Dear Friends and Family,
I'm writing this on Christmas Eve, too late to send snail mail greetings! John and I have spent the better part of December suffering our first ever bout with Covid, and although we were blessed with no complications, it kept us each down for the better part of two weeks. And then we both had rebound symptoms and so have postponed our family Christmas celebration to New Year's Day. So, that's my excuse for no cards sent this year.
In March Melinda and Brian shared the news that we would become grandparents for the 6th time in November. Lydia Grace Rausch joined our family on November 1, and we are so blessed.
We lost both John's parents this year; Johnnie passed away in May and Irma followed him 6 months later. Most of you are familiar with the ups and downs of grieving that are always intertwined with more details and decision-making than one would expect. We miss them and it still doesn't seem possible that they are gone.
This spring I republished 100 Days to Freedom with a new subtitle: Finding Rest in the Love of God. It's available at Amazon, here.
In March Brian and Melinda had their 20th anniversary, and we celebrated our 50th. Our 50th slideshow is here.
A quick analysis of my year's calendar entries for our 12 immediate family members reveals 4 cases of Covid, multiple less serious viruses, 1 case of pneumonia, one fall on the ice, two ER trips, and eleven pots of homemade chicken noodle soup made and distributed. My go to response in any crisis is to make chicken noodle soup, right after fervent prayer that is.
I am so aware of the abiding goodness of God through joys, sorrows and everything in between. His presence with us sees us through.
I feel so much gratitude to our friends and loved ones who gave so freely of their love and prayers when we had need this year. Never hesitate to ask us for prayer. We are here for you as you have been so steadfastly present for us.
Wishing each of you a blessed 2025,
John, Linda, and family
Love the pictures and letter.
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