February 2025

My Aunt Theresa spent so much time here, caring for my dad

Greed!

And Taboo, which was actually really funny to play with my dad

Sharing ministry experiences

My brother and his family surprised my dad with a visit. It meant so much to him. He was especially glad to spend time with his grandkids.

Sweetheart Amelia

Mystery sip game…

Rocco and my dad had the funniest reactions

It was a tough visit, but a good one. We tried to keep the kids occupied; they did so well in that little apartment in a stressful environment.

An assortment of ice cream with the Blicharzes 

Radiation complete!

I made him hold his certificate up for a picture. 

He always humored me.

Hospitality

Our service group

February 28th.

I remember this as my dad’s last really good day.

I’m not sure why he was in the hospital that time, but it was only in Tennessee, so that was less stressful.

Julian and Cherie were visiting, he was joking around and laughing so much, and Addison was messing with him.

This is the last day I remember him really being himself. 🩷

January 2025 

 2024 calendar- one entry for each day

Surgery to fix his port

Chemo number five

A visit from Patrick, Fer and her family

The Spencers’ puppy, Koh

Back to UVA

A visit from Joey and Victoria, who made my dad his requested “Red Lobstah shrimp scampi” 

Playing with Koh

Out with the guys for a steak

2024-2025 Congregation Pioneer Meeting

Lamont won the trivia game

Addison elaborating on his “fun fact” … which includes a bathroom incident and a member of the governing body! 

Really grateful for this group!

December 2024

Family worship with the McDowells and Jeff

Chemo number three

India hosted “Soup Wednesdays” at their home while the weather was cold. She’d have a pot of something delicious on the stove, and everyone was welcome to come and go as they pleased, to write letters, do remote Bethel work, or just enjoy a bowl while working out in the territory.

Meeting for service

I had an especially nice morning working territory with Pam and David Tierney and Gary. I suggested a group photo, and each one is funnier than the last. This one was best.

Cooper and Ava Grace’s wedding reception

Grayson was cracking me up at the photo booth

I can only imagine how many hilarious pictures there are 

of him with his buddies

Elaine made cake!

Another fun Soup Wednesday

Sadly, our dear Don passed away December 9th

There are so many things we miss about him- his dry humor, banjo playing, and the storehouse of knowledge he had on all things literary. Most of all, I miss his warm, humble, and gentle manner that made him feel like everyone’s grandpa.

As a librarian, teacher, and writer, he was important to eastern Kentucky. He has left an impactful legacy, although he never really spoke about his accomplishments.

Looking forward to seeing him, and hearing his jokes, soon

Groups for Soup Wednesdays

Chemo number four

And then off to UVA hospital

Thankfully, Joey and Victoria could make the trip to support him, and us, while he was there

One sort of bright spot during those UVA visits was the delicious little pizza restaurant we found, Lampia. On the first night of our first visit, we happened to be seated next to a group of local sisters. They were so kind and offered to support us any way they could. Grateful to Jehovah for that reassuring gift.

Games at the Hamiltons

A visit from Pam and David’s family

They brought sweet little gifts for all of the friends

And something special for each elder’s wife!

It was really nice to get to know them while Pam and David were with us in Jenkins.