Early yesterday morning I was readying myself for the day, mentally if not actually, when Suzanne called to report that she had been up half the night with a tummy ache. Oh man! She was not trusting her tummy enough to take a car ride or sit through the Rally, which I completely understand, so I excused her. Moms are not supposed to be sick, you know? When I spoke with her later, she was feeling better, eating very careful foods so they did not come back on her, so to speak. I hope I see her today!
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Just before I was leaving, Anne Hoyer called me, getting my number via Suzanne via John because for some reason his was the only phone number Pastor had stored in his phone. Suzanne and I are both now stored in both their phones, thank you very much. Anne found out Suzanne was not going and offered to give me a ride the majority of the way. I drove as far as the World Golf Village and parked my car at Bublitz's where Anne and Nancy picked me up. Anne had a small cooler along with Diet Cokes and water, she had us covered as she knew there would be no soda at the Rally.
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Nancy filled us in on her new job as a sec'y. at a grade school, missing her high school because at least there, she had enough work to do. Anne's phone rang and it was her husband, Pastor Phil, calling to report that their young member, Hannah, had died that morning, only moments ago. Tears began to flow and we all jumped on the phones to make calls, as I have some of the member's stored in my phone. It was a relief, in my opinion, that the little girl's struggle was over, even though we believe 12 is too young to die. The Lord hath need of her....
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Besides that conversation which followed, we discussed the fact that Victory is hosting the Reformation Service this year, which was news to Anne and Nancy. No planning or anything had been done, at least on their part, the food part. So, on the way home, 'we' made the plans. My job will be to make a sign-up sheet for the members at GS to show how many are planning to attend. We will be having pulled pork, potato salad, cabbage salad plus other salads, and desserts. Menu planned, details yet to be worked out!
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At the Rally I got to see many old friends including Ruth and Stacy Vance, Mark's mom and sister. They had been at my house a couple years ago when the Prange's were here and they used my house as a gathering place for the families, which was one of my favorite days ever! I think Grace was not born yet, if memory serves...Jennifer Rosenbaum was there, too, and we just soaked each other up. Bonnie, the former sec'y. from Victory, was there, as she is a member of the new church at Palm Coast. We will see her again soon as she will come up to Jax for the funeral service for Hannah. Oh, a nice contingent from Christ, Keystone Heights, was there. I was the only one from GS, which is a shame with Mark, the speaker, being a son of the congregation. It was a great presentation, and so good to see Mark again.
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Pastor Gabb gave the opening devotion and discussed how rich we are, even though we might not think so. Some areas he described had no windows or doors but in America, even our cars have a house! And we only push a button to get in and out of the garage (well, most of us did). Even our poorest in the USA are among the wealthiest in the world. A good reminder when we are feeling sorry for ourselves. And how tenuous our lives are, tears were flowing again in our row as we sang, "Lift High the Cross".
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My evening ended on a high note with dinner at the cabana with Penny. Hugh and Maureen came out to have some wine but prefer to eat their dinner at home. Danny was back, preparing sliders for Peggy and a homemade brat for me. When we were leaving, he asked me if I wanted the rest of the pasta salad as otherwise he would be throwing it out. Sure! I gave him a smooch on the cheek for that half-bag of salad. When I got back upstairs, I put some in a sandwich baggie for Judy J. as I am always raving about how good it is. Now she can know for herself. She got the majority of the halved cherry tomatoes as I pick those out anyway. The sauce he uses is Italian dressing with some mayo mixed in to thicken it. Works for me!
Lisa posted this photo on Facebook of little Manny, sporting his new glasses! Gabe's eyes checked out perfectly but Manny had some problem with distance. He looks quite scholarly with eye wear! Only he could squeeze into that tight corner...
