living beyond ninety quells the spirit should have the good fortune to meet you!

Violet Hensley, your fiddling was such a treat, including the affectionate tap on the head you gave each of us with the bow as you played and danced around the kitchen. Perhaps by now you have passed on the art of carving fiddles to one of your grandkids. Dana Steward, your wonderful book, A Fine Age, began this entire process for my husband and me. As Ive said more than once, our lives have been changed forever. That you opened the door for us to a group of wonderful men and women has meant far more than my words can express. Somehow, I know you know exactly what I mean. Helen Casey, I know that you have been a role model for other men and women for many years. Your undying desire to try something new shows others that life is not over until its over! What an inspiration you are.

Clara Glenn, even though you have passed on now, I suspect your spirit is peeking over my shoulder. You were a feminist probably before the word was defined. Your passion for being in the world of ideas showed other women another path to travel. All of us pay homage to you. Abby and Sandy Warman, how tenderly you both travel lifes path, symbolizing what love and respect can initiate in a marriage. The care with which you nurture yourselves shows others the rewards that can come from thoughtful contemplation. Fran Coyne, I remember our interview well. You were my first interviewee. I really didnt know then where this idea would take me, but what a fascinating ride it has been. Because you were so inspiring about the wonderful possibilities that await one in old age, I vowed to continue my research. Thank you for jump-starting the process.