This will be my 5th Christmas without my husband. Covid was a cruel thief. But I will honor him by putting up the Christmas lights outside. Mike would start December 1st and whenever there was space he would hang a string of lights.

I hope he can see our house sparkle and twinkle during this Christmas season …

How can it be … 4 years have passed! You were the one who calmed a storm. Never met a stranger; and always knew just what to do in any situation. Time stood still for me and our 3 beautiful daughters when you took your last breath. The beautiful life we cherished forever changed. Our G-Daddy, POD Dad, Gare-Bear, Woody, Money Man reached the arms of our Heavenly Father.

Gary accomplished so much in his time on this earth. Serving others during major snow storms, traveling to provide Hurricane Relief and caring for others during the COVID pandemic. Our “Peaceful Giant” who was larger than life will never be forgotten. His memory will go forward with us as we continue to honor his memory and continue his legacy. Gary will be forever loved and missed until we all reunite again as our Father has promised … Love you Always, Your Wife of 45 Years, Jacque

I was talking with my sister the other night making plans for Thanksgiving. In the middle of our conversation, I realized this will be my fifth Thanksgiving without Jody. It seems so hard to believe.

Jody and I shared Thanksgiving meals with my sister and brother-in-law and their children for so many years. I have some memories that seem to repeat themselves every year. When the mashed turnips were placed on the table, one of the kids would always say: “Turnips! Yuck” and Jody would chime in with a hearty, “I love turnips,” only to be told, “Then you eat them.” And, he did.

Later, when it came time for dessert, the great debate would begin. Is it “PEE-can” or “puh-KAAN” pie? Since Jody was raised in Texas where pecan pie is the state pie, he insisted on the later pronunciation. The kids would always tease him insisting on the former. In any case, we all enjoyed a piece of pie.

The kids are now grown and have their own children. Since Jody passed, we still maintain those rituals surrounding turnips and pecan pie. And, in 2020, we started a new tradition. We leave an extra plate on the table in remembrance of the one we lost.

When Trump previously was President, he did not organize resources, take crucial action or inform our citizens. Instead he denied reality and deceived us, knowing the real and dangerous threat of Covid. Trump was primarily concerned with his re-election and deferred the crisis to the states instead. It resulted in a complete chaotic and political mess without a national policy. The American people deserved better.

As a result we lost more citizens than most other countries . Now Trump will be our President again. I hope the next Pandemic will not happen under his watch. I hope nothing catastrophic happens under his watch. God save America.

We are celebrating Dia de los Muertos today by cooking arroz con leche, my abuelito’s favorite treat. My daughters and I will measure the sugar & cinnamon while we think about him and tell stories to remember his smiles and jokes. We miss him so very much. We always will.