December 25, 2008—
My presents are all wrapped in their usual festive attire, my Christmas cards are all sent to family and friends, and I sang "Silent Night" by candlelight last evening at the church where you once attended a Christmas Eve service. Before I set off down the road to spend the day with my mother, brother, and his family, I wanted to post a message here for you, in hopes that you might decide to check this Web site. My wish for you this beautiful Christmas Day is this—
May the GOOD LORD's gift of the risen Christ be born again in your heart this Wondrous Christmas Day and every day! A Very Merry Christmas, dear daughter, to you and all of your family and friends! And may you have a Happy and Healthy New Year! Many Bright Blessings!
December 21, 2008—
Your cousin Samantha turns eighteen today! Hard to believe she is now half-way through her senior year of high school! Happy Birthday, Samantha!
December 07, 2008—
It has been seventeen years since we last saw one another. I pray with all of my heart and soul that this next year will bring about some sort of reconciliation between us. Be not afraid. Place your faith in the GOOD LORD that all will be made right!
November 27, 2008—
Today is Thanksgiving and I am in Erie, Colorado spending the day with my Aunt Jean, Cousin Craig and his family, and various other relatives. I spent the last two days in Grand Junction, Colorado visiting my Aunt Caroline and Cousin Suzi. My wish for you this day is that you give thanks for the gift of everything in your life, for the gift of everyone in your life, for the gift of this glorious day, and most of all—for the gift of you! Wishing you the very happiest of Thanksgivings, dear daughter!
August 08, 2008—
I have been thinking a great deal about the fact that you graduated from college in May. I am wondering about the choices that are in front of you and how you are going about choosing the path for your life that feels right. It can be overwhelming! I have thought about whether I can offer any advice to you as you go out in the world and explore. The only thing that came to mind was for me to write you about my experience when I graduated from college thirty years ago.
Click here to read my letter.
Click here to view photographs—Set #1 (Wyoming).
Click here to view photographs—Set #2 (Kalalau Valley).
Click here to view photographs—Set #3 (Europe).
August 07, 2008—
Today is my Mom's seventy-seventh birthday! I will drive down to her house later this afternoon, do the present thing, and then go out for a bite to eat. According to my Mom, when you get to be her age, there is not much of a desire to celebrate the coming of another birthday! Happy Birthday (anyway), Mom!
July 04, 2008—
Today would have been my Dad's seventy-seventh birthday! I will make a pilgrimage down to Arlington National Cemetery (Section No. 69, Plot No. 1712), take a long walk along the Potomac River, and watch the fireworks. I hope that you have a wonderful day! What a country!
June 15, 2008—
Today is Father's Day and my thoughts are with my Dad. This will be
my third Father's Day without him. My thoughts are also with you. I admit that it is difficult to be without both my father and my two wonderful daughters. But GOD has a plan and a purpose in mind for each of us as we make our way through this life. I pray that I am learning the lessons that I must learn.
I am also writing to let you know that your Great Aunt Caroline is visiting back east this week and next. She, along with your Great Aunt Betty and several of my cousins and their families, will be staying down at Bethany Beach, only a couple of miles from our place. I so wish that you could be there to meet some good folks and take part in the family reunion. Know that they all always ask about you.
Lastly, I am mindful of the loss of Tim Russert on Friday. The story of his father, his son, and his family is very touching. It is my sincere prayer that you and I might meet again while on this earthly plane. But if that is not GOD's plan, then I look forward to being in your presence in the Great Beyond where all wounds are healed.
Peace be with you, dear daughter, on this special day!
May 15, 2008—
My mind is on you today as I think about your pending congraduation from college. It was thirty ... yep, three-zero ... years ago today that I graduated from Wake Forest University. I can hardly believe it! As you head out into the world now as an "official adult," I offer you one observation and two pieces of advice.
The observation is simply this—life goes by so very quickly. Savour each and every day to the fullest. Your Great-Grandmother Gail would always say, all you ever have is the "precious present."
My advice is this—always be true to yourself and always take the high road. There will be bumps in the road of life, but following these two guidelines will lead you to come out on top in the end—even if it might take you awhile to get there.
Just wanted you to know that I have a big smile on my face right now because I so very proud of you! You are the best!
May 11, 2008—
It is so very difficult for me to believe that it has now been 6,000 days since I last had the privilege of speaking with you. During this long wait, I have drawn strength from Psalm 27:14 ... "Wait on the LORD, be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart." I pray that some day soon we might reconnect. God bless you!
April 26, 2008—
Today is your birthday ... A quick note to wish you the happiest of birthdays and to give you a birthday present—"The Story of How You Came Into The World!" I send to you all of my love on this most special day! God bless you!
March 28, 2008—
If it is springtime and getting warm, it is time to start thinking about the
beach!
March 20, 2008—
Wishing you a Happy Easter and a Wonderful Spring!
February 17, 2008—
I thought it might be interesting to follow the progress of your cousin, Melodi, during her semester-long trek around the world. To read her blog, go to the following URL address ... http://www.theworldatmyfeet.blogspot.com ... Do enjoy!
January 12, 2008—
Your cousin Melodi turns twenty-one years old today! My Mom is taking us all out to dinner tonight. Should be fun! Melodi is almost ready to leave on her Semester-At-Sea—nine days and counting! Happy Birthday, Melodi!
Click here for an index of special
holiday messages and yearly blogs.
