Author: robinsquick

This sign has been hanging in our house for several years and I’d like to think it is a family motto. I have made it my Facebook cover photo repeatedly and shared it with people to provide inspiration. However, I just noticed that this says “if” not “when.” It never dawned on me before that lifting is a choice.

This quote makes me think of a car on top of a person and a group of people working together to lift the car. They do together what each of them can not do alone. I am a person that will pitch in and lift, do my part. My expectation has been that, given the chance, everyone would pitch in and lift. That expectation came screeching to a halt today. The reason why isn’t the important thing, but my perspective shift is.

If you came upon a car flipped over on a person would you immediately jump in to help or would you wait for “them” to do it? Would you be frozen by fear?Not want to take a risk? Not want to be bothered? Think it’s more important to record the event? Yeah, I think if most people are honest the reason they wouldn’t pitch in is that they don’t want to be bothered. That’s a pretty sad state of affairs for our world.

There is no question that I would do what I could. If not me than who? Is it genetic? A personality thing? Generational? Naive? Am I a busybody not minding my own business?

What if it was a much simpler prospect like, say, moving something heavy? Just because I asked for help moving something does not mean that I can’t do it alone, but rather why should I? Asking for help with a burden doesn’t show weakness necessarily, although it could. Who wouldn’t stop to help when asked?

I get that some people might hesitate to jump in and help lift a burden if the help was unsolicited, but who wouldn’t help when asked?

It dawned on me today that some people feel imposed upon when asked to help and I am straining to understand these people. Some people want to keep their head down, stay in their lane, pretend they don’t see an opportunity, stay politically correct, not ruffle feathers or whatever. What a sign of our times.

What is the hardest thing you have ever had to do? Physically? Emotionally? Mentally? I think I have a top 5, but I really need to think about it and scan my life.

Because of who I am I walked across a field and apologized to someone who didn’t deserve it.

I stood across the room from my 3-year old, crying “Mommy! Mommy! Mommy” after he had surgery so he would take steps toward me and begin healing.

There’s a gruesome childbirth story that involves a sadistic nurse turning off the epidural and 2 hours of pushing.

Walking into a new high school as a 16-year old and eating lunch in the library for a week rather than sit in the cafeteria alone.

There are other hard things that I have summoned the strength and/or courage to do, but by far my favorite is to come alongside someone to help shoulder their burden. It is a gift to someone help but, because of God’s economy, the helper receives a gift as well.

So think of your hard things….I’ll wait. If you are so inclined please message me or comment her. I can’t make any of the hard easier, but I can come alongside and see you. Perhaps if I take a little of your burden it won’t feel so terrible.

Very few burdens are heavy if everyone lifts.

John Arnold Quick
January 1, 1934 – August 23, 2018

John Arnold Quick of Deep Gap, NC died unexpectedly but peacefully surrounded by his 3 sons on Thursday August 23, 2018. He was 84.

John was born January 1, 1934 in Middletown, NY to Catherine and Thomas Quick. He was raised in the Village of Roscoe, NY on the banks of the Beaverkill and Willowemoc Rivers. He grew up overlooking the world famous Junction Pool and he and his brother Tom and sister Cathy enjoyed a childhood filled with hunting, fishing and camping and enjoying the small town life. John was on the Roscoe High School championship basketball team. While still In high school he and his brother Tom began working in the family business, Thomas Quick Lumber Company, where they learned the value of hard, physical work and a lifelong love of the lumber industry and woodworking.

As teenagers, John and his friends spent much of their time at the Langan family house on Tennanah Lake, just up the mountain from Roscoe. He met his future wife Kathryn (Tinky) Langan as a teenager in this idyllic setting.

John attended University of New Hampshire and graduated in 1956 with forestry degree. He joined the US Army in 1957 where he spent 2 years serving at Fort Knox and Fort Dix. John married his dream girl, Tinky, on November 29, 1958.

John and Kathryn lived in Roscoe, NY where John continued to work at Thomas Quick Lumber Company. They moved with their 3 young boys to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in where they stayed for one and a half years. The family has wonderful memories of that time on the island, and one of the many stories that came from that time involves a labor dispute by the locals, a short hostage situation involving his sons and TInky charging in on a jeep.

