Reunion Update: The Process Begins Again

I don't know how many of you are still checking the blog from time to time, but for those of you patiently waiting in the wings, we will soon begin the process of mailing out postcards/letters, etc. and gearing up for the reunion again! Despite having to postpone the reunion in September after months of preparation and anticipation, it was really a blessing having Hurricane Ike come in when it did. Think about it! We had time to notify everyone, we hadn't purchased anything that couldn't be saved for the next time, and more importantly, people didn't have to evacuate from Houston and go back to their homes! Thank YOU for helping me spread the word so people didn't travel here in vain.

Our new reunion date has been set for Saturday, February 7, 2009. Same place (Clear Lake Church of Christ) and time (2:00-5:00 p.m.) Although the area around our church building is getting back to normal, communities farther south of us that were devastated by the storm are still struggling to find a ray of hope in their situation. Our church is still the base camp for Hilltop Rescue & Relief and volunteer groups from other locations have come to provide hurricane assistance to those who are suffering. Many people have been displaced by the hurricane and area hotels are full which provides us with an opportunity to house out of town reunion guests this time. I may try to reserve a block of rooms, but I will need to know who may need hotel accommodations.

Heaven forbid that we would have to postpone again, but if there is an urgent update, it is extremely important that we have your family's current contact information including email if possible. With your permission, we will include this information in our directory of former members so that others can stay in touch with you long after the reunion.

Be watching your mailbox and stay tuned to the blog for updates and information. When you receive your formal invitation, we will need for you to return your reply card again; however, you do not need to pay again unless you are adding guests who will be attending.

Enjoy the upcoming holiday season. We will look forward to seeing you next year!

A Belated Happy Anniversary to my Parents

Betty and Tom Richter celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary on October 23, 2008. Unlike their 50th anniversary where we surprised them with a limo ride to Kemah Boardwalk for dinner at Jimmy Walkers, an anniversary cake, flowers, a scrapbook full of memories, and many cards from family and friends that were sent secretly in advance of the occassion, this day probably seemed like any other Thursday without any fanfare or special family gathering. So even though this is after the fact, I do want to ackowledge their long standing committment to one another.

As many of you know, time has a way of changing your perspective on things and life in general. Growing up you never realize just how many sacrifices they must have made to ensure that my sister, Brenda, and I had everything we needed. From the basics of food, shelter, and clothing to years of school supplies, braces for Brenda, glasses and contacts for me, summer camp and art lessons for both of us not to mention keeping us in pantyhose and the list goes on and on.

We were raised in a Christian atmosphere with parents who were actively involved with our church youth group. I think my greatest memories are of Daddy driving the bus to the Monday night youth devotionals and him being the cook at many sessions of summer camp at Mohawk where Mom served as a counselor. They allowed us to host many parties in our house as well as drove us to other places including to wrap houses at locations that will remain confidential. Although I'm sure there were times we didn't like our parents, they really were fun and more accommodating to our wild notions than most of our friend's parents.

Now that my sister and I have grown up, and are parents (and grandparents) ourselves, we want to say thank you for everything they have done and are continuing to do to show their love for us. Although we can never repay them for all their sacrifices, we hope to "pay it forward" and be there for them now in their golden years. Mom and Dad, Happy Anniversary! We love you.

(Photo taken at the Kemah Boardwalk, October, 2004)