Firsts and Lasts - Tissue alert

 

 1984 - Granddaddy celebrated his 60th birthday with a surprise party at Aunt Susan's house. (Mama and I are in the background.) Looks like this is the year Karen started with her teeth issues of frankels, braces, and retainers.  We knew our dad was sick, and our mom had a stroke which she fully recovered.  Family was essential during this time.  Both Grandmothers came to help.  This was the first year the M family and G family traveled to our house to celebrate our dad's last Christmas.  As I look at the pictures, I'm seeing how everyone, including Daddy, focused on Karen and me.  We had a great time posing for pictures as we decorated the Christmas tree. Our Christmas crowded in the den is a precious memory.

 

1985 - I remember January being colder than normal for South GA.  We had extra time out of school for frozen pipes.  After dad died in January, Mama had surgery and they determined her stroke resulted from a birth defect.  This was the best news for us.  Family still sacrificed to take care of us as Grandmama G continued to stay with us.  We had our first vacation to Myrtle Beach.  Most all I remember mama continuing to tell us we would be ok. 

 

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

²     He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

³     He restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness

    for his name's sake.

⁴ Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

    I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

    your rod and your staff,

    they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me

    in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil;

    my cup overflows.

⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

    all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord

    forever.