My Dearest Emily!

Some of my greatest pleasures in life are not only my travels, but the opportunity to observe my nieces & nephews & great-nieces & great-nephews achieve milestones in life.

One of my great-nieces will walk across the stage at Texas A&M on December 12th. In three and a half years, she is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management, Entrepreneurship.

A smile is on my face as I think about all she has accomplished during these years. It seems like only yesterday, Uncle Kenny and I were in the audience to see her obtain her high school degree.

Here is my letter to Emily!

My Dearest Emily, 

Your Uncle Kenny and I are excited as you will walk the stage once again. Your college diploma! Job well done!

Even though our hearts desire was for you was to attend the University of Texas. I do believe Texas A & M was a good choice and you have learned a lot.

You have grown physically as well as mature during these past years. You have blossomed.

Areas we have seen you grow are having a roommate and learning how to live with someone who was not family.  By having a roommate, you have learned valuable life skills like communication, respecting boundaries, compromising, responsibility and consideration of others. You have navigated from a small dorm to a two bedroom apartment with your roommate and have survived.

The friendships you have developed throughout the years have been very meaningful. What have you learned? You know how to interact positively with others. These friends have shaped who you have become. They have supported you and helped you face big changes in life. Some of these friends will be with you throughout your life.

There are the international people you have met through the international business club. These friends have assisted you with having a deeper understanding of the world we live in. They have brought unique viewpoints shaped by their cultures, traditions and experiences. You showed them the U.S.A. and all the great places to visit, such as Smoky Mountains, Colorado, Tetons, etc.

And of course, there were your professors. They taught you a lot. You learned not to be afraid to make mistakes. One does learn more from failures than success. Failure makes one stronger. You learned to be confident. Your teachers became mentors and offered you decisions about your career path.

Emily your spiritual life has grown. You became bold in sharing your faith and sharing the gospel to others who had no hope or direction.

Then there was romance. Romance is part of the process of understanding the opposite sex. You will never forget this time.

One can not forget your time of learning to country western dance at Harry’s.  This definitely built your confidence and skill in dancing and communicating with others and was great exercise. So many others learned to dance due to your excitement. The joy you brought to others was so invigorating.

As you look back, you will realize you have learned to much more.

What does it mean to graduate from college? You have successfully completed all the required courses and academic requirements set by your university.

You are now ready for the next stage of life.

We are excited to see the opportunities God has waiting for you.

Audrey Hepburn said “Nothing is Impossible! The word itself says I’m possible.”

The sky is the limit!

Continue to dream big!

The Best is Yet to Come!

“May He grant you according to your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans.” Psalms 20:4

We love you!

Uncle Kenny & DD

                                                                       

A Day of Thanksgiving!

Walking outside wrapped up in my coat, scarf, beret and gloves, the crisp air hits my face. Overcast sky, wind blowing with the fallen leaves chasing each other down the street, I am thankful for today. 

Official holiday for being thankful. I am grateful for so much. I know today, most of America is taking time with family and friends as they sit around the table and they are pausing to thank the Lord for their country, family and friends.

It is sad our country needs a holiday to stop and reflect. We should be pausing daily and thanking God for what we have. But I am thankful we have today.

As I walk down the street and the smell of wood-burning fireplaces fills the sky, I wonder what was that first Thanksgiving in 1621 in Plymouth County like.  Who was there? What delicious foods were suiting on the handmade table? There were no grocery or convenience stores to drive to get items they had forgotten.  I am sure they had been hunting for days for a deer. Also, what crops had been harvested? Corn, potatoes, squash….,

As I will eat dinner in a warm home and have a feast of food waiting to be eaten…turkey, ham, dressing, potatoes, bread, green beans and pecan pie and more, I will stop and thank the Lord for family, friends, food, shelter, jobs and so much more.

Today is that special day to reflect and “count your many blessings and name them one by one…”

Psalms 9:1-2 - “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, I will count all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exalt in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.”

                                                                         

Give Thanks!

As we begin a new week, I count my many blessings. With Thanksgiving only a few days from now, I have so much to be thankful for.  I get to enjoy another day of life.

