2009 is near its final day. This year we have experienced extreme joy and happiness and tumultuous shock and devastation. As we close out the year, I’m going to focus on the joyous moments.
Last New Year’s Eve, I called my sister and brother-in-law’s house in Phoenix, Arizona
“Hey, is Camille birthin’ yet?”
Glenn said, “No, she’s not. She’s resting, but I’ll let her know you called.”
Turns out that Camille was “birthin’” or in labor and Glenn just wanted to keep us from being anxious. 2009 began with Diana’s birth – Camille and Glenn’s second child.
February 21, 2009 was a long anticipated day and a day that a major life chapter began – THE day Tracie became my wife. It was a day filled with warmth of two hearts who were meant to be together warmed further by the showering of excited celebration from the heart of family, friends and the people of Weatherly Heights Baptist Church. The sound of Weatherly’s Handbell Ensemble filled the room with cheer. Timothy proudly bore a smile of happiness as he walked his mother down the aisle. Timothy and Jasmine sweetly stated, “We do” when asked who presents Tracie to me. David’s touching words of how it was impossible for this church to quietly celebrate our joining together. Then there was the reception that overflowed with celebration with the sweat of so many. I’ll always remember me and Tracie eating that wonderful cake and being immediately surrounded by many well wishers.
There were numerous people we spoke to that day, but there are a few that I want to speak about. I was driven to tears when the daughter and widow of my good friend Mike Williams - Anna Ruth and Terri Williams - hugged us saying, “You shouldn’t cry, it’s your wedding day.” Later on, Leigh Anna Jimmerson just about threw herself into my arms and hugged me so tight I couldn’t breathe. She told us that she left Tracie a very special gift, a pack of tissue called “Swankie Hankie’s.”
I am grateful to the people of Weatherly Heights Baptist Church for their outpouring of love as they carried me and my family into a new chapter of being husband and dad. Togeher as a family of faith, we’ve carried each other through some tough times and loudly celebrated the joys life has brought us. Thanks be to God.
