December 2020

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to our friends and family!

The pandemic has made this an unusual and exasperating year for every one of us. We hope this message finds you at peace and in good health. As of this writing, we praise God that none of our closest relatives have tested positive for the coronavirus.

Though turning 65 this year, Michael continues to work full time treating patients in his clinic and has no plans to retire any time soon. Serving as an elder for 20 years for a large congregation, he found this year to be especially challenging due to unprecedented changes to minimize disease risks for church members.

Completing 23 years of service, Jeannie was the longest-serving school board member in Fort Smith Public School history. Choosing not to run for re-election, her tenure ended just weeks before the pandemic forced our schools to shut down in the spring. Jeannie continues to serve as president of the League of River Valley Voters. Using newly developed methods of recording large groups, her soprano voice was included in dozens of Praise and Harmony songs this year.

With overseas travel restrictions in place, our long-planned trip to the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany in June was canceled. A replacement vacation in September for Italy suffered the same fate. Needing some time off, we spent 2 weeks visiting 6 national parks in Arizona and Utah in early autumn.

Angelique and Greg are now raising teenagers. Rhiannon turned 13. Corbin turned 16 and has started driving. Both Texas grandchildren are accomplished percussionists in their school bands.

Steven and Louise are working from home while helping educate their children with online material from their public school. Carmen entered the 3rd grade. Ella is 4 and enjoys daily lessons with her sister. Our granddaughters are learning horse riding skills. Their whole family is involved in weekly karate lessons, so we advise you not to mess with them.