As I sit down to write about things that happened in the past and the joy that is mine, it’s very gratifying for me and the folks I write about to update past happenings.

As I look at my children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and even a great, great grandson, they bring to mind those happy times we shared together.

I thank God that my dear wife Evelyn also had some years to see and love them; they lovingly called her “Gee Gee” for great grandmother.  

Many times she was baby sitter as they were growing up.  They played games with her, and she always had treats for them, as growing kids could always eat and drink.  

Evelyn made tea from tea bags, then cut fresh mint from the garden, put it in the tea, and stored it in the fridge. When the kids came here they all wanted her iced tea and she always had it cold on hot summer days. I still make it and drink it daily.  

We were a swimming family and spent many afternoons at our daughter’s big pool and always had snacks and cool drinks.  It was always fun splashing each other, and we just enjoyed ourselves as a family.  

What happy memories we now talk about, but time marches on and now those little kids are adults, some married with children of their own.  


It’s a real pleasure to see new babies in our family and a real thrill for me to cradle them in my arms and ask God to bless them with good health and give their parents many pleasurable times to store in their minds and hearts.  

I can honestly say that Evelyn and I were truly blessed with a loving and caring family, and our now grown-up children hug me and tell me they love me.

Most of them are taller than me, but the boys and girls all treat me with hugs and those thrilling words, “I love you.”  

So I am very thankful for the many years God has given to me, how precious the years have been to me. I feel that if you bring your children up in a home where love is prevalent in the good and not so good  times, it will be a part of their lives and continue through their lifetimes, as the Bible teaches love is the greatest achievement of all and a life lived in love conquers everything and never fails.

What pleasure is ours as we get together and talk about the things we shared in times past and the love we have for each other, true gifts from God.

I take the time to reminisce and live them over again and revel in the memories of the blessed gift of memory. God bless all my readers.