Smoke Signals and other news
The past week has been filled with blessings and great sadness. We were able to have a family gathering for Thanksgiving with some family from out of town. We also had to say our final goodbyes to my husband of more than 33 years, Doug. Because of the timing of his passing, it was also a blessing that some family could stay in town longer, meaning I was able to keep my grandchildren, Landon and Olivia, with me most of the week. They were of great comfort and forced me to keep going, taking them to the places they always wanted to visit, such as Royal Donuts, Perkins, and their local favorite, Seafood Junction. They were also able to visit with the only Santa they have ever known as he made an appearance at Woods Farm Supply for their well-attended Open House.
Most of our immediate family members (and that’s a lot) were able to gather for a meal together on Friday night at a favorite restaurant. The staff was kind and efficient.
After the services on Sunday, Hope Church, where our daughter Jessica attends, provided another meal for the family, giving us the chance to grieve together and share memories.
Many family members had to travel some distance. One grandson was able to get home from college for the funeral, one nephew was able to come from Chicago, and one grandson and his family were making the long drive from North Carolina when a large buck collided with their car, totaling it. While the family was not seriously injured, they were unable to continue their journey and had to have someone pick them up and return home, and one family got stranded in an unexpected snowstorm. We are grateful to those who could attend the services and those who truly wanted to be there.
Friends have been kind, bringing food, sending cards, text messages, phone calls, hugs, expressing condolences, and sharing memories. Doug loved this community and poured many hours of work not only into the ball fields but also into investing time and energy into the youth of Marshall and Tate County, working at the White Oak Festivals, beauty pageants, working horse shows, and other events for the Chamber of Commerce, and much more.
Your continued prayers for our family are much appreciated and needed as we navigate the days and years ahead.
Please keep a dearly loved community member, Bob Carrington, in your thoughts and prayers as he once again battles pneumonia. Bob has long been a Byhalia friend and supporter for many years. Another long-time community member, Jimmy Edwards, continues to need our prayers as he, too, is hospitalized.