When I read something like the above…and I realize that my children and grandchildren are somehow gaining a closeness, especially these past few years, I am so grateful to God for sending to me nine of the most loving, wonderful, precious children that a mother could ever want. And on top of that, along come some fantastic grandchildren.

Our family reunion was a bigger success than I could have ever dreamed.

And now the trip with your father was icing on the cake.

Bud…Brenda said she had a fun visit at your house, and she feels free now to visit with you anytime she wants to, and she told me how excited Christopher is to get that guitar, and apparently Jacob is going to give him some music lessons.

It’s those things that make me smile from ear to ear.

As far as Ethan is concerned, I think he could just about get by on his LOOKS ALONE!! But, of course, you wouldn’t want that.

I can’t even describe what a great time Ethan & I had going to the game and spending time with you, Seay, Rick & Dad. Ethan told me just last night that the experience “Changed my whole life!” I assumed he meant mostly the thrill of a Big League Football game but more importantly it changed how he sees me.
We are able to influence our nieces, nephews and grandchildren much more directly than their own parents because they get a different view of the overall makeup of their own fathers and mothers through our vantage point. Ethan had no idea what kind of adventures his dad had, what he liked to do as a boy, what kind of trouble he found himself in, what made him laugh or run down a path scared out of his wits. It made Ethan understand me better and feel closer to me just through the stories and jokes you, Dad & Seay shared with him. You all also listened to him which is so important to a 10 year old boy.
These are critical years for boys 8-12yrs. It molds what kind of men they are going to be for life. I always say again and again how my summer of 72 was so critical to how I viewed my entire future… that summer I split with my Grandfather and my Father. I can almost remember every day of it. The chores, the meals, the alone time and mostly the conversations and jokes and perspectives they both had on everything from politics to where & how the cats pooped:)

Anyway, thank you for being you, Bill. I have always been proud of you but, seeing you help my littlest boy smile and grow meant so much to me.

Love,
Bud

Yes, I’m glad that Clemson won that won, after Alabama stomped Clemson in the dirt over the previous weekend.

Brenda tells me that Christopher is going to be an amazing football player at Auburn, and I do have to stay alive to see that. She wishes so much that Luis and I could see him play just ONE GAME.

Luis announced last night that we’ll be going up to Birmingham for Thanksgiving. We’ll be staying with Brenda, and I suppose we should let Brenda know.