His business took the family Asheville, NC, Jamestown, NC and Greensboro, NC. John and business partner Alan Hart founded Ultraflex Corporation and Imports of High Point, supporting the furniture industry. When he sold the business in 2009 John kept his hand in the furniture supply import/export business. He loved to keep his mind and sales acumen active.

John and Tinky built their dream home in Birds’ Eye View in Deep Gap. A devout Catholic, John was a parishioner of St Elizabeth of the Hills in Boone, NC. He enjoyed the great outdoors, good food, wine and spirits; he was a mountain man who understood and embraced the finer things in life. His pilot’s license and escapades are the source of many stories. An avid dancer, John would dance the jitterbug with a partner no matter what the music style. John stayed active all of his life, with many adventures with his sons, brother, nephews, nieces and grandsons, including a canoe trip up a river in the Adirondacks to find buried treasure left by his father 50 years before. He explored Alaska, the Sierra Nevadas in California and he and his sons took a horse trek trip in the wilderness of British Columbia. He traveled all over the world for business and pleasure and was glad to visit Cuba multiple times, the last time to see the Pope in 2012.

The most important thing to John throughout his life was his family and friends, and John “Big Q” never met a stranger. He was a generous man with a deep peace and joy for life. Those he loved were reminded of his affection regularly. His departure from this world to the Heavenly Kingdom leaves a giant hole in the lives of everyone who knew him. We rejoice that he is reunited with his love, Tinky, and the scores of loved ones who went before.

Predeceased by his wife, Kathryn Langan Quick, John is survived by sons John (Michelle) of San Rafael, CA; Kevin (partner Pam Poppenhagen) of Boone, NC; Joe (Robin) of Mt Pleasant, SC. His pride and joy were his grandsons, Sean Quick of San Rafael, CA; James Quick of LA; Ryan and Brady Quick of Mt Pleasant, SC; Brother Tom (Joanne) Quick of St Augustine; a sister Cathy Rice of Hooksett, NH, many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

Donations in honor of John Quick may be sent to Deep Gap Volunteer Fire Department, Station 23, 6583 Old 421 South, Deep Gap, NC, 28618. The Quick family owes a debt of gratitude to the Deep Gap Volunteer Fire Department as they saved the mountain house from a forest fire in 1991.

The visitation will be held on Monday, August 27 and the Austin and Barnes Funeral Home in Boone. The funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, August 28 at 1 pm a St. Elizabeth of the Hills Catholic Church in Boone.

A long time ago, July 2005, Brady was having surgery on his jaw to remove a tumor. He was 2 1/2 and while we knew he would need surgery to correct the leg length discrepancy in the future and we were preparing for it, this surgery came as a surprise. My Bible study sisters were there for me in so many ways, not just with prayers

On the morning of the surgery Joey and I took Brady down to the Medical University and got him all checked in. We turned him over to the nurses who wheeled him away in a wagon and then Joey and I went to wait it out in the waiting room. We were expecting a 2-3 hour surgery and a few nights in the hospital.

Why Surgery

At a dental pre-check a few weeks earlier the dentist discovered that one of Brady’s molars hadn’t broken through. They did a panoramic x-ray which showed the molar encapsulated by an ameloblastic odontoma. We were referred to MUSC where Brady needed to have a CT scan. Because of his age they wanted to do the scan while Brady was under general anesthesia to be sure he was still enough to get a good image. Not only did I not want to have Brady undergo all of that just as a precaution, but our individual insurance plan was going to leave us with a huge copay. I told them I would like to try the scan without anesthesia and they reluctantly agreed, thinking there was no way they’d be able to get a good image. I mobilized the DOK prayer warriors of the church, asking for prayers that Brady stay still enough for a good scan. I recount this all now calmly but I was pretty freaked out about all of this. My baby, who already would have to endure orthopedic surgery, had a tumor in his jaw! And our insurance was going to pay for very little of the CT scan and I was terrified. Of course Joey was involved in all of this but I was the one taking Brady to appointments so I remember this all quite independent of him.

I talked to Brady at length about the scan, that it was going to be like a donut going over his head and he’d have to be very still. His little 2 1/2 year old self said, “I can do it, Mom.”

