I emailed my cousins today, and thought it would make a good blog entry. As I see such a mess all around and feel the sadness that many people I know must be going through, all I can seem to think about is my family...my immediate family, and my cousins and my Aunts and Uncles.
My Cousin Ben has the same B-Day as me...Sept 15 so I'd like to say Happy B-Day to him!
Hello Family,
Hopefully everyone is aware now that the Richards have survived yet another hurricane. We were in Katy where Shawna's wedding was scheduled and we had hotel rooms. Mom and Dad's house on the Island of Clear Lake Shores was definitely blessed compared to many of their neighbors. The downstairs is really pretty bad, but only had garage sale junk in it really, and just things. We believe the pictures and valubles that were down there were high enough to have survived, unless something banged into them. The island is still w/out power like alot of our area. The main clean up for us has had to start at Butler's Courtyard. None of the buildings had damage, but every tree, limb, leaf and branch that could fall did, and we have 3 weddings that must go on this weekend. Shawna and Michael live a couple streets over from Mom and Dad and their downstairs which only had a laundry/storage room was messed up pretty bad, and Shawna's car...but she's not too upset as she's hoping for a new one...haha. My apartment was totally fine.
As you probably know by now...Shawna and Michael chose not to get married under these circumstances. It just didn't feel right to them as Michael's parents were not there and non of their friends. The wedding is going to be rescheduled for the Friday after Thanksgiving. (Official word will be sent later when pieces are officially put together) We really hope that everyone can make this date, and maybe we can have some sort of family Thanksgiving together. Just a thought.
As I was looking around my apartment to evacuate it was really clear what is most important...that is family. I didn't take any of my junk that I've acquired, non of my new wedding presents still in the boxes...not my TV or my computer. What was most important to me was our family things...Nannie's trunk, family photo albums of us in Galveston...even that silly fiber optic ball thing. Mike thought I was nuts for wanting to protect it, but that has my memories. Memories of us just dying to touch it and no matter what room Nannie was in she knew when we touched it! I guess where I'm going with this is...we need to take some time, whether it be Shawna's wedding, or other, to get together and continue to make family memories. Today when I returned to work and had internet for the 1st time, the 1st thing I did was get on your blogs to check things out. You are all much better at that then me, but I love that we can stay connected through the blogs, but I also hate that instead of calling to chat and ask how everyone is I just get on there. Anyhow, I sometimes think like...how would Nannie feel knowing we haven't all been together as a family unit since her funeral. I am just as much to blame...the phone works both ways I know. I also know how busy everyone must be. I mean, it is just me and Mike and I feel like we never stop being busy, I can't imagine those of you that have children and church involvement and so many things going on. Guess I'm just taking some time to let you all know how much you mean to me...being able to get online and read your blogs was such a relief and my 1st sign of normalcy in life. Even though Ike didn't hurt us as bad as others, it has been very stressful, just even getting gas and food and wondering if we can drink water that comes from our home sink!!
Also, I wanted to say Happy Birthday to Ben. Sorry I didn't call yesterday but as I said, it has been an interesting few days. Also...it was my B-Day yesterday too!! Hope it was great for you Ben!!
Anyhow, I will work on getting some pics on our blog of the sites around town. Don't know when I'll have a chance. I hope everyone will try to make it down for Shawna's wedding. It would be awesome to get together with everyone. If not, maybe our family leaders (RONNIE AND TOM!!) will get together and figure out a time we can all just reconnect. I love seeing the kids grow in blog pics, but don't want to only know them through pictures (even if it is just a couple of nights and doesn't have to cost much)
So, Happy Birthday to me and Ben and thanks for the prayers and thoughts over our time w/ Ike
Love you all!! Amber
2 comments:
Alright, alright, alright, we'll get together soon. I hear ya. I haven't even met yours or your sisters husbands and husband to be. DANG. Talk to ya later cuz.
I feel the same way about my family. Don't get discouraged, keep pressuring, some day it will happen! I heard they did get married by candlelight?? anyways. Sorry I have not replied to your email, I have been trying to retreat to reading a book instead of blogs this week. Long story, but yes life puts things into perspective. Very thankful it was not Ike that did it for me.
Post a Comment