Yesterday, I was reminded of this privilege when my husband and I were enjoying breakfast at a restaurant in Savannah.  We were in town to attend a friend’s wedding and to celebrate our wedding anniversary.

A couple sitting next to our table started speaking to us. In the conversation, my husband acknowledged our thirty-eight years of marriage. The young man spoke up, “not to be personal, but how have you reached thirty-eight years. My wife and I were married for nine years and have been divorced for several years due to my PTSD. We are wanting to get back together, but we are not for sure.”

Kenny and I knew instantly this moment was not by chance. It was God-ordained. We talked about how marriage is work and it isn’t easy. Our faith is the center of our relationship.

The couple lived in the area and we recommended them to find a Christian counselor and to not give up.

We had finished eating. Kenny and I moved to their table. I held the young woman’s hand and prayed for them. Asking the Lord for wisdom and direction as they seeked counseling. Praying for healing for them and their marriage. With tears in both of theirs eyes, they thanked us. We exchanged phone numbers. I am praying for them as they deal with their challenges. Prayer is powerful!

Walking out of the restaurant, Kenny and I were touched by this couple. We realized how we take each other for granted. Each day is a blessing and we need to acknowledge those around us and for what we have.

Thank you Lord for Kenny and our marriage!

This Thanksgiving take the time to thank your spouse for being there and for continuing to work on your relationship! Life isn’t easy, but we have a lot to be thankful for.

1Thessalonians 5:18 - “Thank God in everything, no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks."

                                                                                  

                                                                             

Turning 21!

Within the next 6 months, I have a niece and a nephew turning the age of twenty-one!  It is a milestone in their life and it symbolizes the transition into adulthood.  With twenty-one comes personal growth, new responsibilities and legal rights.  

One is graduating from college at the end of the year and the other is working full-time at a restaurant.  They both have separate goals and thoughts of life.

When I was twenty-one, I had been married all most three years and I was teaching pre-school, three year olds.  This was my first job..  I was growing up fast.

Six months ago, I turned seventy.  I am fifty years older than them.   I have seen and done a lot during that time.

I want to give them some profound direction and words of wisdom.  But I have none.

I want the best for them.

I do know you have to live your life to the fullest.  They have a lot of life before them.

So as I think about turning twenty-one, I want to remind them:

1.  Have fun and make good choicess.

2.  Don't lose your values and your character.  These are so important to who you are.

3.  Be kind to others and especially yourself.  Encourage others.

4.  If you need help, ask for it.  There is nothing wrong in needing assistance.

5.  Work hard and focus on your school and/or your job.  

6.  Eat healthy and exercise.  As you get older, you will be glad you did!

7.  Follow your dreams.  Embrace all the opportunities and challenges that will come with working and going to school.

8.  What fuels your passion?  This is who you are.  God made you for a reason.  Your DNA is not like anyone else.

9.  Travel - traveling helps you to learn about people, new cultures, perspectives and learn about yourself.

10. Don't allow the words, "no"; "I can't do it"; or "it is impossible" to stop you.  It is your attitude and how you will take life by the horns and solve the problem(s).  You may fall, but you may also soar.  The choice is yours.  Remember Nike's slogan "Just Do It!"

11. Your job provides for you financially, but it does not define who you are.  Do something you enjoy and you feel God has placed you there.  If you do what you enjoy, you will be a success.

12. Speaking of success.  Success is to be found in the way in which we live out our lives day in and day out.  It is to be found as we pursue what God calls you to be and to do.  Success is not the end of a process.  It is how we undertake the process called life.

13. God knows your plans.  Allow Him to direct you!

I am excited to see how you live your life.  

The choice is yours.

You can make a difference!

Is Life Fair?

There are days when I feel life isn't fair.  Especially when I have been disappointed, I have loss a loved one and when I am doubting life overall.

We have all been there.  Right now I am in a good place.  It is so much easier to look at my surroundings when I don't feel the doom and gloom.  My emotional energy feels balanced.

