We are a Blessed People, cont.

When the neighborhood was young there were babies born, kids played football and baseball or whatever sport was in season. They took dancing and piano. They played kick the can on summer nights. It was fun to sit out on my porch on those warm summer evenings and hear someone yell "over the can on..." then hear screaming and laughing. They were involved in scouts with campouts.

One winter scout camp Tyler had to take his small screen TV to watch the Jazz. He spent $50.00 on batteries, but it was the only way we could get him to go. Involvement in little league, school sports, three-wheeling around the open spaces were common back then. They had fun growing up. with only an occasional outburst that was quickly forgotten. I must go back and introduce the players in this drama of life because each one has a story of their own, and while creating their own story they have touched and been a part of mine.

Pat is our music lady. She plays the piano as if the instrument was an extension of her body. She accompanies everyone, plays in church, plays for the choir. She has kept music alive from the beginning. Never has there been a word about music without Pat being part of it. The two words become one. For some reason a bunch of really good musicians or would be musicians happened to settle beneath this mountain. We found one another and because of Pat we have been singing together for 30 years. Sometimes not perfectly, though at times there have been angels singing with us it was that good! Our Christmas program is always the best (The angels come every year). but there have been other visits. We have also had some really sad times here, but the music was always perfect for the occasion. Because of Pat, our music has become one voice and so always appropriate and enjoyed by all. Pat has five children - each with their own struggles and accomplishments. She has lived through those struggles and triumphs by acting as we all do - either burying herself in bed for a few days to get strength or being on the front row applauding. But whatever happens she doesn't give up, maybe, almost, sometimes, but not ever giving in completely. She will play for us as long as her fingers move.

Teri is my soul sister, golf partner, walking partner and more. We moved here the same month and have felt that we were sisters in heaven, before we came here and became earthly friends. There is nothing to describe Teri other than the word "class". Her home should be a movie set in the nicest possible way - not big and glamorous, but if the set called for the perfect home done with impeccable taste, but looking like a real home, that would be hers. She sees a vision and Dale builds it to perfection. You want to live there and when you go over you are welcomed as if you do.