Saturday, January 23, 2010

Weddings & Farewell Receptions

How strange it is to say 'hello' and 'good-bye' all in one day. People come and go in our lives, everyone on their own little conveyor belt, going at their own speed, and sometimes our paths travel along together for a while. And whether those together times are just a short while, or whether they last for years, the times together with friends are cherished. That's just the way life is. And today was one of those days that found one conveyor belt running alongside of mine and another one moving on.

This morning we officially said 'hello and welcome' to Mary, Buck's new wife. They had a beautiful wedding ceremony followed by a simple cake & punch reception, then followed by a big family lunch at Kenny Blanek's cafe. And since Kerry and I are sort of adopted family, we were included. It was good to see Buck's kids and some of the grandkids who were here...Melissa & Leonel came from Caracas, but the children stayed there; Melissa and her grandson were here from Dallas; and Mike and his family were here from Houston. And we had the opportunity to meet some of Mary's family. Like me, she has a big family!  I expect our 'conveyor belts' to run alongside one another for awhile...hopefully a long while....as we welcome her into our hearts and lives.

(There will be a picture in here later of us with Buck & Mary....Leonel took the pic and will send it to me!)

This afternoon, the ladies of the church officially said 'farewell' to Liz. Liz & Ronnie are retiring Jan. 31....next weekend! Liz has been such a integral part of my life over the last 20 years! Being our church pianist, she has accompanied me numerous times singing both solos and in ensembles. She is so very talented on the keyboard, making the notes just dance and float through the air. She has also been a friend, and she will be greatly missed. This afternoon was her "Farewell Tea", and next Sunday, the 31st, we will have a retirement party for her and Ronnie. And although their 'conveyor belt' is beginning to head off in another direction, we will continue to keep in touch with them as they seek the Lord's direction in their retirement years.

Friends come and friends go, but they never really leave our hearts and minds as the memories made together linger, waiting to be visited from time to time. And who knows when our conveyor belts will come together again, if only for a short visit.

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