30 Years Ago

This past weekend William and I attended my 30th high school reunion. 30 years??! Wow! When did that happen?

I had worked on the planning committee, but I didn't have any specific expectations regarding the reunion. I knew it would be great to see my class as it was not a very big graduating class and we were pretty close. I had heard some updates on various people and was interested in learning more about their lives after all this time. But, I wasn't prepared for the emotions when a former teacher and our administrator spoke.

Our favorite history teacher attended and he had a major impact on most of us. His wife, now deceased, was our English teacher and we loved her also. He spoke of her and the tears began to flow. Then he spoke of his own struggles and his spiritual bucket list; more tears. He moved us all over again and gave us much to consider. A classmates wife noted that we all sat enraptured with what he said like we must have in high school. Good observation on her part. I am thankful for this teacher as he gave me the tools to succeed in college and for the love of history he imparted. I am a history buff to this day!

Then our administrator, who is 80, spoke to us. He was so moved by the reunion and spoke kindly, like a gentle grandfather. He said that he loved us, but that he didn't tell us that 30 years ago. We understood, he had a tough job that required him to be the disciplinarian; and trust me, a disciplinarian he was! I am thankful for the 'fear' I had of him; he taught me much.

Finally, it was a joy to catch up with my classmates. What a great group of people!!

Burt's Pumpkin Farm

Today the whole family went to the pumpkin farm!! We are making the most of this fall since I kinda ruined last fall with my embolism and all.

It was freezing, but that just made it better. Note William's pose below.

Two of my favorite girls! Aren't they purdy??!!

There was music playing so Hayden and Sarah decided to bust some moves. Talent runs deep in this family!



Hayden had to suffer through one of Hannah's 'lets get you to sit on that cold ground over there and take off your coat, but don't look cold" photo shoots. Bless His Heart!



The wonderful, amazing, selfless parents.



We had a blast, enjoyed each others company and got some pretty pumpkins. Hannah actually likes the ugly pumpkins; she thinks that they need a home too. You know those 'artsy' folks.






photography by Hannah Queen

One Year Ago

One year ago today I was in the emergency room waiting to be transferred to Erlanger in Chattanooga. We had just found out that I had a massive pulmonary embolism and we were trying to wrap our minds around what that meant.

Now we realize that it meant I probably wouldn't live, but live I did!

A year later and 90 lbs lighter, I feel like a different person, inside and out. There is no way to describe how blessed I feel to still be here with my family and friends.

This fall has been wonderful for us since last fall wasn't so good. We have enjoyed going to festivals and just being outside looking at the beautiful leaves.

Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil

”When the time comes for you to die, you need not be afraid, because death cannot separate you from God’s love.” ~ Charles H. Spurgeon