Dear family and dear friends, 24 April 2026
Over a month has
past (and it came to pass!) The blessing of watching spring bloom amidst frost
and cold spells 
freezing fruit blossoms and chilling hands can be enhearting to our
souls as we watch our mothers navigate “la tercera edad” 
(Latin description of “the third age,” or
golden years) 
and celebrate engagement of our eldest granddaughter to her childhood friend with a light and flame rekindled as she finishes in her first year of college receiving an associate’s degree.
Prayers are ever in order for the “youth of
the noble birthright!” 
When my eldest brother visited to attend a funeral for our dad’s 91-year-old eldest brother, Laurence,.
the last of my father’s brothers, David’s first self-claimed
duty was to attach on the wall for view upon entrance to our home, 
the picture
of last year’s wonderful family gathering, of which momentum has grown and is
blossoming to secure another in early summer.
Ocean waves and old
houses, sand and firepits aim to collect and connect children, cousins,
grandparents and gather stories and security as “all is safely gathered in!” 
Easter approached and departed, ushering in hope of fullness or immortality (things to last and last) along with promises that “Things will work out, Grandma Lolly!” (Words flowing from a 15-year-old piano student assuring that setting “first things first,” offering heart and soul to heaven, then reaching out to others, offers confidence not much else can.)
Guatemala office missionaries sometimes wondered about
having a cup overflowing with “commandments not a few.” Together, we are discovering the makeup of
the word (Spanish, or Latin) is derived from com (together) with man
(mano, or hand) and dare (to give.) Other enlightening synonyms follow: to send forth, commit to one’s charge, entrust,
recommend, a binding connection, direction on a journey, to have within the
range of one’s influence (of resources), a view of, overlook in reference to an
elevated place (vision, point of view) beseech, bid, adjure (bind by oath,
question under oath), injunction, order, authoritative precept.
Speaking of “authors,” regularly, our home and phone can be charmed by a daughter narrating an entreating series of books with her daughters--including us. Some light can be carried by torch. We are grateful for friends and admired souls who continue to kindle and extend light in whatever their capacity and sphere may be. This does not go unnoticed. It offers courage as other lights begin to flicker. A returning young man from a mission to Arkansas Sunday decidedly announced his greatest success came as he worked to open others’ eyes and help them recognize what they did not know they were missing. Thank you, for helping heavenly works appear evident in who you are and what you do.
Sincerely, Laurene and Val
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