As most of you know, the celebration of the birth of Christ is a special holiday for Jeny and me. If you do not share our faith, we still extend our love and hope you have a joyous holiday.
For many years we have sent a family update in our Christmas cards. Today’s blog is this year’s update. If you are unfamiliar with our family, I hope you see the pride and thanksgiving we have for them. Some of the adventures I mentioned in previous blogs.
2024. Throughout the year Jeny and I had some tough moments related to aging, but many more blessed moments. Our difficult moments came in the loss of friends and family, computer and phone issues, and the occasional health glitch for us or loved ones. We had blessed moments traveling to weddings, seeing family and friends, serving in our church and other ways. We were delighted to have family and friends visit us at Jeny’s cottage in Gulf Shores.
I stay busy writing my blog and poetry. I enjoy teaching at church, occasionally leading a service, supporting South Alabama golfers, working in the yard and finding ways to use our resources to help others. My health has been good, but at 82 I do not have the stamina of the past. The reality is that a siesta is a warm, positive almost daily activity.
Jeny has faced several health issues. Her eyes, ears, and balance have been the major problems. The problems are on her left side. The doctors believe the issues are primarily related to her chemotherapy treatments. She is working hard to improve her health. Meanwhile she stays busy playing games with friends, in fellowship activities and studies at church, as well as helping others. Sharing her cottage gives her great joy.
Scott & Laura, Shane & Sherrie, Shawn & Stacy have continued enjoying success at their jobs and their personal lives. At a time when so many parents have to worry about the economic well-being of their children, we are blessed by the success of ours.
It was a banner year for our grandchildren: (Scott & Laura – Kern, Miller) (Dawn & Shawn – Andrea, Kyle) (Shane – Ashton, Libby; Sherrie – Erin, Emily). Highlights —
- Andrea and Sander’s wedding in Oxford, England – a wonderful celebration. We were delighted to meet their friends and Sander’s family. Andrea and Sander hope to earn permanent appointments at Oxford. We had our travel struggles, but the celebration was worth the effort.
- Libby had to delay her wedding to Caleb because she was one of 13 out of MANY applicants selected for the MFA in acting at Columbia University. They moved to New Jersy where Caleb is working and Libby takes the train to school. She is working hard to meet the challenges of her graduate work. The move and beginning classes in the fall meant she was unable to go to Oxford.
- Kyle was appointed executive chef at Madrid restaurant in Grand Rapids. He won the Taste of Hope, a fund-raising competition for cancer.
- Miller continued his success as an investment banker. His wife Emily is in the final year of her medical residency. They are hoping to stay in Birmingham.
- Kern became a lobbyist for a materials association and moved out of the war zone in Washington DC to a pleasant apartment in Bethesda, Maryland.
- Ashton is enjoying success as a corporate bankruptcy attorney for Jones-Day and having a better personal life in Atlanta than New York City.
- Sherrie’s daughter Erin and her husband Austin are expecting a baby boy. If you see Shane call him grandpa!
- Emily moved from Auburn and is enjoying her new job in dermatology.
Kern, Emily, Miller, Andrea, Ashton, Kyle
Our other adventure.
- We attended a beautiful wedding of a niece in Kansas City. We enjoyed seeing family and meeting new friends. While there, we took the opportunity to see high school classmates and friends from Illinois.
- Then we went to Wichita. We visited Jeny’s niece and grandson. Jeny’s sister-in law and the niece’s mother recently died and we grieved with them.
- Then we visited my cousin and her family in Edmund, Oklahoma. We had a great time highlighted by seeing my 96-year-old aunt, matriarch of our Williams family.
- We also visited another of Jeny’s nieces in Edmund and had the joy of seeing nine of her grandchildren at one time. The room was filled with activity and love.
This and That
Last week, we had the privilege of housing a female golfer who was playing the final stage of LPGA Qualifying School in Mobile. Caley McGinty is from Bristol England and is a recent graduate of Ohio State University. We are delighted she finished in the top 25, earned her card and will be playing on tour next year. She was the only golfer who began on Stage 1 and earned her status on tour. Watch for Caley McGinty!
Good News
Kindness
Deaf Couple Always Serving Others Is Stunned When A Secret Santa Has A Gift For Them
From Barber To Santa: The Man Who Gave Kids Their First Toy
First Responders
‘A Literal Angel’: Retired Fire Captain Saves 6-Year-Old At Movie Theater
64-Year-Old Woman Rescued After Harrowing 48 Hours Lost In Oregon Park
With all of the holiday activities, I will not send out a blog until the new year. I thank everyone for 2024. I enjoy the dialogs and thoughts we share.
Jeny and I wish everyone a healthy and prosperous 2025.
Peace
Jerry
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