Acts 15:36 ....Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city...
I knew my sister's visit would be the Balm of Gilead for my heart. I have so many GOOD and DEAR friends here, but I miss my sisters! It was such a joy when Karen called a couple of weeks ago to say they would like to come down for a quick visit. They did ~~ it took place over the past 24 hours~~ and we enjoyed having Paul and Karen here immensely.
They arrived at about 3:00 and so we sat for a while and talked. They were interested in our recent trip to Alaska so we shared a lot of information with them. Karen helped me prepared dinner ~~ in tribute to the blessed memory of our parents, I had planned to have Dad's "honeymooner" sandwiches and Mom's shrimp salad.
Brian, Amy, and the grandkids came over to have dinner with us so they could fellowship with their Uncle Paul and Aunt Karen, too. After dinner, the four of us went to a restaurant across town that specializes in a delicious key lime pie so that was fun. (Note: I cropped Paul out of this pic as I don't think he wants his picture on the internet.)
On Friday morning, we got up leisurely, enjoyed a few cups of coffee (well, Paul and I enjoyed the coffee. Richard drank his diet coke and Karen had water)' and then at about 10:00, we shoved off on an excursion. We rode out to visit a museum, left there and went to a seafood restaurant for lunch, took a scenic drive, and then visited our infant sister's grave. Sharon was born and died just a few weeks before Karen's 2nd birthday some 4-1/2 years before I was born.
We arrived back at our house just in time for Paul and Karen to shove off and return to their home for their weekend activities:
(ROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL TIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
I cannot express the joy in my heart regarding their visit. Thank you, Lord, for the fun time I had with my loved ones.
Philippians 1:3 ¶ I thank my God upon every remembrance of you...
These pics of our wedding are posted in tribute to those who had a special part in our special day 34 years ago.
When you click on each picture, it will enlarge. You will notice that time has played tricks on us all. :)
NOTE: I just discovered that two or three of the pics do not enlarge. I have no idea why and apologize for that snafu on the page!
To those who are pictured, I hope you enjoy this blast from the past.
The people in these pics:
The Pastors who officiated our wedding: Susan's Dad and Bro. Jerry E.
Susan's Bridesmaids: My sisters: Karen and Nonie. Richard's sister: Diane. Susan's Friend: Jan T.
Richard's Groomsmen: Brothers: Larry and Bill. Friends: Tommy J. and John A.
Soloist and Organist: Jerry E and Steve H.
Susan and her nephews: Steve and Doug.
Richard and Susan with Richards' niece: Yvonne.
Darlene at the Bride's Book.
A "couple" picture of Bill and Darlene. In just 9 months, they would be married.
I love this picture of Karen and me. The next post is all about my older sister......
Karen... what can I say about her? She has always been there for me.
She is 6-1/2 years older than me because Dad and Mom lost 2 babies in-between us... a brother and a sister that we have never known. I imagine that Karen was pretty excited when her mommy brought home a baby girl in July 1951. I know that I have always felt loved and cherished by Karen. She always did special things for Nonie and me... her little sisters. Nonie and I have talked together so many times and have commented on how much we admire her, love her, and look up to her.
Karen is a STRONG Christian woman and has always been my mentor in the faith. She and Paul have three fine sons and two precious granddaughters. One more thing... I favor Karen a lot. When I still lived in our hometown (until 5-1/2 years ago) it occasionally happened that when I was out shopping, etc. that someone who knew Karen would come up to me and say, "You have GOT to be Karen's sister." I was always proud to answer, "Yes, I am!" Paul and Karen, I love you both and pray your retirement years are full of God's best blessings. Come when you can! ~~Susan
Having Mom on my mind on this 8th anniversary of her death naturally brings loving thoughts and precious memories of my two sisters. Having enjoyed living in the same town for 50 years as we married and raised our families, Richard and I moved away in December 2001 and then Nonie moved away in early 2002. Karen remains in our home town and is our "home base" so to speak. What a blessing it is to be the middle girl and to have an older sister and a younger sister. All three of us are so very different in our temperaments and personalities, but the bond of sisterhood has withstood some pretty big challenges over the years and our love has endured. Truly Karen and Nonie grow more precious to me with each passing year. With Karen 6-1/2 years my senior and Nonie just 15 months my junior, we all realize that life is passing by pretty quickly. Karen and Nonie, I want you both to know how much I love you and miss you. You girls are so dear to me, your families are dear to me, and I thank God for the love that binds our hearts together forever. ~~Sister Susan
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