On the day of the scan the technician was shocked that Brady was so young and that we were going to try the CT scan. We went into the room, I looked him in the eyes and kept talking to him. His memory is that I held up toys for him to focus on. I could see Brady go to that place that I now recognize as a place of determination and peace. I believe the power of God becomes physically present in him. When the scan was over, the technician had to go check it to see if they got what they needed. She was pretty dumbfounded when she came back and told me that the scan was great. I know that the power of people praying and interceding on Brady’s behalf has caused miracles to happen and this is one. There is a cruise control that takes over my spirit which simultaneously removes worry and fills me physically. It’s as if I can feel the power of the Holy Spirit connection like a gentle and continuous tugging of my body from my sternum. Like the lightness of a balloon when filled with helium.

In looking at the scan the dental surgeon showed me where the tumor had pushed against jawbone and where the bone had given way. She said that Brady would require a bone graft, or a temporary metal plate that would be removed at a later date, in order to shore up the weakened bone. We scheduled the surgery for 3 weeks later and I left MUSC pretty freaked out. A bone graft from cadaver bone? A metal plate? 2-3 hours of surgery and 2 nights in the hospital! It all sounded terrible and scary so I once again went to my prayer warriors. It’s not that I didn’t think my own prayers were enough, but I was really aware that God blesses it when you share your burdens with others and have them intercede for you. And there is great comfort for me to have others to support me.

Back in the Waiting Room

Joey and I settled in for a 2-3 hour wait and had only been there a few minutes when Maria Crowley came in. She had a basket of things with her put together by my friends in our Bible study. There were snacks and magazines and cards and things to help keep Brady occupied for multiple nights in the hospital. Maria was sitting with us for what seemed like a short while when the surgeon came in, much earlier than expected. She told us that the surgery was over, the tumor popped right out, and there was more bone than there looked to be on the scan 3 weeks earlier so a bone graft, metal plate and overnight stay were not necessary. I remember being completely flabbergasted and incredulous, feeling like something miraculous had happened. We didn’t really have time for that because we had to go to the recovery room and tend to Brady and then take him home!

Brady still had oral surgery under general anesthesia which messes with him quite a bit so the day was spent making him comfortable. I remember spending a good bit of time in my bed with Brady’s head on my chest as bloody drool drained from his mouth. Such a comfort to a mom to be able to comfort her child.

Back at home I had the chance to go through the care package provided by my Bible study. One of the cards, from Carrie King, contained Isaiah 43 with Brady’s name inserted. It had been Carrie’s daily devotional scripture and she thought it was perfect for Brady. This began a tradition for me to print out Isaiah 43 with the names of people inserted. It is quite a powerful thing to read with emphasis placed on your name. God intends scripture to be directed to us individually so it is by His power that we are affected.

Isaiah 43 New International Version (NIV)

1 But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you, Robin;I have summoned you by name; you are mine, Robin.

2  When you pass through the waters, Robin, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, Robin, they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire, Robin, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

3 For I am the Lord your God, Robin, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Robin, Cush[a] and Seba in your stead.

4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, Robin, I will give people in exchange for you nations in exchange for your life.

5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you, Robin; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.

6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth—

7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

I continue to insert peoples names into Isaiah 43, and while I know it confronts others it provides me a great deal of comfort to intercede for others. God has blessed me by showing me His love through others, and it continues to bless me to share God’s love with others.

Amen

I was raised spending time in parks and exploring the woods and I’ve been able to identify poison ivy for years. I will be walking along, see posing ivy, and point it out to everyone in earshot.

Last week, on a mission trip with the Christ Church high school youth, one of the things Crew 9 was assigned to do was pull out weeds from the bedding plants. In a giant bed of Myrtle and ivy I found a tiny patch of poison ivy. I stopped all the kids, made them go inside and wash with soap and water and then we moved in to polishing pews in the Church.

The next day we were at the Quicks mountain house and I took a good, hot shower. Seeing some patches of black splinters I scrubbed extra hard. I thought it might be briars from the rose bushes I was pruning a few days before, but oh was I wrong.

The following day when we got home I did an even more thorough scrubbing in the shower. Soon after, the areas were red and angry, and I realized I had made a terrible mistake. I had 3-4 isolated patches of poison ivy.

Brady, Ryan and I headed up to Virginia on Tuesday and I took care to keep the poison ivy areas bandaged. The rashes seemed to be getting better. Ah, what a false sense of security I had been lured into.

Friday was the biggest mistake. The boys and I went to Water Country in Williamsburg. I had band aids on my rashes and I was careful to apply sunblock around the areas. All was well until I began to bake in the sun, I watched some rash areas appear, blister and burst before my eyes. I went on some water slides, dried off with a towel and reapplied sunblock. Now I know what I didn’t know then-that I was smearing poison ivy all over my body.

