Time to catch up

We have had an eventful few weeks. Chris' family gathered Monday (July 28) at Haymount United Methodist Church in Fayetteville for the memorial service for Chris' mother, Bette. It was a nice service. The very young associate pastor of the church gave the meditation. He had talked to George, my father-in-law, and to Joan, Chris' sister-in-law, and he was able to talk about Bette's life. He emphasized the right things: that Bette loved little children and took care of her family. Those are the qualities I will remember about Bette. The first hymn we sang during the service was "How Great Thou Art," a hymn that always moves me deeply. It was my grandmother Blackburn's favorite hymn and a soloist sang it at her funeral. I always tear up when I hear it. I will miss Bette, but I am glad she isn't suffering from dementia any more.

Everyone in the immediate family was at the memorial service except for Greg's son, Alex. [Amendment: As Chris noted in a comment below, I neglected to say that Patrick, Chris' youngest brother, who is bedridden, also was not at the memorial service.] Jake was glad to see his girl cousins, and they seemed happy to see him, too. After the memorial service, everyone went to Zorba's restaurant in Fayetteville. We ate and talked. We later dropped by George's house.

On Tuesday, Chris left for the mountains with his brother Tim and Tim's wife, Tara. I had to work, so I didn't go. They are staying through Sunday at a cottage between Franklin and Sylva. Tim and Tara live in Alabama.

We spent time with David, Chris' oldest brother, and his wife, Martha, who were here from Mumbai, India. They were scheduled for home leave and meetings in the U.S. anyway, so that's why the memorial service was scheduled for July 28. David and Martha and I went to a concert-movie at the N.C. Museum of Art. The Carolina Chocolate Drops played, and the movie was "The Great Debaters." Martha and David were impressed with Rhiannon Giddens of the Chocolate Drops. Rhiannon sang "Hit 'Em Up Style." Wonderful! She is a marvelous singer and a charismatic performer.

Today, Jake and I took advantage of tax-free weekend to buy his textbooks and some supplies for this semester. The tab was about $500, even with used books.

I am on vacation now. I will go to Catawba County late next week to help my brother Tim and my parents put on a pottery festival at the church that's beside my parents' house. This is a special project for Tim, and I want to do what I can to help. The ladies of the church are going to sell food, and I will help with that. Jake and Chris will help. too.

I still have a job, by the way. Our revenue numbers are terrible, though, so who knows what will happen? In a few weeks, I begin superuser training for the new publishing system, CCI, I look forward to getting away from my usual duties for a while. I am, to say the least, burned out.

Here is a YouTube video of the Chocolate Drops doing "Him 'Em Up Style." If you ever gets the chance to see them in person, take it.

Comments

[Chris Nelson]

Actually, our brother and Mom's youngest son, Patrick, was not at the funeral. He, of course, is bedridden and not able to attend events like these.