My dearest Rodney,

It was 5 years ago..5 years. I just doesn’t seem possible, yet, the calendar doesn’t lie. From 29 Sep 2018 to 29 Sep 2023 so much has happened..I moved to France during that year of “firsts “, bought a car, rented an apartment, took a solo vacation, endured episodes of grief without warning and so many other things during that 1st year. The other 4 years are somewhat a blur..moments of happiness, moments of uncertainty, moments of grief , moments of gratitude and getting closer to God.

I’m building my new life Rod. I’m still in France, and I have my family house in KY. I just turned 63 Rod and sometimes I feel like I’m a baby in an adult body. I’ve learned to stand , walk and even run on my own. And like you used to say, I guess I’m in the autumn of my years..doesn’t really feel like it, feels more like late summer. Life is forever transitioning. Just like it says in the book of Ecclesiastes:

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

– 2a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; 3a time to kill, and a time to heal;

3a time to break down, and a time to build up;

4a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

5a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

6a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away;

7a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

8a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8).

Im listening to a podcast called the Bible in a year. I never took the time to really read and follow the stories of the old testament..it’s fascinating. I think you would have liked this pod cast.. I really miss our talks, especially at times of big decision making.

One thing I know is that you and my parents taught me so much during our time together, so I have a good foundation on which to build. Thank you Rodney.

I love You my dearest. I will always love You. You remain just behind my eyes.

Love

Sarah