Happy Thanksgiving

          This time of year, we set aside to be thankful. Yes, we should be thankful everyday, all year long, but we should be especially thankful this week and tomorrow.

          I'm thankful I can still worship as I wish. As the world tumbles and twists, we may not always have this "right," but I will continue believing in God and His son Jesus and worshiping them no matter what man or government may say.

          I'm thankful for a husband who still believes I'm beautiful and loves me enough to be my nurse when he can't really care for himself. Do we have a perfect marriage? Is he perfect? No, but who perfect would want imperfect me? We met 51 years ago November 7, and we celebrated 50 years of marriage this past February.

          I'm thankful for my children. Allow me to go by ages as I give thanks for each of them and their children and their children's children. Yes, I am blessed.

          Rene came first. She was born bright eyed and curious. She didn't change over the years, just became more talented and lovely. She will always be my "little girl" no matter how many years pass. She in turn gave us five grandchildren: Macayla, Keri, Faris, Meena, and Aiden. Macayla presented us with our first great-grandson, Kurtis, and then added Ethan when she married David. They in turn gave us Haylee, an adorable, smart, and loveable little girl. Keri gave us two great-granddaughters, Katie and Emma, who are bright, sweet, and precious. She also brought another grandson, Jarrod, into the family. Macayla and Keri and their families have lived close enough over the years that we've been able to see them more regularly than others. Faris and Meena were taken from us for nearly thirteen years, and I'm thankful we now know where they are and have contact once again. Aiden is handsome, smart, and loveable. Yes, I am thankful, even though Rene, Vince (her husband), and her youngest three live too far away.

          Bobby, Robert Jr., is our second-born. Now, curiosity wasn't his middle name, but his first. He always wanted to know how and why things worked. Yes, in time he thought he should be called Bob, but he's still my Bobby. He has a tender heart and wants to be what God would have him be. He brought two granddaughters to our family when he married Brenda, and Jenny and Liz will always be my granddaughters. Bob gave twenty years to the Air Force, serving his country to help keep us free. He lives in Colorado, but he'll be here Thanksgiving.

          My youngest living child, Randy, brought a special quality to our family. He always, even when a child, was honest and wanted to do what is right. He is still my baby boy, and he will always be. He brought me another daughter when he married Janelle, and they gave us three wonderful grandsons: Ryan, Colby, and Shane. We have been able to be more a part of their lives than many of our grandchildren because they have lived close by as much as they could. Ryan is now in his second year at the University of Tulsa. Colby is a junior and Shane a sophomore in high school. Randy is at Southern Nazarene University, and Janelle substitutes until she can find a full time position. I am so blessed they are close by.

          Yes, I lost my youngest, my baby girl, but I know where she is.

          I have friends and other relatives that add much to my life. I have staff members with 4RV Publishing. The company has great authors, illustrators, editors, and other staff that enrich not only the company but also my life.

          I'm recovering from surgery. 

          Words cannot express how thankful and blessed I am. Thank you, Lord.