Dear Reader:

Yesterday as Brooke and I talked about our feelings reflecting on the amazing years we have spent at Edisto Island… Brooke came up with the perfect response and title today…Renewal, Reflection,and Realization.

From our first reunion in 2004…here we are 18 years later. A lot has changed in all our lives over this period of time… happy times… children’s marriages, arrival of grandchildren, sad times… deaths of spouses and parents… serious health ( life-altering) diagnoses but through it all… we have known we had each other.

Now these days…renewal… not just annual physical presence for gathering …but soul presence is needed more than ever! … no pretentiousness because we know each other so well. The one place and the one group where acceptance is unconditional…

We realize, especially recently, how precious and sacred life is… we can never take it for granted… we have all experienced health scares and fortunately pulled through the challenges with an even greater appreciation for all the blessings we have been given!

So until tomorrow… Just pure gratitude for life… for friends… forever!

Today is my favorite day…. Winnie the Pooh

Let me take a moment to thank you for your positive and encouraging comments on Tommy and Kaitlyn’s situation -it has vastly improved from yesterday… Tommy got some doctor prescription medicine from “Walsh’s Pharmacy” 🤣 and a government note allowing them to return this weekend! With that stress off… they were finally able to get outside together… and hopefully can ” seize” the day ( 3 ) left! Time for their fifth anniversary!

Harriett said the meeting with the neurologist went well and she is taking each step as it comes using her trusted HOPE calendar to check off each procedure. She thanks you for all the prayers!

Regina… I had a note from a long-time Chapel of Hope reader who writes a post of her own… a wonderfully talented teacher, spiritual leader, writer and amazing woman of faith-Isaiah46minstries.

Regina is presently in the hospital with an obstruction of the small intestine-doctors hoping they can clear it before Friday or they will have to perform surgery-Regina is praying they won’t find a repeat of colon cancer … she has had previously. Please put Regina in your prayers and God’s care! 🙏🏻 Thank you readers!

*** Jackson was supposed to fly in at 1:00 yesterday but, like what happened to Tommy and Kaitlyn… ( it is now 2:30) and Jackson is still stuck in Philly on the tarmac …another plane with mechanical problems. Must be contagious…Landing time… 4:00. We are so ready to pick her up!

” All I need is room enough to lay a hat and a few friends.”