My flight home was difficult, but I managed to get home in time to attend the splash day for our students K through 6th.
Naturally, other family members came as well. The First Baptist Church learned from the last event that two water slides were needed, one for the bigger children and one for the smaller children. When I left sometime after six, they were still eating and splashing. It was a great idea for the start of VBS on Monday.
I was supposed to be home Saturday evening, but delayed flights and missing luggage forced me to stay overnight and return home Sunday. Fortunately, my nephew Jay Butler came to rescue me in Toronto. I finally found a bed around one in the morning. Since I had an eight o’clock flight, Jay had to get up at five in the morning and drive me back to the airport. There were at least two genuinely nice Air Canada people, but otherwise the staff either of the airport or Air Canada were not nice at all. I know once you leave the airport there is not much you can do, but I intend to write an unkind review.
I had a wonderful visit with my family. My brother is not doing well at all, and that is a source of concern for me. I was happy to see my baby sister Dee was looking good after her bout with cancer. My agility dog trainer Bev is going strong raising her Aussie winners and training up the next generation of agility trainers. Dave and Dee took great care of me and fed me a delicious dinner of fresh-caught salmon and bass. The sisters had a day-long shopping and dining trip and left the men at home. It’s hard not to worry about loved ones who live so far away, but John and Bev are taking great care of my brother Jim in his delicate health state. Dee and Dave continue to enjoy the relaxed lake life. Thank you to my special friends that kept Russ in food while I was gone.
I received the sad news about Johnny Reeves while I was away. His passing will leave a void in many hearts. He and Lynn fought a valiant battle with his cancer. To the end, Johnny shared his faith in Jesus to others around him. We will miss his sweet smile and love of music. Johnny was unwavering in his convictions but never ugly about his opinions. My heart grieves for Lynn but rejoices that Johnny has received his reward. Rest in peace in the arms of your Savior, Johnny.
I missed the Fourth of July celebrations on the 11th. Clara Elkin ran in the hog sacking competition with several friends. She said after three years of coming in second, she finally came in first and is retiring from the event. I think she must be getting older because she said her body was aching the next day. We oldies understand that feeling.
Harley Ethridge contacted me in Canada after reading last week’s column. Apparently, he didn’t realize I was out of the country. He wanted me to mention how hard his junior class students had worked the day of the event. He stated that they worked from four o'clock until 10 in the evening working at the set up and take down of the fish fry, serving and cleaning tables and trash.
Wonderful work, Juniors. Since I wasn’t there, I’m sure he wasn’t the only one who wondered about the sparseness of details. I apologize for the lack of details, but that was all I had. I can guarantee that Tana Lusty and the committee held a well-run and impressive event.
Brother Mack, Pam Starr, and several others handed out water to attendees. Other than that, I have no details.
I was shocked at the damage and high water remaining after those devastating floods. As usual, our communities have come together to help those citizens who were hurt by the rising waters. I continue to pray for the families of those lost in those horrible waters. The loss of so many people is devastating, but to the parents of a child, the loss is unbearably devastating. Please pray for continued comfort from God as they work through the stages of grief.
It’s good to be home. We need prayers for storm victims, our country, the wars in Europe and Israel, and our Border agents, especially ICE.
School is almost here, and we need to add our teachers and staff to our prayer lists. Enjoy these last few weeks of school freedom. Tell your loved ones how much you love them; tomorrow is not a given. Most of all, pray for our precious troops and their families.