Zapped by Lightning

This came to mind last week: But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere. (Ecclesiastes 2:11 NLT)

On Thursday, April 11, a severe storm passed over North Alabama and left a reminder of this verse for me. We were out of town attending our daughter's wedding in KY when I received a call from a kind neighbor. He said, "I'm sorry to bother you, but your security siren has been going off for the last couple of days...". Bother me? Really? I am so appreciative of this man, whom I hardly even know. Why I wasn't notified by our security system monitoring company is another story. As of this post, they have already been replaced.

We thought it may have been a power surge that caused the alarm, as our neighbor said he peeked in the windows and didn't see any unusual evidence of a burglary. But upon our return four days later, with two granddaughters in tow, we discovered that our roof took a direct hit from lightning, leaving a softball-sized hole, shattering a 2x6 rafter stud, and damaging electrical components throughout our home.

It's stunning that our house did not catch on fire. Stunning! We came home to many inconveniences...phones dead, refrigerators not working, security systems...TVs...DVD players...routers...modems...etc. - not to mention the hole in our roof. But, how much worse it could have been if a spark had ignited...

As thankful as we are to only have the minor inconveniences, honestly, I realized...it's all "just stuff". We had family around us and I just recently handed my daughter's hand to a young man who is now an additional member of our family. The stuff can be replaced...but not our family.

It's a great reminder for me to not get hung up on the stuff of this world - it really is meaningless. Instead I need to keep thinking and focusing on the things of eternal value. Thanks for the reminder, God.... And, I'm also grateful for the lack of a spark....

Pics of the Family

Savannah... almost 8 months old

My Mom & Dad with Savannah,

their Great Granddaughter

Play time with Granddaddy

Tami & Savannah

Lauren & Caitlin

Cody on Caitlin's bed... this is a No No!

Jordan with Savvy at Christmas

Savvy enjoying Rice cereal...

Lauren & Daniel

Mom & Daughter at the Park

5 Generations!

Has there ever been any point in your life when you've had five generations in your family alive at the same time? It rarely happens. But it's happened twice in my lifetime and is currently happening! Each time, we were able to get a snapshot of the milestone.

L to R: Dad, Lauren, Nanny, Jim, Granny

This is the first picture that we took back in 1985. The scanned image of the hard copy picture includes my 8 month old daughter, Lauren, who is being held by her great grandmother, Nanny. Nanny's mother, Granny, was still alive at this photo op. She would be Lauren's great-great-grandmother. My Dad and I round out the 5 generations. This picture was taken at Granny's house in Paducah, KY. Even back then, Dad was a serious UK Wildcat fan ....

L to R: Granddaddy, Mom, Memaw, Jim, Lauren, Savannah

Just last week we were fortunate to take this picture at my grandparent's house in Elizabethtown, KY. Lauren, now 25, is holding her daughter, Savannah, almost 8 months old. This time it's my Mom's side of the family, and includes both of her parents. They have been married 72 years. They are 94 and 87. Wow! I'm hoping Savvy will call me Granddaddy someday. I chose that name because of the man in this picture. I'm proud to be his grandson....

In the first picture I am the second youngest of the five generations.... in the second picture I am the third youngest.... not real thrilled about the direction this is heading.... I don't take these moments and privileges lightly. No doubt, it is a real blessing to have experienced this kind of generational family that most never get a chance to do. So, here's to another picture in the not too distant future...

Update on the Fam....

Wild, Crazy & Wonderful! Things around our house are quite a bit different from this time last year. Let me give a quick update:

Jordan is scheduled to graduate from Taylor University this May. In early July, he will marry Bethany and begin the next phase of his life. Wedding plans are in full swing, job hunting is heating up, and I'm still putting money into his checking account. It's OK.... but it will be like a pay raise once he finally graduates. I'm really proud of our son, and I look forward to welcoming his lovely bride into our family. He is definitely marrying up!

Caitlin still wears KY!

Caitlin has lived with us in Huntsville since last December. In January, she began taking classes at Calhoun College. She's doing great! Caitlin lived on her own for a while in Lexington and worked at Starbuck's, where she learned the intricacies of coffee-making. Her culinary skills are also quite impressive. But, honestly, I'm sick of watching the litany of Food channels. She would tell you she's tired of me watching sports and news channels. But, it has been a pleasure having her with us. She has helped us around the house, helped baby sit, and is doing well in school. I'm very proud of Cait!

A Million Dollar Smile!

Speaking of baby sitting.... Daniel, Lauren and Savannah (our only grandchild), also moved in with us last December. Having a baby in the house has rocked my world..... after all, it's been 20+ years since this guy has changed diapers. The good point is that there are 4 other capable diaper changers in the house. So, when it's time for a change, I conveniently act like I'm checking an email on my Blackberry. They haven't figured this out yet, so let's keep it a secret... Savvy is a wonderful baby! If all grandchildren are this pleasant, I recommend a bus load of them. She turned 7 months old on the 23rd, and she's starting to get her own personality. She's knows what she wants, when she wants it, and wonders what's taking you so long in giving it to her. She has no teeth yet... she rolls but doesn't crawl... and she and Cody get along famously.

Proud papa!

Lauren is working part-time at a Christian radio station, and Daniel is full-time at Verizon. I don't know how long they'll stay with us, but we are enjoying the season while we have it. I suppose they are still adjusting from life in Sydney, Australia, versus life in Alabama. But, we're glad they are with us and are proud and blessed to have them around.

Tami is busier than ever. She is a discussion leader in BSF (Bible Study Fellowship), prepares a meal and our home every Monday night as we host the Summit Crossing Young Adults, babysits Savannah when Lauren and Daniel are both working, mentors other young women, and takes care of me. For that, I am thankful. She is an extremely giving person who always puts others ahead of herself. Savvy will be an even better young lady by having Tami as her "Gami".