On the way home to my parents I stopped to get Caladryl lotion, surely that would take care of it. Nope! That night I was scratching like mad, spreading the devil’s poison all over. I used ice during the night, and in the morning the sheets of the bed where I sleep looked like a pink blooded mass murder had taken place.

On the drive home to My Pleasant I was splashing myself with Caladryl during the entire drive. I was so relieved to get home, but there was no relief from the itching.

On Sunday I was determined to move forward both in healing and itching.

I gave the Zanfel a shot, scrubbing and he multiple rash sites as directed. I think it helped a little, speeding up the healing process on the rash sites. It is supposed to draw the oil to the surface so that it can be washed away. It gives some relief but not a cure.

2 weeks after exposure to poison ivy and I’m still suffering. Just when I think I’ve got it all managed another batch pops up. I am scrubbing with Zanfel and coating myself with Ivarest. Apparently, the older you get the more you at risk of severe reactions to poison ivy. Yay! Another bonus of getting old!

“Get behind me Satan.”

Why? Why is it that every time you go on mission, whether to Kenya or Haiti or Nashville, Satan attacks? Yes, I know. Of course I know. When we do things in the name of Jesus the enemy finds a way in if we will let him.

First, on Tuesday in Nashville as I was manhandling a box spring the bed frame jumped out and bit me. I didn’t realize anything was wrong until someone noticed the blood running down my leg pooling in my shoe.

When I wiped off the would realized, “crap, that’s pretty deep.” So I called Joey. He said, “Yep, that’s deep and it’s going to need a stitch.” He was on a separate job site and told me he would come if I needed him. I was pretty confident that I was fine, but just needed to get it looked at. I really wanted to take an Uber to an Urgent Care.

The volunteer at our job site freaked out a little and was worried about where to take me. The Executive Director was on the phone with her and they were discussing CVS. I was sure they were talking about taking me to an Urgent Care by CVS. Waiting in the parking lot to be taken to get stitches I texted Joey.

x

Growing up my mom made a dish she called Chicken and Wine and it became the legendary Sitcer family comfort food.

In my household it is called Lala’s Chicken and Wine and it has the same status of legendary comfort food.

It is not rocket science, but it is a great recipe to tweak to make it your own. Here is where mine is now:

Mix together equal amounts of plain bread crumbs and flour. Season with plenty of kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, garlic powder and Herbs de Provence. Sometimes I add grated Parmesan and sometimes I don’t. Be sure to taste this breading to be sure there is an equal balance of flavors; salt, pepper and herbs should be well balanced.

The next step is to dredge the chicken breasts, making sure they have been brought to room temperature and are opened up and flattened.

As you are dredging all of the chicken breasts you should be melting equal amounts of olive oil and butter, 2 T each approximatel y.

Being careful not to burn the butter and oil, heat the pan on medium high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook on high, for about 5 minutes on aside

When the chicken breasts have been browned on each side remove them to a cooking dish, it is time to deglaze the pan with white wine.

Pour in about a cup or cup and a half of good white wine (don’t ever cook with wi e you wouldn’t drink) and whisk up the drippings until the sauce thickens. Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts in the pan.

Cook on 375 for 30 minutes. Serve with (wild) rice.

Ingredients

6 chicken breasts, brought to room temperature and flattened a bit

Combine 1 C plain breadcrumbs, 1 C flour, 1 T salt, 1 T fresh ground pepper, 1 T herb de Provence and mix well.

2 T butter

2 T olive oil

1 C dry white wine

Man, I love my friend Piper.

Ryan’s first Summer Fun Week was in 2004 when he had just finished 3K. The Theme was the Olympics and it was called Son Games. Ryan was in the Japan group. I don’t remember a lot of the details except that the closing was incredibly moving and the CD was played in the car over and over. I know VBS was intended to make disciples, and it really helped me become a disciple of Christ. Who would have thought that 7 months later I would join the Children’s Ministry Team in January 2005 and in 2007 I would become the Director of CM.

Flash forward 14 years to 2018, and 18-year old Ryan opened today with prayer.

So many stories that I am anxious to share.

Very little, actually, except that friends over time equal family.

Blessed that families came together in 2002 for preschool. Is it really 2018!