Bill Jackman was the sketch artist for my Flagpole column for many years. With his talent he had no problem making his own personal Christmas cards. These are two I received from him several years ago. One had a letter in it that I’d like to share with you. This is what it said:
“Oft’ times I venture a bit, from my normal path, seekin’ new adventures. In September I took flight with the geese, above the clouds, to warmer places; the Carolina coast to spend a week with family.
While there, took in lots of sun and scenic places. Southport, on or by the coast, being one of them. In Historic Southport they had many Live Oak trees. They were short and spread out, like the hands of God. They shelter everything below them.
While settin’ beneath the oaks, bells from a nearby church rang 12 times, ‘twas noon. This was followed by chimes, from a pipe organ–chimes for this song:
Softly and Tenderly
“Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling
Calling for you and for me.
See on the portals, He’s waiting and watching,
Watching for you and for me.
Come Home, come home, you who are weary, come home.
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling, calling “O Sinner come home”
“O” for the wonderful love he has promised;
Promised for you and for me. Though we have sinned
He has mercy and pardon. Pardon for you and for me.
Come home, come home, you who are weary, come home.
Earnestly, tenderly Jesus is calling, calling “O” sinner come home.”
Yes, the chimes came from a pipe organ recording from a church steeple behind the Live Oak trees. I get a wee bit older and a lil’ more fragile yet am thankful for the daily bread and look forward to the greener pastures. In the meantime, I continue to try making projects of happiness for others.”
Bill Jackman
1936-2013