Merry
Christmas 2021. Well, here we are, actual COVID, 2 vaccines and a booster
later. Everyone is healthy. We have much to be grateful for.
Paul is working as a consultant for a
pharmaceutical company in St. Louis. To break the evening boredom, he has
entered the race with Mom and me to see who can find the best junk at the
thrift store. He’s very proud of the fact that he purchased tennis rackets from
“Goodwill” and sold them for a profit to “Play it Again Sports.” His favorite
part of the year was spending time with grandchildren. My favorite part of his
year was when he built me raised beds and a potting table. Also, when he took
me on an anniversary trip to Savannah. So much good living.
My year has
been filled with scary, but fulfilling adventures. At church I’m serving in
Communications which ironically was my college major, but I haven’t thought
much about it since, well, college. It
has been new territory introducing me to many of my weaknesses, but also
wonderful people and opportunities for service in the community.
In my garden I took a step towards my dream of
becoming a farmer/florist. I started tiny seeds indoors, put them under shop
lights, kept them watered and fed until I could plant them outside. My winter
was saved. Where I’m usually fighting the bleakness and darkness in my mind and
heart, I jumped out of bed each morning to check for the slightest growth in my
seedlings. I rejoiced at the progress and mourned the casualties, but there was
so much hope for the future. The garden is where I learn to wait for good
things to come, build barriers to protect from that which would destroy,
nourish to strengthen, water to revive, and multiply to replenish. It’s also
where I’m reminded of God’s love for us in his beautiful creations.
Gabe works
hard taking classes at Southern Crescent in Griffin. I can’t really relate to
this, but he kept getting 100% on his math tests. Is that crazy? He also works
hard at his job/jobs. He loves to earn money, but he’s still looking to find
that area where he really enjoys his time at work. Gabe is building his food preparation portfolio. He makes
brownies, popcorn, macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, frozen pizza, mashed
potatoes, waffles, cupcakes, and the best cheesy chips.
My mom is
doing well. She had some health challenges with sciatica and a kidney stone,
but she is actually getting around better now than she was last year. Her
delight is shopping and going to lunch. Olive Garden endless soup and salad is
her favorite. She likes to visit with her family and friends. She indexes and
grows flowers in pots. She also loves serving as a greeter at church.
The kids that don’t live with me are out and about, fighting the fight, having grand adventures- code for working really hard solving problems.
We added 2 new little people to our family, Reagan (Andrew and Mallory)
and Lexi (Nathan and Ariane.)
Love, the
Stokers
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