I am searching for those words that I will need when everything is turned upside down.  When one is in that place, you can not see the future due to your surroundings.  It is your time to question, to doubt and to wonder "why"?

How can one rejoice when you have lost a loved one, you were let go from your job, you just lost your home or where will you get the money to pay a bill?

As a Christian, I know there is HOPE.  You ask, hope for what?  Will HOPE bring back someone I loved; bring back the home that I lost in a fire, etc.

H = He

O = Offers

P = Promises

E = Everyday

As a believer, the HOPE is Jesus Christ.  He suffered for us and died on the cross for all of all of our sufferings and failures so we could have eternal life.  That is what keeps me going when I feel lost.

As I suffer, I reflect on the scripture from Job 36:15 - "But God teaches men through suffering and uses distress to open their eyes."  What will my eyes be opened to?  Will I look at surroundings differently?  Will I understand?  Hopefully, I will see Jesus and what He wants me to learn or what He wants me to share with others.

"Why me?" - II Corinthians 1:3-4, "Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the merciful Father, the God from whom all help comes.  He helps us in in all our troubles, so that we are able to help others who have all kinds of troubles, using the same help that we ourselves have received from God."  The more we suffer, the more Christ wants to comfort us.  Allow Him to be a part of your challenging times.  Comfort means He will give you strength to walk through the valley.  He will lead you through the dark time.  There will be friends and family who will encourage.  Just keep your eyes on Him!

How do I offer HOPE to someone who is dieing?

Death is hard to understand.  How do you offer hope?  Be there for them.  Walk beside them.  It is showing them you love them.   No one knows what the day will bring them.  Tomorrow is not promised to any one.  As a Christian, eternity life is promised to everyone.  Offer calmness and confidence instead of fear and uncertainity.  Love them!

I seem to have expectactions on how life should go instead of seeing life the way it is.  Life is tough and it can be cruel.  But there can be happiness and joy.   Take one day at a time and enjoy the moment with loved ones.  Treasure each day.  Life is a gift that one can not take for granted.  

How will I look at my circumstances?  Is God trying to set me up for failure and unhappiness or does He have a plan?  He is the one in control.  There is HOPE!  Keep your eyes on Him!

Tribute to My Aunt Virginia

 Everyone has a relative(sibling, aunt/uncle, cousin...) who was special to them.  

I have had several in my life.  Three of them will always have a special place in my heart.  One was my Aunt Nunner(my mom's older sister) who passed away in 2002, then there was my Uncle Alfred(my mom's Uncle) who passed away in 2007 and then there is my Aunt Virginia, who passed away, January 29, 2024 at the age of 96.

She was special to me in that she was married to my biological dad's(Buzzy) brother(Sonny) and she was the sister of my step-father(Harry).  This all sounds pretty crazy, but actually it is a sweet story.  My parent's, Buzzy and Joyce, divorced when I was 4 and my sister, Terri, was ten months old.

Thanksgiving of 1958, Aunt Virginia's brother, Harry, was going through a divorce and my mother was divorced.  Aunt Virginia did not want her brother or sister-in-law to spend Thanksgiving alone.  Virginia invited them both to the house.  She always said, "When I invited Harry and Joyce to my home, I just thought they could be friends.  I never expected them to get married."  Three months after my mom and Harry met each other, they went to the Court House and said their vows.  The next day, my mom and step-father and Terri and I moved to Waco.

My Aunt Virginia enjoyed her life living in Dallas from the day she was born on September 19, 1927, until her death on January 29, 2024.

At the burial gravesite, the pastor talked about Virginia and her life.  He talked about her 96 years of life and all she had achieved.  The one phrase that struck home with me was "Virginia was born before the Empire State Building was built."

I had never looked at her life and thought of all the new inventions, creations, products, etc. that happened during her lifespan.  The world has changed in 96 years.  For fun, I googled  "Inventions that have changed the world".  

It is amazing all the items I take for granted and feel as if they have been around for ever.  A few items.  Sunglasses were introduced in 1929 by Sam Foster.  In October 1945, America's first ballpoint pen, went on sale at Gimbel's for $12.50.  Polaroid camera, went on sale for the first time in 1948.  The demonstration of modern television in 1939 at the New York World's Fair.  Self-winding mechanical watch - Rolex improved the idea in 1931.  The helicopter made a series of successful flight tests between 1939-1941.  All of these items changed the world.  I wondered what she thought about all of these new discoveries.

The past thirty years, Virginia experienced computers, internet, cell phones and so much more.  

On July 20th, 1969, Virginia was glued to the television, just like so many other people around the world.  Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon and said, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."  I wish now I would have asked her what she was thinking at the moment she saw a man walk on the moon.

A lot of history has happened during her lifetime.  Many changes.  Some to make her life easier and some harder.

As you can tell from her photo, she was beautiful and had a very strong personality.   

Virginia's younger years were during The Great Depression(1929-1939).  She didn't say much about the depression, except her father worked hard to provide for her, her mother and her brother.  

When she graduated from high school, her class was one of the first graduating classes at Sunset High School.  A few days after graduation, Virginia and her girlfriend took the streetcar to downtown Dallas to apply for a job at the bank.  She enjoyed working at the bank for thirty-five years.  She always had interesting stories of the various customers who would come to her window to make a bank transaction. 

Virginia was married to Sonny for twenty-nine years before he died of a heart attack on June 5, 1976.  She loved Sonny.  They had shared so much together; elementary, junior high and high school, WWII, losing their 9 month old baby daughter, Linda Susan, in 1955, the death of her father and death of Sonny's father and so much more.

At the funeral, she showed very little emotions, as she knew life continued on and she had a twelve year old son, Michael Dale, who was now her total responsibility.  Her oldest son, Tink, was twenty-six and had his own life.  

For the next years, Virginia continued to work and provide for Michael Dale, as well as taking care of her mother, Eunice.  

Retiring in her early 50's, she began to travel with friends and family and seeing America.  She always spoke of fond memories of her travels.

The years ahead were not easy.  She persevered through heartache in losing her youngest, Michael Dale in Novemer 2006 and her oldest, Tink in December 2013.

Auntie was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend.

Women of today talk about how women in the 1900's were puppets and were weak.

When I look at Aunt Virginia, I see a woman who faced the obtstacles in her life; she was confident; caring; comfortable in speaking her mind; didn't seek approval of others and was very strong and determined.

As you reflect on your loved ones, look at their journey and how they handled those barriers.

Because of Aunt Virginia's heartaches, she was able to comfort others.

There is a verse in 2 Corinthians 1:3 - "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

As I grieve, may I remember all Aunt Virginia mourned throughout her life.  The Lord comforted her and gave her the wisdom and direction she needed to face each day.

Rest In Peace, Auntie!

I Love You!

Virginia

Virginia, Myrt(her mother), Tinky(son), Michael Dale(son)  & Sonny(husband)

Turning 70 - It Is A Wonderful Life

Today I reached a milestone in life.  I turned "70".  It wasn't a day of sadness, but a day of rejoicing.  

Christmas Eve is a special time.  I have always felt blessed to be born on this day.  It has been a Wonderful Life.  Each person, family or friend, has left their mark on me and I thank you.

We all have a purpose in life.  God made us for a reason.  There are days I know why and then days I wonder.  Have I ever felt like George Bailey from "It's A Wonderful Life"?  Yes, I have.  But deep down, I know God has a special plan for me.  My daily prayer is God will direct my path and guide me where I need to be.

I have been celebrating this 70th milestone since the first of September.  Within the past two years most of my friends or family members have reached the age of 70.   Most of them observed their birthday like any other birthday or some friends/family hibernated and hid underneath the blankets.

For me, this was a platinum milestone birthday and I wanted the age to mean something. Platinum is a valuable metal and very precious and expensive.  That is how I wanted to remember my 70th birthday.

In July, Taylor Swift gave me the idea with her "Era Tour".  If she could have an "Era Tour", then I wanted a "Celebration of Life-Decade Tour".

Since the age of thirty, I have celebrated my decade milestones.  My 30th was celebrated in Austin, Texas with about thirty family and friends.  

On my 40th, I had moved several times and was currently living in East Texas.  I had so many friends still living in the Austin area, I decided Austin was the place to be.  With about fifty friends, my good friend, Jackie, opened up her home for everyone to come together. 

When the fiftieth came around, I was living in Houston, Texas and I celebrated with about a hundred guest.  Family and friends traveled from all over to Texas to commemorate the fiftieth decade.  I ask for no gifts, but to donate to a particular organization.  Each guest brought an unwrapped toy for a child, age 5 to 14.  My car was loaded with dolls, board games, books and so much more.  Children in the downtown area of Houston would be enjoying Christmas Day.

Sixtieth, I was living in New York City.  Kenny and I enjoyed the evening drinking martinis and eating appetizers at the 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar staring at the Empire Building.  We were snuggled in blankets watching the Empire Building put on a Music-to-Light Spectacular Show.  A night I will never forget.

I have embraced each new decade.   For the 70th decade, I wanted to do something different.  

My kick-off was in Savannah.  My good friend, Katie, treated me like royalty. An evening at the Doobie Brother concerts and  mimosas on a rooftop and so much more.

From there, Kenny and I celebrated at Grand Lake Lodge in Colorado with friends, Ron & Peggy.  It was beautiful.  The leaves were changing colors from green to gold.  A moose appeared outside the window of the restaurant.  Everyone was in awe of the beauty of this powerful creature.  This beast reminded me 70 would be a year of power, courage, authority and self-confidence.

Three weeks later, I traveled to Nashville with Kenny and Joe/Kim to enjoy the Grand Ole Opry and Carrie Underwood.

A few days later, I flew to New York with Jackie to celebrate nightly with friends.  Friends, I had worked with at Elizabeth Arden Cosmetics.  It was great to be back in the City with the hustle and bustle.  Seeing the musical, A Beautiful Noise, reminded me how one never really knows who you are and what you have become until you stop and replay your past.  The play was worth seeing.  It is the story of Neal Diamond rising from Brooklyn to become a star.

And then the Decade Tour really kicked-off.   I flew to San Antonio and Austin to party with family and friends.  

In Austin, good friends, Ruthie, Rita, Kathy and I reminisced about our past forty years.  Years of being single and then getting married.  Austin played a big part of my years of maturing and learning who I was. 

I traveled Interstate-35 to Dallas for one of the major parties.  Forty-two friends/family showed up at my sister's home.  It was wonderful seeing people I hadn't seen in ten years or more.  Almost one thousand dollars were donated to All-Star Equestrian.  This non-profit organization works with special needs children to help them improve physical, cognitive and emotional fitness through therapeutic horseback riding.  My sweet nephew has participated in this organization since the age of four and he is now, twenty-six.

Back to Waco to enjoy Thanksgiving with mom and others.  Evenings were spent with long-time friends from high school.  It was wonderful to have lunch with my first friend, Marcia.  I met her at the age of five and here we are sixty-five years later.

I flew from Dallas to Loveland, Colorado to celebrate with forty-four friends.  Kenny's cousin, Becky and her husband traveled from Austin to visit with their son who lived in the area and to celebrate my new decade.  At this party, can goods and hygiene items were collected for a charity, Serve 6.8.  Over two hundred and twenty-two pounds of items were distributed to families.

Six days later back on the plane to Texas to have two more parties in the Houston area.  A High-Tea Party hosted by my dear friend, Cheri.  It was wonderful seeing neighbors from the subdivision I hadn't seen in twelve years.

My good friend, Jackie, once again opened up her home in Houston for the Grand Finale Party.  Forty-six family and friends were in attendance for the Finale.  The next day, Jackie and I dropped off a van filled with canned goods and hygiene items to the local Mission.

Thank you Lord for my life and the opportunity to celebrate with others while I am still alive.   May I continue to be a light of encouragement to others!

Proverbs 18:24 - "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

I am blessed.  Enjoy each day and celebrate!  As we all know, life is too short.