I last saw my beloved cousin on July 29, 2007 at her home in Amarillo. We were there for our grandson’s wedding so I was privileged to see her and say goodbye. Wistie died on Haloween. Her funeral at First Baptist Church in Amarillo was a time of great family love and connection. This is the letter I wrote in July before her death in October. Fortunately, she responded to it and we had a loving conversation by telephone. I still miss her and I treasure our time together. Read more...

There were moments in my childhood that have lasting images burned on the mind of my soul. Many of these moments are remnants of memories from the family meetings we had—reunions they were called. The reunions were held at Christmas time in the homes of each of the six children and the grandparents’ family home in Canyon. I never knew how they decided who would be the host family but somehow the process seemed to keep us coming together. Read more...