Our celebration of Nora’s life is just about ready. Thanks to everyone for making it happen. These have been long days for all of us. Family will be coming in tomorrow (Nov. 1. Happy birthday, brother Marty.) to help with last minute stuff. To remind everyone, this is not fancy, it is an oyster roast. Yes, jeans or shorts are most appropriate.

Think of it this way, you will be sitting or standing in Nora’s back yard, looking out at the pluff mud of Boyd Creek (low tide Saturday afternoon). You will be seeing what Nora saw, what she fell in love with, the sounds and smells and light playing on the Spartina grass. There was never a time when she looked out from our yard or deck or porch when she wasn’t dressed “comfortably.” Follow her lead. I did and profited from it.

You can bring your own oyster knife. For some of us shucking is an art form. While there will be plenty of wine, soft drinks, tea and water, feel free to bring your own beverage. Food, too. There should be plenty, but sometimes offering food to others helps us through these times.

Enough. I welcome you, my family welcomes you, to The Ridge.

 

Dear Family and Friends,

Looks like we will have favorable weather for our Celebration of Nora’s Life. I understand there are still rooms (Baymont Inn and Suites, Yemassee, SC (10 minutes away), 1-866-235-8098) blocked under Hampton Rutledge.

I know some of you would like to say a few words about Nora while everyone is gathered. Just left me know. Also, a few asked about “dress.” This is an oyster roast. This is really rural Ridgeland. This is Nora’s celebration. If you would like to get oyster juice stains on your good clothes, I have no objection. However, I’ll be wearing jeans or shorts (weather dependent).

A slight warning. Our yard is filled with nuts (I did not say “will be,” I mean it really is right now). Ultra-soft-soled shoes are not advised.

What else? I want to thank you all again for your kind thoughts and prayers for my family. I would also like you to take a moment to remember the father of my friend and partner, Steve Anderson, who lost his father last Sunday. Peace be with you, Steve.

So here’s how to get to “The Ridge.” Please, if you have ANY questions, call or text me (843-816-0904). Directions and maps follow.

Paul

Directions to “The Ridge.”

From I-95  North and South. Take exit 28 (462) to Hilton Head Island. 4.6 (or so) miles later, turn left on Knowles Island Road (billboard for Palm Key on left). Palm Key is on left. Turn first right after Palm Key (that’s Boyd Creek Drive – we’re missing our sign). Follow Boyd Creek Drive to the folks who will guide you to our “designated parking area.” You will be whisked, via golf cart, to 608 Boyd Creek Drive.

From Hilton Head Island. 278 to 170 (Beaufort). Just past Oldfield, sign to Ridgeland, 462. Turn left to Ridgeland. Follow 462 past Ridgeland turn off (Cooler’s Exxon) to Knowles Island Road. Turn right (Palm Key billboard). Turn first right after Palm Key (that’s Boyd Creek Drive – we’re missing our sign). Follow Boyd Creek Drive to the folks who will guide you to our “designated parking area.” You will be whisked, via golf cart, to 608 Boyd Creek Drive.

Savannah. Unless you know your back roads, follow direction for I-95 North and South.

Hilton Head Airport/Savannah International  Airport. Give me a call. (843-816-0904)

Any special dietary requirements, please email me.

Maps

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear family and friends,

The kids took up the celebration gauntlet with a passion. Dustin, Sarah, Aaron and Jeremy stayed the week with me. Nephew Hampton Rutledge was (and remains) a huge help. You can see their achievements below.

I think everyone my bride touched has a “Nora story” or “Nora moment,” maybe even a Nora photo. To make the day even more enjoyable, send your stories and/or photos to celebratenora@gmail.com. Just attach or include it in the body of the email. Or you can send hard copy to: 608 Boyd Creek Drive, Ridgeland, SC 29936. I’ll display them.

A block of hotel rooms is now officially set aside for the weekend, under the name Rutledge, at Baymont Inn and Suites, Yemassee, SC (10 minutes away), 1-866-235-8098.

I stand corrected (in so many ways): It will be Lowcountry Boil, not Frogmore Stew. Speaking of food, if anyone has any dietary restrictions, please let me know.

Here’s what the kids did.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please join our celebration.

Paul

Dear family and friends,

As some of you know, today would have been Nora’s and my 29^th wedding anniversary. Impossible. Wasn’t it just yesterday? Some of you were there. Our dear friends, Walter and Karen Palmer offered their beautiful hand-made home and studio on Sawmill Creek Road is what is now “Greater Bluffton.” Back then there were about three houses on Sawmill Creek, all hidden by palmetto and pine and water and live oak and crepe myrtle and brambles and Spanish moss.

Yup, that’s us. Nora had turned 33 in September. I was stumbling toward 40. That handsome couple in the back that’s Anne and Hamp, Nora’s parents. The couple to the right, that’s Kari and Marty, my sister-in-law and brother. They live in Tombstone, Arizona and make an annual trip east once a year and time their arrival to be here a bit before this day. I needed them then and I needed them now. Sort of works out.

That shorter person with her back to us is Cindy. She was Nora’s administrative assistant when Nora was in the hotel business. She was also a Notary and she married us.

The little kid on the left. That’s Dustin, Nora’s oldest son. He came down from Charlotte with his Michelle to sit with his mama this past weekend and help Nora begin her new journey. So did his beautiful sister Rebecca, Nora’s oldest. And son Aaron as been with me, and daughter Sarah and her Jeremy. And Nora’s sister Jaine.

I guess you guessed the couple in the middle. Well, her mama is gone and now Nora is gone and I’m left holding that damn ring.

But some things remain the same. I needed a haircut then. And I need one now.

We had no funeral ceremony. Nora and I talked about our last days long before the cancer. Nora’s ashes will end up at a special place in the waters off Hilton Head Island. But my beloved deserves to be celebrated, so we are going to have a Celebration of Nora’s Life on November 2, 2013 here on The Ridge (608 Boyd Creek Drive, Ridgeland, SC 29936). Come about 3 in the afternoon. It will be low tide, but that’s O.K.  Nora loved our view 24/7.

It’s going to be an oyster roast. We’re also having Frogmore Stew, just like we did 29 short years ago. I will need to know if you’re thinking of coming so we’ll have enough oysters and boil (stew) and other stuff. You just email me directly at celebratenora@gmail.com in the next week. If you need accommodations, nephew Hampton is a deal worked out with a nearby motel. Let me know if you need it. We have plenty of parking. And for you Luddites who do not have GPS (you are a “Luddite” if you don’t know what GPS is), I’ll email you or send you a hard copy map.

Got it? Nov. 2, 3 pm. 608 Boyd Creek Drive, Ridgeland, SC 29936. The only problem with this sort of thing is that the guest of honor is always AWOL.

Your support and kindness and generosity are helping my family pull through this. What great friends. What great people. I know your lives were greatly enhanced by knowing my bride.

My love to you all. I’ll need you.

Paul

Nora left us this morning. Peacefully. With family. Thank you all.