Smoke Signals and other news
We have a new year in front of us. Some have no idea it will be their final year on Earth. What would you do if you knew this was your final year on Earth? Would you treasure and make the best use of each moment given to you? Would you visit with family and friends and ensure they know how much they have meant in your life? I have found myself having that conversation with friends and family when we both knew their time on Earth was near completion. I have held the hand of family members as they transitioned from this life. I have also lost friends and family without having that opportunity. Both ways are difficult, but I prefer the chance to say goodbye.
Would you attend church and ensure your eternal future was secure? Would you waste your final days partying, drinking, using drugs? The choice is yours. No one else can make that choice for you. Everyone is given 365 days every year and given 365 opportunities for putting those days to good use.
I found the Gehrke children opening presents on Friday morning, Dec. 22, before going to Mississippi. The part we all enjoyed the most was the opening of a large box that contained only a lot of tissue paper and a note that led to a treasure hunt through the house and finally outside to a longed-for trampoline. I’m not sure the neighbors enjoyed the early morning shrieks of delight. We then drove to Mississippi, where they stayed for a few days for family Christmas events. On Sunday, we gathered at my daughter Emily’s and her family for our annual Christmas Eve dinner, and the younger children opened additional presents. We all bring a dish or two and enjoy a great time together.
On Monday, there was another family event at my children’s aunt’s house we were planning to attend. Olivia began complaining of a stomach ache, and shortly after, there was clear evidence she was sick. She and I stayed home, cuddled in Grammy’s bed while the rest of the family attended the festivities. When they were to travel home the next morning, she seemed fine. After arriving at home, she got sick again. No one else got sick. She had since been to the doctor to rule out strep and such but was only found to have a slight ear infection. She is back to her bouncing self.
I want to say thank you to all the police officers who do their best to keep us safe. I am privileged to know several officers personally, and I know they face many dangerous situations daily.
I came across an article that may help you donate unwanted items. Some retailers are partnering with local charities to use empty shipping boxes to rid homes of clutter and help others. If interested, after removing your order from the shipping box, fill it with clothes or what you want to donate. Visit GiveBackBox.com and follow the directions, or print a free shipping label. You can also print a receipt for tax purposes. I haven’t tried it yet, but hopefully, I can in the next week.
Please share your news with me at jchwagg@gmail.com or text or call 901-246-8843. You can message me on Facebook as Clair Wagg.