"O What a Journey!"

I would like to report that,with the help of the good Lord,I had a wonderful Star Hollow few days.I actually did not go down into Star Hollow but close enough as Carolyn and I and Connie's friend,Carl visited Maplewood Cemetery that sits right outside of Exeter,Mo. at the top of the entrance into Thomas Hollow(that would be the hollow you would go through to get to my bloved Star Hollow.Of course you would have to go across a couple of ridges and down Bear Cve Hill(the one my Aunt Bessie refused to ride down in the car once because she was scared,so yep,she walked down it)This was one of several family stories told and retold.
It is a gorgeous Fall Ozark day as we approach the final resting place of a whole lot of my Day relatives and people I gew up with.This journey is always poignant and bittersweet with memories as we have just passed through the small town of Exeter.We go past what used to be the small MFA Exchange Country Store.Of course,first I have to recall the excruciating,sad, day .It was October 16,1972 and I had made the sad journey with my Daddy in his pickup.My unutterable pain and loss was beyond human comprehension,but when I added the pain I felt from a father who had lost yet another son,tragically,it was beyond human bearing.That day I stood in the corner of this store and listened while my dad made the arrangements of burial for a beloved son,my dear sweet Bobby whom I had tended to since birth,As always,I feel the gentleness of the kind heavenly Father take over and I am comforted and quickly move on to happier memories-those of a small little girl who finally got her turn to come into town with a Daddy that had to spread himself thin with 10 children.I still feel the excitement as I got to enjoy the little stores atmosphere(the old woodburning stove with several gathered round sharing stories,howdies,etc,many,my relatives,no doubt)What wonderful memories!I have to leave you now,but will post more of my journey,later,as I can.What I have to reiterate is how very thankful I am for all my family and friends who have helped on and through this journey.I have never had trouble believing in angelsmheavenly and earthly for it has been my experience,that everytime I needed them,they are always there,provided by my loving Heavenly Father!If you are heavy-hearted today,call on Him.He knows,He loves,He cares"I have proven Him true,what He says He will do...for He never Has failed me yet!"One more thing,I confess,I still feel that same ,little girl excitement about little brown sacks,filled with chosen candy favorites!Till next time...Ann of Star Hollow

This Star Holler girl is headed Home for few days

I am meeting up with my sister,Carolyn,to tend to Connie Sues grave as well as pay our respects to our dear little brother,Bobby.What a wonderful boy he was!How much we still miss him even though it has been 36 years.He was worthy of the the Miss!Plan to drop in on other family as well.Looking forward to breathing some Ozark air! Till next time,M.Ann

Seven Star Springs - Barry Co., Mo

Seven Star Springs - Barry Co., Mo

Family Spooktaculer

O God,thy sea is so great;my boat is so small!

Spending a good part of the day yesterday in the Cancer Hospital with a dear family member while she began yet another series of Chemotherapy,I came away,both humbled and feeling rather helpless at my inability to take away the pain of a mass of hurting people,both patients and caretakers.I left there feeling ashamed at my complaints,suddenly made to look pretty minute in the face of such pain and suffering.I also came away more determined to make the most of all the moments of my life,not sweat the small stuff,etc.
My what an equalizer the word,Cancer,becomes!No respector of race,age,class or status of life.I heard the cries of small children,saw the elderly and infirm,too weak to hold up their head as they received their treatment.With bowed head,I sat,humbled,asking God yet again,for strength to help those who had no strength,to help point them to Him,our all enduring strength.
"God is our refuge and strength,a very present help in time of trouble"