The Three of Us

In loving memory of Aaron Havenga (April 2, 1975 ~ November 20, 1994)


Aaron: Before you were born,
we held your sister Sarah,
and loved her deeply.

You can see in the photos
how the three of us wanted 
a baby brother for her.

Then you were born,
and our joy was multiplied.
Our family complete.

Mary and I watched
the two of you play together;
always together,
making your own fun.

Sarah loved you deeply.
You loved her too.
You took care of each other.

We took care of you and Sarah.

Somehow, nineteen years sailed by,
and you passed from this life.
Your sister now brotherless;
your parents counting the years,
carrying a suffering love for you. 

The three of us carrying on, 
carrying our memories of you
deep in our hearts.

Because we carry
the Spirit of God,
which dwells within us. 

© 2018 Richard Havenga

Photos 1 - 6 by Mary Havenga, from Sarah Havenga's collection.

Between Us

For Mary; on our 45th Anniversary:


Together, we are looking
into the immeasurable night sky,
stunned by the incredible visibility.

Looking into the vastness of time,
feeling the immense impact
of the measured silence
that fills the space between stars.

To fill the space between us,
I slowly come behind you
and wrap my warmth around you.

No words are needed
as we treasure this time,
measuring the comfortable silence,
closing the distance between stars,
confirming the love between us. 

© 2016 Richard Havenga

each other

"You and I have memories, longer than the road that stretches out ahead." 
~ Paul McCartney © 1970 ~ Beatles


For my loving wife Mary:

I'm trying to tell here,
of the way we share
the sunlight of our days,
the moon white of our nights,

traveling miles of back roads together,

hiking rugged trails of discovery,
enduring painful storms of loss,

the way we can still pull joy
from ordinary moments
of this extraordinary life.

Laughter, learning,

and love that lasts.

The gifts we find
in our selves
to give each other. 

© 2016 Richard Havenga

♪♪ Happy Birthday ♪♪ Mary !

Photo Locations:

1. West Elk Wilderness - Gunnison National Forest - Colorado  

2. Crested Butte, Colorado

3. "Angel's Landing" trail - Zion National Park - Utah 

4. Iroquois County, Illinois

5. Mary on deck - Home

6. Mary on "Birthday Bike" - Home

7. Rich & Mary- Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming