Fabulous Family
What a delightful experience! What a delightful place! What a fabulous family! The reunion will be the highlight of the year for me! My greatest enjoyment came from seeing you and talking to you. With some, getting acquainted for the first time. For others, getting reacquainted with persons we haven't seen for years. And the chance to see my own H Ray clan was truly special since I have been unable to travel the last two years.
Wasn't John's leadership great having just got out of the hospital?
When I was a young boy I had an image problem. Partly myth, partly real. I came from "that poor Walker family" and I was "that poor Walker kid" It's true that we wore hand me downs, even shoes with holes in the soles passed down from Garfield. Frequently we received gifts of used clothing, some of which fit and others to be adjusted by Mom's (Grace) great sewing skills. We were poor in many ways which led to bad thoughts about ourselves.
But now these many years later to hear about the professions, the businesses, the homes, the retirees travel and so much more at the reunion demonstrates what a fabulous family we are!
Grandma and Grandpa Walker were special in many ways, some of which we discussed. Just to see our cousins and learn more about their lives was truly special.
Having been one of those who "lived away" from our hometown area, I probably have had less of a chance to see and keep up with everyone. Some of you see each other almost every day, or every week. But for me it was "pick up time" to get all those missing years in a couple days.
Sharon has already expressed thanks to everone so well, we just affirm it!
And, finally, what a wonderful chance for Chris to see part of our family tree and experience the warmth y'all showed to her.
It took a lot for us to get there. Longest trip since I have been on dialyses (six years), except for our trip to Syracuse the week before my mother died. I had my dialysis starting at six in the morning last Friday. I have lots of health issues to work through, but our intentions are to see all of you (and maybe more) next year.
At the moment, I am a living miracle (healthwise) living on borrowed time. We have more miracles to pray for but those blessings just keep coming and coming and coming! We will appreciate your continuing to pray for us and we will return the favor. Chris is a wonderful wife and care giver. Many of our miracles come through her. God chooses his own delivery method; our job is to be ready to receive them when they come. (Being a preacher, I just had to get one line in!)
So, to all of you, thanks from Chris and Howard for the pleasure of being at the fabulous family reunion!
posted by Howard and Chris s/ H. Ray @ 7:59 PM
1 Comments
