I thought I could access the internet on my brother's computer; turns out, he doesn't have a computer at the present time! So, with the exception of brief internet access through a cell phone, my internet time was all but non-existent over the weekend. (I couldn't sign on to blogger, because I couldn't figure out how to enter the underline that I use in my screen name into the mobile phone's keypad!)
After the turkey and dressing was digested Thanksgiving evening, my brother insisted on showing me the new building and facilities at the church in which he is serving as youth pastor. I could elaborate on this further, but that probably would be better off as its own post. Suffice it to say that it is a very seeker-driven church, heavily influenced by Willow Creek, and complete with a coffee bistro in the foyer prior to Sunday morning worship services. (And I'm not exaggerating about the coffee shop!)
Saturday morning, the entire family drove to my elderly parents' home in Rome, Georgia, to help them complete their move from Rome to their new residence in Cleveland, TN. My 73-year-old mother's health is steadily deteriorating, and the move will put her near her two brothers, where she can visit and spend time with them. The house my parents are moving from happens to be the house I grew up in. We moved in that house when I was three years old, back in 1969, and I moved out of it when I was 27. Twenty-four years lived in one house can produce quite a few memories! My parents are selling the "homeplace."
(Rome was a great little town in which to spend your childhood. Lots of history and a rich heritage in a beautiful area of North Georgia).
So Saturday afternoon, after everyone was out of the house, and I lingered in the room that had served as my bedroom for so many years--that's when the emotions kicked in. I fought back tears as I confronted the fact that I'd most likely never see the inside of that room again. Late night phone calls with friends and suitors, artwork that I had worked on into the wee hours of the morning, sleepless nights as a young single spent hoping, wishing, praying for the "right one" to come along, all-nighters I pulled getting ready for major exams in college--so many memories came flooding back.
I remember as a child, the many nights spent reading about the Bobbsey Twins or Nancy Drew mysteries by the light of my old clock radio........long after my parents had sent me to bed and announced, "lights out."
(You know, the old flip-digit style--like the one that woke Bill Murray's character every morning in "Groundhog Day). Nights as a teenager, listening to Rex Smith croon me to sleep via his 8-track tape entitled, "Sooner or Later."
Anyway, my parents are moving back to the town that THEY grew up in--the town of their childhood. Guess I can't blame them for that.
I would appreciate your prayers for my mother and the health problems she is experiencing.
And, I hope your Thanksgiving was a special one.
