The gift of memories.

As you get older, it’s funny how photographically you categorize events in your life. I’ve tried hard to picture my first memories of my childhood and images come and go in my mind. For example, I vividly remember 1976. That year had multiple significant events in my life, and the American Life.

I remember raising two fingers and saying, “peace man peace.” I remember the bicentennial American experience. My grandmother sewed me multiple revolutionary uniforms. Knicker and clawed tail jacket included. I was so patriotic, I wore then to school. The funny thing is, I don’t remember getting laughed at.

I remember being introduced to Jim McKay in the Olympics on TV. The Olympics were sponsored by Brim coffee, among other consumer products.  Another interesting thing I remember was a warm summer night when family friends, Donnie & Glenda Smith came over to watch the Olympics with us. Donnie owned the coolest 1970 Camaro.  After eating water melon slices and spitting out melon seeds, I was responsible to take the rinds into the woods. How did I know that a criminal had escaped the local prison and decided he needed a 1970 Camaro. I’m certain I walked right by him. Donnie and Glenda looked at the clock and said they needed to leave. When they walked outside, the 70 was gone. I have always wondered if the thief saw me and thought about kidnapping me. 

All of these thoughts make me realize just how eventful this year was. I tried to think before that time tonight, and all I could think about was a banana seat bicycle. That stuck out in my mind.

Closing my eyes, I cracked a little smile for these memories. My mom still has my revolutionary suits. I’m still friends with Donnie and Glenda, and I still watch the Olympics. When I see a late 60s early 70s Camaro, I think about Donnie. Memories are great things. I think they are gifts from God. Think about your memories.       

Update on Dad (Jerry Swicegood)

February it turns out was not much better than end of the year for dad. To recap, we took dad to  the hospital the week after Thanksgiving. He stayed there until January 1. He spent 20 days of January in rehab. After leaving rehab 21 days later, he made in back home. For two weeks or so, he enjoyed his living room where he has spent quality time since building the house in 1978. However, on a Monday morning towards the end of January, I received a call from Mom. "Kyle, can you come to the house". After rushing over, it was obvious we needed to call 911.  Dad has been at Novant/Forsyth since then.

Tomorrow(2/26/19),  Lord willing,  Dad will be leaving the Hospital and going back to rehab. While he still has a ways to go, we are all optimistic considering where he has been. As the doctors have said more than once, "he's a very sick man".

Elizabeth said the other day, "God has the ability to use this for His glory." With that in mind, I have been able to see the goodness of God. So many friends have reached out, prayed and expressed their kindness. On a personal level, associates in my business sphere have picked up the slack, constructed a few bridges for us to cross. God so often shows himself through His people.

Lastly, Mom has done just exactly what we expected her to do. She has been there beside Dad in the weakest time of his life. While it has been no fun to watch Dad in this time, watching Mom has been uniquely fulfilling; an example of what marriage is all about. Thanks for your interest in Dad.