Thank you, God, for Gene.

The picture tonight is one I took of Sadie with Trish when they were at our house last week. That doll they are holding usually wears the hat Sadie is wearing. I have that little red headed doll (Gina is our red-head.) and I have two more just like her only they are blond headed (Trish and Gretta were blonds when they were babies.) I have these dolls sitting on the bed in the 'kids' room' to represent our daughters. They wear life size baby clothes and the girls always have fun dressing them and undressing them. I think this is the first time the girls have worn the babies' clothes. Sadie is such a hoot, and we think she is darling no matter what she's wearing!


Now to report on today. The service to celebrate Gene's life was so very special. Many of his family and friends wanted to speak and tell memories relative to the impact Gene's life had on their lives. Some brought us to tears, but most made us smile or even chuckle. It was really wonderful to see how talented his family is and how brave so many of them were to stand in front of people and share from their inner core some very treasured memories. I was really touched.


His grandkids are a tremendous group of 9 in their late teens and early 20's. 3 of them are married. They are all gorgeous and fun loving and it was so much fun for us to get to see all of them. (All were there except for 1 spouse who was unable to come from Nigeria.) It was a boost to all of us to be around all these great kids.


We thank God for the opportunity to make this trip and for everyone who was able to join us here. We were all blessed with safe traveling and we give thanks for that, too. We thank God for Gene's life and example to us and the legacy he has left for us. I repeat one of my favorite quotes from an unknown author: "How long does a man live? Is it as long as you can touch him or is it as long as he touches you?" We thank God that Gene continues to touch us in positive ways through his daughters and grandchildren as well as through our memories of him.