Family

Growing older is proving to be quite a learning experience. Our family is getting smaller if you have not noticed,and I am finding with each passing day how important we are becoming to each other. Sure we have gone our separate ways in life but there is always a thread that keeps us linked and the past few months have been proof of how strong that thread is.

Uncle Ray is battling Alzheimer's and it has taken it's toll on him and the family,resulting in placing him at P.A Peterson in the alzheimer unit where Uncle Tut spent his final days. We have all dealt with the Williams/Holt personalities in one form or the other over the years and I must say what a delightful bunch they CAN be! But I have also seen the Jekyll-Hyde side as well and it can be quite frightening(ask Al)!

Charmer's,they are, those Holt boys! That is what makes these decisions so hard to make. We love the good side of them,but fear that terrible dark side that is associated with the disease. Now I don't totally blame Alzheimer's,I think if you factor in upbringing and other unknown trauma's of a tough childhood in the mix,we may be surprised they turned out as well as they did! I am saddened that we have lost Uncle Ray to this disease,but I am grateful it can be handled by people trained to deal with the situation and I pray that my cousins and dear Aunt Bessie can have some peace and comfort knowing they have done what's best for him and that is what God expects from us.

I can only hope that I can be there for any family member in their time of need and that they would be there for me as well. After all,that is why God made family units,to care for and love each other and share the burdens as well as the wonderful memories that we have all been given in this life. Maybe you cannot be by my side,but if I know I'm in your thoughts and prayers I will know that,and Uncle Ray will know that too! So say a prayer for him each day and ask God to give him a calm and peaceful spirit as he becomes accustomed to his new environment. Ask God to lead the people that care for him and let them see the Uncle Ray that is dear to our hearts. See the good,forget the bad and be grateful for a this wild mix of family we love! I wouldn't have it any other way. I love you all and if you haven't talked to someone in the family for awhile,go write a letter,send an email,post a comment on the website(yes I am still trying to get everyone to look at it once in a while!) http://www.holthotline.com

Send a comment in the guestbook or reply to this blog for Aunt Bessie and I will print them out and give them to her. If I have time to write this and you are reading it,take two minutes to send someone a thoughtful mention. It will make you feel soooooooo good! I promise.