Dear Reader:

Today I am driving to Laurens… my family’s ancestral home town and a place that holds a myriad of emotions… mostly good but also a reminder of the loss of loved ones who went before… who actually gave me life… the gift, to date, that keeps on giving.

I will be returning to my family church, the First Presbyterian church of Laurens , South Carolina for Sherry’s funeral service. It is a beautiful church-built in Gothic Revival architecture-with it’s first service held in the present-day church in 1893.

I was active in the youth groups while living in Laurens through my high school years and was married in this church in 1973. Lots of memories…will, no doubt, be flooding my mind. I hope to get there early to walk around and observe all the changes that have taken place since I lived in Laurens.

There will be lots of reflections to share upon my return tonight….

I want to ride down Main Street and see all the beautiful homes and even ride by my home on Barksdale Circle… I know it will be different from my youth recollections.

The pastor, will no doubt, have his work cut out for him when it comes to remembering Sherry’s life. She and Charles met at the University of Georgia and Sherry was a stand-out in women’s collegiate basketball-in fact I think Charles told me that she was recently recognized by the university for her contributions to sports and so much more.

Sherry was a much beloved mother, wife, and teacher in the Laurens public school system. In fact one student, Marilyn told me offered her services to Charles to help care for Sherry throughout her illness… staying on to the end.

So until tomorrow… Charles Dickens reminds us ” No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of others” Amen!

Today is my favorite day-Winnie the Pooh

As I drove out of my neighborhood… leaving for Laurens… I saw this new neighbor’s jeep in the driveway-a God Wink for the trip!

Walsh stayed at surf camp yesterday to watch all the boys practice their newly acquired skills!